Assessment run by mountaineering instructor, Steve Spalding, http://www.high-expectations.co.uk was excellent. I was fortunate to be in a great group of folk and we were all very supportive of each other so the whole time was very enjoyable.
From left to right, Judith, Alison, Alastair and me.
The ML assessment covers navigation in poor weather and at night, weather forecasting, general leadership skills, law and regulations for access, environment and taking young people on the mountains, first aid and what to do in an emergency, knowledge of flora, fauna and geology of the mountains, and for emergency situations, river crossings and security on steep ground with some rope work. In addition the final three day expedition covers wild camping. Although it was an assessment and that makes it stressful, it was also an opportunity to spend five days doing what we all enjoy doing...... :-)
On the three day backpacking expedition we were woken by the sound of the ptarmigan and skeins of geese flying low over the crags and on the last morning a beautiful sun rise. Managed time to take a few photos during the assessment days.
A most enjoyable experience with great company. Thanks to all.
Camping by Loch Etchachan
Loch Etchachan, Cairngorms
With Steve on the left
Sun rise by Bynack
Ridge of Bynack
Alastair with rope
Judith descending with South African abseil
Alison relaxes during abseil
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The following morning Graeme and I sat in the hide and watched the squirrels to take photos. We were then joined by the girls when it was time for a picnic lunch.
Left to right, Graeme Gainey, Catriona Gainey, Helen Stuart and Alison Gainey
An easy day with the wind behind us in blue skies and sunshine, we walked from the Achlean car park, up Can Ban Mor, along to Sgor Gaoith, on to Sgoran Dubh Mor and then down by way of Geal Charn back to the forest below. We then met up with Alan "Ciao Ciao" Bailey for a pint in Newtonmore and a fitting ending to the day.
Looking down to the southern end of Loch Einich
Sgorr Gaoth with Braeriach on the far side of Loch Einich, Cairngorms
View south towards Carn Ban Mor. You can see the heavy loading of snow on the east facing slopes.
Looking down to Loch Einich with the corries of Einich Cairn on the far side
Another west facing slope best avoided.
Alan Dobie on summit of Sgoran Dubh Mor
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What to do when your mate is taking photographs
Unfortunately the last sunlight faded by the time we reached the pinnacles so I will need to return another day to get some good light.
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There is no photographic merit to the photos I took today but I am posting them here as some folk may just enjoy the views.
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At last I managed to get a photograph of a treecreeper (see below). They are common birds but difficult to predict and they seem never to remain still for even a second which makes them harder to photograph. Also a woodpecker put in an appearance and two squirrels literally hung about for much of the time we were there. I hope to start photographing the squirrels soon. The other visitor today was my good friend and fellow photographer, Margaret Walker, who took a break from her own feeding site for a change of scene. The task we set ourselves was to try and get shots of the crested tit in amongst branches with green pine needles. This proved to be quite tricky as the birds only land for a second or two which gives very little time to focus, but also the bird was usually obscured by twigs, or pine needles, or looking the wrong way. So for every satisfactory shot there were numerous failures.
Unfortunately the weather has not been good lately resulting in poor lighting conditions. Although I generally prefer even light to the contrasty light which strong sunlight produces, a little bit more sun would have been welcome. ISO up to 3,200 today was better than the 5,000 I needed yesterday but still meant slower shutter speeds than I would have liked.
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I could only think the wild weather which had dumped all the snow had driven even these hardy birds downhill. Certainly we did eventually find some ptarmigan lower down but by this time light was fading and we had run out of time. I would like for Kat to have got some photographs, but at least she did get to see them and enjoyed her day despite the hard work walking through deep snow.
If it was easy it would be no fun!
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