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!