Glen Coe and Old Trafford in great shape!

Hi Al - A 10pm start from Ilkley was rewarded, and deservedly so after a 2hr blizzard on the M6/M74. Turning onto the A84 the sky cleared and moonlight danced on the lochan's as driving conditions improved considerably - as did potential for hitting roaming deer. Disturbing a Short Eared Owl on a post by the Glencoe Ski Centre was the highlight of the most testing drive in fifteen years of winter weekends. Half an hour behind schedule at twilight meant a slight change of plan so after leaving Anny snoozing in the car with instructions to be in the Clachaig at mid-day, I donned crampons, a second axe and struck up icy mixed terrain with bomber turf placements on the South East Ridge of Am Bodach. A fun climb with many variations possible, grades also, though I hope parties setting off at a more reasonable time of day weren't fooled into thinking my tracks led directly and safely to the summit. . As usual, the first 20 minutes after Alpenglow started warming the summits proved the finest for landscape photography, so a few enclosed. A good fill noticed in SC Gully and my mind goes back to Easter 1999 when Glencoe offered such good winter climbing. Thanks for recommending that I took my crampons and second axe - just in case!!
The drive back a wee bit more pleasant with regular updates from Old Trafford, though with yet another 'Swiss Watch Weekend' complete without mishap, I was in My Local in Ilkley to see the second half of the next game. Poor old Arsenal!! I reckon Rafa will keep a job when they complete Arsenals misery in the Champions league tie. After all, the second game yesterday was all about second place anyway! Regards Mark.