Errigal - 1/1/1 (1st Jan 2001) It was a bright and glorious morning on the 1st of the 1st of the 1st. The back road to Errigal was still covered in snow with the car furrows some 7 inches deep. No matter, Joe (Ferris) and I (Columba McLaughlin) made Errigal in good time.

Off we went for a brisk walk up to the col between Mackogh and Errigal. Important to note that the SE usual path is now closed off due to environmental damage. We had some good snow areas up to the Col and then we opted to traverse the tempting steep snow filled gullies and on to Errigal's east face. This was good fun and good practice for Scotland

. However, when we got onto the east face

there was no snow and we then went diagonal to the NE Col on the NNE Ridge. We noticed a threesome advancing up the ridge in fine mountaineering style. Low and behold it was El Presidente (Alan Tees), El Treasurer (Bill LeClerc Gooseberry) and Margaret Pailing. The rendezvous couldn't have been planned better. Anyway, we had an interesting rock scramble up the ridge until we were level with the rock window. Then we had a wee snowy traverse over to the rock window and then some good practice in kick stepping our way up to the summit. We quickly made the summit and decided to lunch at Joey Glover's monument. Who should we meet there - none other than Stewart (Stu). It's rumoured that Stu had soloed Errigal's 'Inaccessible Pinnacle' on 'Thumb Ridge'. However, we need to have this verified.

Nonetheless, Stu was sporting a regrowth of hair and a goatee. This and his obvious body language made most suspicious. He was also trying out the new gloves that Vincent (Tiso's shop in Derry) gave him from Christmas. Although, word has it that he tried to return them to Tiso's as they were not hardy enough (cheeky git). Anyway, lunch at Joey Glover's was followed by a warm concoction of Brandy and Port (Luvly Jubly) courtesy of El Presidente. After this it was down the south east route for Joe and me, while Alan and co. went for a glissade down the steep gully below Joey Glover's monument. Regards, Columba

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