tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10268945852013891982024-03-13T19:56:33.943+00:00Mixed Picksstevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06289716750248675217noreply@blogger.comBlogger144125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1026894585201389198.post-4068155812828133982013-02-03T21:44:00.001+00:002013-02-03T21:44:26.038+00:00Beinn Eighe 20th Jan<br />
It's almost a year since my last post and a few weeks since the climb this!<br />
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A snowboarding fall last March left me with tendon and rota cuff injuries. After months of physio, I then broke some ribs whilst competing in an Italian Enduro - so it was goodbye to the 2012 rock season.<br />
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To get the ball rolling, me and Paul Prentice decided to head north for Beinn Eighe. After a few beers in Kinlochewe with Lindsay Yule and Paul Smith, we drove down to a very busy Coire Dubh car park and pitched the tent. 6am start and we were heading for the base of Beinn Eighe's Triple Buttress. 2hr 40mins later we were at the foot of Central Buttress VI,7****<br />
Beaten to the route by another team we decided to wait and gamble on them not being to slow...<br />
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Having wanted to climb this route for years it certainly didn't let us down. The higher you climb, the harder and better the climbing becomes. Bottleneck Chimney and the above broken groove are great fun pitches.<br />
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A slight error on the descent had us wandering around for a while, but we made it back to the car happy with our lot.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beinn Eighe Triple Butress</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Paul starting pitch 2</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Higher up pitch 2</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Team on Pelican</td></tr>
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<br />stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06289716750248675217noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1026894585201389198.post-55526096290460536642012-01-30T19:03:00.000+00:002012-01-30T19:03:34.363+00:00Engineer 's SlabsEngineer's Slabs VI,7 has stopped me in my tracks on numerous occasions. Out of condition, bad weather, teams ahead of us and even un-psyched partners.<br />
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This morning was different with a hoared up crag, no wind. Only other team was on Pinnacle Ridge and Scott and Steve were up for it. So game on..<br />
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One thing soon became very apparent as the belays are a joke for a team of three. Steve had to balance on a tiny ledge whilst Scott was in the Sentry box - and on the belay beneath the final corner, they both had to suffer hanging in the groove. It felt like an on-sight (having last climbed it in the summer of 96) but from what I do remember, this is equally as good in summer as in winter.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Bh6BPy9Mkow/TybgR9lUmSI/AAAAAAAAB_0/H4Kr_8hqtSg/s1600/P1020859.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Bh6BPy9Mkow/TybgR9lUmSI/AAAAAAAAB_0/H4Kr_8hqtSg/s320/P1020859.JPG" width="237" /></a></div>stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06289716750248675217noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1026894585201389198.post-32149623287467302092012-01-08T20:59:00.000+00:002012-01-08T20:59:28.246+00:00The CoveTyneside has very little to offer for dry tooling, but an area which is suitable is the Cove at South Shields. It has two good areas; one being the cove itself, and just a few hundred metres north is what we call the Burl Cave. The rock is limestone with lots of pockets and is ideal for hooking. Just remember to check the tide times, otherwise you'll get wet feet!<br />
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It'll never be comparable to Newtyle, but it is in a good setting!<br />
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Here's a few pics and a video from this morning.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fQnT-6cyUlU/Twn_ryUdLoI/AAAAAAAAB_U/cV6WBJVLGUs/s1600/P1020806.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fQnT-6cyUlU/Twn_ryUdLoI/AAAAAAAAB_U/cV6WBJVLGUs/s320/P1020806.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06289716750248675217noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1026894585201389198.post-60505320321563199482012-01-03T19:59:00.001+00:002012-01-03T20:38:53.591+00:00The VicarWith Steve Roberts, John Glendinning and Steve Wilkinson we headed into a windy Coire an Lochain yesterday morning. Me and Steve Roberts decided on The Vicar VII,8 whilst John and Steve headed for Andromeda IV,4<br />
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Like most grade VII+ climbing it can be time-consuming finding hooks and good protection. But the major crux of the day was the weather. High winds, heavy snow and unbearable spindrift made for difficult upward progress! <br />
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Steve made it part way up the cracked wall on the 3rd pitch, but we decided to rappel. Time was pushing on and we had both left our head torches in our sacks!!<br />
