Mount Fluffy in Hertfordshire. Home to the notyeti?
Because they are so small compared to really big, professional mountains like Mount Everest and K2, mini-mountains are usually over- looked[1]. However, mini- mountains more than makeup for in quirkiness and charm any deficiency they show in size and scale.
[1] Often quite literally.
Mini-mountains also possess one quality totally lacking in larger mountains: the element of surprise. A giant mountain range such as the Himalayas or the Andes will never catch you off-guard - you can see them looming hundreds of miles away - but a mini-mountain could spring up anywhere: under the sink, in a cupboard, in a crate in the shed, even in a handbag.
Safe future?
Due to their small stature, mini-mountains have so far managed to avoid the attentions of mountaineers. This is fortunate as even a single boot-print or a badly-driven tent peg could destroy forever the fragile beauty of these tiny peaks.
An international committee has been proposed to conserve the world's mini-mountains for future generations. It will also have the power to rule whether or not a mini-mountain really is a genuine mini-mountain and not just a rather large mini-hill or, indeed, a very, very, very, very, very small regular mountain.
The world's mini-est mini-mountains (in order of mini-ness)
1. Mount Pimple (19.4 cm, in a bathroom cabinet, Hawaii)
Long thought to be snow-topped, the 'snow' turned out to be talcum powder.
2. Mount Dustball (20.1 cm, behind a sofa, Kentucky, USA)
A hazardous peak for anyone with allergies. Inhalers would be advised when tackling this peak.
3. Ben Novis (20.9cm, on an armchair, Scotland, UK)
Not actually a mini-mountain, as such, more a very tiny Scottish person. Included by mistake.
4. Popacatinabotl (21.3cm, kitchen cupboard, Peru)
Due for a name change after protests from various cat welfare charities.
5. Mount Blupyjama (22.1 cm, laundry basket, Japan)
A gorgeous sight at dawn on a summer morning as the first rays of the sun catch the fibres of what looks suspiciously like blue poly-cotton pyjama material.
6. Mount Fluffy (24.5 cm, linen cupboard, Hertfordshire, UK)
