Dutch Army

Mid summers night looking back towards Glencoe from the bealach below Stob Ban.

My men, heading home after a tiring few days of 'recon'.

The Dutch are tall! A great bunch of guys, great weather and great mountains.

Sunday morning, looking down the fun and interesting NE East ridge of Sgorr Bhan.

I have been away working for 'focus mountaineering' over the last four days in the hills above Kinlochleven. Along with fellow instructors, Danny, Bill and Derek our roles were that of mountaineering advisers to Recon troops of the Dutch Army. The other three instructors were working with the platoons whom were trying to escape my platoons surveillance. Its been a fascinating few days and a very active time! Very early starts and late nights were the order of the day, the long nights of mid summers eve week were just fabulous high up in the Mamores and into the grey corries. The midges were the main enemy and we spotted and attacked by them alot! But i did get to fire a gun!

I was amazed by the amount of kit they carried and the they had guns! I am sure my light weight kit was envied and my little red tent stood out, which was useful as we needed to be seen by the other platoons and we did spot each of the platoons at various stages from our camps or high up on the Sharp ridges of the Munros at night. A big learning exercise, great bunch of soldiers, ace piece of work!