Not a Race Report – Aviemore Social Weekend November 2024

 

Some 18 months after Gail Beveridge floated the idea, the first Carnegie Harriers social weekend took place with 28 intrepid harriers taking over the youth hostel in Aviemore for our exclusive use.

It was dank and grey in Dunfermline but once north of Dalwhinnie, blue skies and sunshine beckoned.   Some members drove up in time for some hill walking on a sunny Friday while most arrived in time for a simple soup and bread supper followed by a visit to the pub.

There was plenty of space in the youth hostel (we had 25 rooms at our disposal) so no one had to take a top bunk!  We had access to well equipped kitchens and everyone contributed to catering over the weekend. There was enough room for everyone to eat together and the huge common room was welcoming with comfy chairs and a pool table.

On Saturday morning, most harriers did the park run boosting attendance from a typical 80 ish to 107.  Stuart King ran his first ever parkrun while Sarah Marshall did her 50th and Heather Patterson was paced by Niall to a PB!  In the meantime, Steven King ran up Meall a’ Bhuachaille before breakfast!  After second breakfasts we split into small groups.  Solène lead a group of Allan, Gordon S, Niall and Ken on cycle up to the Green Lochan and Loch an Eilein while Phil and Stevie did a shorter loop to the pine marten cafe and Loch Morlich.   Gail E, Kath, Angie, and Heather took a hike up Craigellachie and were rewarded by stunning views.  Val also hiked up Craigellachie and went out to Loch Morlich, with her camera, enjoying the autumn colours.  Joy, Sarah, Shelby, Stuart and Sue ran a 10 mile circular route out to Boat of Garten while Gordon H and Paul did the Osprey trail from Boat of Garten.  Colin, Mark (Colin’s friend) and Gary climbed Ben Macdui.  Kieran, Graeme, Nils, Gail M and Steven walked around Loch an Eilein.

Fair to say that everyone worked up an appetite on Saturday and we all enjoyed a very sociable meal together on Saturday night.   There was enough food for second helpings of everything for everyone, with puddings galore and Hannah’s magnificent cheese board, and dish washing duties were shared.

Aurora watch said there was a good chance that the northern lights could be seen on Saturday night but unfortunately nothing was visible to the naked eye.  Phone camera photos did pick up some activity though.

In addition to a wonderful social weekend, we celebrated Stevie Greer’s birthday and raised a toast to Gary and Gail who had got married just a week before hand.

                                                                           

On Sunday, most harriers fitted in another walk, run or cycle before heading home after a great weekend.  Discussions have already started about next year’s trip!

In numbers: 28 harriers attended the weekend; 26 harriers ran or volunteered at parkrun; 7 pubs were visited; 6 main courses and 6 puddings on offer on Saturday; 5 varieties of homemade soup were provided on Friday; 3 glass bottles recycling bins were filled over the weekend; 2 jigsaw puzzles were worked on; 1 cheese board on Saturday night and  cakes galore