First blue bird day this session for me!!!

First off what a great day!!! The first day out climbing this session that its been a blue bird day. Head out with Kate, Brodie and Ewan to Aonach Mor to do Golden Oldie. Getting to Nevis Range for the climbing gondola meet Alan Halewood with a client and Lou. Meant that trail breaking was going to be easily spread (thanx Alan). So walking in this time we could see that was what. And soon realis that what I thought we climbed as Golden Olden last time was not. The joy of finding routes in the clouds. This time we had Alan to point out that fechers to be looking for. So next time should be better. Walking was great banter. Make easy with tranc that we seemed to make for us all to walk in. Getting to the route Ewan and I decided to solo the route and if need be get the rope out. Ewan had it a bit harder with ski on his back and gave me something to laugh at. The climbing was great was not sad that I messed up the not climbing it last time. Did wish I had skis for the way off but waking off in the sunshine was amazing.

 

 

Out on a classic, Golden Oldy

Headed out with Rory. At first the avalanche and weather forecast were not looking good to head out. Westerly aspects looked ok though so we decided to head out to the West Face of Aonach Mor to do the classic Golden Oldy. This meant getting the 8am climbing gondola so a early morning bike ride out was needed. Then a shortish walk down to the bottom of the route on ok snow with a complete lack of wind. Walking up the corrie led onto the ridge which was well banked out, meant it was a easier day than we through it was going to be. The snow got more consolidated as we climbed higher and even some very nice icy patches in places. Visibility dropped as we gained height to near zero when topping out. Had a wee scare when we walked in a circle and almost set off in the wrong direction before checking our bearings. Another short walk led to the top of Nevis Range and down to the cafe for a coffee. Lots of people were out enjoying the snow skiing and boarding but the Nevis lads had their work cut out for them digging the lifts out!

Looking into the corrie 

Looking like it could be ok

On the ridge 

Bit big to get through

At the summit hut coming out the cloud

On the way off for a coffee

Busy day at Nevis Range