2110-1-16-12

Alexandra Hotel Fort William

1: 10: 04

My dearest Mother

Walter & I got safely here about 10.30 this morning. Sandy Gillon somehow or other mistook the train, & I have just had an anguished wire from him saying that he is arriving at 8.30 tonight. Last night was the Lochaber Ball, and a great crowd of people were leaving as we arrived.

After an early lunch we started up

Ben Nevis by the ordinary route & got there in 2½ hours. We came down in 2 hours. The Observatory was being dismantled, which was a melancholy sight. On the summit were nearly two inches of snow & the wind was icy. In the valley it was chiefly mist & hail. Unless things change there won't be much use attempting climbs. I expect the Clerk of the Weather is

taking this means of showing how sick he is about the abolition of the Observatory, which was a kind of temple in his honour.

I hope your headache is gone & that you are all well.

With love to all

Your affectionate son

John

P.S. If I can come to Glasgow on Tuesday night, I will wire, but I shall make every effort to get away early in the afternoon. If I don't wire

before 4 o'clock, you will know I am not coming.

J.B.