Following the adventures

oops ...

2012-02-29T19:12:00.000Z

Di & Martin headed to the forest of clunie today to meet Louella for some more leg action.

Casualties today included:

1 x rear derailleur
1 x gear hanger
1 x rear skewer

Heather - lethal stuff you know.

Nothing that a big stone with a martin-on-the-end-of, can't fix - oh, and mr visa :(

Just cancelled 4 days of ski mountaineering work - does look like it is getting cold on Sunday but what we need now is a miracle.

the morangie

2012-02-26T08:54:00.000Z

We went exploring.

Armed with a map, and a couple of bikes we headed North East. We started off by doing the Scotsburn - Strathrory drove route and then headed into the Morangie forest. Highly recommend :)

Must have been an oversight on the map reading department, since wasn't quite prepared for the 7km uphill track back to the car.

Its a good job, we were only wanting a little day!

the very big industry of energy

2012-02-24T09:19:00.000Z

I would love to put it down to skill, experience and knowledge but I can't.

It was luck, pure luck.

I was asked last year to present a talk to Shell and I chose a day in the winter season between work. Little did I know back then that it would be almost the perfect week to be based inside in front of a computer.

I have officially given up on winter for the next 3 days and am heading north armed with the mountain bike and the quick draws.

If winter could return next week that would be greatly appreciated.

the big bad ben

2012-02-21T15:01:00.000Z

On Sunday evening I walked up to the CIC hut to meet up with the boys and girls from Outdoor Research and the Mountain Boot Company.

My camera obviously knew better and decided to remain in the car.

Our rack should have contained:

1 x snorkel for lead climber
1 x pair of rubber marigold's for each climber
1 x rubber ring for each climber

(are you getting the theme?)

My phone obviously had so much fun it has decided to remain in the hut for a few extra days.

OK, that basically means that if you need to get hold of the 'bert you need to call the landline :)

mess of pottage

2012-02-19T18:02:00.000Z

Only a donkey would forget to take their camera on a beautiful cairngorm day.

An ass would take their camera for a walk on a beautiful cairngorm day without the battery.

Scott & Melissa continued entertaining Di on Jacobs left edge today. Fantastic condition.

Oh, I was an ass.

No rest for the wicked - driving west for an evening walk up to the CIC :)

a return to winter

2012-02-18T20:59:00.000Z

If anyone had heard the banter in our team today, you would have thought that it was a reunion of old lost friends.

We managed to walk into the corrie today.

We got blown around the bottom of the corrie today.

We battled our way out of the corrie today.

6 legs still in tact - bonus.

A brutal introduction to the joys of scottish winter climbing (and some times, its just not meant to be) for Melissa and Scott.

Don't think I'll pass the jelly snakes around tomorrow since the team were obviously hyper on E numbers.

mountain ski leader tick

2012-02-17T19:53:00.000Z

There is only one thing worse than trying to climb in winter when winter is obviously on holiday.

And that is skiing ...

Heather Morning, Richard Bentley, Mark Chadwick and Di have now passed their Mountain Ski Leader Award. We are now completely proficient in taking groups in the hills with their ski's strapped onto their rucksacks and having the p**s mercifully ripped out of them!

For more about the week click here.

Mega big thanks to Ian Sherrington & Eric Pirie (and Roy Henderson - owner of BASI) who provided an excellent course and to Liz Pirie who probably wondered what had hit her when 4 MIC's were fighting over each other trying to teach her something :)

the theme of the week

2012-02-16T20:32:00.000Z

wordless (for once) ...

guess the course

2012-02-14T20:03:00.000Z

what a difference a day makes

2012-02-12T18:55:00.000Z

Yesterday, we walked out in the mizzle leaving behind us black buttresses and soggy snow.

Couldn't believe our luck when we walked in under blue sky, white buttresses and bullet hard snow.

I changed plans as much as I drink wine - lots.

The reward: a stellar route (goat track gully, possibly the hardest Grade II I have ever done), amazing views and a very, very happy Joe.

over the back

2012-02-11T21:02:00.000Z

Took a bit of a gamble today but sometimes you have too.

I would hardly say that Joe and Di climbed Deep Cut Chimney. It was more like a caving expedition judging by the state of my harness, jacket and trousers.

Wouldn't say that it was in stellar nick, but it was certainly climbable.

Would benefit greatly from a freeze :)

the $1m question ...

2012-02-10T21:15:00.000Z

Lets be perfectly honest here, their wasn't loads of routes in nick in the corrie of the people today.

Much more important, Joe has bought a bright red jacket. OK, it's not OR, but its a nice colour and the OR gloves made up for it.

Very funky clouds in the corrie today.

Where to go tomorrow? Now that really is the $1 million question.

bloody pineapple

2012-02-05T20:47:00.000Z

Last weekend I bought a pineapple.

It sat in the house for a few days.

It then drove to the lecht, aberdeen, braemar, pitlochry, aberfeldy, glencoe and fort william.

I am not impressed that I unpacked the bloody pineapple this evening from the car and its now in the original fruit bowl.

I will be making pineapple upside down cake tomorrow!

hurrumph ....

2012-02-04T18:18:00.000Z

from east to west

2012-02-03T21:23:00.000Z

After last nights MCofS's lecture on walking off of cornices, it was time to head west.

For the next 2 days I will be training people how not to walk off of cornices and how not to get caught in an avalanche.

I think tomorrow's photo's will be slightly different :)

should have taken the sun glasses

2012-02-02T15:52:00.000Z

Ski's were activated this morning on a glorious day at the Lecht.

