... starting pack weight around the 15 kilo mark, which is what it normally is. I'd like to get it down to about 14, but I can live with 15. Besides, if I ever do get it down to 14 or less I imagine I'll spend the entire crossing worrying which piece of essential equipment I've left out.

Snow reports leave me thinking that I'm going to be on my FWAs all the way across. No Lairig Ghru, and Feshie / Geldie YET AGAIN. Ho hum ...

Was a little troubled when it came to the matter of my hip flask. It still had a fair bit in it left over from my last expedition into the hills: only, I can't remember what I put in there! Oh no!!! I can't go mixing fine malts, so there's only one thing for it - empty the contents into the nearest available dram glass, and then fill it afresh with Talisker.

Now, what to do with that spare dram of unknown malt?

Any suggestions?

Slainte!

Jeremy - I am not yet packed but I do have the same problem with my hipflask. I shall resolve the issue tonight - with a splash or two of water - whilst marking up my maps.

Drink it Jeremy.
But you knew that.
As to pack weight.
Mine is currently 11.7 kg inc Spikes.
However, if you need any help identifying that unknown malt, bring it to the Bree on Wed. 😉

I am deeply shocked, nay, appalled to learn that some challengers can leave a fine malt languishing unidentified and untasted in their flasks for a year!

Good grief!

As we're all getting older, I had tactfully avoided the possibility of short term memory loss, Jeremy.

See you at the Bree Louise

You people are just not trying. I've managed to get mine up to 18kg so far..... No problems.

Good luck all.

I will be on the plane shortly for 8 hours flight to Gatwick. I will need a pint by the time I get to the Bree Louise on Wednesday.

Good luck to all and thanks for the help over the past few months.

Have packed a bottle of Fine Rum . Hope to share it along the way.

William