Time Ticks - Bouldering and Climbing

Week 2, Day 1, Week 1 - Almscliffe Foundation Session

2013-06-17T23:43:00.000+01:00

My pep talk with Dean was last week, so this is week 2. But it's the first week of the new twice-a-week regime, so it's week 1. And today was day 1 of that week. Look, I just want to improve at climbing, I'm not concerned about easily understandable blog titles.

For this relatively unusual Monday session (though I believe some folk were out last Monday, when I wasn't free) James was my wingman. I told him my plan - to climb some of the classics, rather than push myself on new stuff, in order to give myself a good foundation going forward. We started near Low Man, on the Menhir. James showed me a new (to me) finger hold on the face to start the climb off, and a brilliant low pull for the left hand that makes the early moves much more solid, eliminating the need to shakily eke out the reach for the big pocket.

James and the giant egg.

Next was a solo double act - James went up Stu-Pot, while I took on Low Man Easy. James had finished before I'd figured out how to get started, but once I got going it was plain sailing. I stopped for a little while at the top to talk with Liz, one of a group of James' future colleagues - at Bewerley Park - who were there doing various leads. James signalled from below that we were moving on, and I returned to ground level. James noted that he'd never done the Matterhorn arete. And promptly did it, so a great tick for him. I elected to stay low at the other end of that particular face, tackling the short half-mantle problem. Next was boulder 10 and Low Man Slab. The highballs to the right of the slab went first, including a new one on me, the arete, which is apparently graded Severe, but certainly didn't feel severe. Low Man Slab's highlight was James' first and my second conquest of the face to the right of the crack, with my method being for the right hand to go twice in the closing stages, and even three times to gain the top.

We made to move back to the front of the crag, and spied Bryn on his walk-in. We timed our move and his walk to meet at the warm-up wall, and I continued my solid session there and on The Postman, with my best effort there for some time. Next was the nose just to the right of Left Rib. Standard climb, but we tried some eliminates. First was all of the major footholds (not counting the ledge that you need to start on) by me. Then James took it to the next level by suggesting missing out all of the major footholds and all of the handholds except the top, requiring some sly balance on the first ledge. I got fingers on the top, but the dynamic nature of the move threw me off. Then James put it to bed, and I followed, getting my fingers that much further than before. It almost felt like we'd eliminated the entire problem, amusingly.

A quick play on the overhang just opposite, and then Morrell's Wall finally called us. And then threw us all off - even James wasn't happy with it, possibly due to the humid nature of the evening, and despite some fine sounding advice from another climber who had seen us from nearby. Not that we performed badly, it just wasn't happening.

And with that, we called it a night, and look set to reconvene on Wednesday, hopefully with a bigger crowd. Which is not to say there was anything wrong with the small crowd, far from it - a very focused session.

Longest Walk-in Ever - Brimham Jam Session

2013-06-13T00:38:00.000+01:00

Following what must come close to being the longest unicycle/walk-in ever (notwithstanding, well, longer ones) - detailed on my personal blog - Brimham climbing time rolled around just as the rains came. Wishful thinking in the face of adverse forecasts had carried me to Brimham - that, and running with a crazy idea - but I was torn as to whether I should keep with that mindset. Bryn called me, saying that the rains were due to get worse. Would he feel obliged to come and pick me up? Would I have to accept that I'd made my bed and I must unicycle home in it? It didn't end up mattering, as it was during the call that I discovered Dean in the car park. Bryn called it, apparently ending up at The Depot, while I sat down with Dean in his car and set the world to rights.

Among some fine general banter, we naturally talked climbing, particularly my slow start to the year. Given that I had determined to respond well to this, Dean had some good advice, but strangely the key piece that I took on board was one that I already knew - climb more. Recently I've only been getting out once a week, whereas when I started I tried for twice a week thanks to Matt's identical advice. If you want to improve, you need to climb at least twice a week. For a while I wasn't too worried about improving, because it wasn't new any more. But now, fearing an impasse, I do want to improve again. Twice a week. Of course. I'd only forgotten.

We sat in the car through some slightly noisy rain, but it soon went quiet, and we made for the rocks. We started in the pommel area, greasy tops being something of an issue. I reached for the top and slipped off, saved by good spotting from Dean. My hand-jam issues came to light, and Dean proceeded to give a masterclass - Brim-jam, you might say. We found a couple of low cracks, looked at some techniques, and talked through the levels of pain you might need to endure to jam well - seems to me, as with many things, the trick is not minding that it hurts. Just need to train myself not to instinctively withdraw.

A few more spots of rain, and Dean heard Joker's Wall calling from the back (you may think front, but Dean and I did not) of Cubic Block. This was a nasty looking piece of rock, that I don't think I'd visited before - there is lots to do around the front, of course. Anyway, we didn't rush into anything, and chatted about the wonders of being outdoors. We discussed other notable local(ish) geological features, such as Troller's Gill and Gordale Scar, and the great things that climbing has brought us. When we did get started, I contributed little - Dean was twisting and stretching his way along the overhanging traverse, whereas I barely had three moves in me. This was fine though, as with the advice Dean had given me, I also remembered my own mantra - it all counts.

Away from the overhang, the rains steadily increased, and drips started to fall. Dean called time on proceedings and we made for his car, enjoying a cordial trip back to Harrogate. Dean is a joy to watch on the rock, flowing calmly from hold to barely-perceptible-hold, and an inspirational figure for his outlook. I hope I can take something from that and make it work.

Short Circuit - Brimham off the beaten track

2013-06-11T22:34:00.002+01:00

I took the new guide for a walk at Brimham tonight, prospecting for gritstone gold. I sort of followed the sacrificial idol circuit , well I tried a few bits of it to be honest. I pulled on green roof, the clue is in the name it needed a good clean and then it was still pretty dank. More to the point I couldn't do it. I shuffled off beaten, I came into the clearing by cleft buttress and it was sunlit bluebell heaven.

Next I found the frankly bonkers and brilliant Learn 'N' Groove at a friendly 6a+. You clamber into a human size hole, undercut out of it for thin crimps and then fling for a distant lip. First go I flung and missed. I cleaned the top and removed about a kilo of moss and found some huge jugs. Second go feet a bit higher, I threw again, there was a moment of real punter flight as both hands cut loose and I stuck the lip. Gritsone gold and worth the price of the guide on its own

I wandered on nothing really worked I tried a few bits but its was greasy most places. I saw a deer as I drove out and nearly got a polo embedded in the car as he pulled out without seeing me whilst I was doing 50 odd. I went round him instinctively the car heeling over alarmingly and then righting itself as I careered across the road.

