DAVE BROWN

Thursday, 12 February 2009

12 February 2009

Yesterday was a blue skies day on the west coast, here in scotland, and Cath Wilson and myself hooked up for a climb on Stob Coire Nam Beith, Deep-Cut Chimney (IV, 4) was the aim. We were meant to be joined by Gary, however, his van had other ideas! We ended up going for the full calf burning four star experience of the summit, which meant the climb just went on forever! The first three pitches however, had plenty of value in them!

The view over to the Aonach Eagach Ridge from Stob Coire Nam Beith

Cath after having turned the little cave the first pitch.

Cath on calf burning terrain! Only another 300 metres to go!!

9th February 2009

Today i went for an early start with Nathan, from the Ben's North Face car park and headed for Point Five Gully (V,5). We were at the CIC before 07:45 and then set off up the approach apron below the classics that surrounded us. We were bestowed with a perfect day, no cloud, no wind and only one other party chasing us hard on the route. The summit was amazingly clear with views that Colin Prior would have been proud of.

7-8th February 2009

Working for Glenmore Lodge this weekend. A foot of the white fluffy stuff landed overnight making it virtually impossible to get out of the doors, let alone go anywhere. However, with a busy course ahead and a lot of people to skill up, the instructors became flexible and innovative in their ideas of what and where to teach for the day. The sunday, saw everyone scrabble for the snowshoes and head off into the Cairngorms on a beautiful blue day. The wind had dropped, the powder hounds were on the ski slope and even a mountain hare came out to see what all the fuss was about. Some time was invested in crampon and axe work, some sliding around in the name of ice axe arrests and even some snow analysis was thrown in for good measure.