Not quite enough snow for a tour over the back so laps up and down the edge of the piste it was.

And yes, that is jelly boobs :)

frozen blobs

2012-02-01T20:08:00.001Z

Armed with climbnow's topo, we decided to head into Cam Chreag on the flank of Meall nan Tarmachan today.

We opted for Knucklebuster Corner.

We should have left all the gear at home since, unless you call blobs of frozen moss and spindly icicles protection, there was none. Oh, thats not entirely true, I managed to wobble a big hex in at one point and there was a foostie nut in situ. Thankfully, the turf was frozen, so it wasn't entirely desperate :)

More importantly was the fact the Derek managed to tick off a new munro - yippee.

If I could get a quick ski tour in tomorrow en route to Tiso's Aberdeen for the MCofS winter lecture, that would be a bonus.

cross training

2012-01-31T19:05:00.000Z

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

2012-01-30T18:11:00.000Z

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

2012-01-28T20:20:00.000Z

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

2012-01-24T20:19:00.000Z

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

2012-01-23T12:57:00.000Z

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

2012-01-15T09:55:00.000Z

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

2012-01-06T11:12:00.002Z

What on earth is she talking about?

things to do when its minging outside

2012-01-04T17:28:00.001Z

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

2012-01-02T12:33:00.001Z

the little hills

2011-12-27T18:30:00.000Z

As the ski's and tools gather dust on rack, the mountain bike is in its element once again.

Think I can have a guilt free dinner tonight.

biking christmas

2011-12-24T18:15:00.000Z

Merry Christmas blogee's

make hay when the sun shines

2011-12-21T10:27:00.000Z

Last tour for the year?

misinterpreting books

2011-12-18T21:20:00.000Z

I very nearly lost Donald on the walk into the corrie of the people. Hard to believe I know....

Happily reunited (another chapter for the book) we tinkled in, up and around the corrie looking at 'stuff'.

Donald is learning that mountaineering in not really about soloing grade hard, tunnelling through massive cornices and practising ice axe arrests down mega death slopes.

Really, books are over rated...

the view today

2011-12-17T17:17:00.000Z

Ok, Fiona was actually wearing blue but I could only find green, but apart from that, its pretty close.

I really would quite like to see where I am going tomorrow.

plums and tangerines

2011-12-16T18:33:00.000Z

I was dressed as a plum today.

I was on purple ski's.

I had on purple ski pants.

I had on a purple jacket.

I had on a purple hat.

After 1000m of skinning, my cheeks were most definitely purple, and that was before the mulled wine - which was also purple.

Derek was dressed as a tangerine.

found it!

2011-12-14T14:45:00.001Z

The snow had to be somewhere, since its obviously been blown off the high hills.

So, turning down the opportunity to climb - mad isn't it - I went on search for the missing snow.

Found it!

So this morning with only the mountain hares, the grouse and shadows for company, I stayed low sniffing out the best line for optimum "whee's".

Only stuck my head into the wind once to discover that trying to put away skins in more than a breeze is slightly problematic - bet our continental friends don't have that issue.

Oh, lets have a little bit of a reality check - there was a bit of heather on the lower slopes, but isn't that just part of the game?

avoiding the crowds

2011-12-10T19:33:00.000Z

Another minging day on the hill today.

Didn't want to be anywhere near the crowds today but it was nice to see the ski tourers out in force.

Donald is discovering that crampons are much more effective on his boots than in his rucksack.

Hadn't realised that it was acceptable for skidoo's to leave the ski area. Might try and drive my Peugeot 207 up the land rover track tomorrow....

the white stuff

2011-12-08T13:11:00.000Z

Its always good at the start of the season to go out with professional professionals. Yesterday, this came in the form of Mark from the Scottish Avalanche Information Service.

The service has loads of interesting things happening this season which can be found on their website.

The Northern Cairngorms and Lochaber areas will be publishing their first reports for the season this weekend with the full service starting on Wednesday.

The latest reading (1048) from the Cairngorm Weather station show that the mean windspeed is 74mph with a gust windspeed of 102mph.

Slightly grateful to be indoors....

the first route of the season

2011-12-05T21:45:00.000Z

... is never pretty and today was no exception.

You would think that after a few years practice that I would learn.

I wrapped myself up in my leashes, I dropped my flask lid down the hill, I had forgotten how to use my crampons and we probably chose the wrong route as a warm up.

I was going to say that I had forgotten how to swing my tools, but this wasn't really appropriate today.

Instead of wearing my posh OR kit, I should have wrapped myself in a hessian sack so that I could stick to the ice in the chimney.

To sum up Di & Richards adventure: The Stirling Bomber 55m V,7 ** - bloomin' desperate.

a video blog

2011-12-04T19:48:00.000Z

Promise, this was today ...

I have told Rich, to pack ski's and tools for tomorrow :)

the north west

2011-12-01T19:39:00.001Z

The little people of the world worked hard to gain our access rights, and its important that the little people of the world exercise their right before this becomes a sign of things to come.

No sorry, I won't be replacing a very good land rover track for a death defying river crossing and a non existent hill path over some outrageous bog terrain.

A little bit surprised how much snow their actually was and wasn't really expecting to do any trail breaking.

The £1million question: was it in nick? ha, now that would be telling.....

things to do when its too windy for the hill

2011-11-28T13:44:00.000Z

1. pay the entry fee for the PDG

2. plot on maps (most definitely plural) the route of the PDG

3. panic

4. get some fresh air, go to monster trails in moray and have a flabby day out

It's not until you have to carry out a proper 'boy' clean on the bike you start to question your cleaning abilities. Strangely enough, I have never thought about tumble drying, ironing or eating a bike - until today.

