We ahd hoped to get a couple of routes in if not then one middle grade climb. So, given that the winds were quite buffeting when we arrived at the rescue box we ascended to the bottom of Central Left Hand. Conditions were absolutely brilliant with solid neve and some good ice forming accross the entire height of the crag. Cornices seemed solid with some fantastic bomber snow and ice to play on higher up.
Given that on our short ascent to the start of the climbs we noticed and unintentionally caused a few fractures in the snow slope we opted to stay out of the powder filled gullies and popped onto the buttress left of Central Left Hand.
Given that the terrain was well within our capabilities we didn't rope up and took on the challenge of a cheeky wee solo to the top (not reccomended of course due to the inherant dangers!). After a few rock steps and steep iced snow we reached the solid cornice that merely required a small step over.
Topping out; we decided to descend the Goat Track, ahve lunch and make a descision as to climb another route or not.
The lesson of the day was: Goggles! Oh how i wish i had remembered them...
The descent was rather painful on the face as increasingly strong winds were thrashing spiindrift up the slope onto us making seeiong where we were going rather hard. Fortunately having put up with such abuse before (a requirement almost for any Scottish Winter Climbing) we got to th ebase of the coire for sandwiches and coffee.
As with most weekends there were masses of teams in the coire going about their business. Quite right too given that rime, ice, neve and verglass were all brilliant and turf frozen solid. Long may it continue.
So after leving the car at 08:30 we arrived back there at 13:00 to find that the ski road had been closed for cars going tot he ski centre.
A quick tea stop in aviemore and we headed home again with great hopes to get out soon whilst conditions are so good. Let's hope we get the weather next time too!
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