Visit from Italy

Italian guide Renzo Corona climbing The Shield Direct (VII,6) on Ben Nevis. The photo was taken on February 13 and as far as I know this is the first time this modern classic has been climbed this season. (Photo Renzo Corona collection)

I receive all sorts of correspondence for scottshwinter.com but the following email from February 14 made me smile…

“Hello, I apologize for my English, I’m Renzo Italian mountain guide crown have been to you for a tour with friend Martin, the time left us to climb, the first day to know a little stayed at Cairn Gorm of Aladdin the way the Flame, the second on Carn Megadich, the way Smith routes, the third day to the well-nevis Carn Deargh the way Schield direct, beautiful, today Fort Williams visits to distilleries, sure be back, we loved it… even the beer!”

I think Renzo’s account has suffered the ravages of Google Translate, but The Lamp (V,6), Smith’s Gully (VI,5) and The Shield Direct (VII,6) is a pretty good haul for a first three days in Scotland. Bravo Renzo and Martin!