5. start praying to the weather Gods for some snow so I can start skinning.

things to do when you have 2 very sore ankles ...

2011-11-21T09:03:00.002Z

I must have been able to swim at some stage, because I have badges.

That was about 25 years ago.

The good thing about swimming pools is that you don't think you are going to drown, you won't stand on a jelly fish and you won't get eaten by sharks.

My first visit to the pool, I splashed around for 20 lengths. I had to spent more time resting and I probably drunk my own weight in water.

My second visit to the pool, I splashed around for 24 lengths. I discovered that it really isn't a good idea to swim with the wave machine on. Really, what is that all about?

My third visit to the pool, I went with Thea.

Thea: "I normally swim for a mile Di, but if you want to stay longer that is fine"

Di: *splutter*

One hour later, I swam my first mile - it wasn't pretty but I managed.

On Saturday, I took part on the MCofS's Mountain bike course for hillwalkers. Fabby course and highly recommended.

On Sunday, Di hoped that their would be a mountain bike technical failure so that she could put her skills to practice - there wasn't.

More importantly, after the cycle, Di dragged Derek to the pool (who also had badges at some stage) and swam a mile with very few rests.

Derek is now going to become a professional fish.

If we could have only gone for a run, I could have completed my first triathlon.

the lycra suit

2011-11-16T11:32:00.000Z

We applied for the PDG 2010 but never got a place.

This was probably a blessing in disguise, knowing what I know now.

We applied for the PDG 2012 and got a place.

Holy poo .....

What's she talking about?

Right, so the snow can arrive now please so that I can start skinning :)

enforced rest

2011-11-14T09:33:00.000Z

When I got my appendix removed, it took me 2 days before I was doing a winter traverse of Liathach.

When I got my knee operated on, it took me 4 weeks before I was brave enough to ice climb on it.

When I hit a deer and broke my ankle when on the motorbike, it took me about 2 weeks before I was back climbing.

When I bust my knee, for the second time, I had 12 hours rest before climbing the North Face of the Jorrasses.

Derek & Di spent all weekend clipping bolts on home turf and its slightly ironic that on the easiest route of the 2 days - the "warm down" - Di missed the clip and lobbed rather impressively onto a ledge.

Had to properly pull up the man suit to get off the hill - and here's me thinking that clip sticks are used for clipping bolts.....

After 4 hours at A&E getting 2 suspected fractured ankles x-rayed, I was given the all clear.

Give me a week max .....

turkish delight

2011-11-09T14:50:00.000Z

Poop - time to go home......

The latest news on the main website will be done in the next couple of days if you are wanting some more beta.

caves

2011-11-07T18:25:00.000Z

You know you have gone to the right crag, when all the locals are there.

And just incase, we had missed any locals at crag #1, we found them at crag #2.

And then I asked Derek to walk back along the rickety little walkway for a photo and he said "No, and you can't make me!"

Pussy.........

climbers

2011-11-06T18:21:00.000Z

The down side about having a climbing trip with only one other person, is that you rarely get any good climbing pictures.

All climbers bums look big when photoing from below - even those who survive on one celery stick a week. And trust me, there are a few of them around this mini break. So, what chance have we got - I felt guilty eating a tiny haribo sweet at the crag today.

Along with Mr & Mrs celery Stick, one of the other main climbing group around this week, is Mr & Mrs Beautiful - perfectly honed bodies with muscles on muscles and perfect tans. Once again, what chance have we got, being pastie white from the North of Scotland where we only expose our legs to the sun about 2 days a year?

I might just stick to putting pathetic chameleons on my blog.

today ...

2011-11-05T20:23:00.000Z

routes climbed = 0

successul hitch hike rides = 3

missed buses = 1

cool gecko things seen = lots

turkish delight eaten = too much

steps walked = bloody miles

diet coke drunk = 3 litres

new friends made = 6

wine drunk = 2 bottles

recovered fingers = hopefully them all

today, we were mainly upside down

2011-11-04T17:54:00.000Z

This is a very, very little section of Geyikbryiri. Infact, this is just one sector of 35. To say that there is quite alot of climbing would be a slight understatement.

The routes are remarkable well bolted and you never actually think you are going to die, shatter a limb and deck out onto a nasty ledge.

If you enjoy climbing over space, you will love this venue.

As a result of this upside down climbing, today we mainly dangled alot.

I think this might be the theme for the trip.

one day...

2011-11-03T19:05:00.000Z

... and my fingers are absolutely trashed - somehow brain hadn't acknowlegded that recently bolted venue's will be sharp on the fingers.

Can you see it ...

... someone needs to tell it that it isn't very good - no matter how still he remains.

Oh, and the cliffs are held together with little bits of wood .....

And there's big spiders, snakes, holly trees that are "on steriods" and, get this, its colder here in the evening than in Scotland!

the middle east

2011-11-01T11:02:00.001Z

Until about 10 minutes ago, if I am perfectly honest, I had absolutely no idea where Turkey was.

I have absolutely no idea how to pronounce Geyikbayiri.

10 years ago, there were only 30 routes.

There are now 35 sectors with 618 routes.

I don't think we will get them all done in 7 days.

great weather for kites

2011-10-30T18:20:00.001Z

It was so windy today even the Reindeer were in the low hills.

No snow flakes to be seen, just remarkably deep heather - all good training for the winter?

all we need is the white stuff

2011-10-27T13:43:00.000+01:00

I can safely say that I am not going to be cold this winter.

