tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-48129886147805383722024-03-13T04:44:45.807+00:00Guy Steven GuidingIFMGA Mountain Guide and Mountaineering Instructor
Guy Steven showing personal and working climbingGuy Stevenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02335667376972080020noreply@blogger.comBlogger920125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4812988614780538372.post-84415648142520324462018-10-05T11:54:00.001+01:002018-10-05T11:54:23.637+01:00NEW WEBSITE AND BLOG FROM OCTOBER 2018I have just launched a new website for my guiding services throughout the UK and the Alps.<br />
Please visit the site and Blog as I aim to keep it updated frequently.<br />
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<a href="http://www.guystevenguiding.com/">www.guystevenguiding.com</a></h2>
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<a href="http://www.guystevenguiding.com/blog">www.guystevenguiding.com/blog</a></h2>
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Thank you for following my blog so far and I hope you continue on the new platform.<br />
<br />Guy Stevenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02335667376972080020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4812988614780538372.post-64861032890456063802018-08-26T15:46:00.000+01:002018-08-26T15:46:26.653+01:00From Scotland to Alpine Guide<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is what it was all about</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First day out as a guide, however, I wasn't guiding, just a nice day climbing with Lou who is recovering from ACL reconstruction surgery! </td></tr>
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The summer has flown by. Last thing I remember from Scotland seemed only a couple of weeks ago but the last 3 months has been crammed full with so much. The main highlight was that last week I passed my final guides exam. Yeeehaaaaw!!... as they would say across the pond! Three and a half years of training and assessments has brought me here and 10 years of holidays in the Alps has allowed me to get too where I am. God know's how much has been spent on the process but every penny, bead of sweat, drip of blood, alpine knee and Poco Loco's has been worth it! What a relief to get awarded the badge. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Guiding the Rochefort Arete with fellow guide Andy Nelson</td></tr>
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Huge thanks go out to so many people. My parents for agreeing that this is better for me than university, all off my climbing partners along the way, far too many to name but Kenny Grant was there from the start, we had epics but so many more successes and most of the routes in my application form were with him. Thanks to everyone who put me up, let me sleep on their sofas or use their showers, sleep and smelling good are two things I like. Also I would like to thank everyone who has helped me financially throughout this process, without this help, I probably would have had to delay a year and draw the process out for longer.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Guiding the Dent du Geant. Well cool!!</td></tr>
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Most of all though, thank you to the gorgeous Louisa Reynolds who has stood by me throughout this process. I have been away from home so much in the last couple of years and I'm so glad you stuck with me and came to celebrate with me when I passed and share this experience. You are the best!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bernese Oberland</td></tr>
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Also to the lads and lass. My school buddies. Jack, Ally, Tamsin, Ross, Calum, James and Max. It's been great fun and emotional but looking forward to working in the Alps with you all!<br />
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Happy Guiding!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Practice day with Ross Hewitt on Petit Charmoz</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqRRuS3nuHNpy0h9HQmAECsrZOyBHdTVOuv1otfwTsGkGvtua-GR3ofDjXIXayNyzDzUqcdWmwhsLa0AR4lEBqIX2pzmyrDgvSj89L-FyU5y3ZDlOp9_j8BOXGxt3t0H3kDhWCppK51nE/s1600/20180720_095030.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqRRuS3nuHNpy0h9HQmAECsrZOyBHdTVOuv1otfwTsGkGvtua-GR3ofDjXIXayNyzDzUqcdWmwhsLa0AR4lEBqIX2pzmyrDgvSj89L-FyU5y3ZDlOp9_j8BOXGxt3t0H3kDhWCppK51nE/s400/20180720_095030.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">By the way, it wasn't all mountains. We enjoyed some of the other beauties of the Alps. Biking and swimming at Lake Annecy is recommended!</td></tr>
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Guy Stevenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02335667376972080020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4812988614780538372.post-25677465656133403032018-05-21T13:38:00.000+01:002018-05-26T13:41:01.881+01:00Duff(y) the Munro SlayerNow Grahame is no Sarah Michelle Gellar but he certainly can get his way through several mythical beasts in one week.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Slioch NW buttress with Loch Maree in the background</td></tr>
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Our plan way hatched a while ago to spend some time in the North West to climb some of the munro's he is yet to climb. We didn't want the easy options so when the weather forecast was perfect it was game on.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMoEgC8J_RTjXfPguYfr8nNnm39oZS7QbLTbZqyB2enlldzl62sUAYKLOmojUlDYL2u6YmpWB7dbodAKAZnlJTQwcz29syLqz_REgpPAaXLbA2Euer4eUyh-qZVRh5g7K2jl6SntDfP14/s1600/20180516132115_IMG_3727.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMoEgC8J_RTjXfPguYfr8nNnm39oZS7QbLTbZqyB2enlldzl62sUAYKLOmojUlDYL2u6YmpWB7dbodAKAZnlJTQwcz29syLqz_REgpPAaXLbA2Euer4eUyh-qZVRh5g7K2jl6SntDfP14/s400/20180516132115_IMG_3727.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grahame trying to see the island on the loch which is on the island which is on Loch Maree ... We could just make it out...one of a kind in Scotland.<br />A loch with an island, which has a wee lochain which has an island on!</td></tr>
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First up was Slioch via the NW Buttress - A great route with a long and scenic approach. The ground was dry but I suspect it is really boggy after the usual rainfall. This week it was so easy to walk in. The route itself is worth seeking out. The crux is the first wall and then its nice scrambling over a combination of solid and loose rock at around grade 3. From the summit we descended the regular route to make a really nice 7 hour round trip.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqlNUWesPe2zR_iARqeHofQnWgRBsMdg_WBcDtdlNfcrR005CkMupTBMmYykOlAPicTqeaqVGl-MaG6mVK0R0fdx2eChlB-iOYfmUnnXiqA_pinjh_ZidHKio0RCo7Xt1RipfsGmo0fIQ/s1600/20180517124710_IMG_3751.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqlNUWesPe2zR_iARqeHofQnWgRBsMdg_WBcDtdlNfcrR005CkMupTBMmYykOlAPicTqeaqVGl-MaG6mVK0R0fdx2eChlB-iOYfmUnnXiqA_pinjh_ZidHKio0RCo7Xt1RipfsGmo0fIQ/s400/20180517124710_IMG_3751.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Super pace to climb - East Buttress with Loch Coire Mhic Fhearchair behind</td></tr>
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Day two we walked into Coire Mhic Fhearchair and climbed the brilliant East Buttress (VDiff). Totally amazing route and one on my favourite on the mountain. With stunning weather and Grahame keen to tick Ruadh-stac Mor and Spidean Cnc, we pressed on and traversed the mountain.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizBzWvhnUSUadqGGgzZUQEM4_B3BfKSPFswyYmhXDqr55ao0p9UJZArhXFSYBgSJXoXNRkI0eDykPsF1CWVkQj2MhIQIST9CmPvcR4Cm5WPOmoUR5z47Mco67x3vjdst_XOTsZChdfvsg/s1600/20180517115346_IMG_3744.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizBzWvhnUSUadqGGgzZUQEM4_B3BfKSPFswyYmhXDqr55ao0p9UJZArhXFSYBgSJXoXNRkI0eDykPsF1CWVkQj2MhIQIST9CmPvcR4Cm5WPOmoUR5z47Mco67x3vjdst_XOTsZChdfvsg/s400/20180517115346_IMG_3744.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Super climbing</td></tr>
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Day 3 we opted for a slightly shorted day and climber the A'Chioch Ridge on Beinn Bhan. It weighs in as a Corbett but the scrambling is great and as its only a 5.5 hour day we were ready for another giant tomorrow!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidmRTqp-shFfNmajs2QjM3liCrv-h_F5QrbMkHhaXRjOIe1Da2s0jvB5akXrayCCCOu5IfHUA3HIRjwgfe6_LOfIvIvbD5Prx3mZW-8N2uaS9airB03p_avpzg26imRGhYqbHJSOcIUgQ/s1600/IMG_20180518_174338_917.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidmRTqp-shFfNmajs2QjM3liCrv-h_F5QrbMkHhaXRjOIe1Da2s0jvB5akXrayCCCOu5IfHUA3HIRjwgfe6_LOfIvIvbD5Prx3mZW-8N2uaS9airB03p_avpzg26imRGhYqbHJSOcIUgQ/s400/IMG_20180518_174338_917.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grahame's unique smile...or is it fear? A'Chioch Ridge providing some cooler conditions</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOx9ERSlTQfWRUCdzMLwSQwqsNaJctB-qn1vi2tUupZc4AGVw7O2PvLl2fh2uJNoIGy9rHItjfrNBdfSGby95SWcAcv98f1zroBfj0jXw7DVPVZvn77Dy4bJHsX_ZWhHTHaB_dM5ktJ-E/s1600/20180518125858_IMG_3773.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOx9ERSlTQfWRUCdzMLwSQwqsNaJctB-qn1vi2tUupZc4AGVw7O2PvLl2fh2uJNoIGy9rHItjfrNBdfSGby95SWcAcv98f1zroBfj0jXw7DVPVZvn77Dy4bJHsX_ZWhHTHaB_dM5ktJ-E/s400/20180518125858_IMG_3773.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The top of the A'Chioch Ridge</td></tr>
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Day 4 was one of the best. A traverse of Liathach via the Northern Pinnacle's. Just superb. Two hour walk into the base and we had brilliant scrambling, again with the difficult section near the start. With everything being bone dry we didn't experience any 'greasyness' as mentioned in the guidebook and just had pristine rock. Some looseness in the upper parts of the Northern Pinnacles though.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeGwKiN1i6Qdvm35T37CSmDgFDrlTgWgZsJZZFFO8SdgeU7RM4gycxDvvGpKlDrUiehq5jNCxcpsQVQUxX1KDJnUetOKVHoCKciV-9zLynCeE_ZIH6xPhkmzeqLS1gO05lUPQcWWUVcac/s1600/IMG_3779.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeGwKiN1i6Qdvm35T37CSmDgFDrlTgWgZsJZZFFO8SdgeU7RM4gycxDvvGpKlDrUiehq5jNCxcpsQVQUxX1KDJnUetOKVHoCKciV-9zLynCeE_ZIH6xPhkmzeqLS1gO05lUPQcWWUVcac/s400/IMG_3779.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Start of the Northern Pinnacles</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9dHkldKWbuF_I6k5EX9xYnPQI3I2B7Xo4VJCXJAmAMHBZsqTVPHG3VEvVCjPR6GgN2E3T2NLBhAaPwrTefiMkWAXhOXD6ilAN2d9_DfwlPYsHxiYgiHHbgx-D8EtBesf_nqcsMA0wsEg/s1600/IMG_3785.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9dHkldKWbuF_I6k5EX9xYnPQI3I2B7Xo4VJCXJAmAMHBZsqTVPHG3VEvVCjPR6GgN2E3T2NLBhAaPwrTefiMkWAXhOXD6ilAN2d9_DfwlPYsHxiYgiHHbgx-D8EtBesf_nqcsMA0wsEg/s400/IMG_3785.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just fun!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzWmuSalcBAsGkenuCqxEKL1WbDKllBn0uVfS-DCZGOaiymmWzxUvIktBq1cXbc6lhYhTiKjU1kX0sxdtleTkqw0yS6pE03RZnM5gnH5kr7v2Tv4PdwCKBwmW6HGxcbIGZr1y44Om_6aA/s1600/IMG_3786.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzWmuSalcBAsGkenuCqxEKL1WbDKllBn0uVfS-DCZGOaiymmWzxUvIktBq1cXbc6lhYhTiKjU1kX0sxdtleTkqw0yS6pE03RZnM5gnH5kr7v2Tv4PdwCKBwmW6HGxcbIGZr1y44Om_6aA/s400/IMG_3786.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nobody else</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3vfKaBiq38cxGZDeppPsK02dA-6QmcKHqVqEd3hGFwDgZ2oizrJ_5ZbsPGctbE_24JF42uxw4EWuGt0cXF57Sb62-piE6_MP4bh9Uh5YuLekp9CTW_Xk22MP6aT-9pqx-_Xo5AmaN_5M/s1600/IMG_3796.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3vfKaBiq38cxGZDeppPsK02dA-6QmcKHqVqEd3hGFwDgZ2oizrJ_5ZbsPGctbE_24JF42uxw4EWuGt0cXF57Sb62-piE6_MP4bh9Uh5YuLekp9CTW_Xk22MP6aT-9pqx-_Xo5AmaN_5M/s400/IMG_3796.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On the main traverse</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLMWZsMYF0KnVMrM9MzTlcOIj1GEcwthzxRtb3Q7vK72umzaB_sMPa_Bh5aLyebfsrRyzo7hEZnSkhbXH4eWSQ1iaMGrEFNgUbnzguSz2TofWtvr1A8KBnhMcuW2Q2pC6lMfk9PRGh27k/s1600/IMG_3799.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLMWZsMYF0KnVMrM9MzTlcOIj1GEcwthzxRtb3Q7vK72umzaB_sMPa_Bh5aLyebfsrRyzo7hEZnSkhbXH4eWSQ1iaMGrEFNgUbnzguSz2TofWtvr1A8KBnhMcuW2Q2pC6lMfk9PRGh27k/s320/IMG_3799.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Final munro of the day</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Day 5 we were due some different weather (no photo's today). The cloud came in, the rain fell but that didn't stop us. We drove down to Glen Shiel and finished our week on the two munro's by the Forcan Ridge which brings Graham's munro count down to the final 50! I'm sure these will fly by and best of luck with finishing them off.<br />
<br />
A week I won't forget in a while, truly brilliant routes and weather. Thanks Grahame.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVOG_T9AS3UJ9KLxtsfZt86edqfmVkNzBVzOff-LqAZAxIqOnKwhICUrUlZiACIOZnal_UFb40MQjCRgYljttShq0TC6ns4XkfhpPClXuMPWZS2cS2kgfqU0_HnA1GccsdOxYkpnt5fIs/s1600/IMG_20180518_073909_698.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVOG_T9AS3UJ9KLxtsfZt86edqfmVkNzBVzOff-LqAZAxIqOnKwhICUrUlZiACIOZnal_UFb40MQjCRgYljttShq0TC6ns4XkfhpPClXuMPWZS2cS2kgfqU0_HnA1GccsdOxYkpnt5fIs/s400/IMG_20180518_073909_698.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The traverse ledge to get into the start of East Buttress</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiId87j3Fmdc3heqiXAP8Xp4Yry7kD9AoC8ZttPjQiuxTBMHDJ_xJnf5Ka7b7yg2XSKSgVC6hZlY4qiUnWjKBi20tZ-xnoPKejmGVI0Mog2M9w-KIX1rP9gSc0h4XobnIwWICQWjSD5k7A/s1600/IMG_20180518_073909_635.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiId87j3Fmdc3heqiXAP8Xp4Yry7kD9AoC8ZttPjQiuxTBMHDJ_xJnf5Ka7b7yg2XSKSgVC6hZlY4qiUnWjKBi20tZ-xnoPKejmGVI0Mog2M9w-KIX1rP9gSc0h4XobnIwWICQWjSD5k7A/s400/IMG_20180518_073909_635.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dude!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHtSgtk5n_E5a8ahVr7Pv6ACYRZvD6APaSPjgGz8-40EKZJd1rj95NZU4_6CDtBHDHXBXy8K0djT3ZIJUD0xAHwXOIZ8FH09TzFWkt4FuSeRpuNqaH63kIWyk8p_jt6I61OssSQBbzpKg/s1600/IMG_20180518_073909_706.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHtSgtk5n_E5a8ahVr7Pv6ACYRZvD6APaSPjgGz8-40EKZJd1rj95NZU4_6CDtBHDHXBXy8K0djT3ZIJUD0xAHwXOIZ8FH09TzFWkt4FuSeRpuNqaH63kIWyk8p_jt6I61OssSQBbzpKg/s400/IMG_20180518_073909_706.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Glad I had my ice screw on my harness</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBR0N8VXkoO1pPuTmZB_J2oBUrnrkwcPkDTCJ54It_19dRELBVnk6YYxkAKt8x8KYaxWygoBX4XDTQ5wCeCzaZtnauNNY20d0EFVZSVpdxlEQBj0D1Sk2e8ABghc9RsERqfD5aoyv-MS0/s1600/20180516_195206.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBR0N8VXkoO1pPuTmZB_J2oBUrnrkwcPkDTCJ54It_19dRELBVnk6YYxkAKt8x8KYaxWygoBX4XDTQ5wCeCzaZtnauNNY20d0EFVZSVpdxlEQBj0D1Sk2e8ABghc9RsERqfD5aoyv-MS0/s400/20180516_195206.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The whopper I caught on Loch Maree on evening</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Guy Stevenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02335667376972080020noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4812988614780538372.post-84889252707414988082018-05-15T12:56:00.000+01:002018-05-26T13:02:16.518+01:00Strength and conditioning in the mountains<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEsXm9GHL1z6H4Y3Dk_t091q2N3TdnDUIQo0ilE6wI7C0M8Q2fGldwNL5kbf-0wbtfmxGNbLVTwMaaRmu3LqSJUtgTHSOdj4gSPtWcMisc59cYyCKce4HSSTHOgVwf08mMChj7-_ex9xo/s1600/20180511_113839.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEsXm9GHL1z6H4Y3Dk_t091q2N3TdnDUIQo0ilE6wI7C0M8Q2fGldwNL5kbf-0wbtfmxGNbLVTwMaaRmu3LqSJUtgTHSOdj4gSPtWcMisc59cYyCKce4HSSTHOgVwf08mMChj7-_ex9xo/s400/20180511_113839.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Alan wrapped up warm on a very cold day</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Unfortunately no scientific research has gone on here, just the classic 'the best way to train for the mountains is to go to the mountains'. That's the approach I take and also the approach Alan takes and at 72...it seems to be working ok. <br />
So we have had a good couple of days. The aim is to get a bit of practice and fitness in for an upcoming Cuillin Ridge traverse attempt. Possibly a 'one dayer' but with recent illness Alan has lost a wee bit of stamina. Still a few weeks to go so we shall see.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR4uprFPs6L_pie7k4uSGO4ZcLgjPSziFVnaHyC8jbz5EDFZVsZwtY-EjP6ftOkAFYGYdUiHeERtYE1IFm_ALDYnOip1qixtzFoJKhcMJZE7B0yb43A8ol37t0Jna3P-TgX4CAoVgy4E4/s1600/20180511_114333.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR4uprFPs6L_pie7k4uSGO4ZcLgjPSziFVnaHyC8jbz5EDFZVsZwtY-EjP6ftOkAFYGYdUiHeERtYE1IFm_ALDYnOip1qixtzFoJKhcMJZE7B0yb43A8ol37t0Jna3P-TgX4CAoVgy4E4/s400/20180511_114333.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Best way to tackle this in the winds we were experiencing</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN2uGsjI3CKPV4FaKOi2yqjBz63ePdiRf1RnEyOudGF6zVZIajXZ-dw-H084u78iPTMADFmnk-RftMVFoZU-CDGHHS8AvXf9w9QCfuVAYWD4PgP7wrfXR9bINFP1SP8VSqyvPZMoqawtA/s1600/20180514_190810.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN2uGsjI3CKPV4FaKOi2yqjBz63ePdiRf1RnEyOudGF6zVZIajXZ-dw-H084u78iPTMADFmnk-RftMVFoZU-CDGHHS8AvXf9w9QCfuVAYWD4PgP7wrfXR9bINFP1SP8VSqyvPZMoqawtA/s400/20180514_190810.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Balancy climbing on Crowberry Ridge</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl_-D3ahozYEL4DqiltIDBKrjToMArDK_CZbp3ZKgyhwsr-jaY08j7jb7CnMCTNwxTqulXeDeY3U2ZM9Q6Iw1EtSFyjGGvKSk0aOGI98ubAD21L9XW0cHbllkY2T7Ux5cT2ZtimBKMOsY/s1600/20180514104717_IMG_3683.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl_-D3ahozYEL4DqiltIDBKrjToMArDK_CZbp3ZKgyhwsr-jaY08j7jb7CnMCTNwxTqulXeDeY3U2ZM9Q6Iw1EtSFyjGGvKSk0aOGI98ubAD21L9XW0cHbllkY2T7Ux5cT2ZtimBKMOsY/s400/20180514104717_IMG_3683.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A welcome ledge in prep for some airy climbing</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
So we headed up North Buttress on Stob Ban (Grade III) for a bit of shelter from the very cold wind. With fresh snow on the tops it was a bit of a 'hoods up and go'. Wind was howling over the tops and as it was Alan first day out for a while, and not wanting to over do it, we headed down the North ridge.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0_ULsM8eWNyAJ1y8ab1cEfttSl-GEn0BklmgN5dRAwGjsTOmTNr-LRByC_p1VrlRAa2jrx_LXee9ElkHP4TuKOLQ_pgPmPyog2WXxdoQDUdgJ5PKYA9uLifb3ZOdzfCTzmJfWg_NDMTQ/s1600/20180514111958_IMG_3687.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0_ULsM8eWNyAJ1y8ab1cEfttSl-GEn0BklmgN5dRAwGjsTOmTNr-LRByC_p1VrlRAa2jrx_LXee9ElkHP4TuKOLQ_pgPmPyog2WXxdoQDUdgJ5PKYA9uLifb3ZOdzfCTzmJfWg_NDMTQ/s400/20180514111958_IMG_3687.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Focused</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
