Davy, Pamela and myself had a very pleasant day out on Patey’s Route in Coire an t-Sneachda. The crux on the day was probably the lower bulge, which is getting a little kicked out.
![Pamela above the first bulge](http://www.climbnow.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/P1014131CN11-250x333.jpg)
The snow/ice conditions in the Northern Cairngorms weren’t quite as good as those further west earlier in the weak with evidence of a deeper facetted layer and the snow a bit less firm and less well bonded.
![Davy below the upper crux](http://www.climbnow.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/P1014141CN2-250x187.jpg)
There’s currently excellent cover on the plateau and ski touring looked good especially on sun warmed slopes.
![Looking across Coire Domhain](http://www.climbnow.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/P1014146CN3-250x187.jpg)
Sunshine throughout the day, no noticeable wind. Terrain frozen at all levels in the morning after a hard frost.