My only dilemma now is to decide if the plum looks better with the salsa, berry or peacock.

I have also received an adventure kit - all I need to do is have an adventure...

Errr.....

Ok, flights booked - next adventure is imminent

in need of a rest

2011-10-21T20:30:00.000+01:00

The big holds no longer feel big enough.

I am finding it hard to carry the shopping from the car to the flat.

It must be time to come home very soon ....

run away

2011-10-20T19:30:00.000+01:00

It was Colin Mortlock who spoke about adventure, peak adventure and misadventure - trying to get the balance right when it comes to choosing your adventure and not ending up in a wooden box. I know my limits as I sat on the rock watching them head out one by one.

And then, a few moments later they all returned, all deciding that it was good to live and the route can wait until another day, when the waves perhaps aren't so boofy and scarey.

more deadly things

2011-10-19T21:40:00.000+01:00

Not only do we have to contend with sharks in le sea. But now we have to contend with praying mantis on the path whilst wearing flap flips.

mr happy

2011-10-18T18:33:00.000+01:00

Mr Happy came from the Smithy Santa last year, and took up residence on my little Alpine pack.

Mr Happy had completed his first Scottish winter season, climbed fat ice in Norway, ski toured in the Alps, summitted Muztag Ata, climbed numerous Munro's and had just embarked on his first bolt clipping experience.

Well, today "there has been a murder, and no-one is taking responsibility"

Mr Happy is obviously no longer Mr Happy :(

jaws

2011-10-17T23:07:00.000+01:00

Last night, Gnome & Di were speaking about swimming in le sea, and what to do if you saw a shark.

Since there seemed little point in trying to outswim the large fish, we thought that we could pretend to be a log or a large piece of driftwood so large fish would choose to ignore you.

Catrin said that we should poke its eye's out.

Today, they forecasted cloud. They were most definately wrong and we only lasted for about 30 minutes at the crag before admitting defeat.

Instead of eating ice cream and drinking beer we thought we would scare ourselves stupid.

Mildly terrifying, completely naive about having to swim to the start of the route and trying desperately not to think about what the best impersonation of a piece of driftwood would be like.

Needless to say, it was a very large G&T this evening.

hydration is the name of the game

2011-10-16T19:27:00.000+01:00

It is very important to stay hydrated during all this climbing stuff.

We then took a bottle of the soopie's cheapest vino tinto to a rather fine viewpoint for the sunset, only to discover that the wine had corked. Oh well........

the new team member

2011-10-15T19:58:00.000+01:00

I bought a new guidebook last night which meant I managed to avoid the drowning today.

We went to this crag that was supposed to get morning sun only. The sun left the crag at 1600 and as a result, there was lots of hiding in the trees.

Today, we discovered that Naomi's arm span just fits into my wide angle lens camera - its just not fair.

More importantly, I am embracing the thought of DWS and bought a 4th team member (above). A bargain at 8 Euros. It will happen soon ....

living in fear

2011-10-14T16:42:00.000+01:00

I thought we were getting some shade over the weekend, but no such luck.

I am going to have to buy some waterwings and a rubber ring tomorrow so that I can go deep water soloing.

I won't be able to sleep tonight from pure fear.....

If I don't blog tomorrow evening, I have drowned.

another +30 degrees C day

2011-10-13T18:33:00.000+01:00

It's funny how everyone seems to naturally fit into an evening routine after hiding from the sun all day.

Sam and the Veranda prep dinner before embarking on a marathon run every evening.

Catrin heads down to the sea to bob around playing with the fish and trys to avoid swallowing the water (she failed yesterday).

Di checks the weather for the next day and makes the G&T's.

It goes without say, that by the time that Sam & the Veranda have completed their marathon run, Di is still connecting to the tinterweb and on her third G&T.

the upside down crag

2011-10-12T19:13:00.000+01:00

Sam: "I can't remember the last time I went climbing seeking out shelter...."

Catrin: "I can. It was on Lewis. And it wasn't the sun I was hiding from".

Today, Sam #2 sandbagged Sam #1. As a result of Sam #2 sandbagging Sam #1, we had the clips in place for an unside down route.

No, really it was :)

the very bright thing in the sky

2011-10-11T19:41:00.000+01:00

There was a general theme about today and it mainly involved avoiding the very bright thing in the sky.

So, as the majority of us tourists arrive in Majorca destined for the deck chairs on the beach to soak up the very bright thing in the sky, the girls try desperately to avoid the very bright thing in the sky.

Sam managed to find ice-cream, Di managed to sand bag herself, Miranda complained about being hungry as soon as she arrived at the crag and Catrin is still managed to pull her arse some impressive grades with one working shoulder.

After a rather long period of ming weather back home, it finally looks as if summer has arrived.

it's here

2011-10-06T09:51:00.000+01:00

Yup, the white stuff has arrived......

Ok, it will probably be gone by lunch time but ...

More importantly, in today's mail (the mail that comes through the letter box for once) I got one of the nicest cards I have ever recieved.

No, Thank You girls!

a mighty fine day

2011-10-03T11:55:00.000+01:00

It was Thea and Martin who had raved about it.

A 47 km cycle with 1200m height gain on some superb single track.

To get one puncture is unfortunate.

To get two punctures is careless.

Possibly some of the best downhill single track that either of us have cycled on.

And with amazing views, you (nearly) forgot about the hike a bike sections.

However, to get three punctures is just bad luck. Especially when you only have enough repair kits for 2.

