You never really forget or stop wanting your dreams even if you sometimes get side-tracked and your focus changes from time to time. I'm a true believer in never giving up on your dreams, no matter what. Personally, a little side tracking doesn't deter me completely, it can actually make me return even more determined than ever before. Before I could really get myself back in the 'dream chasing' game however, I did have to ask myself 1 important question...
Considering how much I absolutely adore being in the mountains, how did I ever manage to let it become so long since I actually got out there and trekked up one?
You see, It's all about the climbing really. Be it rock, ice or mountains, I just love the climbing sport. I fell in love with it when I tried it a few short years ago and I've never really loved any sport quite as much. A lot of my dreams are centred around it so I guess it's easy to become distracted from one climbing dream simply by spending a little time focussing on another.
So there I was, choosing bouldering over winter and with that came the decision to cancel my pre-planned winter holiday and concentrate on bouldering for a time. I had some excellent trips to my beloved Fontainebleau instead. Now however, with the end of the year fast approaching, I feel that it's time to get back to what I love the most... Winter. Winter mountains and winter climbing and just generally being out there in that environment. I am never more happy and more at ease than when I am up high somewhere in the cold and the snow looking out at the most amazing views and just loving every single second.
The thing that I love the most about it, and perhaps the most addictive part of it for me is that when I am up there, I feel like I am so close to my mum and when the journey is getting a little difficult or I'm getting a little exhausted from all the trudging and cutting steps, I swear I can almost hear her voice again and feel her hand on my shoulder and in those moments, I know that she is there with me every step of the way and I love that feeling.
With my focus back on winter, I have to get hill fit again. I have to get route endurance for climbing for more than a few moves again. I have now booked myself back onto another winter trip, and planned which routes I'd like to try and get done and I am looking forward to it more than ever having skipped the last one. Now all that's left is to get to work.
S xx
Showing posts with label mountains. Show all posts
Showing posts with label mountains. Show all posts
Tuesday, 28 October 2014
Wednesday, 30 January 2013
Day 5: Lillaz Gulley, feeling old and the best hot chocolate in the world
Woke up today after another mega 8 hours sleep feeling stiff and sore; especially my back; and a little groggy. I'm not sure 8 hours sleep is a good thing for me, especially when I'm so used to living on 4, maybe I have to get used to it so more early nights perhaps? I can hear a few people laughing as they read that. I met Ben and Andy for breakfast and we decided that today we would head to Andy's favourite, typically Scottish, route; Lillaz gully; for a mega 5 pitch route with an uphill snowy slope to start and a downhill walk off the top. No problem I thought.
We got to the car park and upon seeing the walk in I thought holy crap, that's going to be tougher than I thought but I was sure that it would be fine once I got started. So we got our heavy packs on and got going. By the time we got to the steep part, my back was actually beginning to feel okay, thank goodness because what came next would have killed it otherwise. We got about a quarter of the way up the slope and then had to stop and get our crampons on as it was a little slippy. We then slogged our way up the rest of the way to the bottom of the 1st pitch. What a tough start and that's before we even got on the ice.
Pitch 1 was a perfect way to start, a short pitch on a relatively low angle with some mixed climbing at the top. Fairly simple and really fun. Then top out to another slog uphill on another snowy slope.
Pitch 2 was a little more challenging but by then I was starting to feel like I had my ice legs back. I decided to use this pitch as some technique practise. By the end of the pitch, I felt like my footwork was improving as I had to kick a lot less to feel secure... Trust those feet I always say in rock climbing, now it was my turn to do exactly that. Another snowy slope to finish, quite easy to get through those parts though, nothing too technical in that.
Pitch 3 was about getting the axe placement precision that I wanted, less swinging, more confidence in the pretty sharp tools I held in my hands. By halfway through this pitch, I was feeling confident and like I was beginning to master some of the technique I'd be practising until a really high foot move had me catch my crampons in my trousers... Grrrr. Still, I managed the pitch clean again and the trousers will repair easily I'm sure. At least it wasn't my calf muscle I pierced.
Pitch 4 was a slightly more tricky number, more mixed climbing and more snowy slopes to finish... It's becoming a regular feature now. Just as well the adrenaline is keeping me going really. Lots of hooking my axes behind rocks and bridging my feet on the rock. Crampons on rock do make a funny noise, nothing pleasant in that scratchy sound. It's more like a fearful sound especially trying to get out of a typical Siobhann wide bridge position, if it was rock climbing I'd had broken a few of my knee rules on this pitch. A very pleasant pitch but I do think its the most scared I've been on ice yet. I'm sure forgetting to unclip and then having to down climb, hang off a really high axe placement with a totally pumped arm whilst I fight with an Ice screw didn't help. I managed to get it all sorted just in time to get a rest on my other arm which saved me from burning out and falling. I've not fallen yet and that's the way I want to keep it... Onsight all the way, even through yet another snowy slope finish up to the last pitch of the day.
The last pitch was definitely difficult. The weeks adventures still fresh on our muscles, tiredness was beginning to kick in and there was so much more mixed climbing to be done this pitch. I'm sure gracefulness went right out the window during my climb but I made it with a giant smile on my face to the difficult part, I had to rock climb with crampons on and gloves that gave me no advantage, Still it was amazing. I then got some good tree hooking action on with my axes... What a great buzz that was. I made it to the top alive.
Last thing to do was to get off the mountain. So we made our way down, steady pace at first, on a high from our achievement and then when the steps got really high and the days climbing took its toll, the pace slowed. The calves, the thighs and the back began to hurt and every step started to become a chore. Thankfully, we made it to the bottom without incident and then we had a lovely flat walk to the van. Never a more pleasant feeling than that.
