Page 9 - 2011 AMA Summer

As I sit here in my hotel I contemplate what lay ahead. It’s the dying embers of March. The snow remains but not for long. As the temperature rises in what is promised to be a pleasant spring week I wonder how much longer winter will truly serenade us. I still consider myself a novice winter mountaineer and make no claims to the contrary. 2 years ago I struggled with my fellow students to find sufficient snow to complete our Winter Mountain Proficiency; since then I have accumulated the odd quality mountain day in an effort to further my experience in this glorious wonderland. And so, I’m here at the Hilton Coylumbridge just outside Aviemore con- templating what lay ahead. There is a plan: It involves snow, the majestic Cairngorms and an enthusiasm that pulsates through me every time leave is on the cards. A drive and determination that, despite my years of hill time, still surprises me; but I digress.
Where was I? Oh yeah – the plan! The intent was simple; more winter experience with perhaps a score to settle. Over Christmas 2010 I ventured into the Larig Ghru, it was meant to be my ‘break in’ to the season and it certainly broke me. At the time there was a lull in two quite aggressive low pressure systems sweeping west from the Baltic and Siberia. Fresh snow came quickly and in abundance, and coupled with extensive drift it deepened. The wind roared with all the subtlety of rabid Alsatian bringing tem- peratures of -10°C spitting powder in the face with avid insolence. The walk in was hard; the walk out was torturous. Every other step forward was a step into the unknown. Ankle deep here – thigh deep there; a personal battle that would bring the toughest of men to their knees. As it hap- pens that is where I spent most my time beyond the Pools of Dee and there were
Sheltering from the wind on Beinn Mheadhoin
£175 THE END IS NIGH –
ARTICLE WINTER THAT IS!
By Mark Gregory
stretches when crawling was the only viable
would be Sgor Gaoith and Mullach Clach a option, but I made it; stronger and wiser if
Bhlair from Glen Freshie separated by a not a little scarred. Lesson learnt: next time
night in a wild camp. With the tent travel lighter! No bulky tent (just in case the
despatched and only a sleeping/bivvy bag bothy is full) and definitely no creature com-
as my humble abode, accommodation forts. Just the bare essentials with perhaps
would be a snow cave. Why? As a crazy some light entertainment for the prolonged
meerkat once said – its simples!
hours of darkness. On review the intent this time was to gain that experience but with less hardship. The score would have to be settled another day. On this occasion the adventure would have to be driven by fun and nothing else. The following day’s target
The following morning commenced with a stroll up from Auchlean in Glen Freshie in fine weather as a high pressure
system slowly inched its
way across the UK.
ARMY MOUNTAINEER 7