But tonight belongs to the impeccable Learn N Groove and that sea of bluebells

Hunter's/Prey

2013-06-06T01:48:00.001+01:00

Louis had suggested Norwood, so we ended up at Hunter's Stones. The intent had been to do a circuit of both, and possibly Little Almscliff, but we ended up at Hunter's all night.

We'd started at the far end, on a boulder not named on Yorkshire Grit, Bryn and I finding Dave warming things up for us. We played on its cracks and arete before moving to the trig point boulder. Dave and Bryn wore down a high face problem, but I couldn't find a hold in a big break, and was frustrated. Frustrated as in I didn't do it, not that I was actually frustrated. I'd felt despondent over poor form/fitness at Almscliff last night - not progressing on Morrell's Wall - but wasn't going to let that spoil tonight. Okay, it maybe did distract me for a moment, but then the next problem along fell, and more people - Louis, Dave (plus Adalene, a friend from New Zealand), Louise (plus Josie, the dog), Chris (plus Stella, a different dog) - turned up and the momentary fog lifted.

We continued to work the trig point boulder, Louis doing the best work on a scary overhang problem that started with a leap from the next boulder down, before moving back in the direction we'd come from in order to share with the later arrivals. Everyone had a bit of a go, but the highlight was an unfortunate photo taken by Bryn of me and Chris - Chris having topped out, me in the process of doing so. I'll leave it to Bryn to post in the comments... Either way, photos were worth taking, and Bryn was in charge for the night, as my phone had run out of battery from a long day out tracking unicycle rides. Not that Bryn needs my phone to be out of action to take good photos. He had great material to work with though - the views across Swinsty, Menwith Hill and Penny Pot were glorious tonight, just the right amount sun and haze.

Hands pummeled by the sharp rocks of Hunter's, we called it a night - we didn't have enough skin left on our hands to tackle Norwood. All things considered though, we managed to get a very full session out of such a small crag.

Almscliff can be seen in the distance. It was fine though, we didn't miss her too much.

Another day at the Almscliff Academy

2013-05-25T20:14:00.001+01:00

Lesson Observation Record from the Academy

Context
Saturday afternoon and it must be 10 degrees warmer than Wednesday night. Its T-shirt and sun hat weather, same deep blue sky though. Dean arrives as I do, we wander up to the upper circle and Pebble Wall. Dean warms up I did my token loosener whilst he nips back to his car for sustenance. The views where magnificent, there was the whole of Wharefdale it was a cracking place to be. Let the lesson begin.

Today's lesson Objective Send Pebble Wall a 70's classic pebble wrestle, all technique and with a reputation for biting the unwary punter.

Participants - Mixed Ability one wad back from injury (Dean), one punter with ideas above his station (muggins here).

Learning Activities
I started off trying Dean's hop technique the preferred tall man's solution. Dean feigned weakness then demo'ed it no drama. He looks back on form to me after looking tired on Wednesday. I was nearly getting the awkward hop, where you need to move your right foot over maybe ten inches whilst holding a powerful undercut, but in the course of an hour I never really hit it right. Last go I gave it some beans missed and got the shin stripe Louis knows all about, but a rather milder version that shouldn't leave anything like as impressive a scar.

Dean took a learning break and polished off the low crucifix traverse in some style then nailed the step through version of Pebble Wall the preferred short persons technique.
For the remainder of the lesson I tried the cross through version which is more powerful but more secure, with a press off a Jam and a crimp. Last go it stuck so that's progress. Next lesson will be actually getting to the pebble part, I'm thinking this one may take a while.

As we were about to head off a guy came up who knew Jenny who I helped carry off in October after she landed badly off Pebble Wall. She is cycling again but not climbing yet. I hope she makes a full recovery

Punters comments (student voice)

Thanks to Dean for the beta, the amiable company and my favourite quote of the day "When I broke my spine." I hope I never start any of my sentences that way.

Assessors Lesson Grade

Satisfactory
Whilst the objective was not fully met the punter made some progress and must keep working toward his goal. It was good to see a strong working relationship between the punter and the wad and the banter was of good quality. Especially the bit when some bloke was offered the chance to buy his own mat for a fiver and took offence. Knocking it down to three fifty as he huffed off, was a nice touch too.

Here comes the summer

2013-05-23T17:27:00.001+01:00

Woolly hat or sun hat? I was torn as I left the car the woolly hat won, I would rather be too warm I reasoned.

James arrives we wander up in full sun to the Cliff and the end boulder. Dean appears and then Bryn and Stu. We play around on Below the Decks myself and James getting it off a kneeling start but a full sitter was just out of reach.

Left Rib next, a bette noir of mine from the last few years. The easiest problem on my list and a "classic frightener." A weird shaped ear of rock maybe 10 ft off the ground with a rock over to finish nearly highball, feels high. Louis was on it first making it look at least V5 with a sequence that set the Pyscho daggers off in my head, he toughed it out and his fingers crept over the top edge in slow motion.

James made it look easy and then Dean's hand was in my back shoving me to the front, resistance was futile. I got on it dithered about on the rock over and then lots of shouts of "get on with it, and get your left foot up" crept through my concentration and I rocked over smoothly. The other Dave got the star though, he managed to stuff up the rock-over ended up sat on the ear looking likely to tip off into the void. His spotters rapidly got their hands out of their pockets and braced for impact, somehow he slithered to the mats. I'm glad that one is off my list, tick it and move on.

Morell's Wall looking into the setting sun for third course. I flashed it with my cheaters knee bar, Dean too, James took a few goes but it gave in to his power. Bryn looks good on it he needs a little more belief and it will be his. Chris took a few goes and fell the length when the crimp slipped through his fingers but got there in the end. Many more were called few chosen, never a push over this one.

Cold now, wind biting through, those of us who dressed for summer, I'm chilling out too. We play trench warfare on the Virgin traverse. Some thin looking guy making it look if not easy at least possible. Dean gets round the corner before his newly found punter's arms give in through lack of use. Me and James get beaten up by the steepness, James doing rather better than this fat boy. Finally the crack on the keel boulder gets some attention but we are cold and tired and so we slope off into the dusk.

Heater on full blast in the car, extremities thaw. I drink my beer on the sofa with my woolly hat on, Mrs Time Ticks suggests I take it off before bed and reluctantly I acquiesce. Cold for May, cold for February.

