14 Feb 2014

Out on a classic, Golden Oldy

Headed out with Rory. At first the avalanche and weather forecast were not looking good to head out. Westerly aspects looked ok though so we decided to head out to the West Face of Aonach Mor to do the classic Golden Oldy. This meant getting the 8am climbing gondola so a early morning bike ride out was needed. Then a shortish walk down to the bottom of the route on ok snow with a complete lack of wind. Walking up the corrie led onto the ridge which was well banked out, meant it was a easier day than we through it was going to be. The snow got more consolidated as we climbed higher and even some very nice icy patches in places. Visibility dropped as we gained height to near zero when topping out. Had a wee scare when we walked in a circle and almost set off in the wrong direction before checking our bearings. Another short walk led to the top of Nevis Range and down to the cafe for a coffee. Lots of people were out enjoying the snow skiing and boarding but the Nevis lads had their work cut out for them digging the lifts out!

Looking into the corrie 
Looking like it could be ok
On the ridge 
Bit big to get through
At the summit hut coming out the cloud
On the way off for a coffee
Busy day at Nevis Range

12 Feb 2014

What a beautiful

Headed out up School House Ridge with Rich and Conor. Looking to do Ballachulish Horseshoe. But finding it a bit wild so headed down the next ridge along. It's a great day with lots of wind. With lots of snow gettin moved about. Conor had to win a price today for forgetting his goggles and for falling through a cornice!!!

Looking like it could be a good day.
Loving the walk in
More snow heather
Conor find one of the deep patches of snow
Not getting help now

On to the ridge now
Happy before the spindrift started
Looking down to Ballachuilsh
Rich eating it up
What Conor walked off!!

windy day on School House Ridge from Mark Chambers on Vimeo.
Gusting a bit on the ridge off

9 Feb 2014

Creag Meagaidh

Great day out at Creag Meagaidh. Headed up to do the horse shoe with Jonny from work. Getting to the Creag Meagaidh it looked like it was going to be a classic winter day rain, snow and white room. Safe to say it did not disappointed. The snow soft at first but ok once on the ridge. Then it was time to put the nav skill in to use as it was white out. Lots of snow was coming down the hole day and getting moved about. We managed to get up to Stob Poite Coire Ardair but as we where moving slowly decided to head back down. Head a wee bum slide off. Making fast work on the walk off. A great day out with some mad weather.

Bit of sun at the start of the day

There's a bit of blue

In the white room

The white room


Bum sliding

Walking off in the rain and snow