Winter is here!

Well finally the Scottish winter has started and I've yet to get out in it! The dreich weather in the capital belies the fact that there is some decent snow around up in the scottish mountains.
Mike from abacusmountaineering has been out a few times already now, with routes in Stob Coire nan Lochan and The Ledge route on Ben Nevis.

Alan Halewood has also been out and about climbing on Daim Buttress, Douglas Boulder and Beinn Fhada in Kintail.

Some nice pictures (not jealous at all) from James of Glencoe Mountaineer of Dorsal Arete, Stob Coire nan Lochan, Bidean nam Bian, the Fiacaill Ridge, Ledge Route and Stob Coire nam Beith.

All this armchair mountaineering I'm doing just now is frustrating and hopefully, I should get out soon. That is assuming the weather, family and willing climbing partners are available! Going solo is okay once or twice but it can get a bit lonely and it's nice to share the petrol.

I think I managed to get out about thirteen times last season (not bad I suppose in the scheme of things) and if this winter is as good as the last one, next March, April and May should be fantastic!

My first winter day of last season was the 8th November 2009 on Bidean nam Bian so I'm already behind schedule...

Stubai Hornet Ice Axes.

 I had promised myself that I would invest in a pair of new ice axes in the vain hope that I would progress to sligthly more techinical ground and just have the added security that two axes would bring. I do own my trust DMM Cirque, which is a great all rounder, nice and light, and feels to my inexperienced hands "just right!"
However, I had been eyeing up the Stubai Hornet, basically a budget, entry level technical axe which were being sold in pairs for around £130. Several pairs of axes appeard on ebay, and I finally aqquired some for £100. Obvioulsy second hand, but in great condition and with a basic leash too.  Now I just need the right conditions to get out there and use them!