The Sublime to the Ridiculous

Given the rather palatial status of the Rostahytta, there was some debate as to whether we should have a rest day here. However the consensus was to continue and as we climbed up we were treated to blue skies and breathtaking views over of the clouds lifting off the rather impressive plateaus and corries of Moskangaisi. There was absolutely no doubt that we had made the right decision - truly sublime.

We were all stripped down enjoying the sun and lack of wind. Slowly though the wind reappeared and clothes were re-donned, zips done up again. We climbed up into it and over a couple of lakes, no longer the sublime conditions. On the descent from the lake I saw ahead the splattered bodies of Robert, Philip and Rancidand - all the better skiers. So no doubt what fate was awaiting John and myself as we took to the slopes. But no, every dog has its day as I zoomed (completely out of control) passed their respective holes in the snow. Rather incredulously Rancidand stated - you didn't fall over!

So with the hut just round the corner we're almost there, but also just round the corner is a rather steep rocky descent (today's picture). So off with skis, out with rope. The pulks are lowered until it's safe to let them find their own way down and we walk down until it's appropriate to put the skis back on.

So just along the valley floor to the hut. Having been up the top taking photos I was last down, the winds started again, snow was blowing, snow was falling, visibility was deteriorating - truly ridiculous!

I was happy to see Kathy performing her shepherdess role and waiting for me, but she was anxious not to lose touch with Robert who was in front of her. I was going well enough that we all closed up together and the remainder of the party were then all in sight awaiting us stragglers. Twenty minutes later we were at Daertahytta and the task of digging out the front door began.

That night the wind roared outside, but we were warm and cosy inside. We shut down the stove and went to bed. During the night though the wind completely changed direction as if the centre of the low pressure system had just passed over us. The stove suddenly burst into life and the main room was completely illuminated. The water that was sitting on top of it was now boiling and the skis that had been parked in the lee of the hut were rattling against the hut. Mick and Kathy who were sleeping in the main room burst into action, got the stove under control and ventured out and brought the skis into the hut. Meanwhile the rest of us who were asleep in the back of the hut slept through the commotion blissfully unaware.

Rancidand's Version