Rock Climbing

Nice climbing on limestone crags near Lesyin today.

IRATA: Rope access and work positioning

Was at Talon NDT training centre uesterday in Aberdeen. http://www.talonndt.co.uk Ascending over a sharp edge and replacing his rope protection.

Hands free work positioning on the tower.

Kilt Rock, Isle of Skye

Dolerite sills are intruded into the sedimentary rocks of Trotternish from Portree Northwards and the better outcrops give some superb rock climbing on parallel grooves and cracks of the columns. The most famous is Kilt Rock and we were fortunate to have a rain free morning (almost!), so were able to climbed there today.

Grey Pather, a three star E1,5b.. the first ascent was by Ed Grindley, Noel Williams, Willie Jeffrey and Peter Hunter on the 9th July 1983.

Neist Point, Isle of Skye

The most westerly point of the Isle of Skye is Neist Point. The rock is dolerite and gives some great rock climbing. We went to the Financial sector yersterday and had an amazing day of fantastic climbing! Andy (L) and myself at Neist point last night, the outer Hebredies behind.

Andy on Insider Dealing (I think)

A fistfull of Dollarite E1,5b

A time for everything!

We had a wonderful gathering on one of the hills behind Newtonmore yesteday...... a fitting send off to close a celebration of an outstanding man, his life and his work... Alan Blackshaw, 7 April 1933 / 4 August 2011 in my heart and mind forever!

Wonderul Mont Blanc

Its not often that the weather is stable enough to climb Mont Blanc late in the evening but yesterday the 17th Aug was such and occasion. We summited at 7.00 pm and enjoyed wonderful sun set on the descent back to the Goutier Hut where we spent an ace night!

Anthony leads the way with Mark and then John descending from the summit.
You may be wondering why I had three people on my rope, but Luke had to turn back with altitude sickness and Denis a French guide who was working with me and guiding John and Mark, took Luke back down and I continued Anthpony, John and mark on my rope. Luke is fine now although a bit dissapointed with not reaching the summit. He did enjoy the hellicopter ride from the Goutier and blames it all on a hastly eaten Ommlete washed down with a coke from at the Goutier at around lunch time.We all had the meal though so we cannot really blame the cook!

Mark, Anthony, John and myself on the summit.... this photo was taken by Goulven Cucon a Swiss guide who was also working there ..... an ace office!

Ecole de Galce and an acclimatisation peak

We have been up on the glacier du Tour for a few days. These young Marmots were truly entertaining!

Crampon and ice axe skills on the glacier ice!

From Left to Right, back row Mark, Luke and Antony, in front is John on the summit of Aig du Tour earlier today!

Vallee Blanche, Chamonix

Well, could have been anywhere today.... but oh, they do make ace coffee and hot chocolate at the Helbronner cafe! From L to R, Anthony, Mark, John and Luke traversing the Vallee Blanche today.

Pierre du Moelle, Leysin.

After our climb on the Dent Blanche we drove back and enjoyed great company and comfort at the Chalet Ermina in Leysin http://www.ermina.ch./
After a brilliant nights sleep and wonderful breakfast we spent the day climbing on one of the local crags. Pierre du Moelle is a nice friendly "Tolkenesque" sort of place with nice climbing on limestone and was a wonderful end to two weeks of great mountaineering adventured with Matt. I am going to miss his company a lot!

Dent Blanche climb

On the 12 Aug we climbed the Dent Blanche 4357m. its quite ace.

Sean on the summit ridge

Sean and I on the summit.

First ascent of the Dent Blanche was by the South ridge by T S Kennedy, W. Wigram with guides J B Croz and J Kronig, 18 July 1862. TIts given grade of AD 111.

Dent Blanche

On the 11 Aug Matt and I drove round to Switzerland and walked up to the Dent Blanche hut, its a tough walk but well worth the effort. The Dent Blanche is 4357 m an isoltaed giant and amongst the most beautiful of the Alpine peaks.

Matt enjoying a well deserved shandy at the hut.

Arete des Cosmiques. Chamonix, Mont Blanc

This morning Matt and I climbed the Arete des Cosmiques, an ace day and climb and at long last we had some nice weather. Cold on the summits though!

Aigulles Rouges

Today we climbed the Mani Puliti in the Aig. Rouges. First ascent was by Michel Piola in August 1999 giving it 5b.

Swiss Rock

Went cragging in Switzreland today and had some good climbing between the showers!

North Face Gran Paridiso 4061m

Rain in Chamonix this Sunday morning but Matt and I were lucky yesterday as we managed to get the N face of The Gran Paridiso climbed. Conditions were OK but not great although the weather window was long enough! The conditions have changed a lot in the last week leaving the face icy. Matt on the climb, with the Refugio Chabot in the far distance.

Matt on his first North face!

Matt on the summit.

Rock climbing in the sun

Matt on Index.

Traverse of Mont Blanc

With Rosie and Kathryn we traversed Mont Blanc yesterday from the Refuge des Cosmiques, over Mont Blanc du Tacul, Mont Maudit and on to the summit of Mont Blanc. We descended via the Goutier route. An ace time, although we missed Jo so much! At least she got home in time for work and I am still not sure how the others got on with missing their BA flight! But the weather and conditions improved a lot after our ascent of the Grand Paridiso, and even although their organised time with me was over, they decided to change plans and loose their free weekend to attempt Mont Blanc. Due to the last minute change of plans we were unable to find an extra guide for Jo.....

Rosie( Blue M.E. jacket) and Kathryn climbing up the breche du Mont Maudit.

Kathryn, (Orange jacket) and Rosie on the summit.

A good time was had by all, its ace being a mountain guide!