After the weekend we teamed up again and the sun was shining and the breeze was light. We basked in the sun on Crowberry Ridge, surmounted the Tower and during our lunch break we opted for a descent of Curved Ridge to get used to scrambling down again. Alan certainly is capable of a moving well over the Cuillin Ridge so looking forward to making an attempt with him.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiohcdIyNoQPxful_cINu78_qqG7QvjeN3XQfnudTsTBhOhyphenhyphenkfAYCXgeLIOeW5QYr_21ZDnMmsIR_vhy433Fok1gKqU2Vu0uUv7HYQrNX5w-G7wQMhqh-nsoFbLNA5raZkzhVba9gdPM7c/s1600/20180514115803_IMG_3700.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiohcdIyNoQPxful_cINu78_qqG7QvjeN3XQfnudTsTBhOhyphenhyphenkfAYCXgeLIOeW5QYr_21ZDnMmsIR_vhy433Fok1gKqU2Vu0uUv7HYQrNX5w-G7wQMhqh-nsoFbLNA5raZkzhVba9gdPM7c/s400/20180514115803_IMG_3700.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Great exposure on a brilliant route</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Guy Stevenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02335667376972080020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4812988614780538372.post-19162381056956144942018-05-05T18:21:00.003+01:002018-05-05T18:21:43.099+01:00South West ClimbingSo I was meant to be working this week in Scotland with Sean but we had a drastic change of plan.<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG2jksebyiLtouyDmyCymt2MCApgNHVguh41Ds7O5UfniDMwn7qEDyLf4p2o_5HApRxA2ANte7c06jzQW-KNx-SZmkF8DpV30mLuj8AccsXaXWuOklJBSq66BTn4ZA1MKidpYWAD8SuTU/s1600/20180425_132459.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG2jksebyiLtouyDmyCymt2MCApgNHVguh41Ds7O5UfniDMwn7qEDyLf4p2o_5HApRxA2ANte7c06jzQW-KNx-SZmkF8DpV30mLuj8AccsXaXWuOklJBSq66BTn4ZA1MKidpYWAD8SuTU/s400/20180425_132459.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not Scotland...but felt cold</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
Unfortunately Lou has bust her ACL and has gone home to rest and repair in Devon. So a long story short, Sean was happy to relocate to Devon for some climbing and everyone was happy. Turns out his elderly mother only live 20 minutes away from Lou's mother so we all had somewhere to stay! Love it when a plan comes together!</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgncvzOJDG-fxf-TA60tLxQLrezAfZ_pRfqYQk6CSV-z0kjPlJmRwbwaFY0Rm2ICKE9A7T4CIb6B6uc89LEhvJ7DKVixO9OipDHuqgLnUjXCeun3e6X5MEWM29b9-bBmWv2jnkYR2TTlkQ/s1600/20180425_153331%25280%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgncvzOJDG-fxf-TA60tLxQLrezAfZ_pRfqYQk6CSV-z0kjPlJmRwbwaFY0Rm2ICKE9A7T4CIb6B6uc89LEhvJ7DKVixO9OipDHuqgLnUjXCeun3e6X5MEWM29b9-bBmWv2jnkYR2TTlkQ/s400/20180425_153331%25280%2529.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Amazing granite to climb on</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
So Sean and I headed out into a pretty unsavory forecast to Torbay. For our first day and managed 2.5 routes before heading off to the local climbing wall to hide from the rain.</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf8tTDi7i9JRFA1lMWUtqN6lN1MrSU_LymEoB2WApt4fWbD_pknMM3gr9JJkq-KLj1FqwRDXPwJSjvquv1XrmFLLkitqj9wXT_KPZJjCV7I0gdZ5dWwvqi4ku_pCNzOefNkjm7nZztyho/s1600/20180425_162506.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf8tTDi7i9JRFA1lMWUtqN6lN1MrSU_LymEoB2WApt4fWbD_pknMM3gr9JJkq-KLj1FqwRDXPwJSjvquv1XrmFLLkitqj9wXT_KPZJjCV7I0gdZ5dWwvqi4ku_pCNzOefNkjm7nZztyho/s400/20180425_162506.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A big boot/rucksack to exit the crag</td></tr>
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<div>
The next few days looked much nicer by Lands End so we opted for 3 days climbing down there. We booked a B&B and Lou came along to get some fresh air whilst resting her leg for 3 days.</div>
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We had a brilliant day climbing some classic at Bosigran in a very strong wind. The sun was out and the rock was superb.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXXRpJhSGZqoavRdFU4-secAuP_mabdYKCuBpfYHb9ZLziR3rIAF5HeecGRR314YlRGsmO7MCXUZWaKbuYYl7aZKKXhG1oWVIsF5YCPdOXlc0Xwj1wUsZPbcCVtYvMFAHHf-26MrS7nIU/s1600/20180426_115951.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXXRpJhSGZqoavRdFU4-secAuP_mabdYKCuBpfYHb9ZLziR3rIAF5HeecGRR314YlRGsmO7MCXUZWaKbuYYl7aZKKXhG1oWVIsF5YCPdOXlc0Xwj1wUsZPbcCVtYvMFAHHf-26MrS7nIU/s400/20180426_115951.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What a place this is</td></tr>
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<div>
Our third day we climbed at Chair Ladder which was pretty exciting getting onto our first route with the fast approaching tide. Again it was sunny and super windy. This kind of weather that you notice when you get home....zzzzzzz</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzQ3g34m0YQD4HOeIhyphenhyphenXZcU8cKPicCiK5Ofh3uF9SmJtkkBqVWg78d6Y5FPbJcOOLBUBUB3zSI8N9dU5cCsx3zFAnGn_q5faCHbZp9p0OiwoCnFRSSVLGyxQhejd4aObzxCWdUDW6kPLo/s1600/20180426_132357.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzQ3g34m0YQD4HOeIhyphenhyphenXZcU8cKPicCiK5Ofh3uF9SmJtkkBqVWg78d6Y5FPbJcOOLBUBUB3zSI8N9dU5cCsx3zFAnGn_q5faCHbZp9p0OiwoCnFRSSVLGyxQhejd4aObzxCWdUDW6kPLo/s400/20180426_132357.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Happy to be a pitch above the sea</td></tr>
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<div>
Day four was a write off... I couldn't persuade Sean to go climbing in the rain so we drove back to our homes ready for a day on the Moors for our final day.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtngcwKUHs7cB6Bb7gs6fscAVQvhZZLQ435HwDgKkN0Q0k4jzuXh9nXo6kNs1NIRMQ4A2w0gjyZfhQRX-NgjuIE-JzGDsAfeXqircghJXKyLDIvR-jkhnQDGRh0a7IctlKkdY6befvBV8/s1600/IMG_20180427_081606_303.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtngcwKUHs7cB6Bb7gs6fscAVQvhZZLQ435HwDgKkN0Q0k4jzuXh9nXo6kNs1NIRMQ4A2w0gjyZfhQRX-NgjuIE-JzGDsAfeXqircghJXKyLDIvR-jkhnQDGRh0a7IctlKkdY6befvBV8/s400/IMG_20180427_081606_303.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sean found the wrap-around jug</td></tr>
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<div>
Dewerstone. I'd quite fancied going here. There were some brilliant routes, right up Sean's street and they were totally dry. We did 4 routes there and they were all ace. </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifXmB3WzBSiipnWFsAtIPF9rGCPBsvT9wSXQZKBVD5nSCyavKW0oEAHbbIHze_k5KkMM8bmeaBzhD7k6thUGIiGGyvdXtGF0vmHmvg5p7xA7c-3-_uKjciq6OqvNvdKXrkaCM6C9GzmlU/s1600/20180428_102934.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifXmB3WzBSiipnWFsAtIPF9rGCPBsvT9wSXQZKBVD5nSCyavKW0oEAHbbIHze_k5KkMM8bmeaBzhD7k6thUGIiGGyvdXtGF0vmHmvg5p7xA7c-3-_uKjciq6OqvNvdKXrkaCM6C9GzmlU/s400/20180428_102934.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Happy to tick a classic of the crag</td></tr>
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<div>
Again, I was pretty inspired by the climbing down there and super keen to go back down to Devon for some more climbing in the future. I think I will arrange some trips soon so let me know if you are keen.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaukVe6t9QOxWESh_BxsA1hOamXnT4lnLOhfvSsDMl0C_ju0o7XYgXe7bCpn4xPTa5dtv-sW2PT-n3H_SQIO7Xav4U6EqZdeAasV32XPqdwsEa9oVcxHc5SLsKdbkhYUCxIN_5HWqZoxk/s1600/20180428_121158%25280%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaukVe6t9QOxWESh_BxsA1hOamXnT4lnLOhfvSsDMl0C_ju0o7XYgXe7bCpn4xPTa5dtv-sW2PT-n3H_SQIO7Xav4U6EqZdeAasV32XPqdwsEa9oVcxHc5SLsKdbkhYUCxIN_5HWqZoxk/s400/20180428_121158%25280%2529.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mega VD scenes</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEituAKOOYhPy7FeBv33eMzGaxkHlkgHP5JBDUdTQEFTVqGW7NH0SA9wpMD7Guj2fl-p08JXJjIOlyBRr1zVWQBntZL-JVRXOhukYk-M7Ud6anTCAG0PfKIoPOXJLUxthcO3Swp1Jp8r2YQ/s1600/20180428_132220.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEituAKOOYhPy7FeBv33eMzGaxkHlkgHP5JBDUdTQEFTVqGW7NH0SA9wpMD7Guj2fl-p08JXJjIOlyBRr1zVWQBntZL-JVRXOhukYk-M7Ud6anTCAG0PfKIoPOXJLUxthcO3Swp1Jp8r2YQ/s400/20180428_132220.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This had a spicy top pitch...good ol' Patey route. </td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitEZY8RJBCjlsFpVMb7NGPfUUC2WRC9hTcJCIiISiwqCYRBuPr7wa_KER3rtHbAQBzJSP9vGlUlpInxwdgd1pzxzQ3t8yX2ZR44cg7uWUmyPrRHPuWz7MpJS94iBhUY-Q2qnzsum3Y3N4/s1600/20180428_151313.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitEZY8RJBCjlsFpVMb7NGPfUUC2WRC9hTcJCIiISiwqCYRBuPr7wa_KER3rtHbAQBzJSP9vGlUlpInxwdgd1pzxzQ3t8yX2ZR44cg7uWUmyPrRHPuWz7MpJS94iBhUY-Q2qnzsum3Y3N4/s400/20180428_151313.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mega VS...very good route</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNZX0F2YPJWRuZjHWVc9KNio7DDVZY7AJFfk6QW-gqXqEtBbyadNtvP3tYeS5LozpSCPUde9qjavgPRVwk5aneshzdhfU1SgxBnb-8LleOZuYGDqDtIj17-okYrb6S8CYAyq8buUJbrjw/s1600/IMG_20180505_140933_358.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNZX0F2YPJWRuZjHWVc9KNio7DDVZY7AJFfk6QW-gqXqEtBbyadNtvP3tYeS5LozpSCPUde9qjavgPRVwk5aneshzdhfU1SgxBnb-8LleOZuYGDqDtIj17-okYrb6S8CYAyq8buUJbrjw/s400/IMG_20180505_140933_358.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Back home in Scotland now. Found a bird in the chimney so needed to get up there to cover it up with wire...all good fun!</td></tr>
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Guy Stevenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02335667376972080020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4812988614780538372.post-55833423121325862802018-04-22T17:45:00.000+01:002018-05-05T17:56:43.853+01:00Winter is over, spring has begun, the end is nigh!After 4 months away, I am finally back home. The house is still intact and only a few jobs to do while I acclimitiese to living at sea level again. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisQ2PS75hBPz4cCbNZQBfcvwWOHS0Vlwy51tBQnukQymltKiJsjL7L70DYqtFyjsxTEF-c8d8fl9yI-l5w-ooVchI1rnL-5l5LA8mrqYg6FWk7_8MTMwEs4E7XZZlIyOLRGlDKSO_yB-M/s1600/20180408_115555.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisQ2PS75hBPz4cCbNZQBfcvwWOHS0Vlwy51tBQnukQymltKiJsjL7L70DYqtFyjsxTEF-c8d8fl9yI-l5w-ooVchI1rnL-5l5LA8mrqYg6FWk7_8MTMwEs4E7XZZlIyOLRGlDKSO_yB-M/s400/20180408_115555.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Finding fresh snow on a hut to hut trip</td></tr>
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I finished on a high in the Alps, I passed my exams for the ski test, so when I say the 'end is nigh', I mean for me completing the Guide's scheme, not the end of the world! In 4 months time, I will carry out my final test, which will be in the Alps and then I am done! Wish me luck!<br />
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In the meantime I will be back home for a wee while. Looks like a busy spring coming up with several requests to do one day Cuillin Ridge traverses so I'm hoping the weather plays ball and we have a successful season.<br />
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The last part of my Alpine ski season was mostly spent hut to hut touring with various different guides. We generally had nice weather but some plans weren't carried out due to the constant changes we were experiencing. It wasn't until my final week (The Test!) where the weather was settled and we could enjoy the summits and cols. It was a total relief to 'finally' get the word 'pass' and I could come home knowing I had learnt enough to pass what I thought would be the hardest test for me.<br />
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I came away pretty inspired about ski guiding. It is something relatively new to me and I'm looking forward to spending more time guiding folk either freeriding or ski touring. <br />
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So...lets see how the climbing has been affected by taking 4 months off...!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDmn7HcI7HF6r0nFF1imUIHvCL7jo77za3x1oqbr_8wo_5L_KsHeJKYPS9K-uqCsjwxqnAMz_Ig5ARqb1c2Eb1lLa_I5aV5-cl_-A-q37fjLWoFZiqj_ctVWfdN4nYQU9W2NXuYLPcET4/s1600/20180416_201642.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDmn7HcI7HF6r0nFF1imUIHvCL7jo77za3x1oqbr_8wo_5L_KsHeJKYPS9K-uqCsjwxqnAMz_Ig5ARqb1c2Eb1lLa_I5aV5-cl_-A-q37fjLWoFZiqj_ctVWfdN4nYQU9W2NXuYLPcET4/s400/20180416_201642.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Goodbye Mont Blanc. See you in the summer</td></tr>
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Guy Stevenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02335667376972080020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4812988614780538372.post-78594538302470276192018-04-05T14:42:00.001+01:002018-04-05T14:42:25.810+01:00Alpine part 2 (and 3 - 6)...when will the season end?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This winter, what a season! April has started and here in the Alps, it doesn't look like it's slowing down...or warming up as we would expect or hope for. Even back at home it is looking to be a superb season and with no signs of slowing down either.</div>
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Since my last post there has been quite a lot going on. In February I jetted off to Aurland in Norway working for Moran Mountain. I had some of my regular clients along and working alongside some great friends made for a brilliant trip. Ice climbing is always good fun.</div>
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Skiing in the Alps has been close to non stop. Im just back from two hut to hut tours where we found some great snow but some rotten weather sometimes. Before that, I was observing guides with their clients, helping out and trying to learn as much as possible from them.</div>
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Rock climbing season doesn't seem that far away so I have managed to squeeze in a couple of cragging sessions in after skiing...to hopefully remind myself of how to do it!</div>
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The winter season is very close to the end for me. My final winter challenge is to pass my ski test. This is a 6 day assessment based in the Alps. Hopefully, the next time I post, I will be back in the UK with a big smile on my face. Results on the 20th April.</div>
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After that I will be back in the UK working my socks off before I go into the final stage of becoming a fully certified IFMGA Mountain Guide.</div>
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Here are a few pictures...but in no particular order!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcKWuDtKPF70eQCn2ypA9x546DioW5HWaQv5CAd_luOLopmqjIXUK59sQDq8CTU7wDYHty1f6dMewVXOC_AIzIjCQo1Gd7Bb38C77HAq8LJGFPl9PyrP_Rvqa06BHIYXH4NteXm-8rGzA/s1600/IMG_3390.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcKWuDtKPF70eQCn2ypA9x546DioW5HWaQv5CAd_luOLopmqjIXUK59sQDq8CTU7wDYHty1f6dMewVXOC_AIzIjCQo1Gd7Bb38C77HAq8LJGFPl9PyrP_Rvqa06BHIYXH4NteXm-8rGzA/s400/IMG_3390.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tom topping out on a brilliant WI4</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz0KyEc5M3D2MIwTW0k1QdLm0uUAhRqFHGzLOYaOhf6wjalZmcDsjLtKv2ZznFhHlldd0o-3zU1y7gmzwQMdnFpZ7QwHhaNjANxiH4qKf9nSxNLC9uwptavQ4ldC5-C_Oq_kzOzNI9nMY/s1600/IMG_3318.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz0KyEc5M3D2MIwTW0k1QdLm0uUAhRqFHGzLOYaOhf6wjalZmcDsjLtKv2ZznFhHlldd0o-3zU1y7gmzwQMdnFpZ7QwHhaNjANxiH4qKf9nSxNLC9uwptavQ4ldC5-C_Oq_kzOzNI9nMY/s400/IMG_3318.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Day off with Donald. Always an adventure. Unfortunately we DNF this route.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY-XFpQyBti7Hk4ulcixse4UIiFP8vCBiDm9v9Il-gg_HeKky3LMQcOFHnKqB_KSKZUmZtvYAf9Ya-8s7M_kI9x3iQor6pHnXFin9A0Xl2evtGJ0Cq9sE-y1B9ZA2YcTAXmzzINTuXuy4/s1600/IMG_3411.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY-XFpQyBti7Hk4ulcixse4UIiFP8vCBiDm9v9Il-gg_HeKky3LMQcOFHnKqB_KSKZUmZtvYAf9Ya-8s7M_kI9x3iQor6pHnXFin9A0Xl2evtGJ0Cq9sE-y1B9ZA2YcTAXmzzINTuXuy4/s400/IMG_3411.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Katya making her way up to join me on the first ascent of this route</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaFFF0M1AOlQaiMy82KjeUqOnWUPQBb-YoO7GZN6BCwsmtP8KmzH1WAKtaAtlLFgIt1SGWT8lx3h_VjYkWigsKNabC2UZKAcgbmWbGUcYrg369w9aPjoDLPPzZP-EYeENKWxnTX9W2wW0/s1600/IMG_3462.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaFFF0M1AOlQaiMy82KjeUqOnWUPQBb-YoO7GZN6BCwsmtP8KmzH1WAKtaAtlLFgIt1SGWT8lx3h_VjYkWigsKNabC2UZKAcgbmWbGUcYrg369w9aPjoDLPPzZP-EYeENKWxnTX9W2wW0/s400/IMG_3462.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Natcho bring some colour to yet another first ascent</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqjfCB-GP58ovW7W4zZOFfpEmu9K2_mp1CnBJXfpB42w6rNGfGnjoUGJrEHkjcLCCcQqsLt2zrjJioRJiK1tiDdjG7R2ZlzYN67b6MZClS-97mmnaAFOSo_c8bN03Xj0q2YNCuZAwcTA0/s1600/IMG_3487.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqjfCB-GP58ovW7W4zZOFfpEmu9K2_mp1CnBJXfpB42w6rNGfGnjoUGJrEHkjcLCCcQqsLt2zrjJioRJiK1tiDdjG7R2ZlzYN67b6MZClS-97mmnaAFOSo_c8bN03Xj0q2YNCuZAwcTA0/s400/IMG_3487.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A super WI5 with the strong Irish youth Neil</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvmwR_SoDBsJNZ3q9Y9JF2RKp2ajscDCzr36IntCXe_Yf9dMzc65WnxpBXC_BKngscTcqJnjTFlVy6Xg1SXqPAyNV_mYh8c899aMTJa1cUsPUaD6104HczT_CMBi3sIz00Ps2vAhl_gg8/s1600/IMG_3490.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvmwR_SoDBsJNZ3q9Y9JF2RKp2ajscDCzr36IntCXe_Yf9dMzc65WnxpBXC_BKngscTcqJnjTFlVy6Xg1SXqPAyNV_mYh8c899aMTJa1cUsPUaD6104HczT_CMBi3sIz00Ps2vAhl_gg8/s320/IMG_3490.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The WI5, mega route</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXka-EiR8oTxIZQAuiexto8UMf1ciC0C2swxq53dOzH3lOGcRUXGf39iMYPipuv-nBUmgiiODlDxYFMDTCcCIsfqkLqbmNoiil2ZFROqiCGVlN1lYxmuNWH9I83sl2m1bJUToRTKqGXks/s1600/IMG_3503.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXka-EiR8oTxIZQAuiexto8UMf1ciC0C2swxq53dOzH3lOGcRUXGf39iMYPipuv-nBUmgiiODlDxYFMDTCcCIsfqkLqbmNoiil2ZFROqiCGVlN1lYxmuNWH9I83sl2m1bJUToRTKqGXks/s400/IMG_3503.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A spot of leading for Neil (the youth)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI031gKIKE-WCgKCgeBRfiJGfO-VNdV-gFxEOPmiDBImipKW1YgF01_Ma3AcPpUFUarIvG2ldWsvnneMMTdhK0bmpEHDG1lzJ0NaeeFET8LZOQcJPV_Beaxulo53UmhzMh7Pstc3qvEQ8/s1600/IMG_3504.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI031gKIKE-WCgKCgeBRfiJGfO-VNdV-gFxEOPmiDBImipKW1YgF01_Ma3AcPpUFUarIvG2ldWsvnneMMTdhK0bmpEHDG1lzJ0NaeeFET8LZOQcJPV_Beaxulo53UmhzMh7Pstc3qvEQ8/s400/IMG_3504.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Natcho and Neil organising themselves whilst leading Dambusters WI3</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPtnI-0OZ19SgAIcvbJpwi00pL4CRXTMX_jKs3QPqaFrncSR_4vUYUZmEaVNJteV1VZPYDpDd6HPuYzGSG9CA3HlPgFAH-EfIQYpHVvramsz_HYiuZ082epyWVGfbJWxVXReSHtrq2Dhs/s1600/IMG_3518.