Brim Ham-fisted

2013-05-15T22:04:00.000+01:00

What is it about Brimham that seems to act as something of a reset switch? I have previously lamented how several years worth of climbing experience once opened a session at Brimham with little better than standing and butting our chests against the various walls, and tonight was little better. I blame how much I'd eaten today - I'd been at my parents' place, where food isn't backwards about coming forwards.

I was the last - of Rob, Al (good to see him out on the rock, it's been a while since I'd seen him climbing at all), Sammy, Rob and Dave - to turn up at the Pommel area, and the various problems - probably all named 'Easy arete', 'Uncomplicated roof' or similar - did nothing but vex me for quite some time. And these were all problems that I'd climbed before. The first to fall - other than me, several times, though gently (at first...) - was the classic arete in the small quad-like area, and that by unconventional methods... Which I suppose could be a good thing! Next up was a session on - yes - Easy Boulder with Al and (big) Rob. Took a few attempts, but a couple of problems went in the end. Small Roof was last in this area, another one I'd done before but had some trouble with. Everyone seemed to have their own method, and it took some moves for me to find mine - left foot high in the big break to set up for right foot on the little hook on the arete. Nearly lost it as I gained the groove on the top, but held on and finished, less gracefully that I have in the past. But I'd needed to do it, so I was more than content, and laden with some fine rock rash as a trophy.

We all moved then to the Cubic Block area. There's a problem to the left of Cubic Block that I'd wanted to try, but I wasn't feeling it at first, so went to play on the big traverse and the mantle opposite. Tried too hard on that last one, and had a couple of bad falls on to my ankle - I felt it twinge, and any further would have been a full-on twist, so I took a rest. But not for long enough, as I tried-too-hard it again, and fell again. Well, that was enough of that. It seemed that the smallest of moves up the crag had knocked the wind out of pretty much all of our sails, and we soon wrapped things up.

So, no ticks, unless you count overcoming those barriers you place in your own way. And frankly, as I always say, it all counts.

Al on Cubic Block traverse.

Cool for May

2013-05-12T17:12:00.001+01:00

I was alone on Swastika Stones for 10.30 it was grey but dry. A smeary arête started proceedings. It was manky on top so I gave it a good clean. I wrestled with it for a bit, my right foot breaking away time and again. Third go and I got the top, my feet slipping on lichen as I rocked tenuously on to the top heart in mouth, grand, Hard for Yorkshire grits V0 more like V2 I reckon.

Next up the smooth tease of Christmas Day arête, which had beaten me on a bitter February when heat and light were thin on the ground. Today was warmer. You pull on, step up on to an edge and throw for the top all in one easy, silky movement, well that's the plan. Timing is all, and fourth go I latched the top. I threw a leg over the top as my calf cramped solid. I managed to hang on and wait for the muscle to free up and topped out. Happy with that. So two more arêtes to add to my collection.

I was over in Ilkley today because I had been asked to be in some photographs for the new grit guide after Adi Gill and Robin Nicholson took a shine to my review of the first volume. Disappointingly rain was now falling and the forecast looked grim.

I drove up to the Cow and Calf in the now steady rain. I was just getting into my excellent bacon butty from the grumpy man in the cafe, when Stuart and then Robin guidebook guru and photographer Mike all wandered over to say hello.

We cursed the weather decided to abort mission and sat around getting wet. We nattered, the sun came out, things dried and before I knew it we were back on again. Soon I was racking up for S crack in a cold and windy quarry, with Stuart holding the rope. I was good for the "tricky" start and to the halfway ledge then my lack of any trad stamina in the recent past took its toll and I had a proper punter's pump on. It was bitter and my fingers were present but I couldn't feel them at all.

Suffice to say Mike provided soothing words from his rope and got me to a point were he could get some decent shots for the guide, before the rain really came down and I made a quick get away.

All in all a good, if strange day out, thanks everyone.

Christmas Day Arete

Sunset Supermen (That's us)

2013-05-09T00:33:00.000+01:00

Okay, I know, I know. Last night would have been better, weather-wise at least. Well, I couldn't make last night, I had to go and see my family. I'm as frustrated as anyone at myriad enjoyable things getting in the way of each other, but I hadn't seen them in a while, so it had to be done (because I wanted to do it).

So it had to be tonight. And you know what? It was okay. Sure, it started off windy, but we found sufficient nook and cranny based climbs to keep us going - or just got on with it despite the wind. Roll call: me, Bryn, John, Sammy, Rob, Rob, Chris, and Stella. Stella is Chris's dog. Stella is great fun, and makes for a fine mascot. If we threw a stick up a problem, she could probably out-climb us as well. Anyway, the wind affected my first climb, the finger pocket on the warm-up wall - I was conscious that John (who hasn't climbed outside in a while) was climbing just to my right, so when my hat started to blow in that direction I had to pluck it from the air - yes, mid-climb - and then throw it to the ground. All pretty much done in automatic mode, and I'm sure I would have just let the hat fly away if catching it had meant falling.

Next up was more Hanging Rib, and the series of problems to its right. I got as far as I had done the other day, which - by the by - is about the same distance Rob got, so it's a fair standard. The height is the issue - were the key move lower down, it would be well worth a go, but much more is at stake up there. Chris was the hero tonight, though he did have a sidekick of sorts - his knee. I'm sure he'll eliminate that next time...

Morrell's. All the mats were down, and everyone crowded round. Only Rob ticked it (not his first time) but we saw a bold move from Chris, some definite progress from Bryn, and solid attempts from everyone else on their first sessions at this particular problem. As for myself, I got the first crimp a couple of times, got my right foot up at least once, and briefly had my right had free to move for the second crimp (though it didn't reach). Definitely my best efforts this year, helped by modifying the start in a pragmatic fashion - breaking up the starting moves slightly in order to make them a little smoother, rather than trying to do all the reaching at once and end up flapping around.

Rob is not actually climbing air here. Though I wouldn't put it past him.

Morrell's Wall sheltered us from the elements, and by the time we emerged they had more or less calmed down entirely, delivering a splendid sunset, appropriate lighting for our Herculean endeavours. We ended proceedings with a play around boulder 10, Sloper Patrol and Low Man Slab. Lots to dabble with for everyone, though nothing especially radical - just a nice warm down with a delightful view of the twilight sky.

And from here, a busy schedule - The Depot on Friday night for the last night of their bouldering league. Dave has some sort of climb lined up for Sunday. And there could well be more than one night to climb on next week, due to schedule clashes and the like. Personally, I could do with some Brimham...

