Wednesday 23 March 2016

McFlurry…

Craig and I headed to the Ben to climb some ice although we knew this was unlikely as the thaw we witnessed on Sat had continued.

The Ice was still fat, but with natural release coming down most routes, we thought better of it and climbed onto Tower Ridge via Faulty Towers.

The ridge was in good condition so we soloed till the pitch before the Eastern traverse. We chatted to Mike and client at the gap and before we knew it we were on the top with shades on in 16ยบ heat.

We headed down number 4 and back to the North Face car park in super quick time.


Craig at the gap


Monday 7 March 2016

French bindings…

6 March 2016

Jane and I headed to Bridge of Orchy for some winter mountaineering in the sun. I had almost forgot what a pleasure it was to walk in the sunshine rather than shiver on a belay.

Today the early morning weather was excellent with good underfoot conditions and little wind.

Teams bailing off a fat looking Fahrenheit complaining of cruddy ice.

I was able to helps some youths with their antique crampons needing some unorthodox lacing to keep them attached to rather bendy boots...


Heading to Beinn Dorain
Raised footprints
Summit team


Tuesday 1 March 2016

Don’t drink that coffee …

Craig and I headed to the Coe with the plan of climbing Scabbard Chimney (V,6). We both have eyed this route for ages and today looked like the day. The first slab looked easily doable but was covered
in unless thin crud, we both had a go but it just didn’t feel right…

Next up, Ordinary Route Summit Buttress (IV,5) – This turned out to be good and interesting climbing. A full account can be found here on the Simple Epic blog