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPtnI-0OZ19SgAIcvbJpwi00pL4CRXTMX_jKs3QPqaFrncSR_4vUYUZmEaVNJteV1VZPYDpDd6HPuYzGSG9CA3HlPgFAH-EfIQYpHVvramsz_HYiuZ082epyWVGfbJWxVXReSHtrq2Dhs/s400/IMG_3518.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Natcho on the sharp end</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJoQnQK7BPW7GjvbPCh5DLn__UeMzL3r0gQr8gJdsm6g9JLIXz4Oe4l9KLUNNrP1KUcopjjiSJTfYRKtcXMEqi8HHhLfFWfHY3_-dnD0Ong-8_BLofIU69GAqqZ1fJpEEIr0CYm6DOQ_g/s1600/IMG_3535.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJoQnQK7BPW7GjvbPCh5DLn__UeMzL3r0gQr8gJdsm6g9JLIXz4Oe4l9KLUNNrP1KUcopjjiSJTfYRKtcXMEqi8HHhLfFWfHY3_-dnD0Ong-8_BLofIU69GAqqZ1fJpEEIr0CYm6DOQ_g/s400/IMG_3535.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dream team from Alpine Guides. Just before we set of on the Silvretta tour</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI1PO8YHKTkoqnw7Vhw6E-lE3xRHQn4LJJLVHqOeQbr8IWr6m6sqvxZ_N3ya9LFcmFYsqeHkkTes5jkVQ6YmQqf9IjBkeJai0rRcVgQAzdm0b-7LDi7q3VmpyolVmmNTPExBbFohCcXtA/s1600/IMG_3539.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI1PO8YHKTkoqnw7Vhw6E-lE3xRHQn4LJJLVHqOeQbr8IWr6m6sqvxZ_N3ya9LFcmFYsqeHkkTes5jkVQ6YmQqf9IjBkeJai0rRcVgQAzdm0b-7LDi7q3VmpyolVmmNTPExBbFohCcXtA/s400/IMG_3539.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The hut is this way....honest</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-XfLNsTLossxGjJ626iydg6jVYL3Cd_a3DI5Xpz3zXr3iAmRlDBbIliXdVcFiCtdtxnQiTCSG_gtMYNCQi7822a6b1MPVGUixPoKUpfWwiTYK48CJCwg6Gn4Y27Z8guVI72VFqYVefnc/s1600/IMG_3549.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-XfLNsTLossxGjJ626iydg6jVYL3Cd_a3DI5Xpz3zXr3iAmRlDBbIliXdVcFiCtdtxnQiTCSG_gtMYNCQi7822a6b1MPVGUixPoKUpfWwiTYK48CJCwg6Gn4Y27Z8guVI72VFqYVefnc/s400/IMG_3549.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More like it...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw_2uwPXCWzlEDe66fSW-azvzTlKmm3zGCyb3kfn6jgPHAXWBpd3OSfp-mC67XuJGvSm7UAst6drfULe8heu2wjMMy0w_aSvJUKgpFES2BZY8YZLfh3UkV_FAaeuraoPRHoPGDznkLiFs/s1600/IMG_3565.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw_2uwPXCWzlEDe66fSW-azvzTlKmm3zGCyb3kfn6jgPHAXWBpd3OSfp-mC67XuJGvSm7UAst6drfULe8heu2wjMMy0w_aSvJUKgpFES2BZY8YZLfh3UkV_FAaeuraoPRHoPGDznkLiFs/s400/IMG_3565.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Good snow, good skiers, good times</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigqyUyDXEFouJwmkqErncKMU4p6LXgNx8atTMTSVjIYaObqrxagW7PDJD0IXorgom6ZWGVNm98SG1JJiw018QqMzo4X3zTGTLi1JCdFr1rPWzqFxEaMCrwRPUeKOgA-IoH6xYYNMVDug8/s1600/IMG_3602.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigqyUyDXEFouJwmkqErncKMU4p6LXgNx8atTMTSVjIYaObqrxagW7PDJD0IXorgom6ZWGVNm98SG1JJiw018QqMzo4X3zTGTLi1JCdFr1rPWzqFxEaMCrwRPUeKOgA-IoH6xYYNMVDug8/s400/IMG_3602.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lori contemplating where to go next</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyNE7dinvKsaX1NLjwPQnsDK2cnI3bi-0T52x41qfuGEsd0zZThOMATmJybpfOyvm9db0oumAq9gkJMk4edvtlLcVZxWIPu8LOvQKvoNpL_wgTUCbj2tFHXy-6fH5nNIqBZeX18EIavrU/s1600/IMG_3610.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyNE7dinvKsaX1NLjwPQnsDK2cnI3bi-0T52x41qfuGEsd0zZThOMATmJybpfOyvm9db0oumAq9gkJMk4edvtlLcVZxWIPu8LOvQKvoNpL_wgTUCbj2tFHXy-6fH5nNIqBZeX18EIavrU/s400/IMG_3610.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Deserted ski resort in Val Stura in Italy</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6XE5e02mOLs4z9WzF0VklIxGBKDnO3NnE9P_oSeRrp7DqLQdPeG1IF3j-Bhihlcvo30lOPHggqVSTThPXOTxLQD4PntsIig_xHlNi8HVtFg7e4N6wwpdZti-d810qWRIFe-2ZftdujeY/s1600/IMG_3611.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6XE5e02mOLs4z9WzF0VklIxGBKDnO3NnE9P_oSeRrp7DqLQdPeG1IF3j-Bhihlcvo30lOPHggqVSTThPXOTxLQD4PntsIig_xHlNi8HVtFg7e4N6wwpdZti-d810qWRIFe-2ZftdujeY/s400/IMG_3611.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Neil pausing to take it all in</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZDZpnh5cioVf9VuWdjQ9llenP1IxPsolY0Bgfvp6PL4RzNJIggtd9WsHk_bztX7vrneynGexLjvdcj9RgdUysJov1DW4ZM65hjB1Mpy7iQq5ZsQohfxEPS7dMV5-XHY1HVduCKkKSMN4/s1600/IMG_3616.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZDZpnh5cioVf9VuWdjQ9llenP1IxPsolY0Bgfvp6PL4RzNJIggtd9WsHk_bztX7vrneynGexLjvdcj9RgdUysJov1DW4ZM65hjB1Mpy7iQq5ZsQohfxEPS7dMV5-XHY1HVduCKkKSMN4/s400/IMG_3616.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The team join me ready for the freshies on descent</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3YgFRP_E-eyA01hxru_nxKiO50Yk0lRtpGDnqE05v9k9jjHOxOz_FdqTfGLroS87lkOkvl0dbimG5x02rV4HvkocpZGyPiTyK0dI4XWP1XniyTLgA681iobYXaidsLAxhun45wVJqjSo/s1600/IMG_3624.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3YgFRP_E-eyA01hxru_nxKiO50Yk0lRtpGDnqE05v9k9jjHOxOz_FdqTfGLroS87lkOkvl0dbimG5x02rV4HvkocpZGyPiTyK0dI4XWP1XniyTLgA681iobYXaidsLAxhun45wVJqjSo/s400/IMG_3624.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another day, another blank canvass</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi7DXKRQ1gTFN4OMP8Ibh1h2c8omOJNPskVcy8H364MWFexT6XOz_QUchFocXq9eVaTHIiH1TzhGXk3UV7FUSxd9-6HOwCYV5rrRu_5bAsECHyiUxH1zlCNavqxvoeIkQV043HKhjRBlE/s1600/IMG_3637.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi7DXKRQ1gTFN4OMP8Ibh1h2c8omOJNPskVcy8H364MWFexT6XOz_QUchFocXq9eVaTHIiH1TzhGXk3UV7FUSxd9-6HOwCYV5rrRu_5bAsECHyiUxH1zlCNavqxvoeIkQV043HKhjRBlE/s400/IMG_3637.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Great snow</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb3J6yn9tK9r4r-U__wUwjxn5b9Z3uULKOctCxH6Lyiy0yn5Y3xV-eHD2VLdcadIDhgsV3iiDfnqhcH1vVNuQV7NSJ7KO0lUWEwamZmbjn-VBcpaoxvRDvzsBhQRrkttqr_kvEFrDsBE8/s1600/IMG_3645.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb3J6yn9tK9r4r-U__wUwjxn5b9Z3uULKOctCxH6Lyiy0yn5Y3xV-eHD2VLdcadIDhgsV3iiDfnqhcH1vVNuQV7NSJ7KO0lUWEwamZmbjn-VBcpaoxvRDvzsBhQRrkttqr_kvEFrDsBE8/s400/IMG_3645.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Freshies, an overused but relevant word this season.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirpO-PRxNBlqrchdsVqfK_rht14qTmRaGAt120oK2mvBEVd6XoAhl5j6TGU5HqhROqg7h_YOMSAehUecD-Tyll1KIdLbEVyZQHSXi7yOhVRZ0SAzc_rjLYlDN520aa7NqoR4LjmPbmAqI/s1600/IMG_3671.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirpO-PRxNBlqrchdsVqfK_rht14qTmRaGAt120oK2mvBEVd6XoAhl5j6TGU5HqhROqg7h_YOMSAehUecD-Tyll1KIdLbEVyZQHSXi7yOhVRZ0SAzc_rjLYlDN520aa7NqoR4LjmPbmAqI/s400/IMG_3671.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We found a hidden bunker...took some digging to get in</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD2lMnXaJeL9vnB7ctT8hXzndfxo39i6dUmUYBD_4sLsWbVdkEu_u_QAEljhHGz9mbqFEk9pZkYARYic7dr9JzLIzCeZgRFvkoCBMTOUpZwH1-bUsnJXW0LRGKnvp0AGsnI5XifqAnQSs/s1600/IMG_20180328_181143_269.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD2lMnXaJeL9vnB7ctT8hXzndfxo39i6dUmUYBD_4sLsWbVdkEu_u_QAEljhHGz9mbqFEk9pZkYARYic7dr9JzLIzCeZgRFvkoCBMTOUpZwH1-bUsnJXW0LRGKnvp0AGsnI5XifqAnQSs/s400/IMG_20180328_181143_269.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Filling the gaps</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdiJVAf5qEU5nyUqf88jigyDOgX-sAwqHeZCndRFiHOcfSCH4YjI9rkz6-YOnRIIYa8UdL5MUiPebvpWnQMN-UUZv83l1sbz2cUqukeKwLOQ-so5eo82FZybRo_1hyU9wjMAmdCSLLw3A/s1600/20180327134923_IMG_3643.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdiJVAf5qEU5nyUqf88jigyDOgX-sAwqHeZCndRFiHOcfSCH4YjI9rkz6-YOnRIIYa8UdL5MUiPebvpWnQMN-UUZv83l1sbz2cUqukeKwLOQ-so5eo82FZybRo_1hyU9wjMAmdCSLLw3A/s400/20180327134923_IMG_3643.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">They were arguing about who gets to go next...there was plenty for everyone</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAwUrZNZ8tMSCO1NU0ebGnBi6RZtWR805nLjMiCVAHBnyD3K1Uq30G6j464RuXP-EmJwUE6CCUS5DuAz0UkiL6fP6pL60EYk8JYrk5xM_CZZI-KWQJQvn6y5zI1R9gWM2NXTVnrsaNRko/s1600/IMG-20180323-WA0022.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1266" data-original-width="1600" height="316" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAwUrZNZ8tMSCO1NU0ebGnBi6RZtWR805nLjMiCVAHBnyD3K1Uq30G6j464RuXP-EmJwUE6CCUS5DuAz0UkiL6fP6pL60EYk8JYrk5xM_CZZI-KWQJQvn6y5zI1R9gWM2NXTVnrsaNRko/s400/IMG-20180323-WA0022.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">a snowpack evaluation session</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsdXv2y24BgrTSt-lOEp9W-v0tM_wY9Wb_yx81n2Nuuo8iPPcBWYHlGFmSSsYQvgFSWBGxH3ncF6cmP96penW49xwOkBAD5QV99ZPAJHyYw1XS0fXNkYwhYCA1QEpTvy1szB3dW50VDcw/s1600/20180321_134115.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsdXv2y24BgrTSt-lOEp9W-v0tM_wY9Wb_yx81n2Nuuo8iPPcBWYHlGFmSSsYQvgFSWBGxH3ncF6cmP96penW49xwOkBAD5QV99ZPAJHyYw1XS0fXNkYwhYCA1QEpTvy1szB3dW50VDcw/s400/20180321_134115.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">When the bed bugs hit!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh30QrdvCyBqEisR_feyY4cOSFcg-MoPKgzZAA9Zc6b-ZkTjo72Q0h7ydq9H_Lk5yOGL5Z-I1HkuDuYNwpSvQO7Qu64rqVw7JWW4KciD9qNwqK-z6k6T77pkv2OppLpU7P8tQKEjeN3OnA/s1600/IMG-20180318-WA0001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="822" data-original-width="1600" height="205" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh30QrdvCyBqEisR_feyY4cOSFcg-MoPKgzZAA9Zc6b-ZkTjo72Q0h7ydq9H_Lk5yOGL5Z-I1HkuDuYNwpSvQO7Qu64rqVw7JWW4KciD9qNwqK-z6k6T77pkv2OppLpU7P8tQKEjeN3OnA/s400/IMG-20180318-WA0001.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Powder in Italy</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXr75UdvocIEzHehmM0oHYkocHWZ364rugEDvmKlwKbIkqCLI6OKf8U3JtWaAuw2pXwcJMUY0vM4T59GShsLxF-blQDIybHwpfbAOyoZHkv4Uf2zk48U9rq-0R6dWht9en8F8EhwZjymk/s1600/IMG_20180316_175308_920.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXr75UdvocIEzHehmM0oHYkocHWZ364rugEDvmKlwKbIkqCLI6OKf8U3JtWaAuw2pXwcJMUY0vM4T59GShsLxF-blQDIybHwpfbAOyoZHkv4Uf2zk48U9rq-0R6dWht9en8F8EhwZjymk/s400/IMG_20180316_175308_920.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More powder in the 'magic woods'</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQFmC1aYzsh8OWIF0RbBYrrssVFnsXI8SXlv6_jPIqOX-qROKb5Jp5A9jsuN_yLhB_jNfv0TmWC_H1BZ9KKFefvaOVH8Ay4oLKYPbTzW9ZZ0z9Nr-iWgO1IsIVCxRyCXGZPIZyGOZwAk8/s1600/IMG_20180316_175308_927.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQFmC1aYzsh8OWIF0RbBYrrssVFnsXI8SXlv6_jPIqOX-qROKb5Jp5A9jsuN_yLhB_jNfv0TmWC_H1BZ9KKFefvaOVH8Ay4oLKYPbTzW9ZZ0z9Nr-iWgO1IsIVCxRyCXGZPIZyGOZwAk8/s400/IMG_20180316_175308_927.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vallee Blanche team</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHK_qJ6J4XUK_XChazRIo1L321NYg2NBRq9GXvfbAk-A5HupiOBngTQD2s1H4moaVHuBw5PZQVWxhh9LKnj7aZUpxsKR3PW7ni7tS7fYfBpu4IOFkQLtfmIL5au7ugAz63HKeQEKLgkTU/s1600/20180316_112841.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHK_qJ6J4XUK_XChazRIo1L321NYg2NBRq9GXvfbAk-A5HupiOBngTQD2s1H4moaVHuBw5PZQVWxhh9LKnj7aZUpxsKR3PW7ni7tS7fYfBpu4IOFkQLtfmIL5au7ugAz63HKeQEKLgkTU/s400/20180316_112841.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Skiing down to Italy with my mentor Andy Nelson</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj61NgiNsygVHe1BvMGNaKuCekBb70rxGoxGdFM6WPcJdrYfR2XkpRgd5bWPlXa6thkx9twLh_bBBYe-sbo4NoWp5Tt1G9q0nxBw9ioeo8NEggOp5gbEb5V_VqnNBcBgphlOIN0mJhWRyI/s400/20180315_133137.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The client get to lead</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj61NgiNsygVHe1BvMGNaKuCekBb70rxGoxGdFM6WPcJdrYfR2XkpRgd5bWPlXa6thkx9twLh_bBBYe-sbo4NoWp5Tt1G9q0nxBw9ioeo8NEggOp5gbEb5V_VqnNBcBgphlOIN0mJhWRyI/s1600/20180315_133137.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj61NgiNsygVHe1BvMGNaKuCekBb70rxGoxGdFM6WPcJdrYfR2XkpRgd5bWPlXa6thkx9twLh_bBBYe-sbo4NoWp5Tt1G9q0nxBw9ioeo8NEggOp5gbEb5V_VqnNBcBgphlOIN0mJhWRyI/s1600/20180315_133137.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
<br />Guy Stevenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02335667376972080020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4812988614780538372.post-9387060933561988222018-01-23T12:14:00.001+00:002018-01-23T12:14:46.313+00:00Alpine season part one<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This is by far the longest I have been away from Scottish winter and despite there being very good conditions back home we are equally having great conditions here. Yes, we have had Category 5 (very high) twice this season and the 'worst' conditions (in regards to avalanches) since 1991, and we have had fluctuating temperatures but there have still been countless days where we have had great snow and ice.</div>
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This season is (hopefully) the last winter season before I become a full IFMGA Mountain Guide. So the aim is to observe as many guides as possible as well as build a great deal of experience and knowledge before I am let loose on my own. So I have spent some brilliant days, skiing, ice climbing, observing guides and getting to know new areas. Bring on a good season.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNDLslR9y4a503tzbFdQ15UJr3hpkuIsS3LvhyphenhyphenZ9z5mzU8foNGAMxMJHJ56O4eP9PM_MPX_ygJNjzktnvlOBteD91x342YxaA0PLMHbHKB2k24WvKG6QThmFMA1Zjw6oOuZbMRBYY08lk/s1600/20171223105515_IMG_3195.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNDLslR9y4a503tzbFdQ15UJr3hpkuIsS3LvhyphenhyphenZ9z5mzU8foNGAMxMJHJ56O4eP9PM_MPX_ygJNjzktnvlOBteD91x342YxaA0PLMHbHKB2k24WvKG6QThmFMA1Zjw6oOuZbMRBYY08lk/s400/20171223105515_IMG_3195.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Skiing the ENSA couloir with Lou while she was out on holiday</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRf9XRQV6zj9gLFCA4xnPAr1UJoAAOtcyPj_kFR6CjOxdsg7XactGGz_O097nLZQpLsEA75PgKGCQSSJPPFgTQMbRHrt56bLJBasENsmAGSKwvlyX8aGAwCSrkmSXA_ibgCaKMv2-gm-w/s1600/IMG-20171223-WA0000.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRf9XRQV6zj9gLFCA4xnPAr1UJoAAOtcyPj_kFR6CjOxdsg7XactGGz_O097nLZQpLsEA75PgKGCQSSJPPFgTQMbRHrt56bLJBasENsmAGSKwvlyX8aGAwCSrkmSXA_ibgCaKMv2-gm-w/s400/IMG-20171223-WA0000.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here I'm abseiling into the top of the ENSA.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm0U3zL_XRtzRJuCyPv8uFbSRirpeBAtQ4vFxnCCJBEayEcyFzQLWmaG7pCS4Wti5_xE63tmlbGth8pgd7-Mr-WTrOqkZ3XRu-mpBpOjkYCdYzZ2if849k-2zMMKzhw85V6w_H_zMAfQI/s1600/20171225_113119_002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm0U3zL_XRtzRJuCyPv8uFbSRirpeBAtQ4vFxnCCJBEayEcyFzQLWmaG7pCS4Wti5_xE63tmlbGth8pgd7-Mr-WTrOqkZ3XRu-mpBpOjkYCdYzZ2if849k-2zMMKzhw85V6w_H_zMAfQI/s400/20171225_113119_002.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Christmas day skiing with Lou and familiy</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHJTUwPgo1hDM8-Sycal7n5PQRA2XWXtHzUrMuX0Sn7TcnDxOuAmd5xCbZv8UyHQmUw3OwH5s0IJY73BDvfGttaNkuTSotOjUClSzjw7n6t7q_qDUAkZpfW0wHGo0xuWKR8A5LwNl5KZo/s1600/20171226_153903.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHJTUwPgo1hDM8-Sycal7n5PQRA2XWXtHzUrMuX0Sn7TcnDxOuAmd5xCbZv8UyHQmUw3OwH5s0IJY73BDvfGttaNkuTSotOjUClSzjw7n6t7q_qDUAkZpfW0wHGo0xuWKR8A5LwNl5KZo/s400/20171226_153903.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We thought we would try a day of snowboarding. It has been 6 years since I last snowboarded, still great fun.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEA1e2EjCXvzOtukKXe9sA-CwBKFEEdmPTjDUUvzu5ZbCEpjsGhTA21MGEAFKJ9TIp_gla3f9aXh_nVYwQEjmyDqanpnQcg2B0J7Pe_dbo5xue3LwmjVsZfJLN_U9wAglPrkPXHSr6tDg/s1600/20171228_155838.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEA1e2EjCXvzOtukKXe9sA-CwBKFEEdmPTjDUUvzu5ZbCEpjsGhTA21MGEAFKJ9TIp_gla3f9aXh_nVYwQEjmyDqanpnQcg2B0J7Pe_dbo5xue3LwmjVsZfJLN_U9wAglPrkPXHSr6tDg/s400/20171228_155838.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First bit of observation work, navigation for skiers</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5BLhuFRwJ4cfe4oOFMDIap4pCHgVvgJH3BaGmWZTQLoaciojuFnzOZRecTWMU5NN1FmzKbPFT11CzXm5ffUztzBmkxpYtB_USWzyjoQKde_0WZuNrrjnSFeLL9wOYeUO6LhAYjdhUiGM/s1600/20180102_143020.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5BLhuFRwJ4cfe4oOFMDIap4pCHgVvgJH3BaGmWZTQLoaciojuFnzOZRecTWMU5NN1FmzKbPFT11CzXm5ffUztzBmkxpYtB_USWzyjoQKde_0WZuNrrjnSFeLL9wOYeUO6LhAYjdhUiGM/s400/20180102_143020.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some great ice in Cogne. This was our 2nd trip to the Valley in Italy.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrdQK9plmv0fw0eXkMspgj0LAgUJJyPwdi6tIE0RpFuwups-8Xz_csKG85STeMSFS2dB-wpVV0dBL5q3PV9o9klL-6w5-RYLw3KVIumIxaLEPndOn7Xpn7yIbXB-wn2CawIjJeUVlT3Lk/s1600/20180111_114216.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrdQK9plmv0fw0eXkMspgj0LAgUJJyPwdi6tIE0RpFuwups-8Xz_csKG85STeMSFS2dB-wpVV0dBL5q3PV9o9klL-6w5-RYLw3KVIumIxaLEPndOn7Xpn7yIbXB-wn2CawIjJeUVlT3Lk/s400/20180111_114216.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another day skiing with some local friends. Great to get their knowledge and enthusiasm on a blue sky day</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyHtQglfqL00nlXegx374mLwoJ9IcnxF83sY6bamyXoH7NbUucqz55Gw8o7Zy51t336iEzVFdFoqeXefMJFzlh951lKr_IndCoGyvxcJZHvjIrOKqhxfO_Ik4Guheomkw10lj8mvkH9qk/s1600/20180111_170759.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyHtQglfqL00nlXegx374mLwoJ9IcnxF83sY6bamyXoH7NbUucqz55Gw8o7Zy51t336iEzVFdFoqeXefMJFzlh951lKr_IndCoGyvxcJZHvjIrOKqhxfO_Ik4Guheomkw10lj8mvkH9qk/s400/20180111_170759.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jack, Fat boy and I shared Rachel Kerr for the afternoon for some ski instruction to brush up our technique. A well worth afternoon.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPXp3joHituo5j777aGpVx5xGFSLb_p1Afc8F_alyHp_QLNk9vnTIYjE_H6-FGLo719iaH6aSPAYbLxX8NuO6S1JnYvzvopCzA38L4pYP411bZ___O5EeF_yt9YdxwwYXM83jAlVGm0xo/s1600/20180112104125_IMG_3252.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPXp3joHituo5j777aGpVx5xGFSLb_p1Afc8F_alyHp_QLNk9vnTIYjE_H6-FGLo719iaH6aSPAYbLxX8NuO6S1JnYvzvopCzA38L4pYP411bZ___O5EeF_yt9YdxwwYXM83jAlVGm0xo/s400/20180112104125_IMG_3252.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A great day on the Vallee Blanche. We did two laps today with a good team of guides and friends. A great way of absorbing their knowledge and having a great laugh.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggWz12OGHsiqDvI76-T4jdavkyN44lG0fHN9NR78gqt8RPYy2sMug-PReQJ6_xNOoWafRiWCrKwjA0yXHbxK9Ozpz-Ifbvc5YM44AIBL70iZQjvIxrYTpgAY0QNG4d4G39B91TTWi2lzA/s1600/20180115_113410.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggWz12OGHsiqDvI76-T4jdavkyN44lG0fHN9NR78gqt8RPYy2sMug-PReQJ6_xNOoWafRiWCrKwjA0yXHbxK9Ozpz-Ifbvc5YM44AIBL70iZQjvIxrYTpgAY0QNG4d4G39B91TTWi2lzA/s400/20180115_113410.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A great week observing Graham Frost from Frost Guiding. We went on some tours...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2ImKTzrF14CGpJqrxcJfjV0rm6IbQ6lkoRKU6jgrtbonjUYKiXmsF2boVdrNJAMCUz2oG0oGBaE4R_7dkuArGM6gdVVUOyW8p_GmqLc9zk2a3qhviOJcGEHEaVTcDpUxSCvX6aWMNI_0/s1600/20180117_083613.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2ImKTzrF14CGpJqrxcJfjV0rm6IbQ6lkoRKU6jgrtbonjUYKiXmsF2boVdrNJAMCUz2oG0oGBaE4R_7dkuArGM6gdVVUOyW8p_GmqLc9zk2a3qhviOJcGEHEaVTcDpUxSCvX6aWMNI_0/s400/20180117_083613.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My home got buried...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCFqXTu1Tt9XIx_x-giMWaJ_LlEb0-W07OvAb1g6ZULAMwSnSAUSO8DVzly3EgTCcKBsF9KkCXODrwDSSy7T8N7R-_VixzKOKjC8H2y0kP4cpiGQMv9hqWRNLdMt4119JPaU3rMWptVrs/s1600/20180118_114950.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCFqXTu1Tt9XIx_x-giMWaJ_LlEb0-W07OvAb1g6ZULAMwSnSAUSO8DVzly3EgTCcKBsF9KkCXODrwDSSy7T8N7R-_VixzKOKjC8H2y0kP4cpiGQMv9hqWRNLdMt4119JPaU3rMWptVrs/s400/20180118_114950.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">...the group go instruction...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6WDvIUGkpkX1XfsO1BvhjOXIcnBn3JgbqWoc-G7Ps0oG7FgW7nSLQASfRhMPfR2_HS7Np-ULhv53-9S1cIP32TCGRje-EvY618Gv_d53MfCWefxTflCdjLhPKYKKv6d1pBAabbWFkejc/s1600/20180118_154114.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6WDvIUGkpkX1XfsO1BvhjOXIcnBn3JgbqWoc-G7Ps0oG7FgW7nSLQASfRhMPfR2_HS7Np-ULhv53-9S1cIP32TCGRje-EvY618Gv_d53MfCWefxTflCdjLhPKYKKv6d1pBAabbWFkejc/s400/20180118_154114.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">...we skied powder in the trees...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix1-2lmhqq_XZiE1ln9CzeyNw65EFMTyNe3OojfpgtfuVpwJuMYc7dkQdOkT-iqR6UDJuyh2P9JA75gBC1v8oOvEgbquvfyzmf5gj2ygUi6stmMm3pERW3vOKtTxetv7zM613XuT0PhM0/s1600/20180119_134552.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix1-2lmhqq_XZiE1ln9CzeyNw65EFMTyNe3OojfpgtfuVpwJuMYc7dkQdOkT-iqR6UDJuyh2P9JA75gBC1v8oOvEgbquvfyzmf5gj2ygUi6stmMm3pERW3vOKtTxetv7zM613XuT0PhM0/s400/20180119_134552.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">...with blue skies...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG74n_i9_HtaB3wJE9Zhb2ULxH4WrhFLId6ghvMzuE1HPlDTc8G9uWAbBCBXKAw_s4VwN8fDd9CihEylhcm-Vyd6FnWRCGiJqYBqeojcGH4fIT08YulZVfvZEmGF0J7ngFcSoDokIdL98/s1600/20180119_134619.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG74n_i9_HtaB3wJE9Zhb2ULxH4WrhFLId6ghvMzuE1HPlDTc8G9uWAbBCBXKAw_s4VwN8fDd9CihEylhcm-Vyd6FnWRCGiJqYBqeojcGH4fIT08YulZVfvZEmGF0J7ngFcSoDokIdL98/s400/20180119_134619.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDUdP2ijqCGeCTS1ZIT67FSWagaZyLGxNPafVkdHihcyu3tdAt7cBvrjFsg1rmC7LjtXMYVXnHW1nIufEIMTxt2QKeKjoVKSZ0qcUOVrtby9d93zB6ANg1EGwyKxBHz5E1CUm6Lp7aVWk/s1600/20180119_145922.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDUdP2ijqCGeCTS1ZIT67FSWagaZyLGxNPafVkdHihcyu3tdAt7cBvrjFsg1rmC7LjtXMYVXnHW1nIufEIMTxt2QKeKjoVKSZ0qcUOVrtby9d93zB6ANg1EGwyKxBHz5E1CUm6Lp7aVWk/s400/20180119_145922.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