So, as Di enjoyed 5 km's of perfect downhill riding, Derek become very grateful for having a very light bike.

Derek is now buying a new pump, a new repair kit and 2 new spare inner tubes.

the hut fairies

2011-10-03T11:24:00.000+01:00

The fairies were out at the SMC Ling hut on Saturday.

Enough gas for the next 4 years apparently.

the di gilbert roadshow

2011-09-29T14:40:00.000+01:00

Mmm, do you think I got the wrong dates?

RSGS Peebles, RSGS Ayr and St George's School in Edinburgh.

RSGS Helensburgh this evening and then I get to return to the mountains.

Oh, and speaking is far more terrifying than any mountain I have climbed :)

RSGS Dumfries

2011-09-26T22:04:00.000+01:00

A speakers worst nightmare?

getting lost

2011-09-25T21:15:00.000+01:00

On Saturday, we tried desperately not to get lost.

On Sunday, we tried desperately to get lost.

Working for the Mountaineering Council of Scotland this weekend down in the spectacular Ochil hills on their Navigation and GPS courses.

Thankfully we never required rescuing from members of the Ochil MR Team.

And more interviews for the BBC Scotland Radio Programme Out of Doors from Heather.

Big Thank You to Ochils MRT for letting us use their very swish facilities and to Donald for helping out over the weekend.

Di is officially on the road tomorrow, for one week, as she takes part in the RSGS's Illustrated Talks Programme. Somehow, this seems rather more frightening than climbing a big mountain ...

more hike-a-bike

2011-09-19T09:34:00.000+01:00

Everyone is in agreement for once ...

... we had summer in April.

I am slightly concerned that I can't remember the last time I climbed dry rock.

I am slightly concerned that I am actually starting to enjoy the mountain biking.

I am also slightly concerned that I don't have a sore bum after another mammoth ride yesterday.

I love skye but ...

2011-09-16T19:07:00.000+01:00

... I couldn't live there.

For lots of reasons, I found myself on the little island with no one to play with.

So, I went exploring ...

I never got lost.

I never dropped anything.

I never forgot anything.

I handed out 5 business cards.

Why can't every day be like this?

the newsletter

2011-09-11T13:42:00.000+01:00

To sign up for the new newsletter, send Di an email with newsletter subscription in the subject box.

These newsletter will inform you about the adventures that we are planning over the coming months both in Scotland and abroad. Adventures that you can take part in ...

the calm before the storm

2011-09-09T09:51:00.001+01:00

Graham & Di are still on standby for a traverse of the Cuillin Ridge, however, it isn't going to happen this week.

1 x broken gear cable

3 x rather large river crossings

1 x rather spectacular blow out

6 x large sausage rolls

1.5 x bags of jelly babies

1 x10 hours

Thats what it took Derek & Di to cycle around the Cairngorms yesterday - 92km, 1917m ascent.

It can rain as much as it likes today, because ... yes, you've guessed it ... today I will be mainly indoors.

BBC Radio - Out of Doors

2011-09-07T13:57:00.000+01:00

Never a dull day in the smiley world of Di Gilbert Mountaineering.

Can't believe I have just told a reporter about walking over a cornice!

Hopefully airing this Saturday, why not listen to Di talking about Scotland, the 7 summits and making a fool of herself in the Ski Mountaineering World Championships.

BBC Radio Scotland, Out of Door, Saturday 10 September @ 0630

20 minutes ...

2011-09-04T18:24:00.000+01:00

... thats how long it took me to hitch a lift back to the car today.

Graham & Di are on standby for the Cuillin Ridge Traverse, so if someone can sort the weather out that would be great.

So instead of heading along the ridge and with a day's good forecast, I thought I would embark on another on Mr Wilson's Big Walks. Lets be honest, nothing was going to be as bad as the last one, and with the going fast underfoot I was back in the car in about 4.5 hours.

I have often gone past Mad Meg's Cairn and wondered what the story was. According to local legend the cairn marks the grave of an 18th Century suicide, who was denied burial in the local kirkyards. Think about that next time you're in a snow hole.

More importantly, I have a new rucksack.

It is bright yellow.

It has go faster stripes.

It is only 10 litres.

As a result of this, all jelly babies were suitably squashed, before entering gob, having been squeezed into the side pocket.

Don't even ask what the malt loaf looked like.

a very cool journey

2011-09-02T09:30:00.000+01:00

You can tell it is autumn when the first snow's have fallen on the hills and the mountain bike is getting used more than often.

Another little adventure with Heather yesterday - a mere 72km with 1342m ascent, through some of the most spectualar scenery Scotland has to offer.

I forgot my camera but remembered the jelly babies so all was not lost.

Not impressed with Citylink who, on the phone, told me that the buses could take 2 bikes, but on arrival at the depot in Ullapool the driver told us that they could not take bikes unless bubblewrapped or in a box.

The only saving grace was the little bike bus - a dedicated bus service with a bike trailer that runs along the North West coast from Inverness during the summer months. For information on times, contact D&E Coaches, Inverness.

For once, I don't have a very sore arse but will be spending the afternoon with a scrubbing brush and a can of oil.

wet feet

2011-08-31T19:38:00.000+01:00

Isi & Di both spent rather a lot of time checking the weather forecast before embarking on the drive North.

We were both convinced that the place to be was Caithness & Sutherland.

We were obviously right but the weather was most definitely wrong.

So, it mizzled yesterday, but we got away with it - just.

However, it rained today which meant that we never got away with it.

So, we done what any sensible person would do. We drove south until the road looked dry and the shadows were cast.