Off to the hotel we went and after a very hot shower, a massive dinner and a few cups of tea, I felt alive and ready to tackle another day... After some of the best hot chocolate in the world, sleep and tiger balm of course.
S xx
We got to the car park and upon seeing the walk in I thought holy crap, that's going to be tougher than I thought but I was sure that it would be fine once I got started. So we got our heavy packs on and got going. By the time we got to the steep part, my back was actually beginning to feel okay, thank goodness because what came next would have killed it otherwise. We got about a quarter of the way up the slope and then had to stop and get our crampons on as it was a little slippy. We then slogged our way up the rest of the way to the bottom of the 1st pitch. What a tough start and that's before we even got on the ice.
Pitch 1 was a perfect way to start, a short pitch on a relatively low angle with some mixed climbing at the top. Fairly simple and really fun. Then top out to another slog uphill on another snowy slope.
Pitch 2 was a little more challenging but by then I was starting to feel like I had my ice legs back. I decided to use this pitch as some technique practise. By the end of the pitch, I felt like my footwork was improving as I had to kick a lot less to feel secure... Trust those feet I always say in rock climbing, now it was my turn to do exactly that. Another snowy slope to finish, quite easy to get through those parts though, nothing too technical in that.
Pitch 3 was about getting the axe placement precision that I wanted, less swinging, more confidence in the pretty sharp tools I held in my hands. By halfway through this pitch, I was feeling confident and like I was beginning to master some of the technique I'd be practising until a really high foot move had me catch my crampons in my trousers... Grrrr. Still, I managed the pitch clean again and the trousers will repair easily I'm sure. At least it wasn't my calf muscle I pierced.
Pitch 4 was a slightly more tricky number, more mixed climbing and more snowy slopes to finish... It's becoming a regular feature now. Just as well the adrenaline is keeping me going really. Lots of hooking my axes behind rocks and bridging my feet on the rock. Crampons on rock do make a funny noise, nothing pleasant in that scratchy sound. It's more like a fearful sound especially trying to get out of a typical Siobhann wide bridge position, if it was rock climbing I'd had broken a few of my knee rules on this pitch. A very pleasant pitch but I do think its the most scared I've been on ice yet. I'm sure forgetting to unclip and then having to down climb, hang off a really high axe placement with a totally pumped arm whilst I fight with an Ice screw didn't help. I managed to get it all sorted just in time to get a rest on my other arm which saved me from burning out and falling. I've not fallen yet and that's the way I want to keep it... Onsight all the way, even through yet another snowy slope finish up to the last pitch of the day.
The last pitch was definitely difficult. The weeks adventures still fresh on our muscles, tiredness was beginning to kick in and there was so much more mixed climbing to be done this pitch. I'm sure gracefulness went right out the window during my climb but I made it with a giant smile on my face to the difficult part, I had to rock climb with crampons on and gloves that gave me no advantage, Still it was amazing. I then got some good tree hooking action on with my axes... What a great buzz that was. I made it to the top alive.
Last thing to do was to get off the mountain. So we made our way down, steady pace at first, on a high from our achievement and then when the steps got really high and the days climbing took its toll, the pace slowed. The calves, the thighs and the back began to hurt and every step started to become a chore. Thankfully, we made it to the bottom without incident and then we had a lovely flat walk to the van. Never a more pleasant feeling than that.
Off to the hotel we went and after a very hot shower, a massive dinner and a few cups of tea, I felt alive and ready to tackle another day... After some of the best hot chocolate in the world, sleep and tiger balm of course.
S xx
Day 4: Pista per pedoni e Cascatisti, 5 pitch Patri and the intro to ice bruising.
Got up this morning feeling a little stiff but nothing a stretch and a walk to some ice won't cure. Met everyone at breakfast and we decided that we would go climb a 5 pitch route called Patri which would also involve a little abseiling from the top. No problem I thought, that sounds like a brilliant way to end the day.
Off we set, Ben and I with our 20 tonne backpacks and Andy looking as chilled as always, on our 1 hour "gentle wander" to the bottom of the 1st pitch along the pista per pedoni e cascatisti. We eventually get to the start of the route and we see for ourselves the magnificence of Patri. It looked amazing. So out of the backpack comes all of the kit and that makes the world of difference to the weight which is basically good because for the 1st 3 pitches we have to carry the packs up with us... Damn is my thought.
The 1st pitch is long, pleasant but tricky until the last couple placements when everything is a bit wet. I get totally soaked but somehow I don't mind. Maybe it's because I'm used to it with the typical Scottish climate. Near the end of the pitch, an Italian gentleman appears so quickly behind me but instead of feeling pressure from him, he totally puts me at ease, makes me smile and helps me get through the crux move at the top. What a lovely guy.
2nd pitch introduces me to the art of ice avoidance, massive pieces come flying at me from above, I get hit on the shins twice and the helmet takes another 2 hits. That's going to hurt in the morning I think.
3rd pitch is a nice short one, very pleasant and with a nice snowy slope to finish. The joyous thing about that is that from now we get to leave our packs at the bottom for the next two pitches as we will abseil from the top. Easy peasy I thought. So we have a bit of lunch, a drink of whatever our flask filler of choice is. It will be no surprise to those who know me that it was Hot blackcurrant for me as always.
Pitch 4 feels so much quicker due to the weight difference when not carrying a pack. It's also a lot easier to look around you and see footholds without being hit on the back of the head with your pack. With some slushy ice and some lovely solid axe placements, this pitch was my favourite of the day. A nice finish on a little ledge kept me safe until I can start the final section.
