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| 27th March 2009 - Manse Barn, Onich Folks had all but given up on getting a decent day at the weekend this winter. Colin had even asked for winter to end altogether on his Facebook status. However, we were to be rewarded with a final blast. It snowed through the week, and for once, the temperatures stayed low, and the weather cleared for the weekend. The hardy few headed up to Onich, with plans made. We met in the Onich Hotel, and were aghast at the price of beer, £3.70 for a pint of Stella. Even the Edinburgh contingent could hardly believe it, and we all retired to the hut. On Saturday morning, Chris & Ken headed off early(ish) to do Ledge Route on Ben Nevis. Brendan went off snowboarding at Nevisrange. And Colin & Rab had a nice lie-in. Chris & Ken definitely enjoyed the new north face path, it makes for a more pleasant walk than the old mud fest. Less impressive was all the building rubbish around the CIC hut, hopefully this will be cleared in the spring. Ledge route was brilliant ! Easy climbing in some fantastic situations, and the weather just got better & better through the day. Back at the hut, Colin & Rab eventually stirred from their pits & decided to go climbing. They decided that winter packs were too heavy, and went for a solo up Ledge Route, arriving at the top at the same time as Chris & Ken. A brief chat, and they continued their speedy day by dashing off down the hill. On Aonach Mor, Brendan reported foot deep powder all over the mountain, and no queues. An excellent way to finish the winter off. Back at the hut, we had a go at building the (non) leaning tower of Stella (see below). We were convinced we could have reached the ceiling, if only the cans were all the same sizes ... On Sunday, Colin & Rab went climbing at Polldubh, in drizzle & less than ideal footwear. Others went home.
Chris, close to the newly extended CIC Hut
Chris, looking down on the newly extended CIC Hut
Ken, perhaps a little over-equipped, on Ledge Route
Ken on the arete, just before the top
Chris demonstrates excellent glissading technique
Astonishingly, this actually worked !
Less surprisingly, this didn't !!!
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