We set off under grey cloud and damp air, up the steep muddy and stony track, and decided to ascend the very steep way, saving the steep route for the descent. As the scrambling began, I reminded Jimmy of his performance when we first climbed here in 2003, and he refused to put his hands to ground, insisting on walking every step on feet alone and putting abject fear into his father! This time, he scrambled safely, effectively - and quickly, reaching the final graded walk onto the summit minutes before me.

Out on the summit, the sun was out. It was still cold in the wind, so we first found some shelter in lee of it, then set about setting up for 80m. However, first I had a listen on 2m FM and put out a call. To my surprise, it was instantly answered, and Jimmy and myself ended up making three QSOs each.

We completed putting up the 80m dipole, and I kicked off on 3.557MHz CW as usual. 11 contacts were followed by two from Jimmy on 3.660MHz SSB. I checked the spots and found several UK chasers, headed by Marc G0AZS bemoaning the fact the couldn't hear us and asking if I was going to do 40m. So we put the 80m kit away and put up the 40m dipole. The result was a successful 12 contacts into ON, DL, F, HB and OK - but an unsuccessful none into UK! Sorry Marc et al, we did try!

The route down was the 'less steep' path recommended by the information boards at the car park. It was nonetheless tricky in the muddy greasy conditions, and still not without a couple of minor scrambles. I slipped over and onto the ground for the third time in the day, and I was glad to get on level ground for the final walk back to the car park. Too glad. Minutes later, my right foot zipped across from under me, and my entire 18 stone plus rucksack was dumped sideways along the ground again. The only bit of pain experienced from the fall was where my VX-7R had got sandwiched between my body and the ground. Thankfully, the handheld was unhurt.

Hmmm, four times in two summits on one day - on the seat of my pants. Not good. I thanked my lucky stars that I never sustain injuries when I fall (which I do plenty of times when playing squash and football), picked myself and lunged for the relative safety of the car.  We had a little relax in the car with the radio on and a couple of crunchy Granola bars, before setting off North, this time for Trostan GI/AH-001, our first completely new summit of the trip.  Thanks to the following stations, all worked with the customary 5 watts: