DEE-CIDERS WALKING GROUP

THE last time I wrote in the Courier, it was -7 C and within six weeks we have been basking in Mediterranean sunshine and I hope you have all enjoyed it. Isn’t it a delight when you hear that Aberdeen is hotter than Ibiza or the Algarve? I know it gives me uplift.

During the hot spell, we were bound for Aultonrea Am Mullah, Cairn Leuchan and down to Balintober. Would you believe it, in the middle of March, we had our sun cream, short sleeved shirts, no thermals, Eric was showing his knees - he had on his kilt - and some others with bare legs. According to the past couple of weeks, it was summertime so we anticipated a warm, sunny day.

We had a glorious start as the sun shone all the way to Ballater. After Bridge of Muick , there is a ruin - Rinasluick - that unfortunately cannot be seen from the road, however, some time ago, I ventured to climb over the dyke. (I was not with the Deciders Group on this occasion!) We found an unusual cemetery dating from 1800s up to the most recent date of 1972. Now we may have been trespassing, but we spent a fascinating couple of hours scraping the moss off old gravestones and reading the history and courage of a great family.

After Aultonrea, up we climbed until we found shelter for our lunch stop but when we emerged from this hollow, we felt the bitter wind coming straight off our beloved Lochnagar. The Coyles of Muick were clear of snow but Lochnagar was covered. Walking briskly- hats, gloves, scarves, Cortex jackets, etc. -all to keep the cauld blast out, we stepped out on the path down to Balintober. It was here that we saw a spectacular sight.

A tremendous herd of deer was climbing with no effort up to the brow of the hill. There weren’t any young. It looked as if they were all stags with magnificent antlers.

Soon afterwards, the sun came out and the warmth on our backs was wonderful. So much for our sun cream and did we ask Eric if his knees were cold? No need! We just looked at his goose pimples! But it was a glorious day out, lots of chat and happy banter.

JEAN DUFF