So, a great start to the season, Im looking forward to the next part. I have just returned from an avalanche course ran by the legend Alain Duclos. This week, I will be on a course run by the BMG on 'Off-piste guiding' so looking forward to learning all about it.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Guy Stevenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02335667376972080020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4812988614780538372.post-137456040447426362017-11-30T16:38:00.000+00:002017-12-05T16:38:32.150+00:00Back on Ben Nevis<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1NxpaRpqlTZ4t-rzEYS2IGI7ITeDAJW0aMtIE9SJFgn7W0awIcuuu3x__XjGNohE01OmG5bCgbt45645KSb3z0jIJA55NB7E_kEXMlrJqODPBOlgop4v2ZFoFtpDGGx7c0A99ilyjpgE/s1600/IMG_3076.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1NxpaRpqlTZ4t-rzEYS2IGI7ITeDAJW0aMtIE9SJFgn7W0awIcuuu3x__XjGNohE01OmG5bCgbt45645KSb3z0jIJA55NB7E_kEXMlrJqODPBOlgop4v2ZFoFtpDGGx7c0A99ilyjpgE/s400/IMG_3076.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Does it get much better for mixed?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
A quick hit on Ben Nevis this morning with Andy. The main aim was to get down for 1300 for a coffee. So with these time restrictions we opted for a quick route on or near the Douglas Boulder.<br />
On arrival, we decided to pick a line which wasn't in the guide book. Turns out it was called 'Watery Foul's' (V,7) which had an intense first pitch then cruisy for the following two pitches.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA2k4NKcxITI44J1LGPRozbict35C7UDWWLc3lhxtBsxDebpkCMAG13lUXKqyVWlYJp1gXXi2p3n1eFQIoONVFWEZSCLwj4dLm-69etPR9K-1F2Nvq66yO4Pv51hKv67hBukohavm1Om0/s1600/IMG_3081.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA2k4NKcxITI44J1LGPRozbict35C7UDWWLc3lhxtBsxDebpkCMAG13lUXKqyVWlYJp1gXXi2p3n1eFQIoONVFWEZSCLwj4dLm-69etPR9K-1F2Nvq66yO4Pv51hKv67hBukohavm1Om0/s400/IMG_3081.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Andy of the first pitch</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOmfCfZCpJrryi7TbEKo69wLz3OM1up0IBcJP4RyGApkiL1EXGuAZTkvtjztZMgcG_om9PKKml6OWDVDm3J-hoOUEqJwmEG6RyTgxw2-uNpIRQyiMnsKQfnE-7_CZwqt5sli8a03hMcq0/s1600/IMG_3084.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOmfCfZCpJrryi7TbEKo69wLz3OM1up0IBcJP4RyGApkiL1EXGuAZTkvtjztZMgcG_om9PKKml6OWDVDm3J-hoOUEqJwmEG6RyTgxw2-uNpIRQyiMnsKQfnE-7_CZwqt5sli8a03hMcq0/s400/IMG_3084.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mint</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The mountain was looking stunning but reports of very slow/exhausting walking rendered the rest of the mountain unclimbed. Teams climbed Gutless/Rutless and Cutlas on the Boulder.<br />
Winter is getting off to a good start...Now a wee thaw to keep us on our toes.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMYrmc_kRN-1Sh87gii79uQQyrrwnTXGMGl4-HspmTC7VDQV9-Poj7DZrEH2nd1Lgfyj6bO0OWX-qCTIFqkZILuG1IJJRRfSTOtAW_40Sh5GgqMzmXiMPURWydfPvKKAE4rkvpL1u5nF0/s1600/IMG_3086.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMYrmc_kRN-1Sh87gii79uQQyrrwnTXGMGl4-HspmTC7VDQV9-Poj7DZrEH2nd1Lgfyj6bO0OWX-qCTIFqkZILuG1IJJRRfSTOtAW_40Sh5GgqMzmXiMPURWydfPvKKAE4rkvpL1u5nF0/s400/IMG_3086.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spot all the lines</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiapNYZXUIJ8HS6xQ6B35JDZ8MlRldRGq6nuJyuaVgJ_VjpEY_BD6B1ffkcq6q_rpESfvmKUHJ8jKMe4fXwSOPxyXusefNmvj_xSIkfyMBV17LvknAEQIRzNoHauT15Q-Ep2AonMWc3BAE/s1600/IMG_3093.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiapNYZXUIJ8HS6xQ6B35JDZ8MlRldRGq6nuJyuaVgJ_VjpEY_BD6B1ffkcq6q_rpESfvmKUHJ8jKMe4fXwSOPxyXusefNmvj_xSIkfyMBV17LvknAEQIRzNoHauT15Q-Ep2AonMWc3BAE/s400/IMG_3093.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Andy on the third pitch</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Guy Stevenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02335667376972080020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4812988614780538372.post-87515478814927779882017-11-28T21:00:00.000+00:002017-12-05T16:25:27.160+00:00Early season kick start<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbL3Zzccz_5zwNGuINr-xqy0Ib5-A3Q4Kh4PD0xJy2t_1s2lTy2GEVsfA-qOzuv2-I7abk7B-ZyBmEPMN-BPnlelAbszw1mllPP6V7uQvaKdALHfplEXMct-sjSiYA_hbSGTo93ic2kxo/s1600/IMG_3042.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbL3Zzccz_5zwNGuINr-xqy0Ib5-A3Q4Kh4PD0xJy2t_1s2lTy2GEVsfA-qOzuv2-I7abk7B-ZyBmEPMN-BPnlelAbszw1mllPP6V7uQvaKdALHfplEXMct-sjSiYA_hbSGTo93ic2kxo/s400/IMG_3042.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dorsal Grat</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Typically, early season climbing can be higt and miss but if you don't try then you wont know. Alan (71) was keen to get it off to an early start so we opted to dust off the crampons and hit the snow in Glencoe. To my delight, Alan hadn't done Dorsal Arete (II) so I felt this would be a good start to the season.</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRLhHTneaJCr22NZ4qGPQYfLfnu2ciENsa8AE4_4vjVbZtzROyeGrhLqq5XVoNW-08IC1rDYnH-8xU1VqoxqRIGECrNF84zT2-d-2DhTppYduBTRGQqjrjMkhGP-TIo7s2tyNbrP_1Wlo/s1600/IMG_3049.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRLhHTneaJCr22NZ4qGPQYfLfnu2ciENsa8AE4_4vjVbZtzROyeGrhLqq5XVoNW-08IC1rDYnH-8xU1VqoxqRIGECrNF84zT2-d-2DhTppYduBTRGQqjrjMkhGP-TIo7s2tyNbrP_1Wlo/s400/IMG_3049.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nothing forgotten...we're good to climb</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
The snow was really soft but as always the climbing was good. The turf underneath the snow was generally ok but if you pulled too hard on the axes then you may pull some soft turf out. Good thing we have 70 years of climbing experience between us! A team followed us up and they opted to not wear crampons. They made it to my delight! <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhReyK5LkW-1Za3nsHZ_9xu4dVz-Ny4qn8ky3nOnNGM0eXjmVQNE_sLZMX0V3ExPzTVzltSgzcwvP209Udpb0BmBounku0gIFHRv0orLVCSOrgsh6VQALbFBXNekelypLWZ6Pj6fmrei6k/s1600/IMG_3044.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhReyK5LkW-1Za3nsHZ_9xu4dVz-Ny4qn8ky3nOnNGM0eXjmVQNE_sLZMX0V3ExPzTVzltSgzcwvP209Udpb0BmBounku0gIFHRv0orLVCSOrgsh6VQALbFBXNekelypLWZ6Pj6fmrei6k/s400/IMG_3044.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gently on the turf</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQEQ3bv0CPKKH9esqXj7S5HVa47-MzuN6NEu3zWWXRlBQ_x1OYluhVDIlM9LE64kmUSmTMwKLK6Hmp4Gve1Lvym3tv5vqzORXvVdrq2e9LrViNPsV64xEnfLG2lixnq9FRR1B9qMy6kVg/s1600/IMG_3052.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQEQ3bv0CPKKH9esqXj7S5HVa47-MzuN6NEu3zWWXRlBQ_x1OYluhVDIlM9LE64kmUSmTMwKLK6Hmp4Gve1Lvym3tv5vqzORXvVdrq2e9LrViNPsV64xEnfLG2lixnq9FRR1B9qMy6kVg/s400/IMG_3052.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another bomber belay with good views </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFgJY5UfkP0RA1rtni7_fNU6SKSrnHxZuFwxop3yM-WVi1BCZs9du2LvthECNYIDr9-vFAo0HtmCJxoLt-QNy8nGfCmItxsQZo5DNuAbw0F5oDd86nEm4UZxWntNRKZQaxvwSM0xK1jsk/s1600/IMG_3055.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFgJY5UfkP0RA1rtni7_fNU6SKSrnHxZuFwxop3yM-WVi1BCZs9du2LvthECNYIDr9-vFAo0HtmCJxoLt-QNy8nGfCmItxsQZo5DNuAbw0F5oDd86nEm4UZxWntNRKZQaxvwSM0xK1jsk/s400/IMG_3055.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Good amount of snow to clear</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifyGqbSWAFlZtFKlvChxCxuuwZBn0E3em8C-3HNF_crIblHS5foTTB_LuEqAUGSyLYOSdLcQNQDxOZEz-R_W2eTxfsJFF5FT-8052yrvb1iQ37rv9TYuwpo072W0Kefa_JmNPAcdehgpw/s1600/IMG_3058.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifyGqbSWAFlZtFKlvChxCxuuwZBn0E3em8C-3HNF_crIblHS5foTTB_LuEqAUGSyLYOSdLcQNQDxOZEz-R_W2eTxfsJFF5FT-8052yrvb1iQ37rv9TYuwpo072W0Kefa_JmNPAcdehgpw/s400/IMG_3058.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Soaking in the views</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPH6HRBWgWkBBFjKJUmCx68gd3tk1TFBhRL9gOTky1V9fqo0F3Y4bkSvN1KwmON9EX4J_2ESIrKxenQrlsfOh6wGy5D_vMYYUZdyKDmaRLpOMZaIlijoyskP1-y0fANtE6pv-uCZFF1fw/s400/IMG_3062.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="300" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The 'no crampon' team. </td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPH6HRBWgWkBBFjKJUmCx68gd3tk1TFBhRL9gOTky1V9fqo0F3Y4bkSvN1KwmON9EX4J_2ESIrKxenQrlsfOh6wGy5D_vMYYUZdyKDmaRLpOMZaIlijoyskP1-y0fANtE6pv-uCZFF1fw/s1600/IMG_3062.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPH6HRBWgWkBBFjKJUmCx68gd3tk1TFBhRL9gOTky1V9fqo0F3Y4bkSvN1KwmON9EX4J_2ESIrKxenQrlsfOh6wGy5D_vMYYUZdyKDmaRLpOMZaIlijoyskP1-y0fANtE6pv-uCZFF1fw/s1600/IMG_3062.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
At the fin, we opted to go around the right. On the day, Alan wasnt up for the 'teetering across the top' moves which is a very good decision. Know your limits and don't rush in. Going around the right gave a nice tricky corner to climb and far more enjoyable.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTRIi7gGnPwX8ErtJahupWda_9HMgP-iiOwBonSu9RO26IVjh7CiI7lBybKil8BuYNK5Qdxr9masesTg9mpGUbfLCj9z2pZMf9oUdm3d1rPLdSTLNWwfFeIHT0QxvRDFB37Xdm14pN8pM/s1600/IMG_3065.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTRIi7gGnPwX8ErtJahupWda_9HMgP-iiOwBonSu9RO26IVjh7CiI7lBybKil8BuYNK5Qdxr9masesTg9mpGUbfLCj9z2pZMf9oUdm3d1rPLdSTLNWwfFeIHT0QxvRDFB37Xdm14pN8pM/s400/IMG_3065.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Exposed belay at the fin</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicxku_T6ulpgUQjr4Z4tNAPmozgTSyJy2FheUe6Po4a8KmOy867nqNugDyfYlBo1SMB0G_0VM2QigkE95pAKhPVHUkXB9bJdznTlPfB1n8nGMmRn-msZ3FCj3twKmjCIb2zoQHGkCloaU/s1600/IMG_3069.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicxku_T6ulpgUQjr4Z4tNAPmozgTSyJy2FheUe6Po4a8KmOy867nqNugDyfYlBo1SMB0G_0VM2QigkE95pAKhPVHUkXB9bJdznTlPfB1n8nGMmRn-msZ3FCj3twKmjCIb2zoQHGkCloaU/s400/IMG_3069.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Alan happy in the right hand variation</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwxJpEGhkOcHTa2qV5Qthjyi5QEtnnB-KidBabSFfY1Kchmq-fJlgGO0tmeb9ESNUZLLJObfaS0TcsEt1v6HwviP26sTYVSwYRbWI8qAEPIPzrMwuj4P4EuGZ3imEEXwHMLkB12vRcmdI/s1600/IMG_3071.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwxJpEGhkOcHTa2qV5Qthjyi5QEtnnB-KidBabSFfY1Kchmq-fJlgGO0tmeb9ESNUZLLJObfaS0TcsEt1v6HwviP26sTYVSwYRbWI8qAEPIPzrMwuj4P4EuGZ3imEEXwHMLkB12vRcmdI/s400/IMG_3071.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What an amazing place to live and work</td></tr>
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<br />Guy Stevenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02335667376972080020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4812988614780538372.post-38194809903984957322017-11-27T21:30:00.000+00:002017-12-05T16:02:47.780+00:00Some Like it Hot, Stob Coire an Laoigh<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTehYPtEWjcdtCY2hrOzk5HMH1IDFPJ7jci1H6_xUOpbZEGdpAa49xCee5g-mycnXq1PvvLbofRtjqpc0jhDPSIM8tvoP7mcDZz1ZmBMehhoFCWSUhHipf1Aa-HnKLkT0fyKLfJfMkVUI/s1600/IMG_3004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTehYPtEWjcdtCY2hrOzk5HMH1IDFPJ7jci1H6_xUOpbZEGdpAa49xCee5g-mycnXq1PvvLbofRtjqpc0jhDPSIM8tvoP7mcDZz1ZmBMehhoFCWSUhHipf1Aa-HnKLkT0fyKLfJfMkVUI/s400/IMG_3004.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The crag!</td></tr>
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After a good study of the forecast it looked like we were going to have to climb high. As two became three, then three became four, we had a very sociable team with plenty of motivation to share around...which is exactly what you need for the walk into the North facing cliffs of Stob Coire an Laoigh. I was super keen for the three star route 'Some like it hot'. I have climbed the other classics of the crag such as 'Taliballen' (V,6) and Centrepoint (VI,7) and knew that, if I was too come back in here, I would climb 'Some like....'. My friend Kenny and I have talked about this route pretty much every year for the last 8 years but never got round to doing it.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU7rAYF8SYxjWuox5wKFCsJp4W1C4sA9qGeFz-a4eZHwZV8AYtA-8c4N91VArfpJQLJZ2elZpwlDoA3xXKrPrZ9tuHAH3EgNTOKvQEUw_McI4bcPiaqtcWC0rfoev6L2Mi8hZmfzPuJEA/s1600/IMG_3008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU7rAYF8SYxjWuox5wKFCsJp4W1C4sA9qGeFz-a4eZHwZV8AYtA-8c4N91VArfpJQLJZ2elZpwlDoA3xXKrPrZ9tuHAH3EgNTOKvQEUw_McI4bcPiaqtcWC0rfoev6L2Mi8hZmfzPuJEA/s400/IMG_3008.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lou heading up to the base of 'Some like it hot'</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKM_Ad3Tkh_1CKQEuK_kRkdhdKrUITCjVOKfG8XKX7B6ihC1-p2Ag5NNU26mbZPBvOCKCNq0dWWawolpROoh13RbbiQAJlGvGlNQEbKwvzO3LY5i66UfYvdxxzuI3GkWuTbPUbvy-dWd4/s1600/IMG_3009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKM_Ad3Tkh_1CKQEuK_kRkdhdKrUITCjVOKfG8XKX7B6ihC1-p2Ag5NNU26mbZPBvOCKCNq0dWWawolpROoh13RbbiQAJlGvGlNQEbKwvzO3LY5i66UfYvdxxzuI3GkWuTbPUbvy-dWd4/s400/IMG_3009.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A quartzite wall! Some of the best climbing in Scotland is on quartzite!</td></tr>
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So Lou, Steve, Andy and myself left Spean Bridge at 0645 and drove up the track past Corriechoille Farm (beware of pot holes) to set off walking just after 7. The walk felt like it went on for hours but on arrival to the corrie, a mere 2 hours had passed. Just after nine, we were presented with a perfect looking crag! <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiodUDk47c664SxfC93AMtugTI_I0cp0DThmvHxEf4s1BHaHV0lSLOVq9GK-M8lVRP1yXs7lG-Fc6vkYzfCI-W5pQacZG533ylQhvg-GuZJvbBm9moLyrxe5Nu0bpHXVTGacqWuyn-NJ8c/s1600/IMG_3011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiodUDk47c664SxfC93AMtugTI_I0cp0DThmvHxEf4s1BHaHV0lSLOVq9GK-M8lVRP1yXs7lG-Fc6vkYzfCI-W5pQacZG533ylQhvg-GuZJvbBm9moLyrxe5Nu0bpHXVTGacqWuyn-NJ8c/s400/IMG_3011.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking up the corner from the top of P1. (tilt head to left ;)</td></tr>
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<br />
We split in our teams. Lou and I headed for 'Some like it hot' and Steve and Andy headed for 'Centrepoint'. We wondered what we would find. The ground was sodden on the walk in which allowed some doubt about conditions to creep in. The first swing of my ice axe confirmed that we were on! It was only going to get better and the turf was good! <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC0t1YwgRfxTJz1gCdL-sCR7-mvy9KjwQhwN7UQYk1rIfiBjGqY5huYTqYV7e1BNHluuTg42civhXMkMHU-Ciq3fpSD62TgkhwTCu-VTpzyCl_F8mKifyqA7lCtbtHXx9sYXfnTq3X50k/s1600/IMG_3012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC0t1YwgRfxTJz1gCdL-sCR7-mvy9KjwQhwN7UQYk1rIfiBjGqY5huYTqYV7e1BNHluuTg42civhXMkMHU-Ciq3fpSD62TgkhwTCu-VTpzyCl_F8mKifyqA7lCtbtHXx9sYXfnTq3X50k/s400/IMG_3012.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lou heading up P1</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB_ADH5Bkp6pjQyGB9NGrWXZC9M_HIZI6wl7FlLfccxo4hhCRCzcZ7sCmU9eIFZxG0vOCKStgovStg7dNZo1KYxiTQw3L7zd8L8GOYJ_Q53p2zyGNJgFs2AEnsI29k8hGkg2R8jdLwwlA/s1600/IMG_3014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB_ADH5Bkp6pjQyGB9NGrWXZC9M_HIZI6wl7FlLfccxo4hhCRCzcZ7sCmU9eIFZxG0vOCKStgovStg7dNZo1KYxiTQw3L7zd8L8GOYJ_Q53p2zyGNJgFs2AEnsI29k8hGkg2R8jdLwwlA/s400/IMG_3014.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lou remembering how to winter climb, didn't take her long!</td></tr>
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As this was Lou's first trip out this winter, I led both pitches which were quite contrasting but equally brilliant. P1 (VI,6). Pitch 2 (VII,7). <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrI4vLsPF7ZA0CIdD9c4MJm0eTcpof7sAnEVhDFh_-NA55ZytV51mb6kZNhyk6ysb0Mnnue6XDLFF3h_abQkBt8hDBRtHzzK0B3GMlyvLFJWiRU_PnTndAXZYf_oXOt40ZGOojQvyHyAE/s1600/IMG_3018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrI4vLsPF7ZA0CIdD9c4MJm0eTcpof7sAnEVhDFh_-NA55ZytV51mb6kZNhyk6ysb0Mnnue6XDLFF3h_abQkBt8hDBRtHzzK0B3GMlyvLFJWiRU_PnTndAXZYf_oXOt40ZGOojQvyHyAE/s400/IMG_3018.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lou approaching P1 belay</td></tr>
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With only two pitches to climb we topped out in pretty good time. We wandered over to see Steve and Andy in action, just as Steve was leading off on the 3rd and final pitch.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiK_kryaYm4ezFK8do00CKU7Nwrav2c0AcVEwFqSenZG44E08xwrMEQlYTkrTGHpUvO5H7eTldrMfKeTRRF75JpE9ePjK6eU4Y2BiUaJay_mihfCrX31UHE0a8hyG4aEyUVSsnEKfMiTU/s1600/IMG_3029.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiK_kryaYm4ezFK8do00CKU7Nwrav2c0AcVEwFqSenZG44E08xwrMEQlYTkrTGHpUvO5H7eTldrMfKeTRRF75JpE9ePjK6eU4Y2BiUaJay_mihfCrX31UHE0a8hyG4aEyUVSsnEKfMiTU/s400/IMG_3029.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Top of the 2nd pitch...2 massive ledges after 40m of amazing climbing</td></tr>
