Tower Ridge (at last!), 2nd May 2010

Okay so winter isn't over just yet, and once again the mountain gods were on our side when we met up with Mike Pescod from Abacus Mountaineering with the aim of climbing Tower Ridge on "The Ben".
Also along to observe was James Edwards of High Mountaineering so we had quite a pleasant and sociable day and we managed to pick up some tips and onfo, along with a recap of the basic crevasse rescue system. This meant James hanging off the edge of Number 4 Gully whilst we attempted to pull him up!
We passed one team en route and saw a few folks out and about; one team heading up near Number 3 or 4 Gully, another in the Tower Gully area and Number 2 Gully Buttress-ish. Also on the way across "The Gap" we saw a team down below Glovers Chimney, and when we descended Number 4 there was a team in North Gully; so there's still things to go for for a few weeks yet so long as there's a nice frost!

  

Tower Ridge in profile with Tower Gap high up in the centre of the picture.

James and Mike climbing the first chimney section out of the Douglas gap, which had a little snow near it's top but otherwise was just wet and greasy.

At the top of the first climbing section, about Diff/V Diff ish depending how wet it is?

Looking across Coire na Ciste to Number 4 Gully just right of centre and to it's left the grade I North Gully - one for the future I think (along with Tower Gully).

Lorna, myself and James just after we passed the onl;y people we saw on the ridge.

 

Heading up towards the Great Tower, before we go to it's left for the winter route and the Eastern Traverse.

Making our way around the entertaining Eastern Traverse, with quite a big drop beneath out feet!

  

Above the (blocked by snow) fallen block or cave section as it is sometimes known.

A quick rest whilst we contemplate the crossing of Tower Gap!

We sent James across first to take care of photographic duties!

Trying to look graceful as you lower yourself down off the block and into the gap - not.
(double click the vids to get full size).

The method used to cross the gap and not easily seen on the video is to stand on the edge of the smaller block you drop down onto, then keeping your feet firmly in place, fall forwards and place your hands on the far side of the gap, find some holds (haha) and step (scrape in crampons) up and out of the gap - easy!

Looking back down to the narrow section with Tower Gap just behind James.

At the top with Mr "P".

Looking across to the crowds on the summit.
After a spot of lunch over looking the coire, we stopped above Number 4 Gully to practice some basic crevasse rescue systems and then descended the gully itself and then back down to the car park.

 

One final zoom shot of a team crossing Tower Gap (about 900metres-ish up).