A bit 'jet lagged' today after returning from another adventure on the Cuillin Ridge. Our gamble with the weather seemed to pay off when we arrived to perfect conditions on Friday for our preliminary walk in to stock the overnight camp. A spectacular introduction for Russ, who had not visited these mountains. Our good luck continued on Saturday morning, with the rising sun above us and clouds in the valley below us we were in good spirits when we reached the TD gap; however, within ten minutes, as if on cue, the clouds thickened and rain started to fall, turning the climb out of the gap into a major challenge, requiring an awful lot of swearing !! The rest of the Coire Lagan Round provided a lot more wet and slippery entertainment, including the King's Chimney before we finally topped out on the summit of the Inaccessible Pinnacle and a disconcerting abseil into the mists below. It was with relief that we finally got to our stash of gear and a chance to get out of the rain and some hot food. Our plan to move onto a good campsite further along the ridge, didn't appeal in the poor weather, and so with limited space I left the guys to tough out the night, and headed down to the Youth Hostel at Glenbrittle ( hot showers, drying room and a soft bed !! ) returning at 5 a.m with hopefully better weather. Unfortunately it wasn't to be and the heavy overnight rain continued, with the guys' chances of completing the ridge in one go, disappearing as fast as the water was flowing downhill. It was a good effort and worth a gamble, so well done Russ and Mel, but sometimes things just don't happen as we want - that's what makes it an adventure ! !