We decided to head up to the bolts at Silver Rock, a small conglomerate crag near The Mound.

I forgot my harness, so we had to rotate the makeshift sling between climber and belayer, before the heavens finally opened up once more and we decided to throw the towels in for good.

Sometimes its just not meant to be ...

the cairngorm 4000ers

2011-08-27T10:49:00.000+01:00

I couldn't find anyone to climb with yesterday and I have absolutely no intention of starting a second round of Munro's so...

It was a client, Peter Ellis who sowed the seed whilst on Tower Ridge one winter, so on Thursday evening I finally opened Ken Wilson's "The Big Walks".

There are only 2 rules I have self inflicted:

Rule #1 you must do the route as described.

Rule #2 you must do them sub 24 hours.

So yesteray, I set off on his Cairngorm Four Thousanders - what he describes as "an exceptionally long and arduous walk over a high and extensive plateau".

Some 50km later with 3000m ascent, I finally arrived back at the car in just under 11 hours. Not bad for someone who hasn't done any running in the past 5 weeks and been walking at a very slow big-mountain-pace.

OK, it not quiet in the same league as Ramsay's Round (its on the radar but not quite fit enough) but its a start.

Needless to say, I can hardly move today.

adjusting back to western life

2011-08-25T18:21:00.000+01:00

I have now spent 3 days firmly planted in front of the computer.

I managed to escape for one day and opted to go for a 90km mountain bike.

Needless to say, I have a very sore arse.

The website has been updated with all the China antics and I am sure that the boss will let me get out and about tomorrow.

the 43rd highest mountain in the world

2011-08-22T13:52:00.001+01:00

I have survived 4 weeks without facebook or blogging - I am making up for it now. More importantly I have survived 4 weeks without red wine, white wine or fine chocolate - I tried to make up for it last night but failed miserably.

Wearing my Adventure Peaks bonnet, and joined by Jim, Chris, Duncan and Mairi our mini break can be summarised as follows:

Point number 1: despite the chinese authority stalling tactics, it is actually possible to gain access to a rather fine mountain deep inside the Xinjian Urghur Autonomous Region.

Point number 2: don't walk behind camels - although very pretty, they are rather windy.

Point number 3: never try and go to the toilet when the wind is blowing from the south east. If you do, be fully prepared for anything heading 'south', to suddenly head 'north' without any warning. With the added bonus of flying toilet roll, it all makes a very exciting and unpredictable experience.

Point number 4: real chinese food is nothing like the chinese take away you will encounter on the high street. It will probably take a few weeks before any of the team can face a bowl of rice again.

Point number 5: if you are faced with bowl after bowl of rice, it is amazing what a bottle of tomato ketchup can do.

Point number 6: the definition of the effects of altitude should read something like this .... "you will feel lousy, have a thumping headache, have absolutely no appetite, will not be able to sleep and feel nausious at all times".

Point number 7: keep reminding ourselves that we have actually consciously chosen to spend 4 weeks in sufferland.

Point number 8: ensure that on return from the mountain, there is a vast amount of pepsi to rehydrate on. Failing that, ensure that on return from the moutain, there is a vast amount of beer to rehydrate on.

Point number 9: snow shoes are just rather large flip flops. Instead of the relaxing sound of 'flip flop' normally associated with sands and sea, the sound of our snow shoes were normally associated with numerous curses.

Point number 10: we probably all ate pigeon without knowing it *barf*.

So, 4 weeks later, probably more than 4 brain cells less, we are back in the United Kingdom. Di & Jim did finally stand on the summit of Muztag Ata (although judging by the summit photo we could actually be on the cairngorm plateau) and life in the mountain suddenly seems a very long time ago...

More information on the Muztag Ata expedition can be found on the website.

welcome to kyrgystan

2011-07-24T11:57:00.000+01:00

In 2008, Kyrsystan had a population of 5.2 million - there are probably a few more now.

Having sat on one's behind for the past 5.2 million hours we have finally arrived in Bishkek - the capital city - for one day as our journey to Muztag Ata continues.

We now have another 5.2 million hours ahead of us sitting on one's behind on a minibus as team Adventure Peaks pootle south.

For more information on the expedition click here.

don't think my kitbag is big enough

2011-07-22T17:00:00.000+01:00

Can mean only one thing...

the isle of lewis

2011-07-22T15:36:00.000+01:00

As the previous post indicated, we never had the most successful climbing trip in history.

It was the first time that either of us had been to the Isle of Lewis.

By the time we had deciphered the guide book; found the correct geo; figured out where the abseil line was; figured out where the actual route goes; it was either time to go home or the rain had started.

So, instead of having an impressive route list with multiple classics ticked, we have an impressive list of amazing bands who we (yes, catrin too!) bopped along to at the Heb Celt Fest 2011.

The 4 star classics were without a doubt the Peatbog Faeries who stole the show.

Three star classics would have to include Seth Lakeman, Ahab, Manran and Fullsceilidh Spelemannslag.

KT Tunstall could only be given 2 stars :)

So, if you plan climbing on the little isle of Lewis, take a surf board, a stack of dvd's to watch and be prepared to just go with the weather :)

Combine it with a bit of damn good music and you will have a trip to remember.

what to do on a rainy week

2011-07-19T13:21:00.000+01:00

err ... not the most productive climbing trip we have had.

more to follow....

a weekend of firsts

2011-07-10T17:20:00.000+01:00

It's not often that the west is drier than the east, but it was this weekend.

It was Rose's first visit to Glencoe and I don't think it will be her last.

