Monthly Archives: January 2015

RAF – Lossiemouth MRT – Farewell Willie Mac Ritchie Team Leader.

Posted on January 31, 2015 by heavywhalley.MBE

“The kit on the outside and the equipment may have changed. Underneath the heart and soul of the troops remains the same.” W.MacRitchie MBE RAFLossiemouth MR Team Leader. In the military you meet some people as in life and Mountain … Continue reading →

Posted in Hill running and huge days!, Himalayas/ Everest, Lockerbie, Mountain rescue, Mountaineering, SAR, Scottish winter climbing., Views Mountaineering | 10 Comments

Scottish Mountain Rescue Green/Red Cross Badge – the answer! Farewell my Chounaird Zero Axe and Hammer a sad day.

Posted on January 30, 2015 by heavywhalley.MBE

The Red / Green Cross badge In  yesterdays Blog regarding the issue of Scottish Mountain Rescue having to change its badge from a red cross to a green one, you are right in suggesting that it is a protected emblem. … Continue reading →

Posted in Friends, Mountain rescue, Scottish winter climbing. | Leave a comment

Heavy snow, it is winter ? A week on from operation!

Posted on January 29, 2015 by heavywhalley.MBE

This time last week I was in Aberdeen Royal Infirmary after my bowel operation and after the painkillers wore off and I got home( thanks John for the 200 mile trip) it has and will be a slow progress. Without … Continue reading →

Posted in Enviroment, Expeditions - Alaska - Himalayas etc, Family, Friends, Mountain rescue, Mountaineering, Weather | 4 Comments

The Icing on the Cake

Posted on January 28, 2015 by heavywhalley.MBE

Originally posted on Cairngorm Tiger:
The great Northeast cliff of Lochnagar was famously hailed as “the crucible of modern mixed climbing” in Scotland. This accolade may still hold true, but there can be no doubt that the sprawling hulk of…

Posted in Mountaineering, Scottish winter climbing., Views Mountaineering | Leave a comment

More weather on the way – Mountain Lecture Dates

Posted on January 28, 2015 by heavywhalley.MBE

It is a pretty wild forecast for the next few days and the sky over the Moray Firth was incredible as I tool my wee wander yesterday. There was a great sunset and a double  rainbow nature was doing its … Continue reading →

Posted in Enviroment, Local area and events to see, Mountain rescue, mountain safety, Mountaineering, Scottish winter climbing., Views Mountaineering, Weather | Leave a comment

Ben Nevis an appreciation!

Posted on January 27, 2015 by heavywhalley.MBE

The Ben How many times have I walked that path? Through forestry and muddy track.   Bag bulging, sweat is pouring, Then the great cliffs mourning. Watching In the mist clouds, Emerge, along with memories. Many happy, many sad. Long … Continue reading →

Posted in Friends, History, Mountain rescue, Mountaineering, Rock Climbing, Scottish winter climbing., SMC/SMT, Views Mountaineering | Leave a comment

A first time winter Classic Tower Ridge – Ben Nevis

Posted on January 26, 2015 by heavywhalley.MBE

First Time Tower Ridge – A time-honoured classic Tower Ridge 1894 – First ascent Collie, Collier & Solly I was very lucky I had climbed Tower Ridge and all the other great ridges on Ben Nevis in summer on several occasions … Continue reading →

Posted in Mountain rescue, mountain safety, Mountaineering, Scottish winter climbing., SMC/SMT, Views Mountaineering, Weather | Leave a comment

Burns Night and a bit more on classic Ice Axes and Hammers.

Posted on January 25, 2015 by heavywhalley.MBE

Patience is a virtue I am have to get used to it being inactive just now, amazing as I was so pleased with a 10 minute walk in a bitter grey winters day. At least I could see the sea … Continue reading →

Posted in Equipment, Friends, Local area and events to see, Mountaineering, Scottish winter climbing., Views Mountaineering | Leave a comment

Missing the Hills – Antiques ice axes for sale.

Posted on January 24, 2015 by heavywhalley.MBE

Day 2 after the operation was not easy did not even manage a wander outside  after the drugs wore off. It will be a very slow  process. Great to see so much being done all over Scotland, so get out … Continue reading →

Posted in Equipment, Family, Gear, Ice climbing Canada, Scottish winter climbing., Weather | 12 Comments

Home again and so many thanks! Review of a special book One Day as a Tiger.

Posted on January 23, 2015 by heavywhalley.MBE

Time flew past in the hospital  and I saw my surgeon and will have another bowel operation in 3- 4 months so will be slow but better progress than I thought and as usual I could not wait to get … Continue reading →

Posted in Family, Friends, Himalayas/ Everest, Local area and events to see, Weather, Wildlife | Leave a comment