Looking out on a dreich Scottish night, legs curled under me and dog nosing under my elbow, I settle in with one of my favourite books. The cover image on the slightly tatty, slightly yellowed volume shows a blue-grey mountain scene and the title, A Munroist's Log. It's a journal, of sorts, a record of the ascents of Scotland's 282 highest peaks, all over 914m – some considerably more so. I fondly recall each saga written at the end of a long day on the hills, after the obligatory shower, foot rub and cold beer.
It is written as a traditional journal, with my entries often in pencil, but never with photos. I find their absence makes my subconscious work harder, trawling up images and sensations long buried. Written descriptions…
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The Simple Things (Digital) - 1 Issue, March 2025