Monday 8 September 2008

Sunshine on a rainy day







Yesterday Mark, Paul and I managed to avoid the deluge soaking the rest of the country by going to the ring crags on Ardnamurchan. It was hot, sunny and midge free. The guys were looking for some tips on multipitch ropework so we were checking their belay construction, plate orientation, stance management and changeovers. They made short work of Krakatoa (Severe 4a, 4b), Yir (VS 4c,4b) Crater Comforts (VS 4c,4c) and Greta Gabbro (VS 4c). After a long, hot day we retired to camp in the gardens of the ever friendly Kilchoan House Hotel and for a few 'refreshments'.

We awoke to a damp drizzly morning and headed East to Glencoe and the Buachaille. A scramble up Curved Ridge left us hot and sweaty at the base of Agags Groove. Mark and Paul led a pitch each and I led the top two in a little light rain. We witnessed a minor accident when a mountaineer slipped in the polished corner on Curved Ridge and dislocated his knee. The Glencoe Rescue Team were called and the casualty's partner began roping him down the ridge. We caught up with them descending the lower part of the ridge and soon met the team coming up to provide some assistance off of the hill. Our volunteer Mountain Rescue Teams do a cracking job. You can find out more about MR Teams in Scotland and how to support them here.

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