Saturday, July 31, 2010

Dear supporter
Yes - there is a gathering in Scotland on 29 August.  Many are coming already - if you are not (yet!) then please think about it one more time.

I am sending you the evidence that 24 of the 25 last Munros have been topped.  Even I admit that the pictures might have been taken anywhere, but with only one exception (the first of the 25), someone else took the picture!

If you remember the snowy picture at Christmas, when I had to turn back, the top I was headed for was Sgurr na Ciche, finally reached on May 2.  One of the best views anywhere.

For students of Gaelic, Sgurr means “peak”, Mor or Mhor means “big” and we all know what Ben, Beinn or Bheinn means - but don’t ask why it is spelled three ways.

It was a particularly bad winter.  You’ll note that I managed not one hill in nearly three months, despite trying.  The most difficult was undoubtedly Ladhar Bheinn (where I don’t look happy, and my subsequent limp proved to be due to a - now healed - cracked pelvis) and next, Sgurr Ruadh where the snow was hugely deep.

To remind you - this has all been in aid of Afghan Action - the vocational training school in Kabul that I visited in late May.  My target of £20,000 is within reach - and the sum will keep the school going for six months, training 40 boys and girls to earn their own living as weavers and self-employed business people.  The best weapon against fanaticism is prosperity; this training offers the best chance to the people of Afghanistan.  If you have not already, please do donate.

A word about the walk on August 29 up Beinn Achaladair near Bridge of Orchy.  I have written to those who are already committed.  There will be more than 40 of us, coming from as far as Jackson Hole, Wyoming and Vienna, Austria.  If you are now newly interested, write to me at once and I shall tell you more and help you find accommodation too.  Not everyone is walking either, so come just for the occasion and for the scenery.  It will be great fun, whatever the weather.  To make it clear why I make no predictions about the weather, even in summer, compare June 10 and June 11 (my 63rd birthday) above!

With my best wishes and renewed thanks to those of you who have now donated or committed over £17,000!

Do hope to see you very soon -
Michael (and Susan!)