The final pitch, a very pleasant climb around an ice corner and then up to a thin section of ice through a narrow gully with a little bit of mixed climbing. A very nice climb with a lot of new technique thrown in. Once at the top, the next thing was to get back down, a little short (approx 50m) abseil. Coming down at the start was good until I emerged from the enclosed rock and saw the whole world open up below me. I felt more than a little exposed at that moment but as it was the only way down, there really was not much choice. So I slowly made my way down to the bottom and once on solid ground again, I felt safe. What a fantastic feeling.
All that was left was the long walk back to our accommodation. I won't lie and say that it was as easy as the walk in, it wasn't. Even though it was the same route, it felt twice as long and twice as hard. I can see why people get injured on the descent from big mountain days, the concentration is gone, the footwork is always a little more wobbly but finally, it comes to an end and I'm back in the bar with a cup of tea... Time to celebrate the day and prepare to do it all again tomorrow.
S xx
Off we set, Ben and I with our 20 tonne backpacks and Andy looking as chilled as always, on our 1 hour "gentle wander" to the bottom of the 1st pitch along the pista per pedoni e cascatisti. We eventually get to the start of the route and we see for ourselves the magnificence of Patri. It looked amazing. So out of the backpack comes all of the kit and that makes the world of difference to the weight which is basically good because for the 1st 3 pitches we have to carry the packs up with us... Damn is my thought.
The 1st pitch is long, pleasant but tricky until the last couple placements when everything is a bit wet. I get totally soaked but somehow I don't mind. Maybe it's because I'm used to it with the typical Scottish climate. Near the end of the pitch, an Italian gentleman appears so quickly behind me but instead of feeling pressure from him, he totally puts me at ease, makes me smile and helps me get through the crux move at the top. What a lovely guy.
2nd pitch introduces me to the art of ice avoidance, massive pieces come flying at me from above, I get hit on the shins twice and the helmet takes another 2 hits. That's going to hurt in the morning I think.
3rd pitch is a nice short one, very pleasant and with a nice snowy slope to finish. The joyous thing about that is that from now we get to leave our packs at the bottom for the next two pitches as we will abseil from the top. Easy peasy I thought. So we have a bit of lunch, a drink of whatever our flask filler of choice is. It will be no surprise to those who know me that it was Hot blackcurrant for me as always.
Pitch 4 feels so much quicker due to the weight difference when not carrying a pack. It's also a lot easier to look around you and see footholds without being hit on the back of the head with your pack. With some slushy ice and some lovely solid axe placements, this pitch was my favourite of the day. A nice finish on a little ledge kept me safe until I can start the final section.
The final pitch, a very pleasant climb around an ice corner and then up to a thin section of ice through a narrow gully with a little bit of mixed climbing. A very nice climb with a lot of new technique thrown in. Once at the top, the next thing was to get back down, a little short (approx 50m) abseil. Coming down at the start was good until I emerged from the enclosed rock and saw the whole world open up below me. I felt more than a little exposed at that moment but as it was the only way down, there really was not much choice. So I slowly made my way down to the bottom and once on solid ground again, I felt safe. What a fantastic feeling.
All that was left was the long walk back to our accommodation. I won't lie and say that it was as easy as the walk in, it wasn't. Even though it was the same route, it felt twice as long and twice as hard. I can see why people get injured on the descent from big mountain days, the concentration is gone, the footwork is always a little more wobbly but finally, it comes to an end and I'm back in the bar with a cup of tea... Time to celebrate the day and prepare to do it all again tomorrow.
S xx
Sunday, 27 January 2013
Day 2: Chamonix centre, Chamonix Sud, hot chocolate and a change of plans
Exploring solo day for me today. Went to breakfast and got speaking to one of the members of staff, Lynette. She gave me some mountain information and some hints and tips for the area. Lovely girl who made me feel really at home.
I decided to go for a wander around Chamonix Sud to check out the cable cars and costs of ascending Aiguille Du Midi which is directly across from the lodge and to check out whether or not I would have time today to make my journey to the top. I was informed to allow at least 3.30 - 4hours so I decided I would do that on my 1st rest day after my weeks ice adventures. After making my final decision, I walked into Chamonix centre to see some shops and sights and find my way around. After a few hours wandering around, I decided to head back to the lodge to get a bit of rest before meeting the people from the course. About 10 minutes after I returned to the lodge, I bumped into Simon who asked me if I wanted to go for a coffee so of course I had to say yes. We walked back into the centre and went to a place called elevation which is quite popular with skiers and snowboarders coming off the hill and by the taste of the hot chocolate, I could tell why it was liked so much.
Back at the lodge, I met up with Andy, our guide and Ben the only other person on the course for a drink and a chat in the bar before dinner. We got our gear for the week sorted and talked through our plan for the week. The original plan was a few days climbing in Chamonix and a few days in cogne however, the conditions in the French alps this week are not that great and some of the routes are at risk if avalanche so Andy decided that we would just go to cogne and climb there for the entire week. Not a problem for me, I'm happy anywhere.
After dinner we arranged to meet in the morning and we all headed off to pack and get some rest for the day ahead. Tomorrow we head though the Mont Blanc tunnel to Italy and then on to Cogne... How exciting... Bring it on I say.
S xx
I decided to go for a wander around Chamonix Sud to check out the cable cars and costs of ascending Aiguille Du Midi which is directly across from the lodge and to check out whether or not I would have time today to make my journey to the top. I was informed to allow at least 3.30 - 4hours so I decided I would do that on my 1st rest day after my weeks ice adventures. After making my final decision, I walked into Chamonix centre to see some shops and sights and find my way around. After a few hours wandering around, I decided to head back to the lodge to get a bit of rest before meeting the people from the course. About 10 minutes after I returned to the lodge, I bumped into Simon who asked me if I wanted to go for a coffee so of course I had to say yes. We walked back into the centre and went to a place called elevation which is quite popular with skiers and snowboarders coming off the hill and by the taste of the hot chocolate, I could tell why it was liked so much.
