Winter Base

The past week has been outstanding in the Highlands, one of those weeks that you just can't seem to cram in all the fun you want to have, life is good. On Saturday we had our first proper winter day out, Aonach Eagach ridge in Glencoe. Dave, Davie, Craig and myself head out and have the ridge to ourselves almost all day.

Dave, Davie and Craig

Myself climbing up a short gully on the ridge-Pic- Davie Scott

Myself and Davie admiring the view- Pic- Dave Anderson

On Monday Dave, Davie and myself headed for the North Ridge of Stob Ban, on the drive up Glen Nevis it was raining and we started the walk in in waterproofs but soon it cleared and we were treated to another fine day on a great route.

Dave and Davie on Stob Ban

Myself on Stob Ban- Pic- Davie Scott

Myself and Dave on North Ridge-Pic-Dave Anderson

Davie,Myself and Dave on Stob Ban Summit

On Wednesday Dave, Davie and Craig had an early start on Ben Nevis to get on Tower Ridge. The conditions on the ridge were bad and it was a bit of a battle, I'm still suffering from frostnip nearly a week later. Even though it became dangerous and worrying at some points it was still enjoyable. Some very impressive climbing from Dave in the conditions.

Irony, I can climb E7 but I need help to pull my sleeve over my glove!!! Pic-Craig McDonald

Myself and Dave on the Eastern Traverse

Tower Gap in the dark-Pic-Craig McDonald

Fake smiles all Round-Pic-Davie Scott

My face here portrays the reality (lets get to f**k) Pic-Craig McDonald

On Saturday it was a full team day out up Sron Na Lairig in Glencoe. My first time up here and I hope not my last, what a great wee day out for Craigs birthday, good laugh then to the Clachaig for pints and scoff!

Dessie, Dave and me on Sron-Pic-Davie Scott

Sron Team-standing L-R-Davie,Dave,Craig,Craig,Anna,John and kneeling is me, Dessie and Suzie-Pic-Davie Scott

On Sunday we headed up the Ben again, the walk up from Torlundy helping to clear the head from the previous nights whisky. We headed up Ledge route this time and again in stunning conditions. The scenery was utterly stunning, no words I can write or pictures I post will do it justice.

Out of the gully and onto the route-Pic-Davie Scott

I was disappointed to discover at the top that I had forgotten my hip flask to share a nip of whisky to celebrate such a good week. As luck would have it a fellow topped out of No4 Gully at that point and overheard me and he produced one and shared it around, what a legend..................

Great way to end a great week, combining my 2 true loves, bevy and climbing-Pic Dave Anderson