Alm's way/Bridestoned

2013-05-01T23:45:00.000+01:00

Almscliffe has seen a few smaller visits recently, but tonight I had a mind to stay close to Morrell's Wall, to really session it. The unlogged visits over the last few weeks turned up some reasonable results - no new ticks, but a good return to grit after the indoor season, and notably the problems were seeming easier. Had a bit more time and light to play with this evening, so tried to play a little longer. Bryn, Cosmo and Hebe were along for the ride, with James and Louis following. Most of the problems just above Morrell's went easily, with only the Postman proving awkward - can never seem to get comfortable with hanging my right arm on the top, making the next move for the hold on the corner a sketchy one - and one that I used my right arm for this time, almost resulting in a barn door.

Anyway, some play near Hanging Rib. Ticked the overhang just opposite - from a standing start, sit start to be considered later - after several efforts. Not the slickest, particularly getting over the hang, but pleasing all the same. Hanging Rib itself then got some attention, as we encouraged a random boulderer through it and dabbled ourselves, getting pleasingly close to the crux move - it was at this point that James showed up and flashed it, and then Louis showed up and flashed it. Too good, too good.

That said, I felt I got closer on Hanging Rib than I eventually did on Morrell's, which I seem to have gone backwards on since last year, barely managing to reach the first side-crimp, and having to do more to get there. I'd really like to see it go, so I guess I just need to keep working at it.

Just below my main tick of the night, at this stage being attempted by Louis and James. A harder version for them though.

In other catch up news, there was an opportunistic visit to the Bridestones on the North Yorkshire Moors recently, Bryn and I ducking out of our stay at the British Juggling Convention that was held in nearby Pickering. We got a good day for it, weather wise, and a good companion in Robinson, a juggler we know from the scene. We made the most of the first rock, Bryn spotting overhangs, pockets, lay-offs and rockovers all around it - this was my second visit, so it was good to have Bryn's eyes along this time. The rockover was the highlight - it had a slight overhang element to it, as well as some mantling. I think I may have been more or less balanced on left hand and right foot at one point, experience that could come in handy for the back of the Virgin, direct version, at Almscliffe, one of the last projects we started working on at the end of last year, and not one we've returned to yet...

3 aretes, 2 woods, 1 punter

2013-04-28T14:43:00.002+01:00

Raining as I get to Pately, bugger the weatherman said dry until 3. I drive up to the Nought Bank boulders on Guisecliff's west end and wander down to them. I realise I have left my phone at home or dropped it walking in, no pictures then. Its a strange dry rain, its failing from the sky, its wetting me but the rock stays magically dry.

Maybe the bitter wind is blowing the rain away? I sort out a few warm up problems but don't have the stomach for some of the bigger and harder problems as the rock, though good, is pretty green and scrittley, not many have passed this way for a bit and I'm cold in the wind.

Off up to the folly and into the woods in search of some promised north facing jungle delights. I blunder around for a bit. With no phone Yorkshire Grit is offline and the new guide has decided to omit most of the boulders in the wood for reasons unknown. Eventually I stumble across the Mop Top Block its bilberry haircut making it easy to identify.

Its maybe 12 foot high and has a perfect sharp, clean arete with a flat landing, at one corner. The arete goes from both sides. The right side of it succumbs first with a little low cunning and a thin crimp. The descent is memorable, you hang from a handful of the bilberry "hair" and drop back to the jungle floor all a bit Indiana Jones.

The Left side of the Arete I thought was one harder, with a pretty powerful move to get your foot up before throwing for the top, but it was just as good. Worth the bushwacking for these two alone.

I headed on into the wood in search of A Little Sparkle. Andy Crome's genius problem from a few years back which seems to get a lot of love from those that know it. An impending slab with one real hold on it and a dyno for glory. I found it, cleaned it and had a few pulls but I couldn't get my feet high enough to go for the dyno, one to go back for.

It was raining harder now, the dry rain turning wet, I headed back to the car. I drove out, as I got to Summerbridge the ground was dry again so I headed up to Brimham. I tried a few things on Joker's Wall but it was to steep for me. I wandered up to the the Blacksmith and had a go at Swing Arete a flake/arete/scoop thing that is balancey and thin for the feet. I have tried it a few times in the last couple of years. Today third go with magic dry rain falling around me. I bridged and slapped for the top and it held. The new guide reckons 6c which seems generous, but it seems hard for Yorkshire Grit's 6a, 6a+ seems about right.

I was supposed to bothering Whisky Galore but was feeling tired and was supposed to be on call if the kids got into bother at their Nan's. So I headed back, to find my phone on charge where I had left it. Not by any means a bad day out in the wind and the dry rain.

Bob's Otley Bastard Wall

2013-04-25T20:02:00.003+01:00

Caley late in the grit season, no bracken yet but its coming. James arrives, in the playground we play. Chicken Heads are bitten off directly. On New Jerusalem the sloper is hung, the gaston fondled but no further. King Louis and Dave arrive bringing the newly acquired secret of man's red fire with them.

Otley wall on the last burn of the evening King Louis finds a foothold and he's soon topping out. The rest of us are shrugged off due to short necks and poor technique. A brute of a roof provides some sport and Louis and James have the grunt for a low start.

Finally King Louis flashes Bob's Bastard using some weird sideways guerilla move. Off he burns into the gathering dark.

All together now.

Now I'm the king of the swingers

Oh, the jungle VIP

I've reached the top and had to stop

And that's what botherin' me

I wanna be a man, mancub

And stroll right into town

And be just like the other men

I'm tired of monkeyin' around!

Oh, oobee doo

I wanna be like you

I wanna walk like you

Talk like you, too

You'll see it's true

An ape like me

Can learn to be humen too

Only the crumbliest, flakiest gritstone

2013-04-21T14:22:00.002+01:00

We get spoiled living in the midst of a gritstone paradise- sure, the well-worn holds of Almscliff can get pretty polished, but you don't have to go far to find sticky, gritty rock- just try more than an hour on Lord's Seat without getting full-hand exfoliation. However, start to head east and things start to get sandy. Last week we had been out on the North York Moors on the Bridestones, and at times had wondered if we should have brought a bucket, spade, and a deckchair. But you don't have to go that far to feel the sand between your fingers- closer to home lie the Spofforth Pinnacles. I've been a few times before, mostly on a lunch break when I've been driving past. Their location on the Harrogate bypass makes them very easy to get to, and the walk in from the layby takes only a few minutes. It's also a very pleasant spot, especially when the sun is shining. So it was a no-brainer when Louis, who was supporting the troops at the nearby Yorkshire Warrior event, suggested meeting up to enjoy a fine Spring afternoon.