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<br />
I was over the moon with how good the conditions were and do I need to go back in? Course I do! Still several really good looking lines there (Blue Rinse, Cobra Corner) and it would be great to guide in there too...if only I could persuade a client to walk in that far...<br />
A two hour walk out which required head torches for the last 20 minutes concluded a great day and a good early season route. Right back to work tomorrow in Glencoe!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghyphenhyphen3TKeCiwZONvJtCBp_3v9JXh29EmMn5LMCfUqZsmCBXc1eqZchHmh3OkbfcJWPLW75ZVwj7BuhLdP4GUMazfxEPO-2V7zReK-Os2wX1PkFtAVfiy2f2MvlUOrnNYwIhyphenhyphensxnF6PBIFvU/s1600/IMG_3032.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghyphenhyphen3TKeCiwZONvJtCBp_3v9JXh29EmMn5LMCfUqZsmCBXc1eqZchHmh3OkbfcJWPLW75ZVwj7BuhLdP4GUMazfxEPO-2V7zReK-Os2wX1PkFtAVfiy2f2MvlUOrnNYwIhyphenhyphensxnF6PBIFvU/s400/IMG_3032.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Steve and Andy are there somewhere on the steep 'Centrepoint'.</td></tr>
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Guy Stevenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02335667376972080020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4812988614780538372.post-71483496514718482132017-11-25T19:46:00.000+00:002017-11-25T19:46:24.173+00:00Winter begins<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii1DUHK8rQZNPlRKGWB0Y5i1XxcdZXW6DmSYcc6LbLWbnIT6sDZ0jJYRWxM-Vjw3hH-agQaSNFokLS7IwDibK8PKooVtTa4akJCCqvkTSBguvKZpDdnFqgR8SSgJBDKb5PPIpqW3L14Qk/s1600/20171124_082001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii1DUHK8rQZNPlRKGWB0Y5i1XxcdZXW6DmSYcc6LbLWbnIT6sDZ0jJYRWxM-Vjw3hH-agQaSNFokLS7IwDibK8PKooVtTa4akJCCqvkTSBguvKZpDdnFqgR8SSgJBDKb5PPIpqW3L14Qk/s400/20171124_082001.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The early starts are worth it</td></tr>
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For me, the Scottish winter season will come to an end very quickly. I am due to be in the Alps from mid December until April. So my intention is to cram a seasons worth of climbing into one month! Is it possible? Doubtful! However, if last year is anything to go by, I only have to do 6 more routes then I will beat that tally!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhetvTu-3dJ7AlU3uwYuaLGUF3rZUXt7h-hGnMNciPdtbcwaB4eXKQDHnPyVJ8wyek8emk4BZxIbQP5ywvU9E3Kcb0KcYdaJef6nFuP1_rY3wjRMMA5AhoQDwylpr-9WQK9Ro8apBl2tVA/s1600/20171124_082229.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhetvTu-3dJ7AlU3uwYuaLGUF3rZUXt7h-hGnMNciPdtbcwaB4eXKQDHnPyVJ8wyek8emk4BZxIbQP5ywvU9E3Kcb0KcYdaJef6nFuP1_rY3wjRMMA5AhoQDwylpr-9WQK9Ro8apBl2tVA/s400/20171124_082229.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nice morning for a long walk</td></tr>
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So, two routes have got me underway. <a href="http://guysteven.blogspot.co.uk/2016/11/first-days-out-of-winter-201617.html" target="_blank">Last year on the 25th November</a>, Chadders and I climbed on Carn Etchican. This year, on the same date we did exactly the same. We only realised when we were home as it popped up on Mark's Facebook feed. The photo's are not identical but very similar. Check them out in the link above. We had a few route's in mind, one objective was black so we needed to stick to something that was holding the snow, a groove or gully line. So we ended up on Pagans Slit (V,6) which gave some brilliant, balancy, turfy climbing. Everything was frozen and we weren't wading through too much snow. It's was bitterly cold though...I just wonder if I haven't adjusted to it yet after my sport climbing trip or if I am just being a bit soft!?</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiq1S39Ow-D-EyejZ9kdcmdylGtoCdv1J93nntQuAIKSQksmB_RSU6bv5Fmm3Dt5NJrD1woxXh93tcg5PVS7w7uOPvnEI5Z5DhOhslqBb5R2RsOQtpQUqUyjIB1PsfEatTgWkAqR-28xs/s1600/IMG_20171124_192024_660.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiq1S39Ow-D-EyejZ9kdcmdylGtoCdv1J93nntQuAIKSQksmB_RSU6bv5Fmm3Dt5NJrD1woxXh93tcg5PVS7w7uOPvnEI5Z5DhOhslqBb5R2RsOQtpQUqUyjIB1PsfEatTgWkAqR-28xs/s400/IMG_20171124_192024_660.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chadders enjoying the snowy chimney on the 1st of 2 main pitches</td></tr>
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It was a tough day in terms of braking trail, wandering through boulder fields with some snow, falling down holes and getting battered by the wind. Im glad the following day was due to be a short one.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZWmVrc3PP2Xjb_g8m9Gz7tLOIXmcjjkq5AHyclt2rri4XHAjG9z5tV4mmvVO0KY7-4NAOv9_CESrRrvgq7GB-iFqGxTAFI_63IQikJQ4-RerTqtaW03qlfji97MksEwg6qDsUl-4-uz8/s1600/20171125_080046.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZWmVrc3PP2Xjb_g8m9Gz7tLOIXmcjjkq5AHyclt2rri4XHAjG9z5tV4mmvVO0KY7-4NAOv9_CESrRrvgq7GB-iFqGxTAFI_63IQikJQ4-RerTqtaW03qlfji97MksEwg6qDsUl-4-uz8/s400/20171125_080046.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Best part of the day, Murdoch with his foot stuck. Had to remove his boot to get free. I did help after I took some photos</td></tr>
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<div>
So day two with Murdoch was just spot on. Originally we had talked about some desperate test pieces in the 'Lochain' but fortunately the weather was minging so it had to be a quickie. No long belay shifts and back for 12.30. It's great going winter climbing and having an afternoon to do 'normal' things. We went in and climbed 'Pot of Gold' (V,6) as we thought it would go quickly. After the initial faff we grovelled our way up as the wind picked up and we both started moaning about how cold it was. It was fun climbing, I had done it before but it was much better conditions this time. We topped out and swiftly got back to the van for a whole afternoon....of....</div>
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....</div>
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....</div>
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Chores!</div>
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(Should have stayed out longer)</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5SLFpm0iIAYwcixoewf_1d-NHrsLdMXnF6iBD9pKTZinrrFmyM_t_5Wvkst-y1oxBVmOMI67fT_SMoHzqG-FyoBzNADPJWacIrLOR3s7e5QGR9yyN1cKehUOVoY-PqXkPH7dW3q7J9s4/s1600/20171125_095433.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5SLFpm0iIAYwcixoewf_1d-NHrsLdMXnF6iBD9pKTZinrrFmyM_t_5Wvkst-y1oxBVmOMI67fT_SMoHzqG-FyoBzNADPJWacIrLOR3s7e5QGR9yyN1cKehUOVoY-PqXkPH7dW3q7J9s4/s400/20171125_095433.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Murdoch on the short traverse on pitch 2</td></tr>
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Guy Stevenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02335667376972080020noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4812988614780538372.post-88239172403936477202017-11-22T19:22:00.000+00:002017-11-25T19:23:19.572+00:00A return to winter<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOdiXig97dc1VUeLFN2ONprQJYJfDOqprs6rIUsRdZf0VmctvPSSbRjjxqFXkiuPeAW77_8S-LZRT8a5G4KlkC-nY6B3hJEuJU9Sj4MoX6x4-LiyprtUg3_S9C9w8FEoUMJL53zaebFOI/s1600/20171120_102207.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOdiXig97dc1VUeLFN2ONprQJYJfDOqprs6rIUsRdZf0VmctvPSSbRjjxqFXkiuPeAW77_8S-LZRT8a5G4KlkC-nY6B3hJEuJU9Sj4MoX6x4-LiyprtUg3_S9C9w8FEoUMJL53zaebFOI/s400/20171120_102207.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Grey Corries</td></tr>
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<br />
Before I could go climbing for myself, I was out working with Grahame who has some gift vouchers to redeem. Great present idea from his brother! We had planned for 3 days but unfortunately the weather didn't play ball so we just had two. Great fun as always.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSA3Byj5pvwgPFpLr0h22Oe7b1REnjqdrgYbpK1-zhG_iJkpVjUnu7J5QS7P7gQ2s0A7t_udb3tcUWpZSAoz41mDPbKIhuGFMDF8jKmFBUmxm4nDD-ALJBth7bo-naGq9AiXHKe9zL_G4/s1600/20171120_101457.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSA3Byj5pvwgPFpLr0h22Oe7b1REnjqdrgYbpK1-zhG_iJkpVjUnu7J5QS7P7gQ2s0A7t_udb3tcUWpZSAoz41mDPbKIhuGFMDF8jKmFBUmxm4nDD-ALJBth7bo-naGq9AiXHKe9zL_G4/s400/20171120_101457.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cruach Inness</td></tr>
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Day one we did a couple of corbett's Grahame hadn't done, Cruach Innse and Sgurr Innse, after an aborted effort to get to the Forcan Ridge, due to road closure. The Grey Corries are great hills on the doorstep and it was great to get a view of them from a new angle. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtFFih-O3dH5PrKbB1wq5CqwENUP4bGLew5bJxCLzVkk-X9Oc0GWqnVuai4bVdG0XvgiAot0u8oJKssQNEPwP-tXwNKvFB2uu3-5Xn8zY9YYwMs5hOe09hdhsx47xXEGag5x6uGdVnw14/s1600/20171120_102229.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtFFih-O3dH5PrKbB1wq5CqwENUP4bGLew5bJxCLzVkk-X9Oc0GWqnVuai4bVdG0XvgiAot0u8oJKssQNEPwP-tXwNKvFB2uu3-5Xn8zY9YYwMs5hOe09hdhsx47xXEGag5x6uGdVnw14/s400/20171120_102229.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It was even freezing at 857m</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS9fS0lCwoy87DM327Y_ctRQgrH3MvOq_XzTguhSzCIOOLGucnXrmapPGTx44BWsdieqHqn8U5X6HrEuLfZ6Ud5Md362ZVjS5bhNjrBmOrcsMsoGzEzFa5qGJ0kKEaUHjsQH2Bo2nchD0/s1600/20171122_115318.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS9fS0lCwoy87DM327Y_ctRQgrH3MvOq_XzTguhSzCIOOLGucnXrmapPGTx44BWsdieqHqn8U5X6HrEuLfZ6Ud5Md362ZVjS5bhNjrBmOrcsMsoGzEzFa5qGJ0kKEaUHjsQH2Bo2nchD0/s400/20171122_115318.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Happy as Larry in crampons</td></tr>
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Our final day it looked like winter was arriving by midday. So armed with full mountaineering equipment, we headed into the Cairngorms for a link up of scrambling and winter mountaineering. Grahame hasn't done much in the way of winter mountaineering so it was a nice gentle introduction up the Fiacaill Ridge<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwgxu3sGCqq6WjakRWdxty3xhrgvYgp-rZc4w8f9gbJ3vCs3hfd_Napz69P2ZQmIDSP8KWIDYiO1EHtF1PQ1eyqheLXK95k1TGh67anN2OPuVzz1TC7RvUFDFSsKHGLZoZBx56k-mMazM/s1600/20171122_130302.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwgxu3sGCqq6WjakRWdxty3xhrgvYgp-rZc4w8f9gbJ3vCs3hfd_Napz69P2ZQmIDSP8KWIDYiO1EHtF1PQ1eyqheLXK95k1TGh67anN2OPuVzz1TC7RvUFDFSsKHGLZoZBx56k-mMazM/s400/20171122_130302.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not long until this buttress is covered in climbers</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcnFwSqxu5P2frMiUGeA29_4h5sTLOfl0WiLnkr0xwMfZ9iF8gQ6V9kuvPqVukGEVMbg46dTfTUMPhJFuOJZCNEbrnD2t5HAg9aX-wBLTNeIQBqNK5BOKXols53hqDP5VPNWc8thh24jQ/s400/20171122_130313.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="300" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I think he might have a taste for winter!</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcnFwSqxu5P2frMiUGeA29_4h5sTLOfl0WiLnkr0xwMfZ9iF8gQ6V9kuvPqVukGEVMbg46dTfTUMPhJFuOJZCNEbrnD2t5HAg9aX-wBLTNeIQBqNK5BOKXols53hqDP5VPNWc8thh24jQ/s1600/20171122_130313.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcnFwSqxu5P2frMiUGeA29_4h5sTLOfl0WiLnkr0xwMfZ9iF8gQ6V9kuvPqVukGEVMbg46dTfTUMPhJFuOJZCNEbrnD2t5HAg9aX-wBLTNeIQBqNK5BOKXols53hqDP5VPNWc8thh24jQ/s1600/20171122_130313.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
Unsure of ideas for Christmas presents for friends and family? Get in touch so they can open a day of adventure in the mountains!Guy Stevenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02335667376972080020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4812988614780538372.post-78833130788864935272017-11-18T18:35:00.000+00:002017-11-25T18:36:05.208+00:00Winter is near...go sport climbing<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwk0bMmH8z1Cr9vtFKhMi0QE2BQ1ldAMB2tRZvavIcjuff_ZEq1pYdJ-S77UnG8o8OQazsHgNTDC7RNchh07z9lDqo_PU3Gb-2aZCFo3-u9hfdz31eHQ9sTdp4ah9e_g1SVyb1dfDNKJM/s1600/IMG_2955.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwk0bMmH8z1Cr9vtFKhMi0QE2BQ1ldAMB2tRZvavIcjuff_ZEq1pYdJ-S77UnG8o8OQazsHgNTDC7RNchh07z9lDqo_PU3Gb-2aZCFo3-u9hfdz31eHQ9sTdp4ah9e_g1SVyb1dfDNKJM/s400/IMG_2955.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A crag with a view to Telendos</td></tr>
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<br />Over the last 11 seasons of winter climbing I realise that it is far more enjoyable after a good trip sport climbing or even rock climbing to round off the summer season. As I spend most of the season trad climbing, I find it quite enjoyable to go sport climbing, fall off lots of routes and hopefully get up something harder than previous years (it happened this year!).<div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit2wsqyq3XKHdX8L-1FpNxv41wMK0AFx3Bj9ae5GwPnXvpppCV4bY0ZvJpKE-9C4Hn39YX3pcqSP6KIuxeGd720Fnwk-CSJB3PMPB4ijJJ4eknV6TdsNFFsrdl0buNQdpiDx_l8VsvbSk/s1600/IMG_20171120_174813_247.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit2wsqyq3XKHdX8L-1FpNxv41wMK0AFx3Bj9ae5GwPnXvpppCV4bY0ZvJpKE-9C4Hn39YX3pcqSP6KIuxeGd720Fnwk-CSJB3PMPB4ijJJ4eknV6TdsNFFsrdl0buNQdpiDx_l8VsvbSk/s400/IMG_20171120_174813_247.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Most days ended like this</td></tr>
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Lou and I blasted off for a wee while to soak up the sun then hide in the shade when it was too hot. We decided early on to go for 2 days on and one day off giving us time to try hard and time to relax and enjoy the islands we were visiting.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZGmffrA7ZBYqzFfuJz7N8BEfMisCdLPXgplaOlPnrWME15bmrCZ3nM-UuEBkfY-Ts5zPAz4sM9yMhLaKYHcm9ebq-hOico9XegRGrlZ7Z3QXyS4SDRxN8Z7YJxqv97EbfNdSepQkmgbs/s1600/IMG_20171120_174813_218.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZGmffrA7ZBYqzFfuJz7N8BEfMisCdLPXgplaOlPnrWME15bmrCZ3nM-UuEBkfY-Ts5zPAz4sM9yMhLaKYHcm9ebq-hOico9XegRGrlZ7Z3QXyS4SDRxN8Z7YJxqv97EbfNdSepQkmgbs/s400/IMG_20171120_174813_218.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Busy traffic on the water</td></tr>
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Im sure most of you will recognise where we were climbing, if not, i'll give you a clue. Somewhere in Europe and it wasnt the UK. So I'll not bore you with lots of words but here are some pictures.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRtaBrkyD4XUG2N3w4WbWohYXstpsJJilW0I0rcGOaBkNWKrfVZekDIJDjzXW5sw_5H6xNL1K7ZknYk1uMQW4uBwXQnKBRsLYXqVur_Dz8GDXtL5oqzIrGQj3oT5_smyjM4mY6HcaNRAM/s1600/20171113_161438%25280%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRtaBrkyD4XUG2N3w4WbWohYXstpsJJilW0I0rcGOaBkNWKrfVZekDIJDjzXW5sw_5H6xNL1K7ZknYk1uMQW4uBwXQnKBRsLYXqVur_Dz8GDXtL5oqzIrGQj3oT5_smyjM4mY6HcaNRAM/s400/20171113_161438%25280%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The storm ame on our rest day. So we went plastic bottle collecting</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyCX-WGFs1mLrgYxJePh-XMf-jTNtvsP9yrlDIvcOe17vEcdZF0SG9NSaojkhkGjf5eQAUlLOggPmDin5FrXtMdbOait1IhK88MrltSpDTUDMgcY-oM5BDk1Adzl0BLhEDNrikCXlbew4/s1600/20171111_141943.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyCX-WGFs1mLrgYxJePh-XMf-jTNtvsP9yrlDIvcOe17vEcdZF0SG9NSaojkhkGjf5eQAUlLOggPmDin5FrXtMdbOait1IhK88MrltSpDTUDMgcY-oM5BDk1Adzl0BLhEDNrikCXlbew4/s400/20171111_141943.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bagged the local hill</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicZsPKpq_HzqlyZcrO_sw_EdfNo9j07mFn1BRt51TxoH5hdGrbiMXLp5Ik59x2_s7PZHaNuMX0hsM2ugn_BkIlIgrt1inSGuZFo-GuFY5u0VuvghF-sNnVKeDxwL0iTTACE1B6zgFsBVE/s1600/20171103_165844.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicZsPKpq_HzqlyZcrO_sw_EdfNo9j07mFn1BRt51TxoH5hdGrbiMXLp5Ik59x2_s7PZHaNuMX0hsM2ugn_BkIlIgrt1inSGuZFo-GuFY5u0VuvghF-sNnVKeDxwL0iTTACE1B6zgFsBVE/s400/20171103_165844.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Busy day at Telendos</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDjpSpXX3B9l8i8JulHvvUDyMj_9uZVEhvKbObZS_61VcRQ0BqMqnHPiURbFVPiNGPIM0gm6jd8Atxy6tqo7SgIGMrQ_-WuQlXYX1id5kflPgLvzGw96URIwtGH3-MAIdy29lBbNPUuB0/s1600/20171030_123909.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDjpSpXX3B9l8i8JulHvvUDyMj_9uZVEhvKbObZS_61VcRQ0BqMqnHPiURbFVPiNGPIM0gm6jd8Atxy6tqo7SgIGMrQ_-WuQlXYX1id5kflPgLvzGw96URIwtGH3-MAIdy29lBbNPUuB0/s400/20171030_123909.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lou diving in to protect our lunch</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL14aalQkIt_xTlwAdkubXHaSfleVOlyaSQrQGEQUDdv7aguNgQg-7AVInbcz4mJ5mLayKm6-8G8nfHhbgiNiGe9-fEkwvNxNfcssVkSOb3JOeeK_itox6K0H8Lh4K31aVjZt1bRBd7kE/s1600/20171028_163742.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL14aalQkIt_xTlwAdkubXHaSfleVOlyaSQrQGEQUDdv7aguNgQg-7AVInbcz4mJ5mLayKm6-8G8nfHhbgiNiGe9-fEkwvNxNfcssVkSOb3JOeeK_itox6K0H8Lh4K31aVjZt1bRBd7kE/s400/20171028_163742.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lou's first go...scariest part of the trip for me! She bossed it!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKFDTJULfmh7qE6QItRiRxMj9Bbm-ZLtF7IsR0aRa-3KORr3dSumZJdKZVupkZjVxVYhBNVLoMCwgXcSj8xLZwNBfpikJ3pDJvTm5RRPNrFvgu1dfgZKCP8rtlTI8LQDq4OQMYmOoGk7E/s1600/IMG_2957.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKFDTJULfmh7qE6QItRiRxMj9Bbm-ZLtF7IsR0aRa-3KORr3dSumZJdKZVupkZjVxVYhBNVLoMCwgXcSj8xLZwNBfpikJ3pDJvTm5RRPNrFvgu1dfgZKCP8rtlTI8LQDq4OQMYmOoGk7E/s400/IMG_2957.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lou cruising another 3 star route. Just her style...techy wall climbing</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5uKWLWzG1rqQmxMdbXIGlJXUjhkBh9BjvvSP8iP8AAf1bNoDJVScmI9wTHVVPfDPsHflE8lZHbbdldlnVbDE789aKJSa7kdzHwbyeLDaBf3oKq7tUXGhGETjc6wjjnNKIGeBTHuw5hyU/s1600/IMG_2895.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5uKWLWzG1rqQmxMdbXIGlJXUjhkBh9BjvvSP8iP8AAf1bNoDJVScmI9wTHVVPfDPsHflE8lZHbbdldlnVbDE789aKJSa7kdzHwbyeLDaBf3oKq7tUXGhGETjc6wjjnNKIGeBTHuw5hyU/s400/IMG_2895.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">1st crag, first day, a 40m route and we then had to deal with a head injury from a fallen climbing. Glad I did my first aid a week ago!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbvjuWeqVK2oBY5VcaOO35zkYQPBDZRY5daqLCenJgg1gSZAx2Ep6LLe9IC49whFbOh8XRi9EjBBAzvdubFpQ2uiTK_IIB59FRRZvnq6NIu-yQYv0ZDXIwx8DCO1DuCqRC7ruZqDEcIn4/s1600/IMG_2896.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbvjuWeqVK2oBY5VcaOO35zkYQPBDZRY5daqLCenJgg1gSZAx2Ep6LLe9IC49whFbOh8XRi9EjBBAzvdubFpQ2uiTK_IIB59FRRZvnq6NIu-yQYv0ZDXIwx8DCO1DuCqRC7ruZqDEcIn4/s400/IMG_2896.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Climbing is full of bum shots</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggn8gly35zJy3Ih9mvHZmZJYCaql5zz-Vhq7ndKgB3MBgsxrbTo2ZPXdI-7IenPoFHSeW8SIXnk8geqdKJGQG7BFfxcq98hjZysBLpMsldw5RboJ0nVnmfYCk90EvHpJeR-tkgoWhzSrM/s1600/IMG_2899.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggn8gly35zJy3Ih9mvHZmZJYCaql5zz-Vhq7ndKgB3MBgsxrbTo2ZPXdI-7IenPoFHSeW8SIXnk8geqdKJGQG7BFfxcq98hjZysBLpMsldw5RboJ0nVnmfYCk90EvHpJeR-tkgoWhzSrM/s400/IMG_2899.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Snatching another route before the sun causes problems</td></tr>
