Rich was up again (can't keep him away), the weather looked terrific and the girls had given us permission to go out and play. We didn't get away from the hostel until after 11am but we took our bikes and made it to the bottom of the crag and after a quick lunch break we where ready to climb by 1pm.
The line up the crag is visible for the last 1/2 hour of the approach and looks absolutely brilliant, 6 pitches up immaculate looking slabs. Rich was up first, the first pitch was only short so he lead the first two together. I followed up in atrocious style, climbing like a three legged donkey on roller skates, Rich kindly informed me that it was not a valid excuse for retreat and to get cracking*. My head came together on my lead, a 35 meter sweeping crackline and I had only minor route finding difficulties at the end whilst finding the belay. Rich had the crux of the route at the beginning of the next pitch but after that the route eased slightly but was still really enjoyable. Rich took us up to a grassy ledge then I finished up the last 40 metre slab to the top.
The midges finally found us as we were sorting out our kit and admiring the view at the top, and I think Rich was slightly jealous because I had nice dry socks because I'd tied them to the back of my rucksack before I started climbing.
Rich decided to exercise his right to roam and we took quite a rambling route back to the bikes. Having the bikes was an god-send, the walk-in which would have taken an hour on foot took us half an hour on bikes, going the other way though it was all down hill, we where back at the van in 10 minutes, the best walk-out I've ever had.
A great day route, perfect weather and hardly a midge in sight.
--Matt
* Are we still making chicken jokes?
2 comments:
Wow looks awesome!
No more chicken jokes.
I'd get your blue rope checked out, does not look very healthy!!
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