Driving towards Perth the eastern sky was already brightening and it was obvious that it was too late for a big day. Driving over Drumochter it was -8C. The humble peaks marred by the pylons and proximity to the A9 sat morosely on the east side but they looked well plastered with snow . It was a short skin up to the summit and away from the road noise. A quick trip over to Carn na Caim with massive hoar crystals catching the morning sun. In accordance with the recent realisation that it’s better to enjoy the ski down rather than traverse to the next peak I skied over the back to the east to explore Cama Choire and some steep features shown on the map. It was quite a long way down and gradually got steeper, and steeper, nice turns in the soft snow and steeper, turns getting wobbly and defensive then far too steep you idiot, not a sensible place to be anymore the sun suddenly feels hot, snows softening, time to bottle out. With skis eventually off and facing into the slope the situation looked bleak. Closer examination revealed a vertical cliff just below and below that the only rocks visible for 10 miles in any direction. A difficult leftwards traverse eventually led down to a stunningly pretty spot at the confluence of several streams with steep blue hued snow banks, cornices and animal tracks everywhere. A quick scan of the map revealed the word “waterfalls” dotted liberally amongst the steep terrain and should have rung the alarm bells (a few more of those wiggly crag symbols wouldn’t go amiss) but it was as good a lunch spot as one could wish for. It must have been -10C but was warm in the sunshine and after a short doze I managed to rouse myself and headed up the opposite bank. Kicking steps at first then donning skis. Hoar frost sparkling in the low sun. It was a boring plod up and over the plateau and too lazy to use a map in good visibility I managed to overshoot the hill I intended and finished up on Glas Mheall Mor instead. I eventually skinned back to the summit of A,Bhuidheanach Bheag and skied north looking for a suitable run back to the car. The hoar frost crystals seemed to be growing all the time, in the still air and were now so big it was like kicking through autumn leaves. Sometimes it works out sometimes not, in this case the perfect descent line appeared. Steep enough to really enjoy without too much adrenaline flowing. Straight down the fall line. Perfect condition 3 inches of fresh powder stuck firmly to the underlying hard snow. Down a stream bed and then easy angled slopes to the road, still perfect snow and fast skiing. A break in the trees appeared and I stopped at a deer fence by the road. There was a tall sturdy steel gate with the usual please close the gate sign. Too weary to climb over I had one last look round to admire the perfect S tracks down the slope just catching the setting sun. Trying to look cool and nonchalant as I crossed the road I shouldered my skis, unhooked the gate and pushed. The whole bloody lot collapsed suddenly with a loud crash leaving me spread eagled at the side of the now busy A9. I was a bit stunned and looked round struggling to work out what was going on. There were no hinges!! Nil points for style! Close the gate! I could only just lift it back into position and was lucky not to loose a limb.