Josie ponders the sit start.

Spofforth offers a wide variety of shapes of rock, but it's unlikely you'll want to climb all of them. Many are too crumbly, too dirty, or too easy. However, some of the free-standing rocks offer the best climbing. We started on Scoop Block, easily identified in the centre of the field by looking like someone has just scooped a big dollop of sandy ice cream out of one side. Apparently the scoop goes at 7a, but it would involve bridging and smearing up a wall that looks particularly unsmeary! Louis quickly got stuck into either side of the scoop though, which go at much lower grades. They too, however, offer their challenges being both high and rather sketchy. Both Cosmo and myself started with a more sedate play around elsewhere- Cosmo loving the stepped arete to the right, and myself finding a nice 4b (?) on the opposite side. We then moved on to Green Wall around the corner from the scoop, working up slopey breaks to a top out that got the adrenaline going- it's been a while since I'd got that buzz from being high up and slightly tenuous. Louis got tempted across to the a neighbouring scooped out roof for a quick mantle, ably assisted by Dave's dog Josie.

Cosmo tops out Tower Block arete.

We finished the session by heading over to Tower Block, probably the largest rock on offer, and certainly the best preserved. The wall as you approach is striped with diagonal breaks and riddled with lovely bullet-hole pockets, and last year I had managed to get stuck at the top out of the centre of the wall for what seemed like an eternity. This time, we moved onto the right arete of the face instead, which offers lovely climbing all the way up and a cracker of a jug at the top. Louis tried the direct ascent, which proved a bit too physical, and Cosmo and myself took a less strenuous approach. We found a lovely route to the right, with a nice layback start, before heading back round the corner.The centre of the wall remained unclaimed, and Louis headed up only to find the top as unpleasant and sketchy as I had done. Unlike me, however, he managed the retreat a lot faster, and we decided to call it a day.

Had we climbed this sunny Saturday at Almscliff I imagine we would have shared it with a few dozen others at least, and it was nice to enjoy some peace and quiet instead. The only other sign of visitors were some offerings that had been left dotted around- donations of cash left to keep the spirits of the rocks happy? The rocks are often the site of more bloody sacrifices, where birds of prey leave the remains of their dinner, so getting rid of your small change seems a much more tasteful way to pay respects. We left the cash, along with a few chalk marks, and plan to come back to see if there is a return on our investments.

Pagan crucifix cash converter?

Sypeland - This contest is set for one fall...

2013-04-02T01:53:00.002+01:00

Given the time off that a number of us had over the Easter weekend, a new crag was hard to resist. James and Louis were first off the mark, and I found James' car a bit further away from the crag than the parking guide on Yorkshire Grit might have suggested, and with good reason...

That's the supposed access road on the right.

Heck of a walk-in. The crag was visible from quite a distance, but it took a lot of time and effort to get it to appear closer. When I veered from the farm track, over banks of drifted snow, I found two sets of footprints to follow. A call from Louis confirmed these were correct, and I spent a while tracking them along the crag. Many of the rocks appeared somewhat snowed in, and I frequently fell through snow that James and Louis had evidently walked over. I caught up with them at the far end of the crag, where they had barely started climbing.

Almost straight away, we moved to the next rock back along. I was too cold to get involved with a slight overhang that was exposed to the wind, but moving around the rock and out of the wind looked more favourable. James and Louis had a play while I sat on a nearby rock to put my climbing shoes on. Here's a bit of a look at what we were dealing with:

James, several feet off the ground.

The mat there was sitting atop a wave of snow, changing the nature of the problem a little. When it came to my turn, the cold was affecting my ability to hold the breaks. Basically, I just didn't make sure of things as I should have done. As a result, I fell. I bounced off the mat (right, as we're looking at the photo) and down a bank of snow. I seemed to land on my feet, but the impact caused me to shift my weight, and I fell again, right onto the same rock I'd been sitting on moments earlier. Fortunately, I landed on something soft - my right buttock. I could tell straight away that there was no serious injury, but I did begin to feel somewhat sorry for myself. I sent Louis and James on to the next rock while I took a moment to recover. I caught up with them, but called time on my presence straight away - with the wind and cold, the excess of snow around the boulders, and my painful buttock, I just wasn't getting the experience I wanted. And off I went, trudging a more direct path back through the snow.

So, not even one problem climbed. Why still blog? Because it was my first time there, because we gave it a go, and because it looked as though there could be some worthwhile rock there. Like Widdop before it, Sypeland will be one for a summer's day.

When it's not like this.

More photos here.

Slipstones Quest - Intercommunal Climbing

2013-03-30T01:18:00.000Z

I know Mr Prince has already posted, but I've resolved to myself to blog as much as possible, and this is the place for outdoor climbing, so here I am. I haven't read Dave's post yet, so as not to colour what I write, but I'll probably try to put my own slant on things.

The day began with a logistical farce - Louis had apparently recently drunk all of the alcohol, and was having difficulty stirring from his slumber. James and I were at Bryn's by this point, and although it looked like we would need to go in two cars - Bryn would need to get back to walk the dogs, and James would want to stay till the bitter end - we decided to wait for Lou. And wait. And wait... Eventually, I sent Bryn and James on while I carried on waiting. Louis arrived soon after, and we hit the road. All that, and we ended up beating Bryn and James to the crag - road layout changes on the A1 vexing Bryn. Fortunately they weren't too far behind, and the four of us took on the not insubstantial walk-in together (ante upped by snow, but still far warmer than recently at Widdop).

We found Dave already at the rock, along with Pete and Kirsty. Whilst we are (Facebook group) 'Communal Climbing - Yorkshire', Pete and Kirsty are from 'Yorkshire Climbers with a day off', so collaboration was order of the day. And whilst it was very pleasing to have such a delightful secluded crag away from the bank holiday public, it's good to share climbing with like minded people, and Pete and Kirsty certainly fitted that bill.

