Rolling out of Elgin en route to the Cairngorms, via Forres and Inverness, we were treated to a glorious sunrise, skies glowing red and brilliant visibility. Thirty members and guests boarded the bus and headed for them there hills, already anticipating a great day out.  They were not to be disappointed.

First out of the traps at Coylumbridge, Bob Weeks headed for Creag a’Chalamain, spending a good half hour in the company of reindeer.  He then continued over Castle Hill and Airgiod-Meall, before crossing over to the Ski Car Park.

The three stooges Graham (Moe) Milton, Don (Larry) Asher and Dave (Curly) Whitelock took their vaudeville comedy act to the Corbett Creag Mhor. Starting from behind the Reindeer Centre, they wandered up the forest ride to reach the thin path that cuts through Glen More and joins the Ryvoan Pass by the Green Lochan. Crossing the Strath Nethy footbridge they climbed on towards Bynack More, before dropping into the icy Coire Odhar where Larry (Don) practised his slapstick comedy falling over routine, proving himself to be a true pro. Topping out on Creag Mhor they took the opportunity to grab a piece before retracing their steps back to Loch Morlich. With the continual cracking of jokes and Larry still throwing himself to the ground, the twenty-seven kilometres round trip just flew by.

Rob Murray and Jake Williams set out from Glenmore Lodge, heading up Creag nan Gall onto Carn Lochan na Beinne. They continued along the north ridge, Sorn a’  Cha-no, up onto Cnap Coire na Spreidhe and over to Cairn Gorm summit.  

Also on the north ridge Sorn a’ Cha-no were Drummond Beattie, George Herraghty, Fiona Duncan and Bob McDonald, who had made their way up from Coire Ciste. Stopping off for a bite of lunch at the rarely visited El Alamain Refuge (OS Grid NJ0105) they donned crampons for the steep flog up onto Cnap Coire na Spreidhe and ultimately Cairn Gorm summit. There followed a visit to the Ptarmigan restaurant for refreshments before finally heading off the hill.

John Henderson, Ros Wright, Sandra Doull and Craig Coull took the Formula One route round the Northern Corries, pulling in for a pit stop at the Ptarmigan restaurant. (Maybe we should hold the AGM here – seems to get a good turn out of members!)

Dan Moysey and Illona Morrice headed for the snow filled gullies (they wished) of Corrie an t Sneachda, but were limited to the Runnel. This did however prove to be a good choice as there was enough snow and ice, though thin in places, to provide good sport.

Getting off to a flying start high up in Coire Cas, Kate Whitelock, Rachael Higgins, Jenny Smith, Janet Trythall, June Simpson, Johanna Smithson, Paul Chappell, Lisa Taylor, Clair Procter, Malcolm Campbell, Stephen Linturn and Fiona Cuninghame joined Sandy “Tom the Cruiser” Murray and Ray “Maverick” Harron for their Top Gun Winter Training.

On behalf of Moray Mountaineering Club I would like to thank Sandy and Ray who provide their services free of charge to the members of the club.  We truly appreciate this gesture.

A great day out had by all followed with a relaxed pub stop at the Cairngorm.

Dave Whitelock

 

Acknowledgments:

 

Rachael Higgins – “Winter skills training – another great day with Ray and Sandy. Great refresher, managed the head first on the back arrest this time!”

 Claire Procter, Jenny Smith and Janet Trythall – “Thank you Ray and Sandy.  Great training day – ice axe arrest, step cutting and walking techniques”

June Simpson – “Excellent winter skills course. Ray was an excellent instructor.  Very patient.”

Paul Chappell – “Good to remind myself of step cutting and crampon techniques.”

Jo Smithson – “It was brilliant. Thank you Sandy and Ray. Crampons were a revelation.”

Kate Whitelock – “Thanks Sandy for giving your time and skills.  Great day out, learned a lot and had great fun!”