Just been to Fort William for ice climbing, but it was a wash out due to weather. Got Fiacall Coulior and Invernookie done in the Cairngorms. I used a guide for one day, Chris Ensoll, who is an envangelical Christian, so we had some interesting chats. He's previously taken me up the Curtain, Comb Gully and Tower Ridge.
Here's photo I took last time round - vanishing gully, at the point where it vanishes (Alan Kimber in photo; Alan is in his early Sixties, so there is hope for us all).
I recommend Chris Ensoll very strongly: he's totally unpretentious, friendly, genuine, enthusiastic, teaches you a lot, and goes out of his way to give you a good day - I'm booking him for 9 or 10 days in Chamonix next summer (09) to do big harder stuff that would otherwise be beyond me.
Comments
It's a pity almost nothing of Zappfe's work is available in English. I am sure you would have enjoyed his combination of burlesque humor and sharp observations as a hiker and climber.
He has some hillariously funny short-stories of his and two friends' attempts to climb "Stetind" in winter. (I believe Arne Naess was one of them).
http://www.stetind.nu/html/sitater_annet.html
This page is in Norwegian, but I am sure you recognise Slingsby amongst them.
Stetind is 1392 m granite starting directly at the "Tysfjord" and gets steeper and steeper as you ascend. Despite Slingsbys remark, quite beautiful and majestic, I'd say.
Cassanders
In Cod we trust
Hamid
I was at your talk at Heythrop on Thursday and i thought it was excellent.
I engage in a lot of rock climbing and now i am beginning to enter the world of winter mountaineering so it is also very interesting to see that you ice climb.
The argument you presented of an Evil God was ingenious even if it riled some of the believers of God in the audience.
Enjoy Chamonix and thanks once again,
Daniel
Paul Johnson
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