Monthly Archives: January 2022

Thinking of my brother Michael and family.

Posted on January 31, 2022 by heavywhalley.MBE

I lost my brother a year ago today sadly I could not go to the funeral as it was in Bermuda during the Covid restrictions. It was a sad time for all but he had not been well for a … Continue reading →

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The Rescue – what an incredible film. Gives you faith in people working together. Politicians take note .

Posted on January 30, 2022 by heavywhalley.MBE

During the storm I managed to watch “The Rescue” what an insight into a huge Cave Rescue. ‘The Rescue’ chronicles the dramatic 2018 rescue of 12 Thai boys and their soccer coach, trapped deep inside a flooded cave. It was … Continue reading →

Posted in Enviroment, Equipment, Films, Media, Music & Cinema, People, Views Political?, Well being | Leave a comment

Canada Ice – wooden axes, crampons, basic ice screws and scary leads in memory of Tom MacDonald, Mark Sinclair and Guy Lacelle.

Posted on January 30, 2022 by heavywhalley.MBE

I have so many wonderful memories of Canada and the Rockies from my early trip in 1983 when few from the UKwere aware of this Mecca of ice. At that time there were under 100 ice climbs there. My great … Continue reading →

Posted in Articles, Friends, Gear, Ice climbing Canada, Mountaineering, People, Scottish winter climbing., SMC/SMT, Weather, Well being, Wildlife | 2 Comments

Beware of the weather ! Stay low today and think of your families and those who may have to come and look for you!

Posted on January 29, 2022 by heavywhalley.MBE

We are so lucky to have such good forecasts yet in my over 55 years on the mountains the thing that would stop us is strong winds. I have seen 15 stone folk blown over like a rag doll and … Continue reading →

Posted in Articles, Enviroment, Family, Friends, Mountain rescue, mountain safety, Mountaineering, People, Views Mountaineering, Weather, Well being | Leave a comment

The late Tom MacDonalds Funeral details.

Posted on January 27, 2022 by heavywhalley.MBE

The late Tom MacDonald’s funeral is on Thursday 3 Feb at 1500 at Perth Crematorium. If your coming please could you message me. Many thanks . Photo Lost Valley Glencoe G McPartlin.

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Time on Rock

Posted on January 27, 2022 by heavywhalley.MBE

I heard the author Anna Fleming speak on the Outofdoors podcast it was a really interesting interview. I enjoyed hearing about her book and her journey rock climbing and learning about the natural world. It was interesting to hear her … Continue reading →

Posted in Books, Mountaineering, People, Plants, Recomended books and Guides, Rock Climbing, Views Mountaineering, Well being, Wildlife | Leave a comment

Glovers Chimney – Ben Nevis.

Posted on January 26, 2022 by heavywhalley.MBE

Classic Scottish winter climbing – Glovers Chimney Ben Nevis photo Mark Hartree First ascent winter 1935 by G.C McPhee and party. My first introduction to this classic route was on my first ascent of Tower Ridge in the early 70’s … Continue reading →

Posted in Articles, Friends, Gear, mountain safety, Mountaineering, Recomended books and Guides, Scottish winter climbing., SMC/SMT | Leave a comment

The Alpinist

Posted on January 25, 2022 by heavywhalley.MBE

Marc-André Leclerc climbs solo unroped, far from the limelight. The free-spirited 25 year old makes made some of the boldest solo ascents in history. Yet he was very different from most other climbers shunning the limelight.. He led a “hippy … Continue reading →

Posted in Alaska, Enviroment, Equipment, Expeditions - Alaska - Himalayas etc, Mountain rescue, Mountaineering, Views Mountaineering, Well being | Leave a comment

Out of the wind on Ben Nevis – Right hand gully Moonlight Gully Buttress. Waterfall Gully, The Curtain, Douglas Boulder Tower Scoop etc.

Posted on January 24, 2022 by heavywhalley.MBE

The weather on Ben Nevis can be fickle and when we ran our annual winter course we were often met by high winds. When the big routes were out due to weather we usually managed to get a route lower … Continue reading →

Posted in Articles, Mountain rescue, mountain safety, Mountaineering, People, Recomended books and Guides, Scottish winter climbing., Views Mountaineering, Well being | Leave a comment

Sorry for no blogs –

Posted on January 24, 2022 by heavywhalley.MBE

Sorry no blogs been a hard week after. losing my old pal Tom MacDonald. I had some great memories that came flooding back. Mostly of our young days in the hills. Thanks to everyone who contacted me with so many … Continue reading →

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