MIC guinea pig day 2

Today was another awesome day in the corries. Alex and myself were guinea pigs on Carl's assessment who oversaw us complete a multipitch ice climbing route. After completeing the route we looked at lowering on steep slopes using bucket seats and bollards. We also looked at the use of a 'dead man' to protect ourselves.
I am pleased to say that Carl passed his MIC assessment which had him looking after us over the last 2 days.

MIC Guinea pig day 1

Ascending the route

Topping out on a route
Being taken on a climbing day as a guinea pig for an MIC (Ice climbing award) assessment. This was a great opportunity to ask plenty of questions and improve my skills to look after myself on routes in the future. It was a fantastic day with clear blue sky and sticky snow.

Perfect Climbing day

'The Vent' my first route of the day, the chock stone was only semi covered in ice. Near the top of Y Gully right hand route The 3 routes i did in the morning Climbing up the couloir An awesome photo of a 360 panoramic of cthe Cairngorm Plateau after ascending 'The Vent'

6 Routes in the Northern Corries, Cairngorms Fantastic day in the Cairngorms, Bivied out in the top carpark of ski center after car was starting to frost over on a clear night. It was going to be perfect weather in the morning. Walked into Corrie Lochain Started up 'The Vent' grade II, solo down the Couloir grade I up Y gully right branch, grade II, solo (with helmetcam) down couloir and accross vent to redo with helmetcam but was stacked up with climbers So, back up the Couloir Drop into Coire an T-Sneachda Up central gully, Grade I, solo Drop back in at eastern most point Up Aladdin's Couloir, Grade I, solo down Aladdin's Couloir, up Aladdin's Mirror, Grade I solo - not in condition, corner is on the rocks. Back to car

North Face of the Ben

Central Gully - Attempt but abed off after first pitch as middle section was missing.

me and Dave Fisher

Conditions are poor :( Wet and Slushy