Grey Area, Snow

Snow on Carrauntoohil, we decide to check it out. Andy calls for me at 09:30. Patricia is at Lisleibane ahead of us. We check our gear, no chances being taken. The rucksacks are heavy - crampons, ice axes, and harness.

We follow the usual track to the first level where we have a snack. Up the scree slope, I am pushed to the front and force marched up, at a good pace, with a lot of encouragement from behind. We go straight up the narrow crack as it brings us out at a higher level near the start of Curve Direct. A lot of water coming out of Curve but we manage to stay dry. At the mouth of Curve crampons are put on, and ice axes taken out. We are now in snow.

We cross Curve and start up the grey area. A nice step for a start, but the ice is good. Rocky and steep in places but the going is good and secure. No need to rope up.

A small bit of thinking to be done before some moves. We can hear voices coming from Curve. The cross comes into sight, we are to the left of it. We come out on the ridge to Howling, and climb to the cross. Feeling hungry and have a good meal, starts sleeting heavily. The track to the Ladder is icy in places so we keep crampons on.

We head for the track to the Gates, taking off the crampons on reaching the track. We regret this after a while as the path is icy in places. By the time we reach the rescue hut it is raining heavily.

At the cars we get as wet changing as if we had not bothered to change. A great day, hope there is more snow and ice.