Wintry start (plus a round up of SAIS summer tittle-tattle).
15th December 2017
Great to be back, especially since winter really seems to have made its presence felt at Creag Meagaidh.
(Above) Looking towards the Post Face of Coire Ardair from Coire Chriochairein. Good snow cover in Coire Ardair at the moment. At least two people broke trail all the way up the main coire path to the lochan today. General cover down low is between 12 and 15cms on the path but with occasional much deeper drifts. Skis a good option for access; skiing possible all the way from Aberarder Farmhouse on Friday and should be the same for Saturday. Fresh uphill ski tracks noted on the way up to Na Cnapanan for Carn Liath and beyond. A lot of unconsolidated snow around so the downhill probably a bit challenging.
(Above) The south-facing side of Coire Ardair. It was a bit of a stumbly flounder at times crossing the deeper unconsolidated snow here on the way into Coire Chriochairein. Foot passage pretty challenging in these and similar locations in the lee of recent Northerly winds. Flat light prevalent during the morning.
(Above) Sron a Ghoire – its North-facing flank. Pretty heavily scoured above about 700m on this side exposed to the stronger Northerly winds. Foot soldiering likely to be a lot less tiring where the vegetation isn’t buried!
(Above & below) The main Coire Ardair path at 500m. The overhead conditions cheered up a lot later in the afternoon. Wasn’t wall-to-wall sunshine but definitely more than momentary breaks in the cloud.
The beginning of the winter season seems an opportune time to look back and share a little SAIS summer tittle-tattle with our loyal followers.
(Above) Quite by accident came across Graham Moss, a stalwart of SAIS Lochaber, when I was spectating (at a very safe distance, I should add) at the Aviemore Triathalon held back in August in Glenmore. Here’s Graham (clad in neoprene) when the it was announced over the PA system – to applause all round – that there were few if any waves on Loch Morlich for the swimming section of the event.
(Above)Â “…….but the water temperature is a chilly 10 degrees.” Oh, dear!
(Above) Made it comfortably through the first transition on to his bike…..
(Above) ….and approached the final transition with a smile. (Is it just me, or do you find the budgie-smuggler-look slightly alarming too?)
Good effort though, Graham!
(Above) One of our number has been building a boat……
(Above) ….and somebody else has bought himself a mobility scooter a battery-powered mountain bike.
No names, no pack drill!
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Stan wygladala
16th December 2017 10:20 am
Welcome back!
Great start to the season ; fingers crossed for the rest.
Great photos to stir old memories.
And…..I got an electric road bike in June (Giant e+1 google it) and have rediscovered the joys of cycling (l used to race). Have done 2000 miles so far. So titter thee not, as one day it could be you!
Looking forward to more reports.
Yours,
Stan
meagaidhadmin
16th December 2017 11:17 am
Thanks, Stan.
The ‘leccy mtn bike did raise a certain amount of mirth…initially…but the benefits became apparent very soon thereafter. ‘The Person Who Shall Not Be Named’ utterly swears by it!
Looking forward to a good season. Hoping the weather gods play ball.
Sue
18th December 2017 2:52 pm
Good to see you back, I’m looking forward to all your interesting and informative reports and hopefully no bad incidents over the winter.
meagaidhadmin
18th December 2017 4:21 pm
Thanks for your comment, Sue.
A proper snowy winter would be great but the short term forecast is, unfortunately, not looking too positive.
“….no bad accidents over the winter.” Amen to that.