cross training

Today we thought we would do the 'Hermitage' cycle.

Derek might be fairly good at bunny hops, but I think even this was too big for him.

Might actually try a climb tomorrow :)

ben vrackie

I've lost count how many times I have driven up the A9 and completely ignored the little hills.

Thought I would take off the blinkers and see what they were all about this afternoon.

Surely this must be the easiest corbett in the world?  

In fact, this must be the easiest corbett in the world with possibly one of the nicest micro breweries at the bottom of it.  

Not being an ale drinker, Derek assures me that the pint was well worth getting out of a warm car for. 

Its' name is the Moulin Inn and it can be found here...

the quiet corrie

Most folk head to the coffee shop for a catch up.

We thought we'd head to Creag Meagaidh.

Fran & Di fannied around in the morning and as a result were last to the car park.

This meant that Jonathon & Emma were first into the corrie, put the track into the bottom of the route, made excellent bucket holds all the way up the route for us to follow, and when I think about, put the track in off the hill.

Fran & Di took 2 ropes; 6 screws; 12 draws; 2 slings; a collection of pegs, nuts and other things to cold weld into the rock and a guide book for a walk.

Think I might take the ski's for a walk tomorrow...

ski's are reinstated

Having spent the past 2 weeks either on the flat or being gravitationally assisted, I knew that they first non gravitationally day would be a challenge.

It's ridiculous.

How on earth are you supposed to ski uphill at anything more than a snails pace, when you have to wrap up warm to prevent any form of frostbite?

Needless to say that it wasn't a pretty site.

On a positive note, I actually did put my ski's on at the car park and managed to skin to the top of the hill without having to remove them for a carry.  On an even more positive note, I had a very pleasant descent (on snow) and only needed to carry ski's for a limited spell on the lower slopes.

I am also going to mention Cairngorm/Braemar Mountain Sports who have done an absolutely sterling job of mounting uber light bindings on uber light ski's.  Tesco Finest biscuits will be dropped off very soon.

If you think I am going to risk taking the bases off of them on home turf, you can think again!

to be young again

Some 16 years ago, I done what was then called a BASI Foundation course.

I was obviously so impressed that I ended my ski instructional career there and then.

For one big reason, I found myself in Valmorel, with Glasgow North College last week.

Now, with over 30 years ski experience (yes, I really am quite old) but having never really been shown or taught how to ski it all came as somewhat as an eye opener.

Not overly impressed that I had to re-schedule my ski mountaineering work today because, strangely enough we have no base.

Every cloud has a silver lining though and at least the email inbox will get cleared :)

northland

Essential items for Finland must include:

1. headtorch

2. batteries for headtorch

3. spare batteries for headtorch

4. warm socks

5. really warm socks

6. heaters for warm socks (you know, like you get in ski boots)

7. warm gloves

8. really warm gloves

9. really BIG warm gloves

Failing all the above, just find a bloomin' good coffee shop.

How good?  Well, that would be telling .....

** throw **

What on earth is she talking about?

things to do when its minging outside

Most girls get makeup, handbags or shoes.

I get a ratchet set and apparently "everything has a home now so we shouldn't loose anything".  I think I might pimp it up with sparkle stickers. 

More importantly I received a very special package today from the boys and girls at skitrab.

Thank you :)

The packaging weighed more than ski's, bindings and skins.  Seriously, it did!

I would like some snow now - please.

hogmany