26th February 2013 - Tower Gully

Anna looking pleased with herself

The gorilla stand making itself useful

Anna topping out

The Black Cuillin dancing in the clouds

Could it get any clearer?

Anna negotiating the cornice

Anna in Observatory Gully Tower Scoop and Gully in the background

Wonderful conditions all day

So its my birthday today, and Anna managed to get a day off work so that we could go for a climb in this glorious weather. So after opening some lovely presents (and Anna baking a carrot cake at 6.30 in the morning - mad, simply mad!) we had a leisurely start up the CIC track, ariving at the CIC at about 10.30am. We decided to go ahead with Plan A which was Tower Scoop. It was a long and arduous tramp up to the base of the climb, but on arrival after setting up a quick belay neither of us seemed keen to actually get on it. Yesterdays tragic events were still fresh in our minds and I think watching another team ahead of us back off of the route put us off a bit. The vomit streaks were not attractive either.

So we opted for a calf burning, thigh busting trudge up Tower Gully (I/II). We had some amazing views of Tower Gap, with Max Hunter on his solo traverse negotiating it steadily. The best bit was definately climbing up through the cornice. It was probably the easiest bit, and almost every placement was spot on. Its always nice to haul up out of a cornice to the amazement of passers by - even if it is an easier climb you have completed! We basked in the sunshine of the summit, where we met some members of the LMRT who had completed Hadrians Wall.

A steady walk back down the Red Burn brought us finally back to the car. We had a really wonderful day on the Ben. Hoping to get out again soon and properly try out my new crampons (super shard, ripped my new gaitors already!!). Maybe Good Friday this weekend if Anna is keen!

Back home for a wonderful birthday dinner followed by watching Ted (the talking walking bear...) on DVD - great film!