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Lesson learnt... Don't climb something so hard in such harsh conditions.<br />
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John and Steve had a good time on Andromeda, but topped out into ferocious winds.<br />
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Another difficult drive home due to heavy snow and a incident on the A9.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me on first pitch</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Steve </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Steve Wilkinson topping out</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nice gloves Steve..</td></tr>
</tbody></table>stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06289716750248675217noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1026894585201389198.post-3130575150986757532011-12-30T23:45:00.000+00:002011-12-30T23:45:25.948+00:00Prore Direct<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>None of the Tyneside crew were able to climb today, but I managed to hook up with Pete MacPherson and Murdoch Jamieson for a look into Coire An Lochain.<br />
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Prore Direct VII,8 was the route choice for the day.<br />
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I fancied leading this route a few weeks back, but having followed Pete up it today, I'm happy with being on the second. It's never desperate, just a few to many sketchy hooks here and there.<br />
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Very busy with over 15 teams out. No surprise with the fantastic conditions.<br />
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Top day out.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jGfAoyne6mU/Tv5LCTUtvnI/AAAAAAAAB9k/SM9FkDioAdQ/s1600/P1020757.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jGfAoyne6mU/Tv5LCTUtvnI/AAAAAAAAB9k/SM9FkDioAdQ/s320/P1020757.JPG" width="179" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uaRkOKcxUwM/Tv5Lg3s8d7I/AAAAAAAAB9w/vJ4zKZPPRao/s1600/P1020760.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uaRkOKcxUwM/Tv5Lg3s8d7I/AAAAAAAAB9w/vJ4zKZPPRao/s320/P1020760.JPG" width="179" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-M-zDUeWT3bg/Tv5MIEu6DqI/AAAAAAAAB98/3bHPxKZPm1U/s1600/P1020751.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-M-zDUeWT3bg/Tv5MIEu6DqI/AAAAAAAAB98/3bHPxKZPm1U/s320/P1020751.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06289716750248675217noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1026894585201389198.post-62443379783871972192011-12-19T18:54:00.000+00:002011-12-19T18:54:18.675+00:00The CitadelWe got it wrong on the East vs West last weekend, with higher than forecast temps stripping the snow and ice from our intended route at Beinn Dorain. So roll on another weekend and I was heading up to meet Paul Prentice for a look into Shelterstone.<br />
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We left the car at about 06:30 and started the long trail break (mainly by Paul) up through Coire an t-Sneachda over to Hells Lum and descend down into Loch Avon basin. By about 09:30 Paul had started up first pitch of The Citadel VII,8 on Shelterstone. Generally the gear was hard won, and it didn't help with the turf being insulated and the ice was also pretty cruddy.<br />
After a few hrs of climbing it was time for Paul to dispense with the first Crux pitch.<br />
Balancy, boulder type moves get you up onto the slab before moving up into the excellent sustained crack above. All taken very well by Mr Prentice.<br />
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Another excellent pitch above leads to the outstanding stance next to the upper Crux and Flake.<br />
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By now it was Dusk and I felt under pressure with the failing light to get on and UP the final crux pitch.<br />
I dispensed with the flake and traverse easy, but it was the short crack above that foxed me. Whilst trying to pull into the crack an Axe popped, and down the wall I went. Thankfully I managed to get a good rock 10 placement which held the fall.<br />
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Paul suggested we retreat, but I was now full of Psyche and nothing was going to stop me getting up this route. After about 40m I eventually found foot prints which led to a large open book corner. This turned out to be the wrong way and is the Moonlight Finish. The foot prints were from the previous day. James Higgins and Neil Adams (their blog account can be found <a href="http://scottishclimbers.blogspot.com/2011/12/citadel.html">Here</a>). <br />
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The corner above was all that was stopping us standing on the top of Shelterstone. Paul was starting to feel the strain, but made a sterling effort Stein Pulling his way to the top.<br />
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We eventually got back to the Cairngorm Car park at 23:00<br />
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We drove back to Paul's in South Lanarkshire and from there I headed down to Tyneside. I stopped for fuel at one of the service stations (I fell asleep at one of the Pumps before getting my Diesel). I was awoken by someone banging on my bonnet checking I was ok!<br />