It was also Rose's first visit to the Kinghouse and I don't think it will be her last.

It was Rose's first visit to the famous Lagangarbh and I don't think it will be her last.

Di sat outside Lagangarbh in the evening sun without the annoying midgies and I do think it will be her last.

the lite version

2011-07-08T21:19:00.002+01:00

If you find the full fat version a bit on the heavy side when it comes to mobile devices you need to think light.

As in the lite version.

To get the lite version you need to tap the following address into your mobile device, tap your heels three times, and say "I want the lite version". Your fairy godmother will do the rest.

http://reelfanatic.blogspot.com

http://apps.mobilenationhq.com/cj4j5f49ox3u_6ea/index.html

tubby shoes for tubby people?

2011-07-08T17:36:00.000+01:00

I have just borrowed a pair of snow shoes from a friend for the imminent expedition.

Message to Mr Alan Halewood: Are you trying to tell me something?

Please don't ask where I am going because, I genuinely don't know at this stage. I know that it I'll probably have a thumping head, will probably get very familiar with the loo and will probably be craving anything green and fresh.

wobbly legs

2011-07-04T09:48:00.000+01:00

You would think that after nearly 38 years I would know better....

never mix a bottle of champers, a plastic pint tumbler, a dance floor [with suitably tacky music] and a Di.

Yesterday, if I had my way, it would have involved a sofa, a bottle of coke, a bar of chocolate, a stack of DVD's and the remote control.

The weather had different plans and leaving it to the 12th hour, I wobbled my way into the corrie - no really, I did.

I'm sure it wasn't pretty, and I did refrain from barfing on the belay (just), but somehow I did actually manage to wobble my way up Magic Crack.

Adds a whole new dimension to climbing you know....

a change is as good as a rest

2011-06-30T11:08:00.000+01:00

There has been a bit of a theme the past few days...

It has mainly involved heavy panting, deep heather and taking the bike for a walk.

The Cairngorms might not have the dramatic drops associated with the west but it does has some rather fine long distance routes which, if you are prepared for a bit of a push/carry, are fantastic biking journeys.

Yesterday, Heather & Di completed the Gaick traverse - Heathers biking equivalant to climbing Ardverikie Wall - which justified 2 coffee shop stops.

This never included our unplanned tea break kindly provided by Mr Fishermen en route :)

Needless to say, that I do not want to go anywhere near a bike today ...

it's official

2011-06-26T14:16:00.000+01:00

the far north

2011-06-24T21:32:00.001+01:00

Just returned from 5 days climbing in the far north.

How good was the climbing?

Well, lets just say that out of 5 days climbing, I climbed only one route not worth mentioning.

Abseils akin to Lundy.

Faces akin to Gogarth.

What did we get up to?

Well you just need to watch the video for that one :)

fast turnaround

2011-06-19T19:47:00.001+01:00

The best days are those unplanned.

We decided to head to the North West - possibly the only dry place in the country.

The drive was worth it as we found amazing rock in an amazing location.

It turned out to be a very social weekend - great minds think alike - and although the climbing was superb, it wasn't quite as superb as the fishing.

It's taken Derek nearly 20 years to actually catch something whilst Di was present.

After catching not just one, not just two, not just three, but four amazing fishies, we decided that they never stood a chance and let them be, splashing around in the sea.

It started mizzling this morning so we bailed back East to Moy, where as soon as Mark saw the boys, the first thing he mentioned was not the amazing, dry rock but the fishing success :)

Van unpacked, repacked and heading North once again.

Summer has finally arrived ...

Halichoerus grypus aka hooked-nosed sea pig

2011-06-16T20:25:00.002+01:00

The more time I spend up in the Far North, the more I learn to appreciate it.

On Tuesday, we spent the afternoon clipping bolts at the mound - I am weak ....

On Tuesday, we spent the evening flicking off a bzillion ticks - they are bad :(

On Wednesday we went to Mid Clyth for the first time. If you do get bored (highly unlikely) with the climbing, you can sit and watch the atlantic grey seals on the reef opposite until the cows come home.

So, between the seals constantly applauding us for our ninja climbing skills (*cough*) and us applauding the shags for their braveness in nest selection, it was a rather cool morning.

We then moved camp up to Sarclet and were rewarded with some 'sweet routes' and some amazing displays by 2 young seals - one of the most amazing things I have seen in the sea.

Today, with a ming forecast, we embraced the Highland Wildcat Trails at Golspie - where there is a very, very fine line between being in complete control and being completely out of control. Not quite sure which camp I was in.

We won a prize!

2011-06-13T12:20:00.002+01:00

I am no longer a LAMM newbie.

Photo: http://www.scottishtrailrunning.com/

I am going to lose one toe nail; my ankles are as stiff as wood; my calfs are as tight as a G sharp string; my guff knee is the size on a small planet; my lower back is rubbed raw; I never reaslised you could ever get sore elbows and don't even touch my neck and shoulders.

Photo: http://www.scottishtrailrunning.com/

Was it worth it? Most definately :)

Photo: http://www.scottishtrailrunning.com/

Having been absolutely thrashed at the ISMF World Championships in February, I only had one goal over the weeked - and that was not to come last.

There must have been a computer error with the results because at the end of Day One, Susie & Di were placed 13th out of 112 teams in the C Course. The girls came in 10th on Day Two, maintaining our final placing of 13th - 2 hours 15 mins behind the winning team and 1 hour 12 mins ahead of the second female team.

Photo: http://www.rightplacerighttime.co.uk/

For more details on the girls in the LAMM, you need to go to the website.