Back at the lodge, I met up with Andy, our guide and Ben the only other person on the course for a drink and a chat in the bar before dinner. We got our gear for the week sorted and talked through our plan for the week. The original plan was a few days climbing in Chamonix and a few days in cogne however, the conditions in the French alps this week are not that great and some of the routes are at risk if avalanche so Andy decided that we would just go to cogne and climb there for the entire week. Not a problem for me, I'm happy anywhere.
After dinner we arranged to meet in the morning and we all headed off to pack and get some rest for the day ahead. Tomorrow we head though the Mont Blanc tunnel to Italy and then on to Cogne... How exciting... Bring it on I say.
S xx
It's that time again
Yesterday I began another fantastic and long awaited adventure. I left edinburgh slightly calmer than I expected and flew to Geneva on what was probably my favourite flight ever so far. Everything was just so relaxing, no stress, nothing but me, my music, my book and some Zzzzz's... Loved it. I met the driver Simon at the airport and instantly we just started chatting about climbing, skiing, mountaineering, canyoning... Everything really and before I knew it, I had arrived at my mountain lodge. What a fantastic journey so far. Simon offered me the chance of some more climbing once my Jagged Globe adventure comes to an end and before I have to return home. I might just take him up on that but that's a story for a future date lol
So anyway, I was given my room key, wifi and door code and shown the way to my room and told to enjoy my view. So the first thing I did when I got to my room was look out my window and wow was it is a view or what. I have the room facing Aiguille du Midi and Mont Blanc and even though it was dark, it was a spectacular sight. Most people who know me will know that what I had to do next was open the window and just breathe in the air... A tad cold but that doesn't matter when it is this good. I settled in as best I could, unpacked and arranged some stuff for the morning, closed the curtains and went to bed
I woke up this morning, after a great nights sleep and jumped out of bed, threw open the curtains and was blinded for a second before seeing the best view I've seen in a long time. I cannot imagine a better way to wake up than to be faced with some beautiful snowy mountains.
So now, I am off to explore a little before heading back to meet everyone from the course at 6pm. You never know, I might just find something very special indeed
Bye for now
S xx
So anyway, I was given my room key, wifi and door code and shown the way to my room and told to enjoy my view. So the first thing I did when I got to my room was look out my window and wow was it is a view or what. I have the room facing Aiguille du Midi and Mont Blanc and even though it was dark, it was a spectacular sight. Most people who know me will know that what I had to do next was open the window and just breathe in the air... A tad cold but that doesn't matter when it is this good. I settled in as best I could, unpacked and arranged some stuff for the morning, closed the curtains and went to bed
I woke up this morning, after a great nights sleep and jumped out of bed, threw open the curtains and was blinded for a second before seeing the best view I've seen in a long time. I cannot imagine a better way to wake up than to be faced with some beautiful snowy mountains.
So now, I am off to explore a little before heading back to meet everyone from the course at 6pm. You never know, I might just find something very special indeed
Bye for now
S xx
Monday, 13 February 2012
Day 4: Meall a' Bhuiridh
Midweek tiredness has arrived this morning but up and at it again no matter what is my motto today.
The daily weather and avalanche check revealed some interesting things on the immediate horizon. For the past 2 days, the weather has been glorious but today was to be a different kettle of fish. The warnings for the mountains were clear: High winds from midday and a high avalanche risk in Glencoe and Lochaber. With all of that in mind, we had 2 options; Ice factor or Meall a' Bhuiridh but getting the chair lift up to 600m to get a head start of the weather and hopefully get as much as possible done before having to turn back. So we chose to get out and onto the mountain and off we set.
The chair lift was definitely interesting. I somehow imagined that it would stop for you to get on and off but no, it just keeps on going. First challenge of the day, complete. The rest of today was going to be a low impact day on the mountain which I was a little thankful for because it meant having more technical stuff thrown at us and learning some stuff that would assist us in an emergency on a mountain journey.
Some walking and trudging uphill was followed by a hasty pit production line where we all checked the snow layers to see what we could find. We then walked a little more before having a more indepth look at navigation. I actually began to feel like I was getting it but not sure how long that will last without daily practise. We then did some more uphill walking before stopping again to get our harnesses on and get some rope work done.
Firstly we began by creating our very own bucket seat, no easy feat really but all the digging certainly keeps you warm and if it's done right, it's relatively comfortable, well as comfortable as a hole in the snow can be. Then we got taught how to do different knots and techniques and learned other things such as a buried axe belay. Overall a brilliant, fun, yet informative time in the snow. By the time we had finished the wind was beginning to pick up and our bucket seats were filling with snow so we decided to pack up and head off to a different part of the mountain where we dug ourselves another hasty pit to check the snow layers on a different part of the mountain to check if they were consistent with the first. We also got to do some light abseilling down a gentle angled slope before making our way back down the mountain without the aid of the chair lift this time, trying to avoid slipping on the ice as much as possible.
Overall today was a fun packed and information filled day which ended with dinner, a few glasses of wine and a game or two of bamboozle in the bar. Not a bad way to spend the day/night at all in my opinion
S xx
The daily weather and avalanche check revealed some interesting things on the immediate horizon. For the past 2 days, the weather has been glorious but today was to be a different kettle of fish. The warnings for the mountains were clear: High winds from midday and a high avalanche risk in Glencoe and Lochaber. With all of that in mind, we had 2 options; Ice factor or Meall a' Bhuiridh but getting the chair lift up to 600m to get a head start of the weather and hopefully get as much as possible done before having to turn back. So we chose to get out and onto the mountain and off we set.
