To get straight to the point, I’m back from Glenmore Lodge (as I posted on Facebook last night) ‘relieved beyond measure to be home with a WML pass when I thought I’d maybe blown it!’<\/p>\n
It was a gruelling five days… physically OK for a fit guy (although Thursday’s post-holing round of Loch Avon, ‘all the zeros’ et al. was tough with just a litre flask of melted snow to drink), but mentally one of the most tortuous and demanding weeks I can remember. No photos because I took no camera when even thoughts of using it would likely have impaired my concentration, but you’d be looking at some stunning scenery from that one stunning day if I had. No Northern Lights seen from our snow-hole site NE of 1082 (above Stac an Fharaidh) either because the brilliant moonlight quickly turned to total clag after we got back there, but at least that let us turn in ready for an early final-day start without feeling we were missing the show. Have to say I made enough mistakes to keep me worrying (doesn’t everyone?), but know I also got some things spot on (my best moment being declining to take my group up a suspect slope to ‘all the zeros’ that the other group had descended maybe half an hour earlier and my assessor agreeing with me!), so believe the happy final outcome reported here to have been in the balance up till the ‘bitter’ (nay, sweet!) end. But that doesn’t matter now, even if I’m feeling something of an impostor staring at a pass certificate stating that ‘the candidate fulfilled the requirements of the syllabus and demonstrated the technical and leadership competence to lead and supervise groups hill walking the mountain areas of the UK in winter conditions.’<\/p>\n
Must just sign off by thanking various Lochaber people (notably Mike Pescod, Kenny Grant and Jamie Bankhead) for help along the way and say how nice it is to keep meeting my previous Glenmore Lodge instructors (some of whom I’ve not worked with for years) and finding them not only remembering me (though some might say I’m hard to forget!) but interested to know how I’m doing and wishing me well. It’s a very special place and I’ve made many friends there! :-)<\/p>\n