Page 42 - 2017 AMA Summer

than the one, and Nick C-J took Ryan x 2 out into Sneachta as well for some intro climbing. Ali and I (well, actually Andy) found some ice (!) and had a play as well as some intro to the use of ice-screws. So for all the lack of classic WH Murray- style Scottish winter conditions, we were still making the very most of what the Cairngorms had to offer.
The conditions were very changeable the following day, so the majority of the Meet concentrated on skills-practice in Coire Cas. Ali and I did some lead-climbing practice with Andy, and went through snow bollards as well as rock anchors. Niall’s team did the same, and worked through good WML stuff on a snow bank under Fiacaill a’Choire Cas. Gemma did likewise, leaving the climbing for the day to the remaining four Members. Luckily,
I had Sean Mackey guest-starring as an instructor as well, so we managed to get Chris Dale, Ben T, and Al Topping out climbing in Sneachta.
Final day, and we made the most of it. Gemma took her team out on a round of Sgor an Dubh Mor to Sgor Gaouth. For the climbers, it was back into Sneachta for Sean and Nick, taking Mark, H, Sip and Ryan B for some more work in everyone’s favourite winter coire, and Niall took his gang out for their final QMD of the week. Ali and I won the climbing lottery, as Andy offered to take us to The Ben for our last day. We both felt very privileged as Andy had The Magic Key that gives access to the Forestry Commission track to the upper car park for the North face of the Ben, which cuts hours of the walk to the CIC Hut. The last day didn’t disappoint,
and we had an outstanding day on the Ben, climbing the SW Ridge of the Douglas Boulder.
So was it a mistake saying yes to Sean? Nope. Not at all. A fantastic week in Scotland, despite the conditions, providing Members with QMDs to grow future instructors, as well a logbook routes for the climbers. I can’t thank Geordie, Col, Gemma, Andy, Niall and Nick enough for their superb and enthusiastic instruction for the week. Special thanks goes to Sean and Ryan for their support, it was very much appreciated. And special thanks also to the chef who makes the cakes in Aviemore’s Mountain Café for supplying the requisite calories to support the week’s activities.
40 ARMY MOUNTAINEER