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Not wanting to miss out on the almost perfect conditions we wasted no time and set off for No 3 Gully, a rather late start but with a good forecast and the prospect of a moonlight Ben Nevis this experience could not be missed.

Cian and John retrieving a glove!

No 3 Gully provided some very exciting, steep one axe climbing and a good preparation for Cian forthcoming expedition to Everest. Topping out was just perfect as the sun set and the moon replaced its brightness. Descending No 4 gully was great fun and soon we were back at our camp site to enjoy our dinner ( tea) cooked outside by moonlight.

John and Cian on Ledge Route

Battling in the wind we made good progress and topped out before the worst of the weather. Descending today by the tourist track it seemed a long way back round to the tents but certainly good training for Cian. Back at the tents Adele was heard to make a suggestion of going down but oh no the boys were intent on staying. After an afternoon nap the winds picked up and the driving rain battered the tents, Haggis, mashed potatoes and gravy were served for tea and soon their was silence from the occupants. The SW winds and driving rain thawed the snow around us and tent peggs started to pop. Dried up streams were now in full spate as we hung onto the tents. During the night the wind changed direction and the snow slowly drifted in on the 80 mph winds. Fighting to stay dry and keep the tent fabric off our ears we maintained our sense of humour's ( just) and managed to sleep!. A quick brew and pork pies for breakfast and we were soon running down the hill chuffed at our Ben Nevis camping experience.

Dismanting camp.

With the freezing level coming down to 900m there was only one place to go for Richard and John who had left the big city last night and flown up for the weekend. After a quick briefing and fitting of crampons we left Ballachuilish and drove North. The rain and wind did not deter us and after Richard reminded Adele abouth the absence of ice axes! we strode out up the path. It was a bit of gloom and doom as a number of groups were already on their way down, ignoring their despondent views we continued and on turning the corner in to the Coire the snowy gullies came out of the cloud.

Walking into Coire na Ciste

After some instruction on self arrest, crampon fitting and cramponing we made our way up No 4 gully. This provided an ideal location to practice some rope work and pitching in preparation for our climb tommorow. In true Scottish style the spin drift and wind added atmosphere to the day and we topped out to get a view.

Moody Glencoe

In training for Lhotse Adele took advantage of the Spring conditions and " got on her bike" for some tours around the glens. The magical attraction of Glencoe never ceases to amaze and after two great bike rides Adele is ready for another couple of weeks of the winter season. Snow is forecasted and with a winter camping trip planned for next week it is all looking hopeful for the return of winter. Even if it does not arrive there is snow on the Ben and Scotland is just a beautiful place to be.
Adele still has a few days available in the middle of March for Scottish (Winter) mountaineering or climbing.

Lhotse from Camp 1 on Everest

Adele will be leaving for Lhotse with a small  Jagged Globe team on the 3rd April. This will be her 5th 8000m peak.

Today Adele and Noelle took the opportunity to make a traverse of one of the finest ridges in Scotland. Perhaps not in full winter conditions but certainly very entertaining and requiring the use of a variety of scrambling rope work  and movement techniques. Words such as slithering, groveling and hugging were used to describe Adele's and Noelle's stylish movement across the ridge.

Although not a winter traverse the slippy wet rock presented its own challenges and both Adele and Noelle were extremely happy with their day out.