Not Pete or Kirsty

The climbing began with an attempt on a flake that I'd failed to get on our last visit - likely some three years ago. Today, it still proved a challenge, but it pleasingly went easily enough, setting a good tone for the day. Bryn and I found a little slab to play on while the others went at something beyond our level, but we soon hooked up again for some action on Tea Party Slab. Lots of options here - an enjoyable face at the left hand end, with a lovely flake/mantle in the middle; a huge ledge to mantle and stand up for the top; a smaller ledge immediately to the right; and a series of problems with tiny holds as the only options. I got the face - which I believe I did achieve on the last visit, but which felt much more comfortable this time - and the two ledges. The large ledge was a doddle - I even stopped there for pasty and tea - but it was the small ledge that was most rewarding, needing some big use of some tiny holds in order to stand up for the top - I may well have been pulling myself up by my fingernails.

Around this time, Pete and Kirsty moved on, with Bryn and Dave following soon after. This left me, Louis and James. And although Slipstones catches the sun all day, it hadn't done enough to remove the snows, which created issues at the bases of many a problem - and was beginning to take its toll on our toes. I struggled to keep up with Louis and James, but pointedly I did mostly try to do so, save for a moment where I left them to it and went back to the first flake in order to duplicate it, which I managed. The highlight of this stage of the session was a monster roof problem, tucked up at the top of the crag. A short slab led to a gap before the roof loomed out, and I followed James and Louis' attempts with some fine encouragement and pointers from them, James below and Louis above, Louis in particular letting me know how far off a move I was. James, meanwhile noted that a rather large section of the shelf on the bottom of the roof had moved when I smeared off it - a fraction off falling away, apparently. I was already in a mantle by then, so I like to think I would have been okay... Anyway...The lowlight was... well, it was the cold toes, but climb wise it was a high arête which frustrated me by refusing to let me get started, and teased me with quality looking holds higher up. Ah well, an excuse to go back...

The roof in question. Wobbles not visible.

The pub beckoned - we were near Masham, after all - and the three of us tackled a slightly different version of the walk-out, the prospect of my rather warm car being all sorts of appealing...

Full photo set here.

Good Friday

2013-03-29T20:47:00.000Z

Slipstones, the clue is in the name, more like font than grit I reckon. Helps if your strong with good core strength, I posses neither. Walked in as an advance guard this morning sombre, grey, cold . Pete and Kirsty beat me to it. Pete sorting Davies Ramp with little effort. The rest of the team arrive in a variety of footwear some suitable for wet, shin deep snow.

We hang a sloper on Supple Wall but I cling there like chad "what no progress." Louis sorts out the left finish to Slanting Flake with his gallon drunk head on, Pete gets bitten in the finger. We skulk beneath Sulky Little Boys and it laughs at us, "come back when your stronger little boys." It hisses.

Tea party slab loves us more, A Question of Balance is just that, thin crimpy and excellent. We fill our boots. The Right Edge seems thinner and just as crimpy, it goes if you pull hard enough.

Bryn and Stu take the slabs name to heart and picnic at Hanging Rock.

Finally Micro Corner which nearly succumbs but shrugs us off. We cannot summon the power to lock out and up, so I shuffle off home leaving James and Louis cursing and trying and cursing and trying.

Slipstones then, nothing given away but if you keep coming so will the results. Just don't expect any favours. Remember your not from round these parts, were tough round here.

Interesting Times

2013-03-24T15:46:00.001Z

The day started with a drive to Bingley to take the Boys to their Nanas. The road is closed near Dick Hudson's, had to divert via the Glen, all good until a huge drift is blocking the road. A few folks with shovels dig it out and through we go, the boys awarding adventure points left and right.

On the way back in the same place, I meet an in situ VW golf resting on a bed of compacted snow. Another 4 x 4 arrives and in stinging arctic spindrift we get a strap on it and try and tow it back. It won't budge.

I strap my truck to the first 4 X 4 and add to the tug of war and out it comes inch by inch. I'm just about to go through the gap when another black VW golf goes and gets stuck in the exact same spot. I curse internally, then try and fake a smile. I get a rope on the car as the driver can't open the doors as the drift is too high. He too is dragged out. Time to Caley from my house via Bingley, 3 hours quite good fun though.

I wander into Caley by the roadside kicking steps in the knee deep snow. Everything is plastered the only thing in anything like condition is Forked Lightning Crack but the top has a huge wet streak running down. I wander up to the Crag, well you never know,

Not much doing here, all plastered and then that low overhanging wall on the back of Suckers Wall is dry except for a layer of snow on the top. I brush some snow off from the lip and hope the sun will dry it, then have a coffee and watch the sun nearly break through.

The moves off the sit start are thin, crimpy. I have tried it a few times in the past never getting off the ground. Today with super cold friction I can pull on it. After a few goes I can hold the second oh so thin crimp, if that is I keep moving through the first move.

Next I suss a sequence for my feet and start to try and link it all. A few goes no good. Finally I get the link and slap for the top and it sticks and I have no choice but to mantle in to the snow, should have brushed more snow off I think as my face goes in. I roll onto the top adrenaline pumping and all the nerve endings in my upper body screaming as the snow sucks the heat out of me. I laugh like an idiot and jump off into a drift. Cold now, time to get home, marvellous.

Morrell Values

2013-03-17T14:58:00.001Z

After some playful dalliances last year, work has now started in earnest on Morrell's Wall at Almscliff. I'd had it earmarked on my to do list for a while, but felt this was going to be the year for it to fall.

I've just been up for a fun little session with Dean and Louis, and with some good tips, and a bit of fiddling about, I've established myself comfortably on crimp A. Next step is going to be a bit of fancy footwork, crimp B, and it will be mine. That is all.

Widdop - Full version available for download soon

2013-03-12T01:12:00.001Z

Downloaded 'Widdop - Trial Edition' today. 3.5GB download, took about an hour before it was ready to boot up. Once it was loaded, Bryn and I signed into a two-player session - mostly cooperative, perhaps a hint of competitive. First impressions - the graphics engine was superb:

Excellent lighting.

Some trial versions limit the area you have access to, or only give you a limited timespan. Widdop Trial Edition locks certain environment variables and user settings down - the realtime weather system is set only to 'Arctic', with no option to access the 'Tropical' or 'Mediterranean' settings. While this served to show off the physics engine to its best, it also reduced access to certain challenges that would otherwise have been available. And since players are unable to level-up their characters, basic extremities were the only ones available, with the super-heated models off the table. I've since heard a rumour that these have actually been removed from the full game, leaving players at the mercy of ambient conditions - this is an outrage, and this isn't the last you'll hear of it from me.

