Rock and Boat

Had a good start to the week with heading out the Karen to Creag Dubh. There was where hoping to climb L.M.F but with the roof dripping with water on it and Ersa. We change to Strapadicktaemi an real fun flowing E1. Karen got the first pitch witch would turn out the to be better of the 2. That had great climbing along that hand rail, and nice steep moves to get to the belay ledge. Here was found that the weather was not going to play ball and had the start of some little rain. The upper pitch was a wee bit dirty but good holes and fun mores. Thankfully the rain held off and we go back to the van with nothing more came down.

Creag Dubh

At the end of last week was out on my 4 Star Canoe Leader Training at West Highland College. Day one was looking at moving water there with Scotland being it normal self there was not much about. We want the Bridge of Oich where was play about with fiery gliding and braking in and out and some tandem fun that involved me and Chris having a wee swim.

Trying to Surf the wave Photo: Claire Knifton

For the second day was looking a sailing, rafting and poling. This time we were in luck to have a good level of wind all day. Head up to Loch Arkaig witch was great for this as it had place to do. Now just need to work on the skill and build up the logbook and another NGB will be done.

Busy times

So have been up to a lot seen the last post March. What has been going on?

Well had one more day out winter climbing with Ali where we did The Gutter, The Cascade and Expert's Choice. It was a great day to have as the last one of the session.

After this was a bit of uni to get back into. Then a exped in the River Spey for uni like. Had a mix of weather of sunshine to hail in the face. We even mannered to cut a day off as we where move fast on the water. Had the some solo time in the canoe.

Up next was a day down climbing in Glen Nevis. This was to get a climbing put to bed I had feline off back in September. This was the first time back up the climb. Warmed up on some other climbs first  then head to Hodad to get it sent. Its the first time that had to get my my head in the right place in a long time. Think I am going to have to put sometime into getting my trab head back. I did not think climbing would as hard to get back in but hay the mind is a odd thing.

On to the next advent of walking North end of Pennine Way with my brother. This was one of the best time I have day with my brother. Just me and him for 7 day. Well that was the plan ended up being 5 as him knees and shoes gave up before we wanted it to. Well have to do the hold Way at some point and think long walking could be cool thing to get into.

Then one more bit of madness as the Lass day on the UHI pabbe club meet on the Garry. This was the first time I had been out in my play boat. It was great fun and need make more use of it.

Now its time to get uni work finished and a lot of ML day to get ingot he bag too!! Then it will be freedom for the summer. Well time to start working for the summer. 

Blog up date

So been a bit lax with blogging for a fair bit of time now, going to try get back into it again. As a short summary of what has been going. Summer was mad working lots and trying to fit a bit of play time in between before heading back to University. Made it out to Etive Slabs with Dave and Fiona. Great day climbing the Hammer. Had a bit of a long walk off in the dark but still a great time for sure.

Crux Move on the Hammer

Then had my friend Andy up for a week of biking. Head out to Laggan, Glen Nevis, The Devil Staircase and enter Tour De Ben Nevis. It was a great week with some wild weather and amazing trails. 

Devil's Staircase 

Heading up towards the Buchaille

Then it was time to start getting on with Uni again. This year has been a bit mad with assignments as it is the second year. Though still getting out paddling. We have been working toward our 3* canoe and all of the group passed the assessment.

Rich practising his poling

Andy surfing a wave

Got out on the hill to getting some more ML days logged and need to get on and book a training course come the summer. Had one great day out on Ben Starav. A nice blue bird day.

Looking down Ben Starav

Looking up the main ridge on Starav

And now that winter has come after a the long storms that we have had up in the north it is time to head out and play in the snow and ice. Had two great days so far, the first going up Stob Ban with folk from Limerick and the second heading over east to climb The Grooved Rib with Ewan. Two great days with lots of banter and good fun.

Heading up Stob Ban

Pitch 1 of the Grooved Rib 

1st Chimney of the Grooved Rib 

Now just need to keep on top of blogging and uni work. Then get out as much as I can and it will be a great 2014.

Another blue sky day

What great weather we are having in Fort William at the minute. The third blue sky day in a row. Sadly again had uni on today. But still managed to have a busy day. First at the pool to try and get my roll sorted. Worked on my off side witch is coming along well able to roll well off it now. Thow trying my right hand side was not working well today. Still needing work even if I thought I had got it down (Its all about your head coming up last). After that James was keen to get back to Heather Hat. So headed up there with him and Rory as we where off still 1.30pm. 

A busy Heather Hat

A new problem to work 

Heading out

Getting there we had the boulder just to us but as the sun came down into the Glen. More climbers came along, Ewan and 2 Germans how he meet the day before. James was getting all the move on the problem that he was working. Just needing to get it all linked up now. Rory was getting there too. Tried Under the Hat again and it was not feeling to bad on the first moves as yesterday. And the big move to the jug feels like it will go after one of the Germans pointed out a higher foot hold to use. There was great banter with everyone. But still projects to work and get sent. As it was getting warm we had to head back to uni for are afternoon lecture. So missing out a bit of the nice weather. After a hour and half being in side time to head over to Outward Bound for a bit of canoeing with Stewart, Kieran and Rory.

Enjoying the afternoon sun

A great looking Ben Nevis

Stewart and Rory enjoy the great weather

Chilling out

Sunset

A great afternoon just being chilled out and enjoying the great weather. With an amazing sunset on Ben Nevis. There maybe some wild weather days in the Fort. Thow the day good when they come they are great days that make it all worth it in the end.