The date was fixed for 23rd July 2008 and little by little the sponsor money came in, mainly from people on this site. In recognition of the great support you all gave here's the story of that day.
Jack and Tess on Ben Nevis
We left Inverness at 5.30am to drive down the Great Glen to Fort William to start the climb. Ben Nevis is often covered in cloud but our first sighting showed we had a perfect day for it.
As we got nearer we could see the massive cliffs on the north side.
We parked by the Ben Nevis Inn, at the foot of the mountain path. Jack and Tess were ready to go!
It was 7.30 so the sun was low and we were in the shadow of the mountain.
Both dogs stayed on the lead until we were clear of sheep.
When we saw the mountain rescue helicopter out so early we wondered if someone had been missing overnight.
Later we saw where it was landing. It was ferrying people half way up the mountain to do path maintenance.
We appreciated their efforts as a good path makes a long hard slog a lot easier. We paced ourselves and had lots of short breaks and whenever we sat down, the dogs sat down too. I think they’re getting the hang of these marathon walks we do.
Halfway Lochan is, as the name suggests, located half way up.
Tess is from the working side and likes to have something to carry. On the hill it tends to be stones, which I don’t encourage as they wear down her teeth. She’s hoping I won’t notice this one.
Jack’s job is to give Moira a bit of ‘dog power’ going uphill and it’s the one time he’s not asked to walk to heel. He’s a strong lad and gives a steady pull - mostly in the right direction!
My son and daughter-in-law started 50 minutes after us but being young and fit caught us two thirds of the way up. So we stopped for lunch.
Note the concentration when there’s food about.
Could somebody please tell her dogs are supposed to eat meat?
Any more carrots there?
Moira perched high above Fort William.
The dogs coped well with the rocky terrain. I was concerned their pads would suffer from the abrasive rock but they showed no sign of soreness. Building up to it gradually had paid off.
Our first view of the weather station on the summit. You will also understand why we kept the dogs on the lead while we were up there.
It was busy at the top and we had to wait our turn to get onto the summit cairn. I think Jack and Tess got something of the significance of the occasion as they posed there!
The view from the top.
We were serenaded by three ‘extreme cellists’ playing, among other things, “Climb every mountain”. They were being sponsored to raise money for a Spinal Injuries charity – and it was no mean feat carrying cellos up Ben Nevis.
We spent about an hour at the top – sitting in the sun enjoying the music and birthday cake (thanks Moira) – while Jack took some kip. He’s a wise dog and knew we had to get back down again.
So we began the long descent. Cairns have been built at intervals along the path to show the way during six months of the year when the top is covered in snow.
The view looking south west down Loch Linnhe towards the Isle of Mull.
The path is superb at this point. Without it the rocky terrain would be lethal to ankles.
It was a long way down and by half way my knee was protesting and I was hobbling. But we were back at the Inn by 6.15pm which was good timing as Doug had gone ahead and booked a table for 6.30. The dogs had a good meal before settling down to sleep - and didn’t stir again until we were home. The next day those dogs weren’t even slightly stiff which is more than can be said for Moira and me!
All in all it was a fantastic day and Jack and Tess behaved impeccably. The Rescue can be justly proud of two great dogs.
Kathleen
I have been to the summit.....ashamed to say it was via the cable car though! But we do plan to walk it one day. Scotland is one gorgeous place.
Wow! Didn't you all do well! 
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