Still, Bryn and I ran through the game's tutorial, which allowed us to get to grips with the physics:

However, we suffered a data bottleneck which lost us control of our character's extremity units, meaning we needed to try to reinstall them for our players. Bryn attempted to install a patch - CoffeeV1.1 - to boost his character, but the weather variables somehow seemed to become more extreme - possibly a time limit, stealthily introduced? Despite only having completed a part of the tutorial, our players' energy bars were drained - game over.

All in all, it was worth giving Widdop TE a go, and I look forward to accessing the full version at some point this year. Apparently the full version will be able to support more players, so it'll be good to see if a number of our clan can get online access at once.

Not wanting to log off entirely, Bryn and I ran the simulator/training package 'Harrogate Wall'. A handy little app with a decent soundtrack, but lacking the far greater interactivity, feature sets, physics and graphics of programs such as 'Almscliffe', 'Brimham' or 'Caley'.

All data logged on Bryn's cycle initiation date, version 41.

Constant repetition brings rewards - Getting the Horn

2013-03-10T16:24:00.003Z

Cold and crisp, wind from the East, snow flurries. I went running with Rachael this morning. I had nearly warmed up after half an hour. Round five at Harrogate wall is on, but what if its good at Caley?

James answers my post on Facebook and then there are no excuses. By one the snow has stopped, I'm warming up in the playground. James arrives with youth and enthusiasm, he will do for me. We sort out the thin playground traverse which is getting some sun.

Bob's Bastard next, James has been wrestling with it for a bit, but first go he got on it, turned his hand to throw some weight over the slab and he was good, nicely. I finally got the pocket with some beta from James, nearly sent it but couldn't quite get my weight over my feet, best go by far though.

Next down to Low Pebble wall a steep slab all crystals and smears. James sorts the start move, I add a step up and then we are both at the point where jumping off gets a little more serious. Next go and I have two pockets both taking the ends of two fingers and about a metre more to the top. I work my feet, get a poor half pocket for my right hand and know when I take my hand off and go for the top, I will be falling and trying to spot a good landing. I mutter "catch me" then the hand comes off and there I stay, slap the lip and its done. Chuffed, a rare moment of commitment.

James gives it best and we have a go on New Jersualem. We are both getting the Gaston with today's super friction but neither of us do a lot with it. Finally we try some painful jamming on Cruel Crack but jamming this vicious needs a warmer day I reckon, nice problem though.

James has to be at work at 3.30, so he heads off and I take the well worn path up to the Horn. Its looks green, it isn't its dry as a bedouin's water butt. I recognise my chalk marks from my last few sessions, this isn't funny anymore, this needs to be done. I strip off socks and thermals, coats and chalk bag and all my pocket change, then its starts to snow.

Hands touch, first go, nearly get the pocket but off, didn't squeak my boots, "punter".

Second go clean boots, got the pocket, got the sloper, feet up, sod it lets throw for the top. Arms extend, whoosh, done, massive jug, easy. What was all the fuss about? Benchmark V4. Life back, off hold.

Fresh faces, big ticks

2013-03-04T08:06:00.001Z

Lone man on Low Man

How I got to meet all the people I climb with has always been a great source of fascination and joy to me, everyone seeming to be connected through chance, mutual interest, or long standing friendships. Bizarrely, circus skills seem to play a big role in this, and in one case even the Mental Health Act (1983). However, everyone seems to know everyone somehow and we have formed a large community of genuinely lovely and interesting people. I would love to draw a map of how we all inter-connect. One way this social network has cemented has been through a Facebook group, Communal Climbing, as a way of organising who, what, and where we climb. Pretty much everyone in the group has climbed with someone in the group at sometime or another. Some use the group more than others, though the group's creator Stuart goes out of his way to make it as inclusive as possible. Last week, however, the group got two new additions from total strangers. Both asked to join the group on the same day, shared the same last name, but had never even met. And so it was that when I rocked up to the crag on Saturday, Louis was already in full swing with new guys Lewis and James. It seems, in climbing at least, there truly are no such things as strangers.

Now if you follow the blog you may be aware that Louis seems to be on a bit of a roll right now (see Chasing Italians), with The Horn at Caley being the first archipelago to be submerged by this growing tsunami, and I was keen to join him. Saturday was a picture perfect gritstone day- frost at night, blue skies in the morning, no wind. On days like these you wish you had no responsibilities at all. However, I do, so it was nigh on 4pm by the time I got to Amscliff. I rode up the hill on my bike, contemplating on the way up how there seems to be an inverse relationship between responsibility and motivation- when I was young and free I had lots of time and no idea what to do with it, but the more my life filled with responsibility the more things I found that I wanted to do with a rapidly shrinking window of opportunity. Still, at least I was out for an Almsciff sunset and I counted myself lucky. By the time I arrived Louis had not only met up with his new compadres, both he and Lewis had demolished Flying Arete (Louis flashing both sides), and the crew had headed up to lay seige to Pebble Wall. After a catch up, introductions and and a warm up, I watched all 3 getting properly stuck in. Louis was managing to get off the left pebble to slap the sloper, but it wouldn't stick. After I while I felt I should do some proper climbing and soloed Three Chockstones Chimney (though soloed sounds a bit dramatic for what is the safest route I've ever done), during which time Louis decided to stick the sloper and pop Pebble Wall in his bag! Turns out it was all about the right pebble. Luckily for me, stuck in the deep recesses of a chimney at the time, Lewis had also brought his camera along and caught it all on film.

And as the setting sun started playing hide and seek in the clouds, it was time to head off again. A short session for me, but it was nice to catch the end of a big day for others, old and new.

Revelations - Jerry Moffat

2013-02-27T22:07:00.001Z

When I was a young wannabe climber, Jerry Moffat was top of the pile. I didn't really know how good he was, but I knew he was a lot better than me. I remember trying what is now a boulder problem of his Sole Power on Froggat it was then graded VS 6B. I couldn't get on the starting holds it gets Font 7C now. That was 1985, that's how good Jerry Moffat was.

This auto/biography points out that for maybe 10 years in the late 80's and early 90's Moffat was the best climber in the world. He climbed harder and put up more cutting edge routes than anyone else and I didn't really know.

The opening chapter is compelling a days soloing on Dinas Cromlech all the Joe Brown Classics, then Left and Right Wall. Not a bad day by any means, it must have been quite an hour or two.

The book is ghost written excellently by Niall Grimes of Boulder Britain fame, Moffat has dsylexia and that may account for some of his drive. There are some great accounts of his early years. Dossing for weeks on end even through the winter in a cave at Stoney, subsisting on the dole and living on noodles and orange squash. Blow torching the holds on Tom's Roof, when no one else was out as it was too cold. He lit a fire in the entrance to keep warm.

