December 18, 2001 Columba McLaughlin

LogEntry: Well, I had heard that the CCC boys were on Tower Ridge on Errigal recently. Great stuff to hear and I am looking forward to the report. In the meantime, Noel, Joe and myself were in Kerry on Saturday 8th December. The weather was brilliant, the sun was out big time but the wind was also in its element. We decided to go up from Cóm Caillé to Coimín Ioctharact by the base of the 'Green Gully' and then up to the base of the Stúmpa and on to the Bheinn Cháorach ridge. The wind was so strong that my 'Monkey Hat' was blown off twice and meant that I had some precarious down scrambling to get it. That's loyalty for you. Other friends were heading up 'Curve Gully' and 2 friends were on 'Howling Ridge'. We had a magnificent view of Howling Ridge the whole way up and were able to make out the figures as they progressed.

Before long were on the summit and then on to the Bheinn Cháorach - Corrán Tuatháil árete. This is a magnificent árete and provides a high scramble with considerable exposure. It is possibly one of the best in Ireland. The best bit is to stay on the skyline árete rather than the lower path. We had a short rope but did not use it and Joe thought that Noel and I were actively trying to kill him. In a short while we were on the summit of Corrán Tuatháil. We made our way down by the 'Heavenly Gates' a superb path across the middle of the East face. Back to Kate's in time for dinner and a load of swallies.

Hiccup gó fóill,

Columba

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