Breaking all the rules

... "fitness will not be an issue" ...

Oh how I laugh at this little statement from Mr Chandler now.  It all began a few months ago when I was introduced to Paul and his brother Mark who wanted to attempt the Cuillin Traverse.  I was very professional and told them what to expect, blocked off a 4 day weather window (Thursday - Sunday) and said that I would be happy to take them along (without the build up day) the ridge.

Having spoke to Paul on Monday night I was fully expecting to re-schedule but said that I would speak to him on Tuesday night just to confirm that they weren't driving all the way North from Essex for a miserable time on Skye.  However, I have never met Paul and Mark before and had full heartily underestimated the Ratcliffe optimism.

So on Tuesday evening when I spoke to Paul it was with a shock that I discovered that they were on the A1 driving North and from the giggles heard, there was absolutely no way that they were turning around now and were bound for the ridge tomorrow and how "it would be great if you could join us".

I have never packed so fast for an attempt on the ridge and at 7am I was heading West.  On meeting the chaps, it was Marks footwear that was the standing joke - his options either his Scarpa Mojito's or his slippy Asolo's.  Despite attempts like "that's my going-to-the-pub-shoes", the Scarpa Mojito's were the footwear of choice.  So just before noon we set off for an attempt on the traverse.

When you spend time with people on the hill you get to know them pretty well and I knew straight off the blocks that Paul & Mark were not your usual client.  Both are Kayak Royalty - kind of like the Brownlee brothers but in paddlesport.  Paul is so famous that you can even buy a poster of him!  Mark has also climbed 8c so you can image what a tit I felt commenting on his footwear - he could wear a pair of flippers and he would still be fine.

Needles to say that the weather was utter pants and it was I who pulled the plug on the traverse at 5pm at the top of the Stone Shoot.  Not to be defeated, the following morning it was a return back up the stone shoot and as far as we could go before once again minging conditions stopped play after Munro number 8.

So, over 42 hours; I drove 300 miles; slept for 7 hours; ate 2 burgers, numerous wraps and jelly babies; never drank enough; bagged all the Southern Cuillin Munro's & met 2 amazing Gentlemen.

I will put my hand on my heart and say that I have never been beasted around the hills as much as the past 2 days.  Yes, they did need a Guide but if I could have strapped a headcam and directed from the valley floor they would be over the ridge in half the time that I take to do it - easily. 

Drastic measures 4 drastic times

Today the Highlanders decided that they really were sick of the never ending winter so wrapped up in wooly hats, winter thermals and full battle gear we got in the car.

Derek:  "I don't want to stop until it is at least 17 degrees".

Di: "OK".

2 hours later the car thermometer finally reached the optimum temperature and we could stop driving.

To finally have the sun on our backs, to squint in the sun and to enjoy some cragging without having to wear full winter clothes is well overdue.

It's the simple things in life that sometimes provide the best days.

It has obviously remained arctic up North since the fresh snow was still lying on the hills as we drove North, the roads were wet and it's another day of not having to water the hanging baskets.

Enough was enough

I am unfortunately not destined to become a yachter.

Not only did I drop something very important in the harbour (kind of equivalent to throwing all your clothes down the crag in winter) but for 2 days I was horizontal in a near hypothermic state.

We made it as far as Stromness before admitting that some things just aren't meant to be.  Fingers crossed that summer will arrive for July.

More wintery than winter

Andy & Brian want to do a Cuillin Traverse, but first I insist that they endure some fantastic Scottish scrambling conditions on the mainland.

The monk of doom had forecasted a horrendous weather forecast today and despite trying to put them off, the guys fully embraced the forecast.  Couldn't believe our luck to climb Curved Ridge in the sun.  

My heart sank when I saw how much snow was still left on the exit slopes around Crowberry Tower but a bit of exploration work, soon found us on the summit - just in time for a wintery squall.

I honestly can't remember the last time I even contemplated taking goggles with me in May, but every day is a school day.

Glen Feshie

I really enjoy taking photo's in the hills, even if they aren't very good.  So, for the past 2 days I've been on DofE duty with Gold Expeditions and have found myself with more time than usual to whittle away.

Not that I'm saying that I'm slacking in my duties, but when it takes 1.5 hours for a group to strike camp and have a 30 minute lunch break you have to do something.

Without doubt the best thing about being on DofE watch is that you don't actually have to go out night navigating - now that really is a bonus with 10 hours of undisturbed sleep.

Blue is the new pink?

We females are very shallow.  I have a new rope (Edelweiss obviously) and it's blue.  I also have a new pair of rock shoes (Scarpa obviously) and they are also blue.  They both co-ordinated perfectly with my blue jacket (Outdoor Research obviously) and the sky (Mother Nature obviously).

Today the sky was grey and there was 'stuff' coming out of it.  For those in the know, I have been slowly ticking away at the Allisons and there was one route that I wasn't really looking forward to.  Not because of the length but of it's location.

It's run number 33 and is called 'Glen Tilt'.  If you are a mountain lover, you will head up the famous glen, normally on a mountain bike as part of a bigger day on numerous occasions.  So, the thought of actually going for a run up to Gilberts Bridge (no relation) and back didn't fill me with love.

However, as soon as I left the car park the route took me not on my original route but weaved amongst the trees, the paths and the routes often ignored.  So Susie, hats off to you once again for another stunning run through a part of the country that I know very well but saw her in a completely different light.  Pity I left the camera in the car.

Summer MLing

That's the start of Summer ML season.  Feels somewhat bizarre when you could potentially still be running Winter ML's on the Cairngorm Plateau.

2 days ago I nearly stood on a nesting grouse and 1 day ago I stood next to a baby Mountain Hare (before it decided to take its chances and bolt).  Steve's gang went one better and found a dead rat (yes, a rat) deep in the Southern Cairngorms.

That's what makes the mountains so special - you just never know what you're going to see.