On Bank Holiday Monday, the 31st of May 2021 we had the first York Mountaineering Club climbing day out in what seems like an eternity. The weather and venue could not have been better and our group of eight had a most pleasant day at the Wainstones.
There were surprisingly few other climbers so a full day on the crag was enjoyed by all with no delays, queues or jostling for a belay.
Most of the climbing achieved was to severe grade or thereabouts and some remarkably good efforts by Jenny P leading the Sphinx Nose and Charley having a go at his first lead on Jackdaw Gully.
We sort of lost track of how many climbs we did but a brave lead on Christopher (HS 4b) with awkward traverse beneath an overhang was perhaps the boldest of the day by John M. Nathan also led to a pretty good grade, making very secure gear placements.
Rosemary and Nina, both new club members, enjoyed a day at the crag too. It was a great opportunity to meet club members for the first time and to actively involve newcomers in an easy and relaxed atmosphere. Myself and John J who was leading, climbed with Rosemary, John M and Nathan with Nina.
At about 4:30pm most of us and all other climbers had finished for the day, however, Jenny and Charley continued to hone their skills and sunburn to the last. All in all, a super day out and hopefully only the first of many this year. Well done and thanks to everyone who came along and helped to make the day a such a success.
Dave M