A massive thank you to Susie who really was a fantastic LAMM buddy.

they don't make them like they used to

2011-06-08T14:04:00.002+01:00

I worked at Glenmore Lodge back in 1996 on their 'Nightwatch Scheme'.

I was young, keen, unbelievable naive, probably very annoying and motivated.

There was one person whilst working at the Lodge that absolutely petrified me.

He never had a real name, just 2 letters - K and G.

He built himself a throne at the bottom of Huntley's Cave where he could study his students and he gave me some brutal feedback whilst on my winter mountain leader training.

I hadn't seen KG since then.

Roll the clock forward to yesterday when the girls decided to go for a bike ride through the Burma Road and by some twist in the tale were joined by a Mr KG.

Little did I know that Heather also had fond memories of KG, so some 15 years later it was a little bit wierd to say the least.

I said to KG "I thought you were all Gods" whilst KG very promptly responsed with "So did we."

Wasn't quite the pootle that Heather & Di were expecting, but one of those priceless days ...

Oh, the photo's?

You need to look at the website for that one.

smarting not smarties

2011-06-06T08:05:00.000+01:00

It's funny, the mind is completely game for hours and hours on the rock.

However, the body has a mind of her own.

Having been focussed on walking up lots of hills for the past few weeks and having had no access to the bouldering wall for about a year now, it was never going to be easy.

Three days on the rock have completely shredded my hands, hurt my fingers and don't even mention my feet.

It can only get better....

Oh, and to make things worse, LAMM partner has broke herself which leaves me less than a week to find another partner - it's not going to be easy :(

i am a climber once again

2011-06-03T20:12:00.000+01:00

We both wanted the same thing today:

a very short walk in;

to be able to wear sun vests;

to have floor to floor blue skies;

no wind and for it to be ridiculously sunny and hot.

We got all of the above plus:

amazing views;

absolutely noboby else around except for the fishmen putting out the lobster pots, a curious seal and the odd pigeon gillimot, razorbill and seagull;

possibly the best lemon drizzle cake I have ever had;

and very pink shoulders, arms, face and ankles (note to self: really really must put on more sun cream)

I really do live in the best place in the world ...

an unforgettable day

2011-05-30T15:07:00.000+01:00

To find out more click here

worth every penny

2011-05-26T09:48:00.000+01:00

Haven spoken to Karl on Tuesday evening, we were fully prepared for the 7 mile walk along the Loch.

You can imagine our faces as we drove up to Loch Mullardoch and there was a lull in the wind.

First fell An Socach ...

Then there was An Riabhachan - not sure how you pronouce that one, so it got called "the second one".

Then there was the mighty Sgurr na Lapaich.

Before the final one of Carn nan Gobhar.

Off to buy bunting, plonk and balloons now.

Also going to start praying to the weather gods (just one last time) for some stellar weather on Saturday.

waterfalls defying nature i.e. waterstands

2011-05-24T22:20:00.001+01:00

I am having my Last Munro Party on Saturday.

Only thing is, I haven't actually finished them yet.

I had specifically planned to get the remaining stragglers done in May.

The weather God obviously knows this and has been making my life miserable for the past 3 weeks.

There is absolutely no way that we could get to Shenavail and Lochivroan was booked out "exclusively to a school group" which left only one option.

A very long day in truly miserable conditions.

10 hours later, having travelled 40km and over 2000m ascent, Di & Derek returned to the car very wet, soggy but with very big grins having climbed the remaining 4 Fisherfields's.

Derek deserves a medal for today - well and truely above and beyond the call of duty.

Derek is also very happy that for Di's last day before the Last One, she will be having a girlie day. It's not a great forecast, but compared to today, anything will be an improvement!

a challenging weekend

2011-05-23T10:13:00.000+01:00

Do not let the photo fool you....

I can honestly say that instead of having to work on an SPA training this weekend, I would have probably preferred to have been in a health SPA.

Where it would have been warm, dry and not blowing a gale...

It goes without say that I am not out on the hill today because even I would probably struggle to make upward progress in hurricane strength winds - sad smiley face.

Following the adventures

oops ...

the morangie

the very big industry of energy

the big bad ben

mess of pottage

a return to winter

mountain ski leader *tick*

the theme of the week

guess the course

what a difference a day makes

over the back

the $1m question ...

bloody pineapple

hurrumph ....

from east to west

should have taken the sun glasses

frozen blobs

cross training

ben vrackie

the quiet corrie

ski's are reinstated

to be young again

northland

** throw **

things to do when its minging outside

hogmany

the little hills

biking christmas

make hay when the sun shines

misinterpreting books

the view today

plums and tangerines

found it!

avoiding the crowds

the white stuff

the first route of the season

a video blog

the north west

things to do when its too windy for the hill

things to do when you have 2 very sore ankles ...

the lycra suit

enforced rest

turkish delight

caves

climbers

today ...

today, we were mainly upside down

one day...

the middle east

great weather for kites

all we need is the white stuff

in need of a rest

run away

more deadly things

mr happy

jaws

hydration is the name of the game

the new team member

living in fear

another +30 degrees C day

the upside down crag

the very bright thing in the sky

it's here

a mighty fine day

the hut fairies

the di gilbert roadshow

RSGS Dumfries

getting lost

more hike-a-bike

I love skye but ...

the newsletter

the calm before the storm

BBC Radio - Out of Doors

20 minutes ...

a very cool journey

wet feet

the cairngorm 4000ers

adjusting back to western life

the 43rd highest mountain in the world

mountain ski leader tick

throw