Ben Nevis - Leader: Roger Minchin

Well the weather looked better this time so there was no thought of cancelling the trip. Even the road was better but it is hard enough on a standard car. I was warned that both gates had been closed the weekend before but after a phone checkup they made sure they were open. I recall driving right up to the trees on an earlier trip so had to try it with 4WD – no problem.

16 started, mostly from Stoke PO at 7.30. It looked to be foggy up the gorge but the forecast was for it to clear later. This proved correct with pleasant cool conditions on the walk up and fine weather on the top. We all made it between 11.15 & 11.30 for an early lunch. With likely rain coming we had a wonderful clear view of all the surrounding tops above the clouds. After lunch half the party went back to a slightly higher trig on the ridge and slightly better view. Back at Stoke at 3.45 after a most enjoyable day.

Party:- Grahame Harris, Steve McGlone, Dan McGuire, Rob & Joan Olsen, Christine Hoy, Mark Simmers, Alison Nicoll, Lindsay Twiname, Mark Graesser, Donna Nelson, Yvonne Kyle, Mary Honey, Brent Dodson, Shirley Gabrielsen, and Roger Minchin.