Shelter Stone Crag

With Matt we climbed the Needle today, it's a 3 star E1, 270 metres of wonderful granite! Normally at this time of year it's encrusted in snow but the weather has been exceptionally warm, although today was well cold on our fingers as the crag faces North-East and the ambient temperature was not as warm as forecasted. It's been an ace day though, although I found the granite climbing a bit awkward this early in the season and my cold stubby fingers did not help. The other day we climbed Magic Crack but had the sun and it was rather perfect. However we enjoyed The Needle, it truly is an outstanding classic climb on the spectacular Shelter Stone crag in the Loch Avon basin.

Matt ( left) and your truly after the climb!

Vallee Blanche, Chamonix

It's been an ace day for it!

Most folks are glad to get a seat on the train down from Montenvers to Chamonix.

Chamonix

Nice and laid back days on the skis!
, laid back

Snow on the hills

There were traces of fresh snow in the hills today and temperatures were 2.2 on the summit of Cairnwell this morning!

Opposite photo :View looking towards Creag Leacach

Corie na Ciche and the other fine corries of Beinn A Bhuird have snow!

Not much snow, nice on the sea cliffs

Been spending the days rock climbing on the nearby sea cliffs, birds seem to be nesting. In the Cairngorm mountains snow cover is well depleted but colder weather with the freezing level dropping to 700 m is forecast for this weekend...

Coire an Lochan the other day!

A human condition, lucky us!

Imagine how mundane and frustrating it would be if you never made the next move, or took the next step!