Backblip

I drove up to Aviemore yesterday, and although it was an eight hour drive there were no traffic hold ups thank goodness, but the potholes in Scotland (and I'm whispering now so's I don't offend anyone) seem to be much worse than those south of the border.

Today was the first day of a three day winter skills course and, after checking we'd got everything and looked at the weather forecast, we drove up to the lower car park in Aviemore... and then faffed about with packs, axes, pockets etc for a good ten minutes.  None of the three of us were as organised as we thought we were.

We walked up Coire na Ciste for a bit after talking about navigating in snow, and then spent some time on ice axe use, including of course the self-arrest.  Our instructor was at pains to make it clear that this was no more than a last ditch manoeuvre because in all probability it wouldn't work in the event of slipping, but nevertheless it was good fun sliding about in the snow.  Then we put crampons on, shiny unused ones in my case, and practised various styles of walking in them.  I'm going to buy some Grivel straps though, the GoOutdoors ones on the Grivel crampons don't stay put well enough, although they didn't actually come undone.

Before we knew it, it was gone four o'clock and time to go back to the hostel for a little presentation about avalanche forecasting.  The weather wasn't brilliant today, although it was true to the forecast with very poor visibility and wind-blown snow all day.  My Aldi goggles were worn for the first time, bought on a friend's recommendation and only £7.99, and they seem perfectly fit for purpose.

This was the only photo I took over the two days, so tomorrow's is one taken by our instructor.... I know, shameful for a Blipper!