The chair lift was definitely interesting. I somehow imagined that it would stop for you to get on and off but no, it just keeps on going. First challenge of the day, complete. The rest of today was going to be a low impact day on the mountain which I was a little thankful for because it meant having more technical stuff thrown at us and learning some stuff that would assist us in an emergency on a mountain journey.
Some walking and trudging uphill was followed by a hasty pit production line where we all checked the snow layers to see what we could find. We then walked a little more before having a more indepth look at navigation. I actually began to feel like I was getting it but not sure how long that will last without daily practise. We then did some more uphill walking before stopping again to get our harnesses on and get some rope work done.
Firstly we began by creating our very own bucket seat, no easy feat really but all the digging certainly keeps you warm and if it's done right, it's relatively comfortable, well as comfortable as a hole in the snow can be. Then we got taught how to do different knots and techniques and learned other things such as a buried axe belay. Overall a brilliant, fun, yet informative time in the snow. By the time we had finished the wind was beginning to pick up and our bucket seats were filling with snow so we decided to pack up and head off to a different part of the mountain where we dug ourselves another hasty pit to check the snow layers on a different part of the mountain to check if they were consistent with the first. We also got to do some light abseilling down a gentle angled slope before making our way back down the mountain without the aid of the chair lift this time, trying to avoid slipping on the ice as much as possible.
Overall today was a fun packed and information filled day which ended with dinner, a few glasses of wine and a game or two of bamboozle in the bar. Not a bad way to spend the day/night at all in my opinion
S xx
Wednesday, 8 February 2012
Day 3: Buachille Etive Beag & Stob Dubh
Tuesday arrives and I must admit it was a little more difficult to get out of bed this morning. I definitely feel a little stiffer and less agile. Not to panic though as breakfast is a hearty one of fresh orange juice, porridge oats (kinda), sugary tea and then a little bit of eggs and bacon. Now, that's what I am talking about. Raring to go...
So today is another gorgeous winters days. Chilly but nothing major and some nice gentle sunshine to add a little rosy flavour to the cheeks. Heading off to Buachille Etive Beag, for a walk along the ridge and then on to the summit of Stob Dubh today. I can already feel the weight of my legs on the first few hundred metres then add to that the weight of crampons and you will understand why I needed a strawberry and cranberry (yummy btw) powerbar to get me going again after lunch.
A few meters after the col, we got taught how to look for and understand avalanches and by digging a hasty pit to check for unstable layers, we discovered there actually was a pretty unstable layer underneath a well bonded top layer thankfully which was supporting our weight. Needless to say, we did not continue on that path. We then headed on to the ridge line and followed it climbing up on to the summit of Stob Dubh and what a sight we were rewarded with. Absolutely gorgeous and the best possible advert you will ever see for Visit Scotland
With views like that, it doesnt matter how long or hard it was to get there. It all melts away when you see that.
Scotland: Oh how I love you sometimes
Sxx
So today is another gorgeous winters days. Chilly but nothing major and some nice gentle sunshine to add a little rosy flavour to the cheeks. Heading off to Buachille Etive Beag, for a walk along the ridge and then on to the summit of Stob Dubh today. I can already feel the weight of my legs on the first few hundred metres then add to that the weight of crampons and you will understand why I needed a strawberry and cranberry (yummy btw) powerbar to get me going again after lunch.
A few meters after the col, we got taught how to look for and understand avalanches and by digging a hasty pit to check for unstable layers, we discovered there actually was a pretty unstable layer underneath a well bonded top layer thankfully which was supporting our weight. Needless to say, we did not continue on that path. We then headed on to the ridge line and followed it climbing up on to the summit of Stob Dubh and what a sight we were rewarded with. Absolutely gorgeous and the best possible advert you will ever see for Visit Scotland
With views like that, it doesnt matter how long or hard it was to get there. It all melts away when you see that.
Scotland: Oh how I love you sometimes
Sxx
Tuesday, 7 February 2012
Day 2: Aonach Mor
What a beautiful day in Scotland. We couldn't have asked for better weather for our first day in the mountains: Clear skies, sunny rays coming from a bizare object in the sky and pleasant temperatures ranging from 1C to -4C... Perfect!
Today we headed for Aonach Mor where we got the gondola up to approx 600m. We then began our leisurely day with some walking and footwork practise on some fairly light terrain. We then had some educational fun in the snow practising our ice axe arrest technique before a much needed lunch and then getting the crampons on and heading further up the mountain on much steeper terrain at approx 30degrees.
We had a full day of fun, education and exercise, just what you need on a sunny, crisp Scottish day... so get out there folks but be safe if you do so.
Heading back to the hotel, time for a much needed relaxing shower, a feast and blether with the others and then sleep because lets face it; I have to go through it all again tomorrow
Sx
Today we headed for Aonach Mor where we got the gondola up to approx 600m. We then began our leisurely day with some walking and footwork practise on some fairly light terrain. We then had some educational fun in the snow practising our ice axe arrest technique before a much needed lunch and then getting the crampons on and heading further up the mountain on much steeper terrain at approx 30degrees.
We had a full day of fun, education and exercise, just what you need on a sunny, crisp Scottish day... so get out there folks but be safe if you do so.
Heading back to the hotel, time for a much needed relaxing shower, a feast and blether with the others and then sleep because lets face it; I have to go through it all again tomorrow
Sx
Sunday, 5 February 2012
Mountaineering, Day 1: Let the games begin
10 months of waiting has finally come to an end. My plans have finally officially been kick started and it is such a great feeling.