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Shelterstone in winter is a rather big day out..<br />
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There's been lots of action on shelterstone over the past few weeks.<br />
Other than Jims Blog I've highlighted above, Greg Boswell had a awesome repeat of Stone Temple Pilots X,9 <a href="http://gregboswell.blogspot.com/">Blog Here. </a>Martin Moran had a interesting day on the Needle <a href="http://www.moran-mountain.co.uk/blog/">Blog Here</a><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Paul Starting up The Citadel</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Paul second pitch</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Start of the first crux pitch</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">High on the crux </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-twRdQW6ub-8/Tu-C_fD1v_I/AAAAAAAAB8k/2CdQ_yBj8YI/s1600/citadel+crux.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-twRdQW6ub-8/Tu-C_fD1v_I/AAAAAAAAB8k/2CdQ_yBj8YI/s320/citadel+crux.jpg" width="222" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me starting the second long crux</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-y56BmYvDvrc/Tu-DY4pr4bI/AAAAAAAAB8s/b9skLiXFvLM/s1600/P1020740.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-y56BmYvDvrc/Tu-DY4pr4bI/AAAAAAAAB8s/b9skLiXFvLM/s320/P1020740.JPG" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Paul psyching up for the Moonlight finish.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6IeY7EYp4j8/Tu-DsBrOOSI/AAAAAAAAB80/q1pnQRaZSU0/s1600/P1020742.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6IeY7EYp4j8/Tu-DsBrOOSI/AAAAAAAAB80/q1pnQRaZSU0/s320/P1020742.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Getting there..,</td></tr>
</tbody></table>stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06289716750248675217noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1026894585201389198.post-25533044010236458832011-11-07T16:01:00.002+00:002011-11-19T21:28:09.101+00:00Chamonix Oct<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>With a fully loaded car (thanks Paul, MBC) Paul Prentice, Lindsay Yule, Paul Smith and myself set off for Chamonix on Friday 21st. By the Saturday morning we had arrived and were readying ourselves for the following day.<br />
Sunday morning dawned and we were on the first Telepherique up the Aiguille du Midi.<br />
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Paul Smith trying to recover from the night before!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-inIKBgobuRE/TsPnoFJZ7TI/AAAAAAAAB2Y/XC8zOdI_IT0/s1600/P1020407.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="169" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-inIKBgobuRE/TsPnoFJZ7TI/AAAAAAAAB2Y/XC8zOdI_IT0/s320/P1020407.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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After about 8 rappels we reached the foot of the Burnier Vogler Gully.<br />
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On the calf destroying easier terrain.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AAxEzDIZsV4/TsPs4irVeJI/AAAAAAAAB3A/INABFzLyNUU/s1600/P1020429.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AAxEzDIZsV4/TsPs4irVeJI/AAAAAAAAB3A/INABFzLyNUU/s320/P1020429.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> Lindsay 1 pitch from the Cosmiques ridge.<br />
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After this great little climb, we descended the Cosmiques Ridge to the Abri Simond Bivy Hut.<br />
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We had hoped to climb the following morning on the East Face of the Tacul. But me and Paul Smith felt like shit due to poor acclimatisation.<br />
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So back up the Arete des Cosmiques for us.<br />
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Following day was overcast and windy, so we decided to give any climbing a miss.<br />
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With a promising forecast on the Wednesday, we set of from the Les Grand Montets car park for The Ginat route on Les Droites.<br />
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5.5hrs later and we were on the Argentiere Glacier looking for a decent bivi spot.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Looking over to the Colton-Brooks.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Only 5 more pitches to go!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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On the walk in I felt incredibly weak and sick. Thinking I'd be better in the morning, I decided to stay the night at the bivi site.<br />
We set off at 04:30 for the start of the Ginat. But after a couple of hrs I realised I wasn't well enough to continue. Painful decision, but it was the right one.<br />
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First light on my walk out!!!<br />
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Couple of days later and I was feeling much better.<br />
Not wanting to lose what little acclimatisation I had gained, I headed for the first lift up the Aiguille Du Midi.<br />
First person down the ridge and across to the Triangle. I climbed 4 pitches of the Chere Couloir.<br />
