Post 4 – Part 3.
Custodian M.
The rain is getting heavier as I continue the ascent…all this for a peice of rusted metal. If i get across this seemingly vertical field, I might make it to the cottage. I’ll put the ol’ pad away for five minutes as the ink is running all over the show.
I can make out the shadow of a building through the misty rain on the horizon. I’m getting closer. I’ve got to get up there if it’s the last thing I ever do on this earth.
Twenty minutes later…
I’m walking on the outskirts of the ruin. I wish I’d brought a Grid metal detector with me. I’ve got another twenty minutes to find the goddamn grille before mother becomes understandably impatient.
Ten minutes later…
I’ve looked around the grounds and inside the cottage. Nil Grid evidence.
I can hear a trickle of water…a small waterfall is hidden in the undergrowth to the rear of the ruin. I’m pulling the grass aside…and there is a small puddle of water containing some slate. No mythical grate or Grid. I did, however, photograph a rusted cog…a futile attempt to create a new legend…’The Cog.’ I try to numb the dissapointment of another Gridless venture.
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I recall wandering around some more, turning a few stones here and there. I recall walking down the mountain – briefly glancing back at the old cottage as the sun burst through the Manx clouds.
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A month later…
A conversation between myself and Custodian R on the social networking site facebook.
Custodian R: ‘Is this the pivot (cog) you showed me?’
Custodian M: ‘I don’t think that is the cog in question. Although I’m unsure that I went to the right cottage. If you google ‘Ballamish’ there are some photo’s that looked similar to mine. I also found this info below (possibly on Flickr) that may be pointing in the right direction. ‘
Custodian R: ‘Some gridhunter you are…the grid is at Ballaskella, not Ballamish! I just checked and the google earth images you have been using of of (Fig B) Ballamish…back to the drawing board for you mate lol!…This is (Fig A) Ballaskella from above…’
Custodian R posted an image of the correct site.
Summary.
The May 2012 Grid pilgrimage ended in failure. Not only did I return from the mountain empty handed, it also transpired that I went to the incorrect location.
