Pins, Straps, belts and mountains

[Arlen]

Well, I'm climbing ben nevis for charity this weekend in memory of a friend of mine, Amelia, who passed away last year.
(I've got plenty of sponsors, but should anyone wish to donate to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, you can do so here...)

I plan to do the climb kilted, but I've lost enough weight recently that all of my kilts are a little loose.
A-Ha! A belt is what I need.

So I dropped into a local charity store on the way home from work and found...

A thin brown belt to use as a sporran strap. (No more chain chewing at my aprons!)
A thick, heavy brown belt to use while casually kilted. (With handy steel ring to hang my watter bottle from.)
And a beautiful thistle brooch.

All for under 10 Pounds!!!

I plan to wear the Thistle brooch as a kilt pin on the climb and then when I get back I will engrave the back of it and give it to Diane as a gift since she couldn't be here for the climb.

So here are the pictures...

[McMurdo]

Nice looking belt, strap, and pin Arlen, good luck on the climb.

[Jock Scot]

I am going South to see my son and his fllooded farm near Gloucester this weekend------otherwise I would have popped over to see you off.Good luck.

[Tattoo Bradley]

That is an awesome gesture Arlen. I'm sure you friend would have been very proud, and I'm sure your fiance will be happy to have the brooch after such a "journey."

[Kid Cossack]

Arlen, I really think that belt is sharp! My condolonces on the loss of your friend Amelia, and my congratulations on how you're honoring her memory.

[pdcorlis]

Wonderful tribute Arlen. The belt and strap are a good find and the idea of the engraved pin is very touching.

[Colin]

Best of luck this weekend Arlen.

[Arlen]

Thanks for all of the well wishes.
I'm all packed up and ready to head off tomorrow morning.
I will, of course, take plenty of pictures.

[BEEDEE]

What a great tribute to your friend's memory and a great accessory find. Have a great climb up Ben Nevis.

Brian

[oldsoldier]

that broach is beautiful. Good luck on your hike, and great way to honor a loved one.