He is correct in what he says and given we have shared numerous adventures since we were wee boys, he is well placed to comment. Guess my main reason for posting is actually to ask a question ...how do others view what we do and does it influence what we do ? In my own case another question could be would I do it if nobody was watching to which my reply would simply be "never noticed anyone was" !
The mighty beard was shaved for charity at the end of October last year for charity but I posted a photograph to put things in context and it is getting back ...day by day.
Determination
The German is engaged in Corbett combat. With his usual laser focus, he is campaigning his way through the challenge like a 5 star general. Once the decision had been made in his mind, NATO forces couldn’t prevent the Berlingo from invading the north.
Corbetts’ are defined as hills in Scotland between 2500 and 3000 feet, with at least 500 feet of descent on all sides. This unambiguous description is in contrast to the one used for Munros … Scottish mountains of 3000ft and over, which are of sufficient separation from neighbouring tops. I’ll avoid the age long debate into what did Sir Hugh mean when he said 'sufficient separation', but it is fair to say 500ft of descent on all side is as important a point as the actual height of the hill, when comparing both challenges. Where the “munro bagger” has the opportunity to connect many summits in one day by following flowing ridges, with little descent, the “Corbett collector” has to be of a far hardier breed if they plan to complete their round in less than 221 separate days out. And if you like a wee path to give your map reading skills some reassurance, then forget it. The Corbetts are for the pros, with advanced mountain skills, and plenty of self-confidence in the art of knowing where you are. So, if you want to climb them, you need to be of a certain character. One who enjoys complex challenges, has a high level of both fitness and Mountain craft, sufficient time & petrol money and finally immeasurable levels of determination. Remind you of anyone? On a cycling trip to Spain, I believe John Queen said something like “he’s not interested unless it hurts”. This made me laugh, however he’s actually not interested unless it’s complicated, involves mountains and hurts.
I was trying to work out if his beard was another example of extraordinary determination … Think about it for a minute. Imagine persisting with something that everyone else thinks isn’t your best idea. And that same something hinders your chances with the majority of females on the planet. It makes strangers either stare at you, and others cross the road to avoid you.(Sitting on the train heading north to Inverness recently, I though it resembled a soil sample, with strata layers of dark brown, ginger and grey. On closure inspection, while he was on the phone to Irene, I also noticed a wee bits of lettuce from his earlier Burger King, and a smear of chocolate from the wee cake I gave him.)
Anyway, I digress. Back to the point … If you want to do something big, complex, demanding but ultimately worthwhile and satisfying … you don’t need a beard … but you do need some German determination.
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