We managed to skip in front of a couple of parties at the beginning but there where still plenty of other teams on the ridge - queues seen forming here on the little tower, we took a line a little to the right of the main line to try and keep things moving.
The climbing didn't really present any problems for either of us (or Alan!) although I can't say I particularly enjoyed belaying in a crowded tower gap - gulp! - something to hold on to would have been nice. Rich finishing up the little tower (I think)....
Rich taking 5 waiting for the queues to die down for the Eastern traverse. Working on his tan, well, his face tan...
Anyway - great route, great conditions, a legend to take us up it - a great day. Could only have been better if we'd got home 1/2 hour earlier for Alby's bath time!
--Matt
Edit: Picture of the dream team from Alan's blog
7 comments:
tower ridge, you should have got him to take you up orion face! Although lack of belays might have been an issue!
good climb tower ridge though isnt it. Have done top bit (from bottom of little tower) after climbing italian route right hand with clegg on a day like you had, remeber sunbathing waiting for queue to dissipate on eastern traverse.
Do you know whether the two climbers on gardyloo buttress are on kellets route? Am sure smiths goes up the big ramp to their right but does not look as icy as when we did it last year before your wedding.
You probably took the harder variation on the right Phil, at least a grade harder, 2 in the conditions you had.
At least 3 grades harder I reckon
"Phil Smiths Route, VIII"
it was maybe 4 grades harder, possibly 5 at least 6, or 7.
the reason i asked was that kellets gets a vi or vii I think and that is when it is well icy so if they are on kellets it must be nails in the conditions in the photo
no need to panic, have confirmed it, those two climbers are on kellets route, there are actually two people in the cave belay on smith's which was get this 'EASIER' when we did it as there was loads more ice than on that pic.
I can't speak for anyone else Phil but I am glad that's sorted.
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