Tinto New Year
More snow has fallen over the last few days further limiting access to the local hills. Yesterday was grey and overcast but we decided to see out 2009 with an ascent of Tinto (only 10 mins from the house in Symington). We left the snowshoes at home thinking that the track would by now be well trod. At first this proved to be the case but higher up we began to regret the decision as we shank into deep snow. There was a cool NE wind on the summit and no views so after a quick hot flask and some christmas cake it was straight back down to the car.
Today Tinto was again our only easily accessible hill and even this proved difficult. On our first attempt to get to the hill in the morning there was no where to park so we had to return in the afternoon. This proved to be a good thing as the hill was quieter especially as we descended. The track had also become more compacted so the going was a bit easier until we decided to deviate off the main path and ended up post holing through knee deep snow.
Today there were summit views but again we didn't linger due to the cold wind. On descent I wore my new Kahtoola Microspikes - a christmas present from Susan. They are excellent providing good grip on compacted snow in situations where full crampons would be a bit over the top.
Over these two ascents of Tinto we've seen several people on touring skis and today three people were paragliding off the hill. It shows that you don't have to travel far for wee adventures. We hope to have lots in 2010.
Today Tinto was again our only easily accessible hill and even this proved difficult. On our first attempt to get to the hill in the morning there was no where to park so we had to return in the afternoon. This proved to be a good thing as the hill was quieter especially as we descended. The track had also become more compacted so the going was a bit easier until we decided to deviate off the main path and ended up post holing through knee deep snow.
Today there were summit views but again we didn't linger due to the cold wind. On descent I wore my new Kahtoola Microspikes - a christmas present from Susan. They are excellent providing good grip on compacted snow in situations where full crampons would be a bit over the top.
Over these two ascents of Tinto we've seen several people on touring skis and today three people were paragliding off the hill. It shows that you don't have to travel far for wee adventures. We hope to have lots in 2010.
Tinto Summit on the last day of 2009.
Tinto summit on the first day of 2010.
Watching the paragliders.
Trying out the Microspikes.
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