Wednesday 30th March 2016 |
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In the Shadow of Ben Nevis by Ian Sykes
Ian Spike Sykes has recently written an autobiography. Although his book is entitled In the Shadow of Ben Nevis it is much more than the story of his life in the mountains of Lochaber.
Spike is well known for his involvement in the setting up of both Nevisport, the outdoor clothing and equipment company and the Scottish ski hill, Nevis Range. However many folk won't know much more about this Fort William personality.
This book gives us some great insights into Spike's earlier life growing up on the edge of Leeds and his work in the RAF. Climbing and adventure were always a driving force in his live and it led him to work in Antarctica for the British Antarctic Survey when they still used dog teams for transportation.
As I used to live in Fort William and worked at Loch Eil Outward Bound in the late 90's I read with interest his adventures with young people from the Loch Eil Centre and his many climbs in and around Lochaber.
When he writes about the mountain rescues that he was involved in during his time with Lochaber Mountain Rescue Team it is done with honesty and humility. In the same vein he writes about his time spent setting up the businesses of Nevisport and Nevis Range. He certainly is persistent when it comes to getting something done but he never comes across as pushy or egotistical.
This book is a good read about a man and his life of adventure in the mountains and out of them.
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Monday 28th March 2016 |
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Easter weekend with Dundee University Rucksack Club
Over the weekend I was based in Crianlarich with students from Dundee University. Saturday was very mild but Saturday night into Sunday it snowed and we even had some sunshine with our snow showers on Easter Sunday on Beinn Dorain.
There are some new photos from the weekend on the St John Scotland Mountaineering Instructor Facebook Page: Dundee University Rucksack Club weekend Facebook photo album |
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Monday 21st March 2016 |
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Alpine conditions in Lochaber and Glencoe this weekend
I was out with Heriot-Watt University Mountaineering Club this weekend. Saturday we traversed Stob Coire nan Lochan in Glencoe and on Sunday we climbed Ledge Route on the Ben.
There are some new photos from the weekend on the St John Scotland Mountaineering Instructor Facebook Page: Heriot-Watt University Mountaineering Club weekend Facebook photo album |
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Monday 14th March 2016 |
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A mild weekend with Edinburgh University Hillwalking Club
This weekend I was based at Laggan Bridge and we spent both days walking in the Drumochter Munros. It was very mild but with low cloud on Saturday it was good conditions for lots of practice navigating.
There are some new photos from the weekend on the St John Scotland Mountaineering Instructor Facebook Page: Edinburgh University Hillwalking Club weekend Facebook photo album |
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Monday 7th March 2016 |
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A weekend at Lochnagar
I was out with the Glasgow University Mountaineering Club over the weekend. Saturday I was out doing winter skills. We had to do lots of navigation in our ascent of Lochnagar. On Sunday Alice and Jack did some of their first winter leads.
There are some new photos from the weekend on the St John Scotland Mountaineering Instructor Facebook Page: Glasgow University Mountaineering Club weekend Facebook photo album |
