Saturday 29 October 2016

Manky and mild but still fun on Curved Ridge

Adam wanted an introduction to mountaineering rope work so where better for a damp day than Curved Ridge than Buachaille Etive Mor? We had a sociable day climbing near my friend Alastair and Calum as we examined various belay techniques and the strengths and limitations of 'moving together' for novice mountaineers. It was hot and sweaty, bizarre after the rime ice of last week on Ben Nevis! Looks cooler again next week though.
Adam took to things well getting the opportunity to use the rope around spikes and Italian hitches as direct anchors, body belay and place his first gear. At the top of the Ridge we went right round to the 'dark side' of Crowberry Tower (looser and more slippery than anything on the Ridge below)|, topped out on the Tower and abseiled into the Gap for good measure. A good use of a damp day and hopefully a good start to Adam's roped mountaineering career!
 On Curved Ridge
 The closest to a view we saw all day
 Adam eyes the hold
 No-one ever called Alastair bonny!
 Adam's first independently placed nut; bomber!
What goes up....!

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