the Mither Tap

The deep freeze has started to thaw, with some above zero temperatures doing away with most of the snow in Aberdeen proper. After a few days of absolutely miserable (but above zero) temps, where it was so overcast that it felt like 5pm at noon, we thought enough of the snow and ice was gone to plan a major hike.

We've been looking for places to start our training for our planned hike up Ben Nevis in May. On Sunday, with some blue sky breaking through the grey monotony, we decided on the Mither Tap as a good place to start. A full circuit would be 9 km, with about 400m of elevation change about 30 minutes outside the city. Part of the 7 peaks in and around Bennachie, the Mither Tap is so named because of a large outcrop at the top of the hill that looks a little like a .... nipple. Someone managed to get over that at some point and built a hill fort at the top. It certainly commands a great view of the surrounding countryside.

We prepared quite well, with many layers, extra food, good boots and a map. Snowshoes might have been a good idea. On one side of the mountain there were areas where there was still about a metre of snow. Not bad, unless you break through the crust and sink up to your thighs in snow. It made for a tough slog. We were happy to reach the top and head down the other side, out of the wind and with the sun on our backs.

We recovered enough by the evening to head out and throw our twenty pounds onto James Cameron's billion dollar pile. We had tried to see Avatar a few times, showing up to find the only seats left were in the first row. It was so frustrating that I think we were both quite prepared to not like the movie, as we're apt to do anyway when the hype starts to build like it has for Avatar. But we both really enjoyed it. The 3D took a little time to get used to, but was definitely more than a gimmick. Our only complaint was the definite 2 dimensional nature of the villain. Really? We're supposed to believe in nutcases like that? I guess I had one more complaint. Having gone to the theatre after a post-hike shower, Fiona had decided to hide her hair under one of her hats. Every time I turned around and caught a view of her with her hat and 3D glasses, I couldn't help but think I was with one of the Blues Brothers.

We've also managed to stretch our stint as local celebrities into another year as well. The Press and Journal once again carried a fine photo of Mr and Mrs B in their finery at the annual Snow Ball. Check the P&J website for our photo ... http://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/Article.aspx/1549077

Just scroll through the pictures and you'll find us.