ML Assessment

Well, it's assessment week.

Found out earlier in the week that Ginger is going to be involved in my assessment - this is good and bad news.

Good, because: a) it's always a pleasure to be in his company b) it kind of completes the circle for me as it was him who trained me and c) I'll undoubtedly learn loads even though it is an assessment.

Bad though, because: a) he takes no prisoners b) he moves across mountains the way mere mortals move across bowling greens c) he is completely anal about all the fungi, flora and fauna stuff and d) he night navs like a bat.

More important is the fact that I don't want to let him down - so the drive back to the Cairngorms is a bit stressful to say the least.




The first morning saw us getting settled in and doing a bit of a mountain walk with Pete Hill. This covered all aspects of group management; entertaining your group, floral, fauna, wildlife, geology and as always, the weather. I was joined by 3 other hopefuls; Mark, Ian and Ally, who had been on the same training as me in April.

We spent some time in Coire an Lochan before descending down the Goat Track to the Coire Cas car park. All the while, Pete would ask us to confirm our positions and where we were.

When we got back, we started on Emergency Procedures and improvised carries. I had been well schooled in this and opted for the simple, fast and effective methods.

Ian however, spent 15 minutes tying an elaborate rope stretcher, before lying on it and asking us to move him.

Pete, with a few deft tugs of the rope, reduced this ensemble to a crumpled heap, before giving him a second try. When this feat of engineering was completed for the second time, the three of us had already demonstrated our favourite 3 lifts and were waiting patiently - moral of the story is KISS (keep it simple, stupid).

A review of the written papers and day one was complete.

Day 2 had us up in the Corries again for severe ground day (plus group management, weather etc.. it doesn't stop just because you're playing with ropes!). We belayed, abseiled, belayed, lowered over and over until Pete had seen enough examples. Then we were beasted back to cars to look for a river to cross; sadly, the levels were either too low or high, so we postponed until Friday.



The next 3 days saw us beasted over the Cairngorm Plateau by the one and only Ginger. Searching endlessly for misty, crappy conditions, our meanderings took us over the top of Cairngorm and down towards Cairn Lochan. This was good however; as visibility was so bad, it was starting to look as though a night nav may be unnecessary.




We picked a good campsite and settled in for the night. However after dinner, Ginger announced that we were going on a night nav so he could have another look at us.

Great fun!

The next morning I was tasked to get the group to the top of Ben Macdui, the second highest mountain in the UK (1309m). Visibility was poor at first, but a temperature inversion meant that we soon climbed above it, with various mountains peeking above the clouds - fantastic!




More micro navigation followed with the attendant lectures on flora, weather and Cairngorms history before making back to the camp.




The last day saw us heading back to the cars and looking for a river to cross and this time we were in luck.

Again, simplicity was the order of the day and we all managed to get across safely, but coldly under the close scrutiny of Ginger.

Heading back to Grantown on Spey was the most nerve racking 30 minutes of the week. Chat in the car was subdued as we all wondered if we'd passed. Ginger, like Pete, had given nothing away and you don't get daily feedback - you get it all at the end.

When we arrived at the hotel we ordered tea and awaited the decision of the judges. I opted to go first and sat down with the two assessors with my heart pounding. Thankfully, there was no delay and Pete told me I had passed.

Yes! the reward for about 5 months of effort. I was chuffed to bits on a range of fronts - that the time away from home each week had paid off, that I had succeeded in rubber stamping my hobby and that I hadn't let Ginger down by having to fail or defer me.

Thanks to everyone who helped me along the way - Rich S for the big push and encouragement from the moment we thought it up in Finland. Rich M, John D, Paul B, and Ian S for being willing 'punters' along the way and for the the words of encouragement on all my Quality Mountain Days. Champo for his help and support during the training and coming with me up some of the Munros in less than clement weather.

And a huge thanks to Ginger. For the training, the support, the encouragement and the example.
Now we need to register for the Winter Award.

Davie

ps - The B+B was excellent - http://www.kinrosshouse.co.uk/ and a huge thanks to Jane and Gary for all the support - THE place to stay in the Cairngorms.