Drove up to the Ballachulish hotel this afternoon, passing through places like Kilmahog (Love that name) and Callander and as I noticed the hills becoming more and more snow covered, the excitement grew into a really girly scream. I had no way to prepare for that, it just happened and im sure if you had seen me, it would have been hilarious.
The course kicked off with a short introduction, meeting the instructors and each other before we got all of our kit ready and then after a lovely dinner, we then had a presentation so that we knew roughly what to expect in the coming week and; as the presentation was titled; 'how to cope' haha
There are actually 3 courses running at the one time this week, so there are a few folk in the hotel but on my specific course there are only 6 people so it's a lovely small number which should hopefully make it a lot more intense and focused.
Now, just lazing in my very comfy hotel room, I am hoping that I can beat my usual 'unsleepiness' and perhaps sleep soon so that I am well rested for the big day ahead. So on that note, buzzing with excitement, off I go to attempt that which manages to evade me on such a regular occasion.
Bring on the winter games!!!
S xx
Drove up to the Ballachulish hotel this afternoon, passing through places like Kilmahog (Love that name) and Callander and as I noticed the hills becoming more and more snow covered, the excitement grew into a really girly scream. I had no way to prepare for that, it just happened and im sure if you had seen me, it would have been hilarious.
The course kicked off with a short introduction, meeting the instructors and each other before we got all of our kit ready and then after a lovely dinner, we then had a presentation so that we knew roughly what to expect in the coming week and; as the presentation was titled; 'how to cope' haha
There are actually 3 courses running at the one time this week, so there are a few folk in the hotel but on my specific course there are only 6 people so it's a lovely small number which should hopefully make it a lot more intense and focused.
Now, just lazing in my very comfy hotel room, I am hoping that I can beat my usual 'unsleepiness' and perhaps sleep soon so that I am well rested for the big day ahead. So on that note, buzzing with excitement, off I go to attempt that which manages to evade me on such a regular occasion.
Bring on the winter games!!!
S xx
Monday, 18 July 2011
The Mighty Ben... The days events
7am on Big Ben day (09/07/11) and we leave Glasgow on the 3hour journey to Fort William, after only a miniscule 4 hours sleep and no breakfast, I was able too tell that the day would be a little bit harder than I had originally planned but sure that I would grab a bit to eat in the Ben Nevis centre before starting, I settled in for the drive... What a lovely drive. The scenery, relaxing, remote and just outstanding. Near the end of the car journey, you get an idea of what you are about to task yourself with:
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This is closeby but doesnt match the intensity or the altitute of the Ben... it's pretty none the less.
The Ben Trek begins on a grassy route alongside the Water of Nevis and although steep, it is a very pleasant path.
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After about 20 minutes the pleasant path disappears and is replaced with a very lovely step after step of testing, leg shaking rock laced pathway which zig zag's up and up for hundreds of feet. Now all of this sounds very rough but the Ben is more sneaky, it distracts you all the way along with little joyous views and sights...
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Some of the many many mountains close by. Staggering just how close and how far it is from this very spot. Now while you are distracted by the views, I dare you not to smile when you see this for real... its peaceful in a way you can't know about until you are standing there and feeling all your worries and stresses fade away.
The trek continues in the chellenging way that it does but take your time (it's not a race unless you join the official Ben Nevis race), rest, drink plenty (free refills a plenty) have a snack or four (you'll need a lot) and most of all don't give up. You'll get to a place where the ascent flattens out and this is a perfect place to have a seat and catch your breath and whilst you are having your banana or your sandwich or whatever you choose to bring, you can let the beauty of this spot remove the previous 600m (approx) from your muscles
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Not to worry, there are plenty of people to meet along the way. Be sure and chat with some, it benefits everyone and don't be afraid to say hello and ask them how they are doing.
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When you make it through the trials and marathon that is the Ben and you make it to the waterfall, fill your water bottle and perhaps take a rest and enjoy again the views (if she permits it)
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After this point, you'll see lots of people coming down with hats and jackets on looking cold and you can't imagine feeling cold yet even though there is a breeze in the air, right now it feels good on your face but now is the time to get your gear ready if you aren't a person who enjoys the cold. It is very common to see snow on the Ben, even in July
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So here you are, tired and if you have a day like mine, walking blind:
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Now all you have to do is get down safe... Relax, take your time, chat, laugh, encourage people and even lend a helping hand if need be and most of all just enjoy yourself. You have climbed the UK's highest mountain (1344m) and that is something you'll want to celebrate when it's all over.
The Ben Trek begins on a grassy route alongside the Water of Nevis and although steep, it is a very pleasant path.
some of the many streams... beautiful water. Tastes amazing!
The trek continues in the chellenging way that it does but take your time (it's not a race unless you join the official Ben Nevis race), rest, drink plenty (free refills a plenty) have a snack or four (you'll need a lot) and most of all don't give up. You'll get to a place where the ascent flattens out and this is a perfect place to have a seat and catch your breath and whilst you are having your banana or your sandwich or whatever you choose to bring, you can let the beauty of this spot remove the previous 600m (approx) from your muscles
The previous 600m (approx) disappears down the pony track
The next 700m (approx) still to be climbed. Of course you don't climb it directly here, you have to follow the route which looks a little something like this:
It'll seem like a long time since you sat away down there enjoying the view
The rocky path, gets steeper still and it becomes quite a journey from here on in and when you make it through and get to the place of massive rocks, know that you are not far from the place you are aiming for, this would be the best place for your last short break... grab a sugary treat, a banana or a hard boiled egg (whatever you prefer and whatever will give you the energy you require for the last push)
Keep your wits around you and don't step onto snow and ice near the edge ('well duh' Im sure you say but you'd be surprised)
but know that what you came here for is right there, just make the final few steps and alas, it shall appear for you and hopefully, you'll get a view from the summit but even if you don't... You made it! Well done!