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Guy Stevenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02335667376972080020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4812988614780538372.post-75486206495026550172017-10-17T20:47:00.000+01:002017-10-17T20:47:44.472+01:00Back to Scotland<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifOtaphamy1bhJ7XL1pmwHKwVreXEgJdjnuyY3zpGYCPPQ9Lj0Kiozi9D3sRa1Asj6DnqFcibXQ8ICNSNLoOxS9-F8qTuBm78YwS8wAW_G1UOrJQmCNZF-uAIpr_X1VJef2FTGwL1lxpk/s1600/IMG_2855.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifOtaphamy1bhJ7XL1pmwHKwVreXEgJdjnuyY3zpGYCPPQ9Lj0Kiozi9D3sRa1Asj6DnqFcibXQ8ICNSNLoOxS9-F8qTuBm78YwS8wAW_G1UOrJQmCNZF-uAIpr_X1VJef2FTGwL1lxpk/s400/IMG_2855.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Alan preparing for the unexpected</td></tr>
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After a short stop off in the Lake District to see the family, I was itching to get back onto the hill. I had secretly missed Ben Nevis and the great climbs there. My regular client Alan has been recovering from a broken ankle and hand so has had very little time on the hill but we teamed up for both of us to blow away the cobwebs. Only a top shelf route would do. Something we hadn't done but something which wouldn't be horrendous...Ben Nevis is a great winter venue. To be off the well trodden routes can be quite 'memorable'!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8IKZXN-z4N7eTkG_blySKnc30sTQnfzI_D5m63-7xgmbPFl11FU7tjAQU1cxyi7Wvc8tYDYFyGGFmOJQdtswiRj1D7sPq1f3ndajzxJYjRH2LE5CpK_c5Pqs21uEpgiU9agQq93vQans/s1600/IMG_2859.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8IKZXN-z4N7eTkG_blySKnc30sTQnfzI_D5m63-7xgmbPFl11FU7tjAQU1cxyi7Wvc8tYDYFyGGFmOJQdtswiRj1D7sPq1f3ndajzxJYjRH2LE5CpK_c5Pqs21uEpgiU9agQq93vQans/s400/IMG_2859.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Going well for 70 years old! </td></tr>
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So I decided we should climb the 'Crossing of Tower Ridge' which is in the scrambles guide. Given grade 3...aye right. So anyway...we started up The Garradh which was 7 pitches of hard, unprotected VD climbing. A bit of a shock to both of us as we were expecting a grade 3 scramble but it was still fun. We topped out on the Garradh and decided to call it lunch and gave us some time to do a spot of litter picking below some of the routes...we had quite a haul.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjufzPtONN37OZX2TWRqw7mziG9eUox7FCHbzZy3Ndk-8uxUSR2Xm_62IjI3e7Ln5HY46Vo18gnCiqT7naWGVIPMrXkmm7u0l7uaEnRKi6vQBPlObqyEZ8wiFroP7Dk_Q6TdWVg0PKecaA/s1600/IMG_2864.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjufzPtONN37OZX2TWRqw7mziG9eUox7FCHbzZy3Ndk-8uxUSR2Xm_62IjI3e7Ln5HY46Vo18gnCiqT7naWGVIPMrXkmm7u0l7uaEnRKi6vQBPlObqyEZ8wiFroP7Dk_Q6TdWVg0PKecaA/s400/IMG_2864.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Every footstep had to be placed with great accuracy</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKMvigN7Vk0LXDZFsiz_hhm1INGrodYWlwwl1PZGczz_-5y4Fwp9EsVbqs5MID2Dnf67tNBDx2AHClLJHZICwPumGOWNjeRowb5mxhJcw88ZrX_GqQemF3y6gNj2DmnxGKlK3pbXrHMZU/s1600/IMG_2866.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKMvigN7Vk0LXDZFsiz_hhm1INGrodYWlwwl1PZGczz_-5y4Fwp9EsVbqs5MID2Dnf67tNBDx2AHClLJHZICwPumGOWNjeRowb5mxhJcw88ZrX_GqQemF3y6gNj2DmnxGKlK3pbXrHMZU/s400/IMG_2866.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our haul!</td></tr>
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I also had a day working on Liathach with a group of 5 clients. I was working for Torridon Adventure's and had one of their instructors along to shadow and help out which was great fun. He did a great job.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnXT6n31nh6IofaYf36YOm4oa3w7SQ2QDuiGwJ0SPr_GUB9ireuUYwbUxfNk_R0L80at8RgL9GIWk-FDnJE6xE87s-s0uY8rRFoHrAPiR6jaRc7Z9fThlc_35og0umZiqK8lfpq9m12jQ/s1600/IMG_2881.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnXT6n31nh6IofaYf36YOm4oa3w7SQ2QDuiGwJ0SPr_GUB9ireuUYwbUxfNk_R0L80at8RgL9GIWk-FDnJE6xE87s-s0uY8rRFoHrAPiR6jaRc7Z9fThlc_35og0umZiqK8lfpq9m12jQ/s400/IMG_2881.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The team on the 'easy' traverse</td></tr>
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Since then I have been away working on a friends boat which we are converting into a passenger boat...it's a fishing trawler so it's pretty big and had some days climbing at the local crags and walls.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfVISeLFwB0tArM9_8vkHhWkAPLswHz1nKDXh0-eJQxqQMAiVQdEKXGiGVlCkjftDHs-X6Z52uOjyP0-hO-wUPpXpEAfF9_eEJbn1BLkltLsbvIsHOb4vkICWohwI58Qd_cOdcaFIgq2E/s1600/IMG_2883.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfVISeLFwB0tArM9_8vkHhWkAPLswHz1nKDXh0-eJQxqQMAiVQdEKXGiGVlCkjftDHs-X6Z52uOjyP0-hO-wUPpXpEAfF9_eEJbn1BLkltLsbvIsHOb4vkICWohwI58Qd_cOdcaFIgq2E/s400/IMG_2883.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Great light and views</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The 'youth' leading the way</td></tr>
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Im away for the next month for some Sport climbing in Greece and Italy and will be back in mid November for, hopefully some early season mixed climbing and good winter conditions.<br />
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Guy Stevenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02335667376972080020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4812988614780538372.post-12593063125860192422017-09-21T09:01:00.000+01:002017-09-28T09:18:57.926+01:00A week in WalesAfter wrapping up in the Alps for the summer I decided to head straight to North Wales for an annual 'working holiday' there. I had a few reasons to go. See important people, do some work, climb some routes and hopefully climb a particular line I have been hoping to do for a long time. The way it worked out, I did about 80% of that...the particular line will have to wait!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crags don't get much better than this</td></tr>
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After arriving back I teamed up with my regular client Sean. We have had a trip to Wales in the past and managed to escape the weather but this time luck wasn't on our side. A forecast nobody really wanted to be out in, so as we had the option we chose to go to the Beacon Climbing wall which served its purpose.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thumbs up for greasy, tech big boot climbing!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sean happy to be high</td></tr>
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Our second day wasnt much better. Anyway, we got stuck in. On a previous trip we climbed Original Route on Idwal Slabs but this time we opted for the harder Hope. I had only done this in dry conditions so it was great to seek it out while it was soaking. It went fine, our big boots did the job, however I do remember having to do quite a few strenuous moves to advance up. A strong effort by Sean to dispatch this.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Katya, an IML, gets stuck into rock climbing</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW5iEdw8OMq4ZZIDSPLsokMB7Ai_t7GrUzHZtMYBXUD1Zf5SqdyFbJGD_YAFpMz2wpM9LiIJTW0Nv3sro1wgBSVHXMIGwLfORnxYwOZBGXpCkpJY_pRjB8uGUK7nTM0yCKqz7-MC9xz4E/s1600/20170918160523_IMG_2704.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW5iEdw8OMq4ZZIDSPLsokMB7Ai_t7GrUzHZtMYBXUD1Zf5SqdyFbJGD_YAFpMz2wpM9LiIJTW0Nv3sro1wgBSVHXMIGwLfORnxYwOZBGXpCkpJY_pRjB8uGUK7nTM0yCKqz7-MC9xz4E/s400/20170918160523_IMG_2704.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rope shortened, Katya leads to glory...in the rain</td></tr>
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After this followed a spot of personal climbing, surfing and catching up with friends. Before I knew it, I was back out working with Katya and Aide. We have done heaps in the past, mostly in winter so this time they were keen to advance their skills rock climbing. So day one they swung leads on Original Route on the slabs (in the rain) in their big boots, put alpine skills into practice to scramble off which was packed with some good laughs and piss taking as we always do...and obviously some technical input! ;)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRZMotbTADnseGZXUlivo5veZ4iXCKc3IDBaNrUZJ8lWpc_iYTmv8fO4rUjGR_QvON6UTu9jNhiOiQTkPWO4Nxqs_edmaPWvFYospfbkL2G6-tqLFhRTAHSfOu1Df9LqD7ABWgS7nCX48/s1600/20170919103453_IMG_2722.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRZMotbTADnseGZXUlivo5veZ4iXCKc3IDBaNrUZJ8lWpc_iYTmv8fO4rUjGR_QvON6UTu9jNhiOiQTkPWO4Nxqs_edmaPWvFYospfbkL2G6-tqLFhRTAHSfOu1Df9LqD7ABWgS7nCX48/s400/20170919103453_IMG_2722.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First time on the sea cliffs...Check out the power pants!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUmdsc2zka0gOzHiLN-BT23-kNclJkchIER9qpXga7LIdNmzQ9BpyPRplBhxU9j-VRY9KzUqKR5cYMPHbaqUDudyhSF_N3BKedx0TE1TvZp0l3z3cK0PBF8Dgdqfd5K25y58lB2_elTv4/s1600/20170919111016_IMG_2727.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUmdsc2zka0gOzHiLN-BT23-kNclJkchIER9qpXga7LIdNmzQ9BpyPRplBhxU9j-VRY9KzUqKR5cYMPHbaqUDudyhSF_N3BKedx0TE1TvZp0l3z3cK0PBF8Dgdqfd5K25y58lB2_elTv4/s400/20170919111016_IMG_2727.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Aid negotiating the crux of Lighthouse Arete</td></tr>
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Day two they were sold on some sea cliff climbing. So an early start saw us abseiling into Castle Helen before anyone else had turned up. I led them up Light House Arete, Rap and Pel before we shifted over to Holyhead Mountain so they could do some more leading before we called it a day. As this seemed like the last day of nice weather, my mate John drove out at warp speed to meet me after work so we could stretch the arms and do a couple of pitches in the fading light. A mint day.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpJDirl8Zl2hEkEMSrma3VMSXpSo8NAimCHo94e-XStZNxynYSZ92QhRWP32ituDzAiNxPbEkt8G55jSePRNZzTkun5uZcLMTKXs4Zlmpvrxwr3x53d6-DbyN6Tig_lxA8htxmUaTK5C0/s1600/20170919122950_IMG_2744.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpJDirl8Zl2hEkEMSrma3VMSXpSo8NAimCHo94e-XStZNxynYSZ92QhRWP32ituDzAiNxPbEkt8G55jSePRNZzTkun5uZcLMTKXs4Zlmpvrxwr3x53d6-DbyN6Tig_lxA8htxmUaTK5C0/s400/20170919122950_IMG_2744.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hanging out at the seaside</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A rare shot of Aid smiling and not swearing. A classic Aid quote 'Put my foot up there?? Im not a f#@king gymnast!'</td></tr>
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My last day, I was climbing on the Orme with the Evans. It was a multi activity day. Sport climbing, Trad climbing, bouldering, falling off and good craic. I do quite like Wales...I always feel like moving there when I'm on my working holidays there. Maybe one day. Anyway...back to Scotland...hopefully in time for an Indian Summer!<br />
Guy Stevenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02335667376972080020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4812988614780538372.post-17021230616797563722017-09-09T16:32:00.000+01:002017-09-27T17:03:51.580+01:00My first Alpine seasonThe summer has flown by and as a result I have hardly had a moment to sit down to write about what I have been upto. I can't decide if I have just been too busy or I have just avoided spending time on my computer. Mostly because the weather has been great and I have been outside most of the time. Probably a combination of the two. But, now as I am back in Scotland, I finally have a chance to sit down and catch up from where I left off. I hope I can remember what happened 3 months ago let alone remember all the clients names!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It all started with a week climbing with Jack who got me psyched for the summer</td></tr>
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After my last post climbing with Jack, I was engrossed in my Summer Alpine Training run by two <a href="http://www.bmg.org.uk/" target="_blank">BMG IFMGA</a> guides (Andy Teasdale and Neil Johnson) teaching everything they knew about becoming an alpine guide. The week's course was essentially the gateway to working in the alps because as soon as we finished, I was straight into work.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Alpine training</td></tr>
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<br />My first week of work was for <a href="https://www.alpin-ism.com/" target="_blank">ISM</a>. A long standing alpine guiding company who run's courses throughout the summer and winter. The course was an introductory course to 4000m peaks. Myself and Andy Teasdale guided and taught the group for 6 days with the finale being that they led themselves up a 4000m peak. We packed in training and skills throughout the week and it all came together as all teams executed the Weissmies is fine weather. A top week to start my alpine guiding career!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The full team on the Weissmies</td></tr>
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<br />With a few days off, I firstly teamed up with another guide and we guided our clients over the brilliant Cosmiques Arête from the Aiguille du Midi. For some reason the Scottish weather turned up for a day so we had a bit of a battle but made a smooth ascent and down in time for a nice lunch in Chamonix.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cosmiques in the calm before the storm</td></tr>
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<br />After this I had a few days of with Lou who flew out to visit. A spot of mountain biking, climbing and flying filled our days which left me well rested for the next block of work.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A spot of flying with Lou above Chamonix</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Early morning views on the South ridge of the Lagginhorn </td></tr>
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The Matterhorn week. I had been looking forward to this for quite a while! We had 1 client each for 6 days and the weather looked good at the start. Fortunately the guys were acclimatised so on our 1st day, we walked to the Hornli hut. The following day we climbed and descended 'the horn' in 10 hours, which to date, was my most enjoyable days guiding. It is so sustained, never desperate and really good fun. The ridge was pretty quiet, the views were stunning and the company was super. I remember thinking...'does it get much better?'<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On the summit of the Matterhorn</td></tr>
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After this I had a spot of time to play with which involved escaping the mountains (weather was poor) and I headed to Italy with Swaily and Rudders for some crack climbing, another summer highlight. What a place. Like a mini Yosemite. Endless amounts of granite cracks and we were only there for 3 days. I was broken by the end of it. Fortunately a quick flight back to a wedding in Scotland enabled a good rest before I flew back out with Lou for another week of crack climbing, yet another summer highlight. I could certainly get use to this way of life!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lou spotted a bat in a crack</td></tr>
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But, all good things have to come to an end. I was back to work. Fortunately, I love work and I was keen to get stuck in. This week I was working for <a href="https://www.frostguiding.co.uk/" target="_blank">Frost Guiding</a> with 5 other guides of whom I know very well. So a super social week with a group of 20 school kids. A great week introducing them to the Alps. Although we did not achieve everything we wanted too, they had a good experience. It was a super useful week for me as the weather was horrendous...so we were all putting our heads together trying to come up with suitable plans and I think we just about made it work. Did you hear about the landslides this summer in the Alps? It was that week. So much rain. Poor kids!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Team young on their first alpine summit</td></tr>
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The following two weeks were taken up with Martin Morans Alpine High peaks tour. This was a 'mega' trip. 5 countries and their highest peak. So Liechtenstein, Germany, Austria, Slovenia and Switzerland. Martin has done a great write up, far better than I could do so <a href="http://www.moran-mountain.co.uk/blog/" target="_blank">here is the link</a> to his words.<br />
It was a total success, we summited all peaks by our planned routes, all peaks I have never been on before.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWk-WohFIAcHMolRoBqByyF05VFeXKzAN9oivK6WHqh8cxJtENUJUYCZib5zFPfzGFDoY_EZmyRf76vzjZ03IQ1mZA2TDW18eWE01bAqjx6g3EPykj2VGfa14lJ2-1lpp6SbfVm8lmEyU/s1600/20170817073531_IMG_2568.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWk-WohFIAcHMolRoBqByyF05VFeXKzAN9oivK6WHqh8cxJtENUJUYCZib5zFPfzGFDoY_EZmyRf76vzjZ03IQ1mZA2TDW18eWE01bAqjx6g3EPykj2VGfa14lJ2-1lpp6SbfVm8lmEyU/s400/20170817073531_IMG_2568.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Heading up the Studlgrat</td></tr>
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So all was left was a trip up Mont Blanc. What a great way to finish the season...the highest peak of them all (well in the Alps anyway).<br />
So this time working for <a href="http://www.stuartmacdonald.org/" target="_blank">Stu MacDonald</a>, we had a team of 3 and set off on our 3 day conquest onto 'The Blanc'. Day one faultless...we arrived at the Tete Rouse hut. Day two...started well but once we got too 4200m the weather turned biblical. High winds, zero vis and bitterly cold. We concurred that this was not the place to be teetering up and down ridges so we decided to call it a day and save it for another time. A great effort by the whole team and it's great to have a good team who understands the importance of turning back while its still safe too. We salvaged our final day with some brilliant Via Ferrata in the valley.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After turning back on Mont Blanc</td></tr>
