The Gift

Ross and Charlie were back for more action yesterday as they were looking to get another route ticked off.  Back again we went up the track towards Lochnagar avoiding the icy sections of the path on our way.  Being the weekend there were numerous parties heading into the corrie and up to the summit.

We ascended the snow slopes up towards Perseverance Wall and 'The Gift' (II**).  Conditions here were quite thin in places and offered a harder climb that originally anticipated.  Nevertheless both Ross and Charlie made good progress up the climb.

Charlie conquering the steep corner of the Gift II **.

Approaching the belay.

Typical of winter climbing is that there's rarely a belay exactly when you want one so I was unable to get photos of the steeper corner.

Ross approaching the steep finish.

 The top out offered a steep few moves onto the rock ledges to avoid the cornice.  Well done to both the guys for fighting through in style!

Under the cornice.

Phew!

Charlie making the moves.

Reach!

A quick pack up and gathering of ropes and we made out way to the Red Spout area to practice an abseil off the top to retrieve out bags.  After traversing round for the bags we made the trek back to the car having enjoyed superb weather and equally good climbing.