Somewhere along the way he does the iconic arête of Ulysses on Stanage, has a go at straightening out Master's Wall on Cloggy and goes to the States and repeats the hard modern desperates of Pheonix and Super Crack. Oh and he does the legendary Midnight Lightening at Camp 4 in Yosemite and then heads off up the Nose whilst he is in town.

What shines through, along with the predictable near misses, scrapes and lucky escapes, is how hard he tried. He trained more, did more and wanted it more. He trained five days a week when nobody else did. He read up on Sports Pschology when it wasn't in vogue. He wrote in every page in his diary "I am the best climber in the world. I can rest and shake out on any hold." It seemed to work he went on to have huge success on the international climbing circuit and finished his carreer putting up the some of the hardest problems ever. Try The Ace on Stanage (8B) if you don't believe.

What a punter like me can take from this is, if you want it enough you can have it. There your choices and you have to live with them. I'm off to Caley now the sun is burning my face through the window and there is ice on the car. I am going to try The Horn again.

Today I am Jerry Moffat, today I am the best Climber in the world and I can climb V4

Chasing Italians and the Mob - Winter bouldering

2013-02-24T17:12:00.000Z

I seem to be chasing Italians at the moment. Indoors Giovanni is keeping me on my toes with a mixture of power and application. Whilst outdoors Louis who is but part of the diaspora destroyed the Horn at Caley yesterday with some aplomb. A long term project for me and only his third session on it.

I was back there today as was Craig. He moaned about the cold but we couldn't fault the friction. It was dry as you like when it wasn't snowing. A keen team of Joe, Niels and Dan from Harrogate wall arrived to scare the punters. We all warmed up on the Roof of the World. What Niels lacks in height he makes up with in raw power. He was soon flinging his way up some lip traverse, Joe sorting it out too.

Off to the Horn and Louis rocks up grinning from ear to ear. I then get the familiar sensation of some good climbers powering their way up the horn whilst I faff about with that dam heel hook and keep popping off. It got easier when Louis pointed out it wasn't sticking as my trousers were covering the heel on my shoe, no accounting for stupidity.

Craig was finding the horn tough, but Louis flashed it again after his efforts yesterday. Craig finally sorted it out and the Glitteratti wrestled with Horn Left, Niels getting oh so close but not quite finishing it.

Finally I got somewhere on the Horn. Pocket latched, top sloper held, foot up. Should have thrown for the top, but I tried for the higher pocket and missed. Fair enough best effort yet, one more good session should finish it but this one has taken ages.

Mr Smooth next, most getting it in a couple of goes Craig forbidding the Arête after the rock-over, then resorting to it when he got there himself, to much muttering from the crowd. Louis showed rare signs of mortality and couldn't quite finish it.

The Flapjack for the scoop and a power play from Niels who sorted that 6c+ overhanging groove out with more grunt. I had to escape as they headed off for Cream Egg wrestling. I wonder how they got on? As I wandered out the heaven's opened and it was rain this time.

Thirteen Almscliffe One

2013-02-18T01:08:00.000Z

I don't really do New Year's resolutions, but when I heard that an acquaintance had resolved to do more memorable things, I figured that my problem wasn't in the doing - everyone's the hero of their own story, but I reckon I do a fair few interesting things - it was in the remembering. As a result, I've been blogging regularly on my personal blog as an aid to memory. This has included some climbing, but all indoor sessions, and this blog isn't really about indoor climbing, so it hadn't made its way here yet.

Let's go!

But today... today (Sunday the 17th of February, not the post-midnight publication date) saw a hit on the grit for the first time in 2013. A few of the gang had been out on rock earlier in the year, but unfortunate timing kept me out of proceedings to this point. Today, I made it work. The session was Bryn's suggestion, and I picked him up en route on a glorious day. Picking our way up the muddy hill, we found Louis, Dave, Chris and Giovanni waiting for us. We warmed up on Low Man Slab before joining the others in a session on boulder 10 (which, as Bryn noted, needs new name). Given the number of mats present, Matterhorn arete beckoned us next, with mixed results - success for Louis, Chris and Giovanni (a new tick for Gio), frustration for Dave (who had not tried it before) and myself (I first climbed it last year).

Chris on the Matterhorn.

Last up was the Menhir. First, the others all piled on top for a photo shoot, before some experimenting on the face, my highlight being to eliminate the two biggest footholds, effectively climbing the face near-diagonally. Louis tried to eliminate even further, wanting to miss out the pockets, but suffered a fairly decent fall for his trouble (uninjured though). Similarly, Giovanni looked to be heading for a fall, catching his spotter (me) with a flailing leg, but somehow holding on to the right hand arete - best non-fall I think I've ever seen.

If it looks dark, try tilting your monitor around.

So, no real ticks for me, just a few little experiments. The rock is so much more nuanced than plastic is - analogue to digital, shades of grey to black and white, 3D to 2D - and I think I need to get into rock condition again. We'll see plastic again on Wednesday night, but rock is clearly where it's at - out in the world, under the sky, and with such friends. I was giddy to be out there again.

Such a day for it.

Grit your teeth - Swastika Stones

2013-02-02T15:56:00.002Z

I managed to get on some rock for the first time this year today. I took my healing lower back to Ilkley. It was that or lie on the lounge floor whilst the sun was out, there is no mileage in that, what if I die tomorrow?

I went up to the Swastika Stones on the Skipton end of Ilkley Moor. A few sharp angled boulders with a good range of easier problems up to maybe 6b.

I was hoping to be in the sun but I was 20 yards the wrong side of the shade line, my crag selection slightly out. There were some tasty looking slabs but smearing seemed a game for a warmer day. I warmed up, well de-colded a bit, on an overhanging arete that Jon Pearson gave V0. I thought V1 nearer the mark but it went nicely although feeling my fingers was difficult and you had to watch the patches of ice that were seeping down here and there. Cracking friction mind.

I wandered around a bit tried a few things but in the shade it was baltic. I had to keep re warming my hands and quite a few of the landings needed a spotter. I finally found the excellent looking Christmas Day Arete a balancey dyno were timing seemed all. An odd high step and a lunge for the top, I was getting the top but not holding it and my back kept reminding me I shouldn't really be jumping off for a few days yet. So I gave it best and headed down to the car to warm up as the chill had seeped into my bones now. Nice to be out, account opened for 2013