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Mont Blanc wasnt quite the end. I had one final week working for <a href="https://www.alpin-ism.com/" target="_blank">ISM</a> in Switzerland. The Saas 4000's. Working with Paolo, an Italian guide we explored the high peaks around Saas Fee with our team of 6. Due to a wide spread of fitness abilities, not everyone summited every peak we planned to do but we had a good trip nonetheless. Finishing on the Nadelhorn was a good finale for most of the team.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Heading up to the Nadelhorn</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
So after my first summer in the Alps, I am happy to report that I wont be giving up guiding. It has been a great journey so far and I have barely touched the surface in the Alps. Next summer I will be out guiding again and hopefully on lots of different objectives.<br />
<br />
Some faces from the Alps<br />
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<br />Guy Stevenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02335667376972080020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4812988614780538372.post-16731202400716975852017-06-24T18:04:00.000+01:002017-06-24T18:04:38.603+01:00A week of Alpine rockWith a week off between Part 1 and 2 of our Alpine Training, I teamed up with fellow trainee guide Jack Geldard for some rock climbing and acclimatization. <br />
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Our first day we decided on a sport climb in the mountains and headed up onto Brevant and climbed the brilliant 8 pitch La Fin de Babylone (TD+ 6c) of the South face. I remembered how to climb granite with sun on my back so I was keen for more routes in the mountains but with less bolts and more trad gear.<br />
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Day two we climbed on the Red Pillar on Aiguille de Blaitiere. We opted for Majouette Thatcher (TD+ 6b+)...in British money we thought it was E3 6a. Superb route with 5 brilliant pitches after an 1.5 hour walk in. (no pics from the first couple of days)<br />
Day 3 we climbed on the South Face of Aiguille du Midi. We climbed the Contamine Route given ED1 6c+. In british money, we thought E4 6b, it was a fight.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jack on the crux pitch of Contamine</td></tr>
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After 3 days of sore feet in climbing shoes, we ditched the torture devices and went mountaineering with Emily on the Clocher Ridge (PD+ 4a). A great mountaineering ridge which is a brilliant introduction to the Alps. I suspect I will work on that route quite a lot.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR7DTGaEZlQUN-tNvbXgtLM9yZj4aqtoKZ1Bz-allOSKyd_nOafUWy4ImhwQirsU2ASkfvCcmGWL9_bjjyEKSEnBAKInS7tSXlrom-_B9EnADVT74nVGhgNEX5v4kwkoOhNlphlJTyItY/s1600/IMG_2033.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR7DTGaEZlQUN-tNvbXgtLM9yZj4aqtoKZ1Bz-allOSKyd_nOafUWy4ImhwQirsU2ASkfvCcmGWL9_bjjyEKSEnBAKInS7tSXlrom-_B9EnADVT74nVGhgNEX5v4kwkoOhNlphlJTyItY/s400/IMG_2033.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mont Bianco, Emily and Jack...cruising.</td></tr>
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Day four Jack and I went back to the Blaitiere and climbed the classic L'eau rance d'arabie (TD+ 6b), probs around E2 5c. 8 superb pitches of pristine granite cracks and a few testing slab for good measure. A great day out.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR1BNBRvcZADR_CRUUNT56FN6ws3mqtuGQXLGM7RJfutZhQcCzrLIQQZ98m2AbXnfY9t8R2ueW9TqwPTqFoP8f7c7vOSiS1_vfzcRfd3eSTTH4j2ooUj3Szg3bMUL0bSDvMuim-62Nnys/s1600/IMG_2071.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR1BNBRvcZADR_CRUUNT56FN6ws3mqtuGQXLGM7RJfutZhQcCzrLIQQZ98m2AbXnfY9t8R2ueW9TqwPTqFoP8f7c7vOSiS1_vfzcRfd3eSTTH4j2ooUj3Szg3bMUL0bSDvMuim-62Nnys/s400/IMG_2071.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pitch...</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYgFBkmO4wak3-S4DqBIW_eVK_oeG-zwxHA1hO3Cyroi6_pj2MOjxofzmciYkk86aPUuIX8h_lp0mLLBNPkz-QIg28h5B7NbDlUm6k5QghIEqq1RJ1K6c-7z6n417PnfbXoLliTDHjppA/s1600/IMG_2076.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYgFBkmO4wak3-S4DqBIW_eVK_oeG-zwxHA1hO3Cyroi6_pj2MOjxofzmciYkk86aPUuIX8h_lp0mLLBNPkz-QIg28h5B7NbDlUm6k5QghIEqq1RJ1K6c-7z6n417PnfbXoLliTDHjppA/s400/IMG_2076.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">...after pitch...</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMcss8N7FRyXFQn87iBhUDjdKycml3URtZNAcE0v9mmTwnfCzB5jFMfa1ximUtPZoH-l_DRJpfXM-iXH1YL75TvMSgJBPgmACF_1HLvtj2TEOSsh-UxQ_K2jY2c0LkaqjPEEG3e_mZxH0/s1600/IMG_2088.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMcss8N7FRyXFQn87iBhUDjdKycml3URtZNAcE0v9mmTwnfCzB5jFMfa1ximUtPZoH-l_DRJpfXM-iXH1YL75TvMSgJBPgmACF_1HLvtj2TEOSsh-UxQ_K2jY2c0LkaqjPEEG3e_mZxH0/s400/IMG_2088.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">...after pitch of excellent climbing. Superb Route MT</td></tr>
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To conclude the week, Jack, Emily and I teamed up with Kenny for a day on the mountian bikes which was brilliant fun up at Le Tour. Lift assisted Mountain Biking...what's not to like!?<br />
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Now for Alpine training Part 2...Guy Stevenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02335667376972080020noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4812988614780538372.post-82693088229219641212017-06-18T17:25:00.000+01:002017-06-24T17:35:47.488+01:00Alpine Training part 1<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUSoWfKfxMOOnsuatHiAXjp9kTIlN9iD2f6zRLWt941NwihdZ1o8o0Vz2SDxHVbXuOGREu6XnmY0bDYS2qrtrCf20XNQbomBls-XPCRpllgSraU8yplXE8mw5RyE-uYnXy5JVbTjVfrgk/s1600/IMG_1974.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUSoWfKfxMOOnsuatHiAXjp9kTIlN9iD2f6zRLWt941NwihdZ1o8o0Vz2SDxHVbXuOGREu6XnmY0bDYS2qrtrCf20XNQbomBls-XPCRpllgSraU8yplXE8mw5RyE-uYnXy5JVbTjVfrgk/s400/IMG_1974.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tamsin on or warm up route</td></tr>
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<br />Arriving in Switzerland I was greeted by a substantial thunderstorm. Great! Our training course was established in Evolene, a stunning alpine village high up in the Val du Herens. I arrive a day early and met up with Tamsin for a via ferrata which was local to where we were staying. Having never don e Via Ferrata, I made a lanyard and off we went. Great way to get into very exposed terrain with constantly good handholds!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHX8mnKY9pOQ0hm8K-5lPSe9wECiZQ9TycyrV1lY-oLt-UvsyMz3xmnj26xbK4XMUEhjH5a3TOlyaBS-q8ig3ite3IgU7u7o7XA_hZFicTf-UCtwVDwxEZlDgV_zb9j47p2iHBFStWeAI/s1600/IMG_1996.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHX8mnKY9pOQ0hm8K-5lPSe9wECiZQ9TycyrV1lY-oLt-UvsyMz3xmnj26xbK4XMUEhjH5a3TOlyaBS-q8ig3ite3IgU7u7o7XA_hZFicTf-UCtwVDwxEZlDgV_zb9j47p2iHBFStWeAI/s400/IMG_1996.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ally and Callum looking worried about the upcoming section</td></tr>
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<br />The course kicked off with a whole day of Via Ferrata. A very fun activity but not to be underestimated. It still has plenty of risks involved and as a guide, needs to be managed appropriately.<br />
We did two routes covering some steep and exposed ground, 'pumpy' in places but fortunately you can clip in at any point and rest.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD7gS-q9c7Fii2B2Bs8C6cHWaU1mlhV176um0DuqulmQf_DNCgMW4FCtG2nEMYvsp3LRzNTiiNNLJ3CTiE-6h2eaJNJ-6OPg_9LLmaP6PnT2noNO0-EtV2WjyQvMwV8-c5o8tuGssPz7I/s1600/IMG_2002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD7gS-q9c7Fii2B2Bs8C6cHWaU1mlhV176um0DuqulmQf_DNCgMW4FCtG2nEMYvsp3LRzNTiiNNLJ3CTiE-6h2eaJNJ-6OPg_9LLmaP6PnT2noNO0-EtV2WjyQvMwV8-c5o8tuGssPz7I/s400/IMG_2002.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fellow trainee guide enjoying the shade</td></tr>
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Day two we headed onto the 'Glacier De Moiry' in the Swiss canton of Valais. A very accessible glacier which ideal for 'Ecole du Glace'. We spent the day looking at techniques to teach and prep clients for a week in the mountains. Crampon and axe use, glacier travel and crevasse rescue. A really useful day and looking forward to putting it into practice. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Steep and exposed...accessible to all</td></tr>
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<br />Now a week off before Alpine Training 2...and there is a heat wave here!Guy Stevenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02335667376972080020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4812988614780538372.post-86465700980636336162017-06-10T15:17:00.000+01:002017-06-11T15:18:41.292+01:00One last bit of work, now for the Alps<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiTPObTkilnldCO41-i8tI_2cg5v0kYxDnIrpMotUer_XBwGXrTP3taBDldullWxlvzDayZIHwkjb6am4nN3nYAi56wNmREFzunHr0vqwaHlFmU_vg1NBrPwIUWq0XPwJWyhJlLV0tZKs/s1600/20160702_151541.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiTPObTkilnldCO41-i8tI_2cg5v0kYxDnIrpMotUer_XBwGXrTP3taBDldullWxlvzDayZIHwkjb6am4nN3nYAi56wNmREFzunHr0vqwaHlFmU_vg1NBrPwIUWq0XPwJWyhJlLV0tZKs/s400/20160702_151541.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo from a previous trip to St Kilda</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtKaWDS-3wLntb4PYvXwbZBX-6KgnwIojZl1YBM_STJh3vUiq3pEOS0GimdTGe1ETtslH16LveqHm3cuhrBAfe4px2HlyB9GTOBNGstgestpdUqNzgETGseJvyEXTg_elCIRrYMDfwW7E/s1600/20170531_122931.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtKaWDS-3wLntb4PYvXwbZBX-6KgnwIojZl1YBM_STJh3vUiq3pEOS0GimdTGe1ETtslH16LveqHm3cuhrBAfe4px2HlyB9GTOBNGstgestpdUqNzgETGseJvyEXTg_elCIRrYMDfwW7E/s400/20170531_122931.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We had her on the slip for a paintjob</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFtU4cFbp3-G4uiGOcN3Hra8iO6VwIQ5NYPd8WB1_GIrFF1R58Kt0Z5QjthVaVFGL_lS0tjDnP58RSjdQGdGu0Wm-3Mqb9TZ3GT_xVzwJTxCtQSMbda7CERUnAG9TmATufSoeVMaT9CJQ/s1600/20170601_155946.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFtU4cFbp3-G4uiGOcN3Hra8iO6VwIQ5NYPd8WB1_GIrFF1R58Kt0Z5QjthVaVFGL_lS0tjDnP58RSjdQGdGu0Wm-3Mqb9TZ3GT_xVzwJTxCtQSMbda7CERUnAG9TmATufSoeVMaT9CJQ/s400/20170601_155946.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Underneath is the Black Pearl</td></tr>
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It has been a busy couple of weeks working in preparation for heading out the the Alps. I have spent the last couple of weeks working on a friends boat which he is renovating. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiouPP4oeRvluV16J_KRSRTKMcuFXY7vGI_YV0dGBdQU2al3az7-o83gGbWsErLWKEudSWAJcTkN3_rybEpi4rA3wxFAOn7HpalO5H5PEBQZSHAEpWaNIRt76G2brHQOvTYSeQMuf6soY/s1600/P7080344.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiouPP4oeRvluV16J_KRSRTKMcuFXY7vGI_YV0dGBdQU2al3az7-o83gGbWsErLWKEudSWAJcTkN3_rybEpi4rA3wxFAOn7HpalO5H5PEBQZSHAEpWaNIRt76G2brHQOvTYSeQMuf6soY/s400/P7080344.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There was no lounging around renovating this fishing trawler to passenger boat</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlBDQGvbGm9ExxuUuF0SHsPbBS16M7SOIQIIAORylNjrQqU0Y3SBAMmfnzh-3W1YFwX7uwH0WJ9dF3TbIOzkmM6AzoEpvJOkU8ZtGpQ5Cp9sK380zhCjYYwRLiXYiHr7WSonwkoBK5ui0/s1600/P7080370.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlBDQGvbGm9ExxuUuF0SHsPbBS16M7SOIQIIAORylNjrQqU0Y3SBAMmfnzh-3W1YFwX7uwH0WJ9dF3TbIOzkmM6AzoEpvJOkU8ZtGpQ5Cp9sK380zhCjYYwRLiXYiHr7WSonwkoBK5ui0/s400/P7080370.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Throwback to our approach to St Kilda...Back again next year....watch this space.</td></tr>
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My final mountain work was two days with Robert Gordons 5th year students. They were on a 5 day course but I was only drafted in on the last two days so the smaller ratios enabled us to cover some more interesting ground and develop their skills.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQEIJVyMJCkiAeONH8vXm3Nn1MJNsBPXqFYu7dKNq4PBRpAiRJqZpd0S8gnJG60Z4E5ihgnssSUe3kXWl184NVvWETz9ZR0Xwj7BEy8LXGnqlJHVzrsYI5ouShwemGXFrHuVWaKsqeNJ0/s1600/IMG_1965.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQEIJVyMJCkiAeONH8vXm3Nn1MJNsBPXqFYu7dKNq4PBRpAiRJqZpd0S8gnJG60Z4E5ihgnssSUe3kXWl184NVvWETz9ZR0Xwj7BEy8LXGnqlJHVzrsYI5ouShwemGXFrHuVWaKsqeNJ0/s320/IMG_1965.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Angus mountaineering on boulders...</td></tr>
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We had a day of mountaineering in the Cairngorms. An ascent of Twin Ribs, which the students led, and then a guided ascent of the Fiacaill Ridge. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu3KIz9LhPqkeSTJQ-Y3AnTxXtvRP8X8l7RusKp6IkjIhElR5LRixzDyRWkDN5vJxzcR9UqsrpyDKIuphiQFNe_ajEIYpjWLVUOZdA6knZcIzlaFzlXsJzmWl7ohbfYBywMbAmCbb1wbk/s1600/IMG_1966.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu3KIz9LhPqkeSTJQ-Y3AnTxXtvRP8X8l7RusKp6IkjIhElR5LRixzDyRWkDN5vJxzcR9UqsrpyDKIuphiQFNe_ajEIYpjWLVUOZdA6knZcIzlaFzlXsJzmWl7ohbfYBywMbAmCbb1wbk/s400/IMG_1966.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lou happy to find a solid boulder in a pile of rubble</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuUBHF1A4AuIY7rwZlg-mBhu5WHlcobEOFbRVooN1HAGcLAOt21euwn85DFKyOwQENf7Qela66ai1sySvXQBk3n3mzDkGDF1Jotio61_IZShIkbLDDzgMvkqVCUG6TaF9Wuy-VvIE1UB4/s1600/IMG_1968.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuUBHF1A4AuIY7rwZlg-mBhu5WHlcobEOFbRVooN1HAGcLAOt21euwn85DFKyOwQENf7Qela66ai1sySvXQBk3n3mzDkGDF1Jotio61_IZShIkbLDDzgMvkqVCUG6TaF9Wuy-VvIE1UB4/s400/IMG_1968.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Human sized Jenga</td></tr>
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Our second day we went climbing out at Cumminston. I haven't climbed here for about 10+ years and forgot how friendly it is. We climbed various routes upto HVS including the wee stack and an abseil though the hole in the cave.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwGHHObiMVdIBrzP-M5pmERzBW6B22oMF1R-9cyaFaPx0UEuvFrAEnLAMAgAqcx4rO2hyHpxTvZzPdjm0yViu2WvO9IAZjohYlgWztPS1311MhfFbApgJSGyNuT0_6A8VTKSRIjLS9PnM/s1600/IMG_1970.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwGHHObiMVdIBrzP-M5pmERzBW6B22oMF1R-9cyaFaPx0UEuvFrAEnLAMAgAqcx4rO2hyHpxTvZzPdjm0yViu2WvO9IAZjohYlgWztPS1311MhfFbApgJSGyNuT0_6A8VTKSRIjLS9PnM/s400/IMG_1970.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cairngorm version of the Tryfan Cannon Stone</td></tr>
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All I need to do now is pack my bags and head south to the Alps. I will be out there until September on my first year as an Aspirant IFMGA Guide. It has been a great journey to get to where I am, this part is what I have been most looking forward to. Working and climbing in an area that I have enjoyed many holidays but I have never spent 3 months in the Alps in one go. Im sure it will be a rapid learning curve but really looking forward to it. Thank you for all the support I have received to get this far, I can't thank you enough.<br />
Guy Stevenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02335667376972080020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4812988614780538372.post-60265024074589299942017-05-25T21:29:00.000+01:002017-06-06T21:30:17.562+01:00Ossian's Cave<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY9HZrY5HCWf4nngXvfw_-w9_R4CgplkcYgvqxod-JU3WNi5CVkheAK3zGAnVqTbv2i5m8lnIfOgO57c8ie6D1IGu7AhLIoe972G_Pq9l7lBsWA69OYxGTsfdf7_B6LqqHg5oGtQu8PuQ/s1600/IMG_1922.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY9HZrY5HCWf4nngXvfw_-w9_R4CgplkcYgvqxod-JU3WNi5CVkheAK3zGAnVqTbv2i5m8lnIfOgO57c8ie6D1IGu7AhLIoe972G_Pq9l7lBsWA69OYxGTsfdf7_B6LqqHg5oGtQu8PuQ/s400/IMG_1922.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brian and Martin all primed for take two</td></tr>
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<br />Last year I was approached by Martin Ross and his friend Brian as they had a burning desire to climb into the heavily vegetated but iconic feature in Glencoe, Ossians Cave. As I had never climbed it, i was keen. Last year I went and had a look on my day off and sussed it out. On our attempt last year, both Martin and Brian were unable to join me in the cave as the climbing was too difficult but swore to come back again better prepared.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQWVRrs8G8phvMNDY9z3twqpDjY7Mv-5s-MO9LnZsptBuc56WvSbhChJBR45siScdyHK5fTLazgSPbkrN2VosFPnUGTNhkE-davbRXOuLIaTrtaHOcFf_FI1WoMaUxDHojOLKXiY6U8nw/s1600/IMG_1924.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQWVRrs8G8phvMNDY9z3twqpDjY7Mv-5s-MO9LnZsptBuc56WvSbhChJBR45siScdyHK5fTLazgSPbkrN2VosFPnUGTNhkE-davbRXOuLIaTrtaHOcFf_FI1WoMaUxDHojOLKXiY6U8nw/s400/IMG_1924.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A wee approach abseil</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja-BWCeTs8cjItoi6imzPd2UHEnwRWRraslJbRs7NYi_gQtKWxIHG3lSwOwXqH1KGs7wedpmFrHk8NPxUPi0434-tW5RAhog5uN3kqlX8KRAOCnz8GnbsoWGVr4RsOiUXMUR1HDeva1UE/s1600/IMG_1933.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja-BWCeTs8cjItoi6imzPd2UHEnwRWRraslJbRs7NYi_gQtKWxIHG3lSwOwXqH1KGs7wedpmFrHk8NPxUPi0434-tW5RAhog5uN3kqlX8KRAOCnz8GnbsoWGVr4RsOiUXMUR1HDeva1UE/s400/IMG_1933.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brian reaching the first belay, past the crux</td></tr>
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So this year they came back and they were much more prepared. I suggested we went a little earlier (May rather than June) and if you're thinking of climbing into Ossian's Cave then I would do it before the vegetation becomes waist high!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLWKc8EPVsK1CnFqs9KDsjv09iqmwnds1D7JOruh1ZE5N9g2hFzVvurJI5X_i7wY__7opMrObvKCBmR5g4YxsszQUhDngOFZ-y1-a1dtoHB8IOm0sldV72h9aBqEbHBi4BJ2RR76zFQuo/s1600/IMG_1937.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLWKc8EPVsK1CnFqs9KDsjv09iqmwnds1D7JOruh1ZE5N9g2hFzVvurJI5X_i7wY__7opMrObvKCBmR5g4YxsszQUhDngOFZ-y1-a1dtoHB8IOm0sldV72h9aBqEbHBi4BJ2RR76zFQuo/s400/IMG_1937.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brain at the top of the second pitch</td></tr>
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Also Brian and Martin were noticeably fitter but neither had a great deal of climbing experience under their belts. We lucked out with bone dry conditions...again...so the ascent was on. We came in via Dinnertime Buttress and Rhyolite Romp to get warmed up and made our way down to the cave. I arrived at the base and clipped everyone to the in-situ peg at the base of Ossian's Cave and then climbed up the first pitch. Mostly unprotected steep grass with dome dubious and slimy rock saw me at the belay. The in-situ rope is core shot in many places but was used (yes - a point or two of aid) to both hold onto and to clip a runner into. I also used an ice axe which was very useful. The 1st belay is good. An in-situ wire and peg and can be backed up with a purple Camelot and a bite of the in-situ rope. <br />
