On Friday 24th February 11 East Lothian Staff gathered at the Outdoor Learning Service Base to get kitted up and head off to Cromdale for some CPD. The aim: to venture up into the Cairngorms for a weekend of winter skills (or as it turned out a general search of any snow!).
We were very spoilt with great accommodation and an excellent chef (in Steff) for the weekend, just not quite so lucky with the weather (or rather the needed winter conditions!). Despite the more spring like weather crampoms and ice axes were packed with gear and off we set. Even though the snow was quickly thawing spirits were not melted! We were ready for action…
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| From Winter Skills 2012 |
(Click on the photo above to view a slide show of all the pictures from the whole weekend!)
In a desperate search to find the magical white stuff difficult terrain was undertaken in order to reach the peaks (and hopefully some snow).
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| From Winter Skills 2012 |
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| From Winter Skills 2012 |
It did appear at first that it may be in vain! It certainly didn’t look (or feel) like winter weather…
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| From Winter Skills 2012 |
Steve was determined to find some snow and using some transceivers we managed to track him down along with some snow!
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| From Winter Skills 2012 |
We quickly got the ice axes out and had a go at negotiating our way across the snow (y patches).
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| From Winter Skills 2012 |
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| From Winter Skills 2012 |
There was one particular request which had been made (aside from having muffins to eat at the end of the day and not dying!). Although conditions were not ideal we managed to give Steve his wish…he was finally able to put on and use his crampons…
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| From Winter Skills 2012 |
In case you were wondering the other requests were met too with everyone returning to the centre to the sights and smell of freshly baked muffins!
Day 2 turned out to be an even milder day! This did not prevent getting back out and finding more snow to play in. We were even able to find enough to make bucket seats (just!)
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| From Winter Skills 2012 |
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| From Winter Skills 2012 |
Some great technique work was taught and was able to be put into practice (before running out of snow entirely in some situations!).
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| From Winter Skills 2012 |
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| From Winter Skills 2012 |
This is just a brief overview of the weekend. Others on the course said it was ‘thoroughly enjoyable’ and a ‘great experience.’ They also noted that they ‘really enjoyed company and getting up to date with skills and equipment.’ ‘Given the conditions (lack of snow) the course was delivered superbly’. ‘It was pitched just right’ and enabled people to feel they ‘could ask questions and that everyone’s needs were catered for’.
Despite the lack of winter like conditions there is at least one brave person who has said they ‘definitely want to come on it again if it’s run next year’. So we hope to see you all (plus more!) next year. Until then we will keep you posted about your suggestions to go to the Alps or invest in snow making machines to take up next time!
Comment from course participant Calum MacLeod
This interesting weekend which is open to all members of staff, took place at a time of Scotland being ‘white stuff challenged’ shall we say! Despite this our intrepid group met up late on Friday afternoon to ‘gear up’ and set an agenda. One of the great things about these weekends is that regardless of your ability, our heroes at Outdoor Ed are more than able to adapt the tuition to meet your needs. Equally, you don’t have to run out and spend a small fortune on buying clothing and equipment as they have a comprehensive range of clothing and equipment. So there’s no excuse, it will be coming around next year so watch the edubuzz website and book your place.
This being my second year of attending the event, I’m beginning to notice a trend in controversial ‘incidents’ shall we say. Last year there was discourse in the ranks about what constituted a lunch break. This year we had the strange case of ‘Billy Bring Me Berghaus and the Fashion Faux Pas’. Unfortunately I am unable to elaborate but suffice to say Stevie knows what I’m talking about!
We based ourselves at the Aberdeen Council outdoor facility at Cromdale just North of Aviemore. The facilities were great and we had a group from very varied backgrounds who seemed to bond very quickly. It’s always good to meet colleagues from other areas of the Council and we all proved to be a very sociable group. Some so much so we were happy to ‘share’ items of clothing and taste in apparel!
Our first day in the hills was spent finding suitable areas of snow and going over the drills of how to use an ice axe and ‘ice axe arrest’ and the finer points of navigation. The weather, though cold, was bearable and the instruction very thorough. Our second day was spent learning various ‘belay’ techniques and some time using avalanche transceivers. Building on what I learned last year, I was really pleased to learn more about using ropes. I really felt this was consolidation and progress in my learning. (thanks for that Andy). Overall, I think everyone who attended took more than a little from the weekend.
A special mention must go to Steph who greeted us after our first day with tea and the most delicious homemade muffins (blueberry and cheese if you must know). I can still taste them!
This weekend will certainly appeal to those of who love the outdoors and want to take their experiences and knowledge up a notch. However, I can thoroughly recommend it to anyone who thinks they would just like to try something a bit different. All you need bring is a little enthusiasm. Thanks again to Andy, Martin, Bill, Steph and everyone else who attended for their part in a great weekend.
Berghaus clothing for sale, various items – waterproof jackets, waterproof trousers, fleeces, microfleeces, base layers, hats, gloves, boots etc. etc.
Sponsorship from Rab forces sale !!!!