From a friend on the Greenland ice cap. Thanks Bruce.
Greenland ice cap sun dogs
Almost done! Streaking across the icecap at 9mph with a plane to catch in 10 days time, but only 340 miles to go so no problem! Looking forward to some tramping and MT biking. Day after day of spectacular sun dogs, of various types whilst we were at Summit Camp. Attached is a shot of one of them.
Cheers
Bruce
Alan,
Some shots from Raeburn’s Easy Route on Saturday. Quite a lot was in – including the Comb.
Hope these may be of interest on the blog.
Kindest regards
Robin
Thanks Robin. Still plenty to go for and SAIS are still issuing avalanche forecasts for weekends.
Spike and Ken were attempting a traverse over Friday and Saturday last. Unfortunately some very wintry weather got in the way on Friday, although Saturday turned out reasonable. It just goes to show that patience and a flexible daily weather period must be factored into any attempt. Snow, rain and or wind will almost certainly reduce the speed and confidence of the party, as will large groups. West Coast Mountain Guides offer a four-day slot. The instructors keep in touch a day or two prior to arrival and we try and choose the best period based on the weather forecast. See Spike Sellers photos hear The photos in the gallery above were taken by Ken Applegate. Ken was working on behalf of West Coast Mountain Guides with James. Recommended numbers on a traverse attempt are no more than two to one instructor. Those taking part should have a head for heights and be able to sustain two days of hard challenge on this unique mountain range. Previous rock climbing experience to Severe standard would also help. Check out Black Cuillin Traverse for more detail
Sea Eagles and loose women! Two inches of new snow on the Black Cuillin tops today (11th May). This last week we avoided the snow and wet high tops by using the new and very good Scottish Mountaineering Club climbing guide to Skye Outcrops and Sea Cliffs. Paddling into some locations and making the most of the sheltered side of the island on a daily basis, we avoided any really bad weather, especially on Wednesday last. The photos tell the story but top marks go to Suidhe Biorach beside Elgol, where we met Tom Prentice (SMC guidebook editor) by chance using the new guide. For truly loose and chossy conditions please avoid Macleod’s Maidens (Old Lady – HVS, 4c)
Hi Alan, Robin and I had a good day out soloing Gardyloo Gully yesterday. I have attached some pics that shows the condition of the ice in the tunnel. We had Observatory Gully all to ourselves, however it was a very different story when we topped out – the Ben was busy with some charity walk. – All the climbs now look very thin apart from GFC and this one – however I think we will get one more weekend of ice before it all goes. Looking to do Raeburns Easy Route next weekend.
take care,
Ken
Thanks to Robin Bennie for these photos taken very recently on Nevis with his mobile phone Sony Ericsson Xperia arc S LT18i. Alpine preparation courses now running on Ben Nevis.
Thanks to Ken Christie for these photos taken today on Nevis. They climbed Good Friday Climb, which was complete.
Great day out today on Aonach Mor and these photos thanks to Spike Sellers and Dave Wilson of Lime Tree. I hope it is not raining too much in England and Wales. Anyone fancy a winter climb on Nevis this next week?
Great weather this weekend. Dry and cold and sunny and I’d lay odds that climbing conditions on Nevis could be quite good.
www.chriswalkercyclechallenge.com
Chris Walker worked for a number of outdoor companies, including West Coast Mountain Guides. Many of you reading this may have had the pleasure of climbing with him and his mischievous smile. Chris unfortunately fell victim to an avalanche. It was a freak accident and all proper precautions were being followed by Chris at the time. In his memory a trust fund has been set up and each year it donates £500 to both the Association of Mountain Instructors and the British Mountain Guides for further training and continued professional development in Scotland to train and update members in understanding and avoiding avalanche hazard. These same members will pass on the knowledge gained to their guests on snow draped hills and mountains all over the world.The trust also offers grants to global mountain expeditions and Chris was particularly fond of the Himalayas.
This cycle challenge is arranged every year to raise further funds to help with this important work and remember our friend Chris. Please consider turning up and taking part. It’s a fund weekend for a worthy cause.
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