Windy winter skills

Paul, John and Sue came along on the Bank of Scotland's Hillwalking Club winter skills weekend and encountered the Cairngorm winds today!
We found a pleasant spot on the side of the Fiacaill Ridge for ice axe breaking then headed into Coire an t-Sneachda and the moraine ridge for lunch. Then, for some practice with the crampons, we went up below the Mess of Pottage to the plateau. As we reached the top, the wind gusted strongly and blasted ice particles upwards so it was not a good idea to look back down! On the plateau itself, we discovered the skill of walking without actually moving forward, so strong was the wind. We dropped back down from Point 1141 into a much calmer Coire Cas.
Apparently the ski area closed early after recording wind speeds of 80 to 115mph!
Ron was out climbing on The Runnel today http://www.talisman-activities.co.uk/blog/mountain_diary.htm