Well known "ice warriors" Alan Tees and William Magowan [photo] have set the climbing world ablaze with their impeccable new line in the northern Bluestacks - Glas Slipper. It seems unlikely that this formidable challenge, five full pitches, will see a second ascent in the near future. [Photo] [Photo]

The climb was not without drama and Tees had the following comments to make to our man on the spot. "Technically the route was straightforward, although I feel I made a poor start by teaming up a lurid green helmet with a red jacket. I led all my pitches in fine style and with the assured aplomb one would expect from a climber of my stature. Magowan's performance, however, was a different matter. His belaying was shoddy and he definitely shirked the most interesting problems on his 'pitch'. At one point I caught him lurking furtively behind an icicle, enjoying a surreptitious cigarette. I think I can say, without fear of contradiction, that the route belongs to me." [Photo]

Tees is almost certainly right in saying his comments will go unchallenged: Magowan is believed to have left for Antarctica on a whaling expedition, following the failure of his endangered species fur hat and restaurant trades. For a route description see the on-line climbing guide in the near future.[Photo] [Photo]