Observatory Ridge

One of the hard initial pitches

A spectacular view whilst belaying - Tower Scoop was busy today (people on RHS - 6 people), and can you spot the 2 teams on the main face

Orion Direct was busy today. Here you can see Tamsin building a belay, and Adam higher bringing his 2 clients up.

The weather was very kind to us today. I was hot all day, and often belayed without gloves. We had rain in the morning, and a brief spell of very poor vis at the summit at the end

With poor weather just around the corner for Wednesday and Thursday, We needed to make the most of today. It was a day for Observatory Ridge. As we got to the base of the route, we worried that the crowds were all heading for our route, but not to worry, it seemed to be a very busy day on Orion Direct instead. We were the only team on the ridge. The snow was pulling badly in the first couple of pitches, making life very exciting. On one steep section there was no snow at all so I had to stow the axes and resort to hands. All in all the conditions were a little poor for the route making going tougher than the expected V,4. However the upper section had bomber neve (making up for the absence of gear).