A colder and colorful day on the hill in Glencoe today with Graham.

Today is was out walking with Graham. It was 1986 when I first climbed with Graham in the Lake District on two ice climbs called Taylor Gill Force and Sour Milk Gill and it was fantastic to be back out on the hill with him. Graham lead the routes with a curver ice axe and wooden shafted Chouinard zero axe and I as an apprentice dutifully seconded in bending boots and with borrowed axes. These routes don't come into condition that much, but 86 was a cold winter! It was an inspiring day and contributed to my passion and career in the outdoors. Thanks Graham you are partly responsible for it all! We ascended onto Sgurr h-n Udlaidh today in a biting NW west wind. Occasional hail and sleet reminded me that the winter season could only be a month away. The hills were coloured deep sage greens and prussian blues giving a depth of landscape towards Mull and Glen Etive. It was fabulous walking off the north ridge which gave a whole new perspective on Bidean Nam Bian and it's huge sw face. Some exploring to be had there I think.

Taylor Gill Force.

Sour Milk Gill.