Lazy Day

Today all the guys were a bit beat after the weeks activity, so we opted to look at some climbing movment to increase their confidence moving in crampons. We started the day at Onich slabs which was perfect. This totally opened their eyes as to what you can stand on in a set of crampons and that you don't have to smash axes into everything. The afternoon took us to the Ice Facter. This gave the guys the chance to look at more new skills and what comes after mountaineering. It's fair to say that they are hooked and keen to keep learning. A great way to finish a good week.

Ben Skills

Today we went up to the Ben. The track is all good to drive on and the walk in easy. There is still lots of ice around the cascades and more in the ciste low down. We stayed by the hut and did some firther skills before taking a look at movement skills on steeper terrain to boost confidence. A good day and mostly out of the wind which was moving a lot of snow around.

Bucket Seat Bliss

Today we walked up into Stob Corie nam Beith to get on to some steep snow and do some digging. There was a lot of good snow about to make in feel quite real to the guys today, which was just what we needed. They did an excellent job pitching their way up the steep left hand side of the corie, working very hard when digging (glad it wasn't me). Time got the better of us near the top some we reversed thrusters and looked at descending safely.

Chris climbed on the ice to the side of Deep Cut Chimney, commenting that it was excellent. Nigel climbed Deep Cut Chimney which he said was thin, but the ice that was there was good. There were many teams on West Chimney which is said to be in fine nick.

The Buachaille

On the Buachaille Summit

We walked up in to Corie na Tulaich today to cover more skills as part of our journey to the top of the Buachaille. The snow was a lot firmer in places and gave us the chance to spend a bit of time looking at footwork. For us this meant kicking steps in all directions, shapes and sizes. We ventured into the world of the bucket seat, buried axe and even a bollard on our descent.

It will be great to get out and test these new skills later in the week.

Chris climbed Curved Ridge with his ckient today. He said that there was an excellent 30m ice pitch near the bottom, verglassed rock to start the ridge, then winter all the way. Zac climbed Dorsal Arete which he said still has loads of snow on it. He also said that the buttresses had rimed nicely.

White Corries

Today was the first day of a week long Winter Mountaineering course for Adventure Peaks. The folks I'm with have limited experience, so we are starting with the basics and working up through the week to an adventure at the end.

The weather was good today, with little wind and colder than expected temps. There is still some strange layers in the snowpack, but it does seem to be settling down.

Irish Winter

I had an e mail from Colm and Dave who are clients from Ireland who wanted to show me how they are getting on. They have been taking advantage of the cold conditions and really putting the skills they have learnt over the last 3 years to good use. They are back in Scotland this year, so I have my work cut out to take them even further.

Good skills lads!!

Recovery

Yesterday I was at the logde for their winter induction as I have work there next month. I was feeling a bit run down, so the lazy day was a relief. Today I feel a little under the weather, so having the weekend off before another 7 day stretch is just what the doctor ordered.