Now all you have to do is get down safe... Relax, take your time, chat, laugh, encourage people and even lend a helping hand if need be and most of all just enjoy yourself. You have climbed the UK's highest mountain (1344m) and that is something you'll want to celebrate when it's all over.
Now just a wee advisory note: If you are trekking the Ben alone, there are a few things to remember: Take a map and compass and be competant in their use (the Ben doesn't always give you a nice easy clear day for route following), take appropriate footwear/clothes (remember it's a Scottish mountain, respect it's ability to change at a seconds notice) pay attention to where you are walking and of course, be nice to those you meet as they pass you by. Greet people with a hello and a smile, I guarantee it will pay dividends when you are feeling low as they will then be the very people that pick you up and give you a boost if they meet you on the way down and you never know, you may just meet a new friend for life. Most importantly... Have fun and go home feeling like you have been privy to a little secret piece of heaven because the feeling you take with you will never leave you.
Siobhann xx
P.s I want to say thank you to everyone who donated to my Ben Nevis trip which went towards Richard Parks 737challenge . You guys are fantastic and you managed to help me raise an amazing £213 for a wonderful cause... Lots of love xxxxx
Another thank you to Sarah and Jen for coming along, you both did an amazing job getting up and down so fast, hope you have happy memories of your day. Sorry I couldn't keep up with you but in a way i'm glad that i got to do it alone, as my self motivation ability was tested to the max and in the end I won out.
Another Thank you to everyone I met on the Ben that day, you guys all made it such a perfect day and a wonderful memory for me. I have never met so many lovely people whilst exercising haha. Gordon you especially really did make the descent a wonderful experience with all your stories. Such an amazing character, I wish you so many more amazing memories and all the best in your life, you deserve it. Perhaps we shall meet again
Finally, a massive thank you to Richard Parks for motivating me ; without knowing it; to push myself, test my boundries, fight harder and succeed even when I think that I can't possibly go on (You are my inspiration).
Sunday, 5 June 2011
Drop and give me 20
Well, university is almost over for the summer and I am really looking forward to a 4 month break from the monotony of it all. I cannot wait to finally have some free time. Of course, it won't stay free for too long as I have a plan to be moving on with (after a celebratory Lifehouse concert in Manchester first :P)
After that, if I survive it all... I go to the Ben Nevis and get some of these amazing Scottish mountains under my belt... it's going to be an exciting couple of months. So, in preparation for all of that, I best get some sleep ;) Until next time... Catch ya on the outside xx
Last update talked about the Mountaineering course I signed up for, I am super excited about this and have only got another 8 months to wait haha but until then, like I said, I have to get a move on with the fitness goal. Bootcamp is my first step really and I have signed up for a whole 2 months of it with Scottish Millitary Fitness I will be taking my first class approximately Saturday 18th June. I intend on doing as many classes as I can in my 2 months (other things permitting of course). This is a big enough step as it is but wait, there's more... on June 25th (day before my birthday... hint hint) I am also going to do some climbing at GoApe in Aberfoyle which has Britains 2 biggest zip wires on site... I can't wait. It's a place I've been dying to go for ages and it will be so much fun. Next on the plan will be another round of Canyoning with Splash. I did this at the beginning of April and it was freezing, terrifying and so much fun at the same time, I can't wait to do it again. You can check it out for yourself.
After that, if I survive it all... I go to the Ben Nevis and get some of these amazing Scottish mountains under my belt... it's going to be an exciting couple of months. So, in preparation for all of that, I best get some sleep ;) Until next time... Catch ya on the outside xx
Wednesday, 27 April 2011
A small step for me...
After taking a couple of months to figure out my climbing/mountaineering options and where I want to begin, I have repeatedly changed my mind regarding the whole Kilimanjaro thing. This very famous peak, is every trekkers dream starting point at altitude and that is the down side in a way. It has become such a common dream among walkers that I have decided, for now, to postpone my trip. Of course, this is not to say that I will never climb it but for now, it is on hold.
I have not given up on my climbing / mountaineering dreams, instead I put my ideas and goals and dreams into perspective and came up with a starter plan.
Now with this plan in mind, I booked a winter mountaineering course with Jagged Globe today for 6 days and this week, I will be signing up for my 6 week intensive bootcamp course to kick start my training motivation. You can read about the course here: Jagged Globe - Winter Mountaineering
It is such a refreshing thing to finally take a step into the realm of your dreams and I could not have done it without the inspiration from Richard Parks. He reminded me that even in the face of our deepest fears, dreams are attainable no matter how far off they may seem. All you have to do is take the first step
You can follow Rich's 737 Challenge to climb the 7 Summits (Aconcagua, Mount Vinson, Kilimanjaro, Carstensz Pyramid, Everest, Denali & Elbrus) which are the highest mountains on each of the world's continents, and venture the last degree to The South Pole and Geographic North Pole. All against a 7 month clock here: http://www.737challenge.com/ and you can donate here: Donate
Bye for now
S xx
P.s: You can also follow Rich on Twitter and Facebook
I have not given up on my climbing / mountaineering dreams, instead I put my ideas and goals and dreams into perspective and came up with a starter plan.