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Unfortunately Martin reached his limit climbing up and opted to be lowered down but Brian made a good ascent and joined me in the Cave. The top pitch is easier and slightly better protected (Large wire and a better quality in-situ rope) and the belay is two expansion bolts...equalised and extended with all sorts. We found the wee box, signed it and headed back down in two abseils (2x60m ropes). It could be done in one but would have savage rope drag.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj52NDtfixDms1-V23j64oW1-wo9nVhL18GsQzHQu9r6dTyDjl444dcDAYMbGe9hkOZQK3lOnBJq7VHRP2nZvOKXklxb6kJ4nAS7BO2ngSjSWfzEnP52Xb5nafl2_CPZqZP2c1Kf5gxiI4/s1600/IMG_1938.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj52NDtfixDms1-V23j64oW1-wo9nVhL18GsQzHQu9r6dTyDjl444dcDAYMbGe9hkOZQK3lOnBJq7VHRP2nZvOKXklxb6kJ4nAS7BO2ngSjSWfzEnP52Xb5nafl2_CPZqZP2c1Kf5gxiI4/s400/IMG_1938.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The tin</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brian ready for abseil</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mint</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It was a nice day so we came the long way back</td></tr>
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<br />Guy Stevenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02335667376972080020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4812988614780538372.post-74916762880557570342017-05-21T23:09:00.003+01:002017-05-21T23:11:12.610+01:00Skye peaks and rock<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Andy standing back as Ryan gets to grips with the damp rock</td></tr>
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It feel like my spring time on Skye has come to an end very quickly. I think it has just passed in a blink of an eye in the amazing weather we had in the last couple of weeks. This weekend has marked the last Skye work for me this season and it was great to finish it working with Andy and his colleague Ryan. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Andy trying to push over boulders</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Andy sharing his extensive knowledge of the local area....mist, mist and more mist</td></tr>
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Ryan has recently jumped on the Munro bandwagon and as he has no climbing experience, he was keen for some able hands to take him up. Andy, who has completed the munro's twice, was keen to come along for a day out and follow it up with a day climbing at Elgol.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chilling on a ledge on the Inn Pinn waiting for the team ahead</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Summit, ready for abseiling</td></tr>
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The weather was poor on Saturday but we made our way into the Cuillin and ascended Sgurr Mhiccoinnich, which was Ryan's first Cuillin peak. We followed this up with an ascent of the In Pinn, nipping in between two groups. With very limited vis and starting to get a little wet, we decided enough was enough and saved the other peaks for another day.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8IukGlc7P3u0GB_ckpYVUIYqYJO9gr5GYw2NTtiUGh29xrJs7ENOQMny0x0OE98syllamXw_zGsfBibVLYEOhVYh8lHhTkqO3jtaL41Toe6tQB9cX78Sdig3mycoDpd_xXCsgkhZCx14/s1600/IMG_1901.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8IukGlc7P3u0GB_ckpYVUIYqYJO9gr5GYw2NTtiUGh29xrJs7ENOQMny0x0OE98syllamXw_zGsfBibVLYEOhVYh8lHhTkqO3jtaL41Toe6tQB9cX78Sdig3mycoDpd_xXCsgkhZCx14/s400/IMG_1901.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Andy cruising Jamie Jampot</td></tr>
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Ryan couldn't join Andy and I on our second day. Andy and I chose to have a day at Elgol and get some routes in before the rain came. Andy was super keen for leading so it was a day where he did more leading than me...which never happens....maybe I should be paying him!? He did a great job guiding me up Jamie Jampot (VS 4c), I then led us up PickPocket (E15b) and then Andy did a brilliant lead on Hairy Mary (HVS 4b), a route which has been on his radar for quite a while. A top effort by Andy and great for him to get it ticked off. Unfortunately the rain set in and we called it a day but all in all, a good couple of days. Cheers fellas! <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Andy cruising Hairy Mary</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A brilliant route, a must do at Elgol</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ08lYNnxDwAH3DsYMl3vSgrdRni18dazYTTOkDSrwK9ykQVVLxUogf78Etb3RZr8DCKRKMlCOngnf3a5mLwepvtMyVSmzNsGRY_lU85yoBuCkYWHfv-DEy5oD1a2Z2v_OYoqG_M6MfZE/s1600/IMG_1918.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ08lYNnxDwAH3DsYMl3vSgrdRni18dazYTTOkDSrwK9ykQVVLxUogf78Etb3RZr8DCKRKMlCOngnf3a5mLwepvtMyVSmzNsGRY_lU85yoBuCkYWHfv-DEy5oD1a2Z2v_OYoqG_M6MfZE/s400/IMG_1918.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Happy with his lead...first climbing day of the summer for Andy.</td></tr>
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Guy Stevenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02335667376972080020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4812988614780538372.post-13562403843191286252017-05-18T22:30:00.000+01:002017-05-19T11:00:52.127+01:00Shiegra<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4crGtw7WN5RvEqMqcAga9tUBLX2aysXnHDw_dsUrVsEkQjMpXbxD3GoAkM1EG8REpx3xGRgDYLaEwGDFA9hRuELSPyCgwqeeYShI1GfC6MWy-1e-o7Bp5N_1NCTW3vfhcdpLQKvsRp34/s1600/IMG_1799.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4crGtw7WN5RvEqMqcAga9tUBLX2aysXnHDw_dsUrVsEkQjMpXbxD3GoAkM1EG8REpx3xGRgDYLaEwGDFA9hRuELSPyCgwqeeYShI1GfC6MWy-1e-o7Bp5N_1NCTW3vfhcdpLQKvsRp34/s400/IMG_1799.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2nd night, what a place to bivi up</td></tr>
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A special place I have always wanted to visit but it always seemed so far away from home. This time the journey started from when I picked up Lou from Skye meaning only a 3 hour drive to the campsite on Sheigra beach. A 2 minute walk in to the closest crag mean it was Ideal for a 2 day stint.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tatties in the fire, venison on the BBQ</td></tr>
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<br /> On the morning of our first day it was a wee bit drizzly, as forecast so we had a lazy morning before heading off to the 2nd Geo for an afternoon of climbing. A superb steep wall of Lewisian Gneiss meant a wide array for brilliant routes were climbed. As the sun faded we headed back to the beach for campfire and bbq scenes.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lou cruising Under the Pink (E1 5b)***</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Making sure I don't get pumped on Monkey Man (E3 5c)****</td></tr>
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On our second day we were up in good time to climb before a walk out to Sandwood Bay. We started off at 'In Between the Geos' before heading to the 1st Geo for a route. There were some other teams out today which was nice to see and can't wait to get back. Unfortunately no pictures from the first day. Can't wait to go back.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lou trying not to get pumped on Monkey Man</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The finishing jugs always bring a smile</td></tr>
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Guy Stevenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02335667376972080020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4812988614780538372.post-27339937658854098722017-05-16T19:00:00.000+01:002017-05-19T10:43:46.962+01:00Cioch Nose, Cuillin Ridge Traverse, Tower Ridge, Castle Ridge and more<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCezRNmBC7rT941Q_CEUilyQr_1mtauWx8FCopHdynlY-M79Sr6V7waxYeaU9yY2dQlWJ795Ix4CGgbWD_uRqFakG2kHYs-yhLVPX_lhwVaYa0wVCUM08i0YLcV196YO6QaNHTcGlemAE/s1600/IMG_1740.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCezRNmBC7rT941Q_CEUilyQr_1mtauWx8FCopHdynlY-M79Sr6V7waxYeaU9yY2dQlWJ795Ix4CGgbWD_uRqFakG2kHYs-yhLVPX_lhwVaYa0wVCUM08i0YLcV196YO6QaNHTcGlemAE/s400/IMG_1740.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sean on the Cioch Nose on Day 1</td></tr>
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I'm sure you're all up to speed with how brilliant the weather has been in the highlands. Sean, who is up for 8 days of climbing in Scotland, timed it perfectly. Kicked off with a sunny ascent of the Cioch Nose (VD)**** in Applecross. A superb way to start the week and get his head back into big boot climbing.<br />
With the forecast we decided to get stuck into our Cuillin Ridge Traverse (VD)**** right away. We teamed up with my good friend <a href="http://adventureinmountains.co.uk/" target="_blank">Andy</a> and his client for a sociable traverse and a great bivi. We opted for the boat in from Elgol and Sean and I climbed all the Munro's on the main ridgeline as well as all the technical climbs except Naismith's on Am Basteir. Success all round and a great stint in the North-West.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Andy, Ali and Sean at the 1st Munro of the ridge</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOq1c7Fa0eY37QVvYcZzA_rweE1cZkRX7ELadIT4_GY-KAVKJyUh4HQK8IQW88x9yrZvq9Sy8M3yDUknlNj92vGV_S2kx_OaD8pwcvklePO7r9LnCp8d0ajg2F-wkKiSG1ZCVV4swKWvo/s1600/IMG_1758.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOq1c7Fa0eY37QVvYcZzA_rweE1cZkRX7ELadIT4_GY-KAVKJyUh4HQK8IQW88x9yrZvq9Sy8M3yDUknlNj92vGV_S2kx_OaD8pwcvklePO7r9LnCp8d0ajg2F-wkKiSG1ZCVV4swKWvo/s400/IMG_1758.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Andy on the Inaccessible Pinnacle</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Late evening before the bivi, a great time to be scrambling</td></tr>
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After a day off to rest and recover from the Cuillin Ridge, we continued our 8 day stint on the West Coast based in Lochaber.<br />
Our first day we started off on Tower Ridge (D)**** which we shared with Max and his clients. From the summit we descended Ledge Route (Grade 2)**** ticking off two of the classic Ben Nevis Ridges. I wonder when we will complete them all?<br />
For a change of scenery, Sean and I headed to Glencoe for some more scrambling. As the weather was a little mixed we opted for scrambling rather than climbing, Agag's can wait. Instead we climbed up Broad Buttress (Grade 3)*** and descended Great Gully Buttress (grade 1/2)* for a nice round of continuous scrambling and an opportunity for Sean to do a spot of leading.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_FIlRUxEOo-SBuqKMPFEgzq07D1Iv0evoX8aCBpm7SwWjCDM2cDk8hEak6iYlztpCXQoC7K9wEl1u11Gar5zPS40SZOYINFcqrr3XTQUhFh3XZ9gkkfU-GXUvbxiCLP7srQJ7BfX6ytk/s1600/IMG_1772.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_FIlRUxEOo-SBuqKMPFEgzq07D1Iv0evoX8aCBpm7SwWjCDM2cDk8hEak6iYlztpCXQoC7K9wEl1u11Gar5zPS40SZOYINFcqrr3XTQUhFh3XZ9gkkfU-GXUvbxiCLP7srQJ7BfX6ytk/s400/IMG_1772.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sean seeking for the best holds</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZK-S0GsAN1mG62_aPEGS9Sd5EDP7tQVjbKcxduv4Rr6E9L0DbwbVEvNwNcXlY50pTuhG5xCbSp5Uol32ghFUROX9riEUthP0L_QZCogC9XT9QlGAwgmDBOy2xzhDTy7sEamwpxIGRFFg/s1600/IMG_1775.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZK-S0GsAN1mG62_aPEGS9Sd5EDP7tQVjbKcxduv4Rr6E9L0DbwbVEvNwNcXlY50pTuhG5xCbSp5Uol32ghFUROX9riEUthP0L_QZCogC9XT9QlGAwgmDBOy2xzhDTy7sEamwpxIGRFFg/s400/IMG_1775.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Happy as Larry (whoever Larry is?)</td></tr>
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With all the good weather we have had, it had to come to an end. Sean was sold on the idea of trying ice climbing so we headed to the Ice Factor for the day for refrigerated climbing and also some rock climbing coaching to help improve Seans technique for when we climb outside. As always in there, a day fueled by coffee and cake and enough climbing to make your arms feel like soggy, rolled up newspapers.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIbm7RC-x1Gj9ttyABUHf_88i-gwkV6eD9pA8kc5lKwywxYwcnQsAkXx7eIl4eEhAy56GHsbh0RNShPHn1NAFbmrkhnYMuqipSnMKjvsTj1UvmHNz4nEO1LGHObkdhJ8OopVBMrGCNtBg/s1600/IMG_1779.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIbm7RC-x1Gj9ttyABUHf_88i-gwkV6eD9pA8kc5lKwywxYwcnQsAkXx7eIl4eEhAy56GHsbh0RNShPHn1NAFbmrkhnYMuqipSnMKjvsTj1UvmHNz4nEO1LGHObkdhJ8OopVBMrGCNtBg/s400/IMG_1779.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Always smiles when it's dry</td></tr>
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For our final day we opted for a slightly shorter day and another classic Ben Nevis ridge. Castle Ridge (Grade 3)*** was a good choice as it's a shorter route and Sean wasn't keen to prolong the soaking we were due as the weather came in. Fortunately, we were through all the technical climbing before the heavens opened and as they did we opted for a quick and easy descent down the tourist route.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSOBgtJEtzvQwwuKPMx_v791dBA9VuCAZ1ptjvKV7McBAquMshetBQwIMWwCjNIUiJGhphIWjX3sQuK7PvVpoA5lRElIOO6P47FXv-W77ypSe7lwTiM_9wo11ASUbkdhhkbV38b56ptvg/s1600/IMG_1783.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSOBgtJEtzvQwwuKPMx_v791dBA9VuCAZ1ptjvKV7McBAquMshetBQwIMWwCjNIUiJGhphIWjX3sQuK7PvVpoA5lRElIOO6P47FXv-W77ypSe7lwTiM_9wo11ASUbkdhhkbV38b56ptvg/s400/IMG_1783.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sean getting techy</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-WqdNzUr3vaYdgKqwKoC7v0K3gNWsEVISs6pQEhBxUGz9rTTkUKlqGrUfrHCp204S6Kc6wJSYaRrp0yzQ-Po9xbbQYH5mbnpicILevMOohRHN51OoC-sjQSlLUu5Uyo2gVvHggkcB2JA/s1600/IMG_1792.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-WqdNzUr3vaYdgKqwKoC7v0K3gNWsEVISs6pQEhBxUGz9rTTkUKlqGrUfrHCp204S6Kc6wJSYaRrp0yzQ-Po9xbbQYH5mbnpicILevMOohRHN51OoC-sjQSlLUu5Uyo2gVvHggkcB2JA/s400/IMG_1792.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brace yourself....this hill is about to get very wet!</td></tr>
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A very successful week for Sean with the highlight being the Cuillin Ridge in great style. With a busy summer ahead, it is great to kick off with some great weather, good company and some great climbing. Two more Ben Nevis Ridges to do. Right, time to have a couple of days off.<br />
<br />Guy Stevenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02335667376972080020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4812988614780538372.post-62710088378093541162017-05-07T13:32:00.000+01:002017-05-07T13:32:21.140+01:00Skye Wall and Stairway to Heaven<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTTuTKXvRx_nEz-wnf1VOvtBS9VpPqv62uO1qNaQU9NepvFNBPl-nGtjulilq_ymcNp4l1aqk1t7CT6ctKlkYKA9zvu9sCyPFKx5Pt8UnuqFx88H7PUSsNKFH7scZHZiGXrnBsTu3l9Lk/s1600/IMG_1715.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTTuTKXvRx_nEz-wnf1VOvtBS9VpPqv62uO1qNaQU9NepvFNBPl-nGtjulilq_ymcNp4l1aqk1t7CT6ctKlkYKA9zvu9sCyPFKx5Pt8UnuqFx88H7PUSsNKFH7scZHZiGXrnBsTu3l9Lk/s400/IMG_1715.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Boat in, climb out.</td></tr>
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<br />Life as a guide take me all over the country and abroad so I have to make early plans if I want to see friends and go climbing. So months ago, Murdoch and I planned and hoped we could get out climbing. The weekend finally came round and surprise! suprise! the weather was perfect. We could do anything and not get bothered by seepage, rain or midgies. As always, Murdoch has a plan but we finally agreed on going up to Blaven to climb Stairway to Heaven (E5 6a) on Day one. Yes it's in the shade but a very interesting route with a very 'adventurous' feel to it. We bumped into Donald on the drive down so he joined in for some laughter on the belays...not so funny when Murdoch accidentally pissed on us from his belay! :(<br />
Stairway to Heaven has a crux traverse with not a great deal of gear. With a massive swing potential and a very high risk of both our ropes being chopped we opted for a back rope which made it slightly more comfortable. Maybe a route best done in a pair rather than a 3! <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The view from the crag</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTTuTKXvRx_nEz-wnf1VOvtBS9VpPqv62uO1qNaQU9NepvFNBPl-nGtjulilq_ymcNp4l1aqk1t7CT6ctKlkYKA9zvu9sCyPFKx5Pt8UnuqFx88H7PUSsNKFH7scZHZiGXrnBsTu3l9Lk/s1600/IMG_1715.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br />Day two was one we had been looking forward to for a while. Murdoch wanted to climb Dave Birketts Skye Wall (E7/8 6b/c). Fortunately with this route, it is a plumb line so if I fell off at least im not going to swing. Donald came along also to help with carrying some kit, some rigging and took some photos. The rest was up to Murdoch. And unsurprisingly, he made quick work of it. Making it look quite easy, not even needing a shake out. A truly stunning piece of rock on immaculate gabbro made some a superb route in a superb location. It was a privilege to climb it with Murdoch as I know he had wanted to do it for quite a while. Just for record, I did shake out on it...I even did some 2 handed shaking out! We travelled in on the boat from Elgol and returned to Glen Brittle via An Dorus. A long but brilliant day.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRE-9NExJCl1yGca_zLkyAi1BSnXd8F-tPffgQhny-MKw22nWL7BNZwry35eXj9jX5DYd4qsOk_yptONzLtp4qxg3DE75cksvtxCUnKt5KgebieNZheJ1wwKAX9LV6-u53aFj8OKACVAs/s1600/IMG_1729.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRE-9NExJCl1yGca_zLkyAi1BSnXd8F-tPffgQhny-MKw22nWL7BNZwry35eXj9jX5DYd4qsOk_yptONzLtp4qxg3DE75cksvtxCUnKt5KgebieNZheJ1wwKAX9LV6-u53aFj8OKACVAs/s400/IMG_1729.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me seconding the 1st Pitch (E6 6b). Photo:Donald King</td></tr>
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<br />
On another note, huge admiration to Caff (James Mchaffie) who on-sighted it!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbVFo1vYfgl68JHm4-r9irFXs4FofnJMiEjM33oNqReEqDciKmHeKgT7aAwOun1HYF3S54mDfNqLQYIBM7octGf04NPHMKH_3h1ZX6DWPJrvjLU2dQ4oN3Oo9vog02TJNDR0RSAqETfmA/s1600/IMG_1733.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbVFo1vYfgl68JHm4-r9irFXs4FofnJMiEjM33oNqReEqDciKmHeKgT7aAwOun1HYF3S54mDfNqLQYIBM7octGf04NPHMKH_3h1ZX6DWPJrvjLU2dQ4oN3Oo9vog02TJNDR0RSAqETfmA/s400/IMG_1733.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Murdoch cruising the main pitch (E7 6b/c). Photo:Donald King</td></tr>
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Guy Stevenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02335667376972080020noreply@blogger.com0