Today was dryer, clearer and busier!  Instead of climbing one of the busy classic lines we avoid the crowds by going up a rocky rib that separates two of the gullies.   We’d talked about doing Mirror Direct (a grade 4 ice route) but I’d stupidly left my axes in the car so that wasn’t an option, I almost cried when I realised what I’d done!  Forgetting vital bits of kit is turning into a very bad habit.   Armed with just one tool each we climbed a nice mix of snow, rock and lovely but easy angled ice that was apparently similar to glacier ice.  It forced me to really concentrate on my footwork and on some of the mixed sections having only one tool actually felt like an advantage.  

I was absolutely knackered today, yesterday had really worn me out and I was suffering from blisters, a pulled calf (not my bad one), a sore hip and a broken arse.  OK it probably isn’t broken but  since I hurt it two years ago I get arse ache after every boarding trip and it got quite a severe pounding back in February.  (Pictures of my blisters and of my backside are available on request)

The next pictures are stolen from Rons Blog:

 http://www.talisman-activities.co.uk/blog/2009/03/dry-less-windy-and-clear-morning.html

ps: I think I’ve been poisoned again!  This is the second time in four trips and the only common food is Aviemore’s Royal Tandoori Indian resaurant.   I can’t be positive so check out this food hygene inspection report and decide for yourself.

http://wwwold.highland.gov.uk/prots/eh-inspections/areas/nairn-badenoch/2008/royal-tandoori-grampian-road-aviemore.htm

One Response to “Rocky Ribs”

1. lynda says:

   March 19, 2011 at 2:03 pm

   re food hygiene report. Who is the lucky one !!!! – surprised you have survived once, never mind four times. Dont risk it again. SERIOUSLY