Now with this plan in mind, I booked a winter mountaineering course with Jagged Globe today for 6 days and this week, I will be signing up for my 6 week intensive bootcamp course to kick start my training motivation. You can read about the course here: Jagged Globe - Winter Mountaineering
It is such a refreshing thing to finally take a step into the realm of your dreams and I could not have done it without the inspiration from Richard Parks. He reminded me that even in the face of our deepest fears, dreams are attainable no matter how far off they may seem. All you have to do is take the first step
You can follow Rich's 737 Challenge to climb the 7 Summits (Aconcagua, Mount Vinson, Kilimanjaro, Carstensz Pyramid, Everest, Denali & Elbrus) which are the highest mountains on each of the world's continents, and venture the last degree to The South Pole and Geographic North Pole. All against a 7 month clock here: http://www.737challenge.com/ and you can donate here: Donate
Bye for now
S xx
P.s: You can also follow Rich on Twitter and Facebook
Wednesday, 2 March 2011
T to the I to the N.T.O
So I figured that everyone has to start somewhere and without using steep Glasgow streets as my starting point, I decided to go with a real hill. Not a Munro but everyone has to start somewhere right. So Tinto was that place:
(Picture by Siobhann McClory)
Bearing in mind, I haven't been hill walking for many a year so I didn't want to have a long drive before starting out on the days adventure. Tinto reaches a height of 2320ft (707m) and as a smallish hill close to home (approx 5 miles from Lanark, i.e 24 miles from home), it's quite impressive indeed. It has a very beautiful setting even on a less than perfect day and it benefits from the usual unpredictable Scottish weather for an all round experience of a hill walking day out.
Starting out kind of late was nice because it meant the hill was a little quieter and I was able to just take my time and enjoy the view:
(Picture by Siobhann McClory)
I reach the 2 false summits and see ice in front of me and think; awesome, I'm almost there so I'll have a water break and get going on the last 100 or so metres to the top before taking in the view and starting back down. in typical Scottish weather pattern fashion, I turn around and enjoy a beautiful view and when I put my water away, turn to face the direction of the summit and all of a sudden I can't see... the fog decends so quickly:
(Picture by Siobhann McClory)
There's more of a hurry to reach the summit now before it is too late. So walking on ice and rocks and taking slightly less time than I would have liked, I make my way to the final goal. Frozen and windy, the summit is a bitter place in January but I made it:
(Picture by Siobhann McClory)
As you can see, the rocks directly in front of me are the only things that can be seen (except the other camera of course) Damn that fog, I was looking forward to avoiding getting my picture taken with the view in the background. Tinto - Done! That makes Stage one complete... what next? I guess you'll have to wait and see.
Until next time x
(Picture by Siobhann McClory)Bearing in mind, I haven't been hill walking for many a year so I didn't want to have a long drive before starting out on the days adventure. Tinto reaches a height of 2320ft (707m) and as a smallish hill close to home (approx 5 miles from Lanark, i.e 24 miles from home), it's quite impressive indeed. It has a very beautiful setting even on a less than perfect day and it benefits from the usual unpredictable Scottish weather for an all round experience of a hill walking day out.
Starting out kind of late was nice because it meant the hill was a little quieter and I was able to just take my time and enjoy the view:
(Picture by Siobhann McClory)
(Picture by Siobhann McClory)
(Picture by Siobhann McClory)Until next time x
Tuesday, 1 February 2011
Beginnings
I thought I would start with a little introduction: Hello, I'm Siobhann and I have a dream... too cliché? Seriously then:
Ever since I was young(er) I have always had an idea in my head of certain things that I want to achieve in my life. Just like everyone, there were some fairly regular things on that list: Learn to drive, have my own house, travel and many others that change and grow as you move through various stages of your life and many of which I am proud to say, I have achieved. However, there has always been one, a dream you may call it and that was to climb mountains. Not just any ones, but MOUNTAINS made of dreams. I'll give you some idea of the ones I am referring to: Ben Nevis, Mont Blanc, Everest, Annapurna, Kilimanjaro and my ultimate dream... K2. Sadly, I have always managed to avoid doing these for one reason or another but the feeling and the desire has never really gone away, no matter how much I tried to replace it with something new.
What began this transformation was back in January 2010 when I decided and promised myself that I would do what I wanted and go where I wanted and celebrate my life and my 30th birthday for a whole 12 months. What a promise that was and how much fun it was actually fulfilling that promise to myself and in doing all of the travelling and having adventures I realised something magnificent... I can accomplish anything. So at the end of December 2010, I decided that I am going to live my dreams and I am going to set out to climb the mountains of my life. Voila! My little seed of an idea had been firmly planted and watered for the first time and now there is no stopping it.
So here we are. The newest chapter in my life and the starting point of something, which I just know, is going to be wonderful.
Ever since I was young(er) I have always had an idea in my head of certain things that I want to achieve in my life. Just like everyone, there were some fairly regular things on that list: Learn to drive, have my own house, travel and many others that change and grow as you move through various stages of your life and many of which I am proud to say, I have achieved. However, there has always been one, a dream you may call it and that was to climb mountains. Not just any ones, but MOUNTAINS made of dreams. I'll give you some idea of the ones I am referring to: Ben Nevis, Mont Blanc, Everest, Annapurna, Kilimanjaro and my ultimate dream... K2. Sadly, I have always managed to avoid doing these for one reason or another but the feeling and the desire has never really gone away, no matter how much I tried to replace it with something new.
What began this transformation was back in January 2010 when I decided and promised myself that I would do what I wanted and go where I wanted and celebrate my life and my 30th birthday for a whole 12 months. What a promise that was and how much fun it was actually fulfilling that promise to myself and in doing all of the travelling and having adventures I realised something magnificent... I can accomplish anything. So at the end of December 2010, I decided that I am going to live my dreams and I am going to set out to climb the mountains of my life. Voila! My little seed of an idea had been firmly planted and watered for the first time and now there is no stopping it.
So here we are. The newest chapter in my life and the starting point of something, which I just know, is going to be wonderful.
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