The day was absolutely gorgeous, and although feeling slightly worse for wear (mainly magic - who admitted to "feeling like something had shat in his head") from the night before, (although at least WE got out, eh Rich? unlike that Kenders and Weston; lightweights ;) we decided to head across to Slipstones and what a sound choice that was!Look at the sky!!
As usual I injure myself before getting anywhere near grit by reaching for the guides on the back seat and pulling a muscle in my shoulder...bugger!
We met up with a friend of Magics (some officer dude called Andy and another called Tristan; both great guys by the way), and mosied up to the sun trapped crag. As usual, Rich forgets something from theMagic-Mobile and has to run back for it....the crag comes into view basking in the morning sun, although its bloody freezing up here! But we're hardcore so we dont care and we're stupid, as the pics clearly demonstrates!!!
Anyhoo, all the routes were too short really for a rope (4-5m) so we just found 'em and did 'em. Majority graded at 5a. So a good challenge. The first one was really nice, with an awkward crux at the start. We both had a good amount of attempts and falls until I finally get the guts to top out; figured I couldn't hurt myself that bad if I fell.....besides, I could have used Magic for a landing cushion ;);) Rich gives as good as hes got also after a good few falls, but wasnt too sure of the finish so back climbed - its there for next time mate :) I was buzzing so I did it again after working out the sequence of moves; twas a fingery brute!
After much monkeying around and nailing this we found a couple more, one with a HVS start (Sowden Buttress) but only ever got about a third of the way up cos it was very reachy and a smidge over-hanging; plus a bit TOO bold for a solo, so we did some other stuff after moremessing about and banter (plus coffee) and I decided to risk having one of Magics Super Sarnies! We wander around and I yet again fall on my ass, at least its on the ground....
We trundle down to the other end to do a really nice slab, (Tea Party slab) with varying angles and next to no holds; but the friction was great! Started on the right with tiny pebbly holds, so a lot of footwork and balance was required. Shuffled to the left, to do the route up the arete. Rich thinks its a good idea to trybackstroke up the route however, gives up and starts to sunbathe in the "baltic" temps! "Parp" jeez.....one of his guffs seems to be clinging to the rock or something!
I start up this luvley corner, which was pretty airy with a crap landing so exercised a bit of caution. A great jug for the right hand though, then small creases to pull on with the left, smear with feet to the top. Woohoo!
Go on Rich get your ass up it. Cant fault Magics climbing, but it was pretty high so he exercised some "fear" and came down. But did eventually beat it! Played mate; fight the fear!!
I give it another go and "remove" the jug hold. Blimey! Made it a bit harder. Couple of slaps and I was over! Third attempt tried without the side pull off the arete; scared Rich to death by nearly coming off, so quickly grabbed the arete to get up!! "Parp" that was me that time.... 8)
We messed about around the side for a bit on Welcome Wall, then decided we had done enough and thought we'd call it a day. Went to find Andy and Tristan. Rich had a natter whilst I did some more"little" routes. "ooo look Rich, some bumblies" at which point I am officially labelled a grit climber by Magic after "abusing" walkers!! Temperature is rapidly falling with the sun, so we packed up after trying another fingery bugger very badly, and walked back to the Magic Mobile. Went back to a pub near Catterick and had some Black Sheep (and a drink) plus 4 packets of crisps! Now whose the pie eater??!!
Cheers Rich for another great day cragging and for giving me the grit bug (fourth weekend running - Caley Crags next time)!
Take it easy guys - see y'all Thursday.
Ned