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The 6 other teams I met on my rappel.<br />
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Rapped off using mega light Tag line.<br />
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It was then a quick blast up the Cosmiques Ridge.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EJ8g9lITcXY/TsfkWbNMh-I/AAAAAAAAB44/u7OXQeGx1nw/s1600/IMG_1282.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EJ8g9lITcXY/TsfkWbNMh-I/AAAAAAAAB44/u7OXQeGx1nw/s320/IMG_1282.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>Met up with the Guys early afternoon for a spot of shopping. Gels and energy bars by the dozen were bought.<br />
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Following morning we got the train up to Montenvers.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rphsFUhLKPA/TsfogoLDaFI/AAAAAAAAB5I/lV-AGiOuMgc/s1600/P1020558.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rphsFUhLKPA/TsfogoLDaFI/AAAAAAAAB5I/lV-AGiOuMgc/s320/P1020558.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> Grand Jorasses.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mv3fqk1ozoc/TsfqPsY4OTI/AAAAAAAAB5Y/_BZ7rS_3Fd8/s1600/Chamonix+2011+040.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mv3fqk1ozoc/TsfqPsY4OTI/AAAAAAAAB5Y/_BZ7rS_3Fd8/s320/Chamonix+2011+040.jpg" width="320" /></a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Crossing the Bergshrund late afternoon on the Croz Spur.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TdUubDjao9A/TsftKDGzzPI/AAAAAAAAB5g/MsBh1JnJ6Yg/s1600/P1020586.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TdUubDjao9A/TsftKDGzzPI/AAAAAAAAB5g/MsBh1JnJ6Yg/s320/P1020586.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> Lindsay and Paul at our bivi for the night.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nn9f13G1knY/Tsf1r3sEADI/AAAAAAAAB5o/tuc77XIH1G0/s1600/P1020594.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nn9f13G1knY/Tsf1r3sEADI/AAAAAAAAB5o/tuc77XIH1G0/s320/P1020594.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> The Man that snored for 5 hrs!!!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6iqq2BH6Pxs/Tsf3taIJghI/AAAAAAAAB5w/30oimG0vd-o/s1600/P1020597.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6iqq2BH6Pxs/Tsf3taIJghI/AAAAAAAAB5w/30oimG0vd-o/s320/P1020597.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mdoCVfi20Ec/Tsf4Qu1tUjI/AAAAAAAAB54/V0VWTNk436Y/s1600/P1020599.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mdoCVfi20Ec/Tsf4Qu1tUjI/AAAAAAAAB54/V0VWTNk436Y/s320/P1020599.JPG" width="180" /></a></div> The next morning<br />
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Lindsay happy on the Croz.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fMMM3BowtDM/Tsf5t6FXXpI/AAAAAAAAB6Q/1SFvQvV0bcY/s1600/P1020610.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fMMM3BowtDM/Tsf5t6FXXpI/AAAAAAAAB6Q/1SFvQvV0bcY/s320/P1020610.JPG" width="180" /></a></div> 4 pitches to go!<br />
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We finally topped out and started to abseil down towards the Glacier. Now dark, and with little knowledge of the descent, we decided to bivi near to the Rocher du Reposoir.<br />
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Following morning was stunning.<br />
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Well earned rest at the Refuge Boccalate.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8tO2qNWxlec/TsgMxxFbJbI/AAAAAAAAB64/WCbf_HuqkwU/s1600/Chamonix+2011+071.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8tO2qNWxlec/TsgMxxFbJbI/AAAAAAAAB64/WCbf_HuqkwU/s320/Chamonix+2011+071.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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Looking back up towards the Grand Jorasses<br />
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Courmayeur, food and beer this way...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ahc8nfq-RRE/TsgOW3uwc4I/AAAAAAAAB7Q/ouH6m1Ojtjg/s1600/Chamonix+2011+084.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ahc8nfq-RRE/TsgOW3uwc4I/AAAAAAAAB7Q/ouH6m1Ojtjg/s320/Chamonix+2011+084.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Following day was spent dry tooling at La Fayet.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MzxF-eNWFS0/TsgPSU-Fu_I/AAAAAAAAB7Y/MouDAv5tksA/s1600/Chamonix+2011+101.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MzxF-eNWFS0/TsgPSU-Fu_I/AAAAAAAAB7Y/MouDAv5tksA/s320/Chamonix+2011+101.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />
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Till the next time..stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06289716750248675217noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1026894585201389198.post-66751570178593530352011-09-14T21:24:00.001+01:002011-11-19T21:38:14.214+00:00Chamonix SeptI've not blogged much this season, but hopefully with a good winter ahead of us I'll try to have a photographic account of our travels.<br />
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I'd bought and converted a VW Transporter in to a campervan during the summer.<br />
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So me and John Glendinning made good use of it and headed off to France during September.<br />
First port of call was Fontainebleau for some Bouldering action.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x9KaxA9d5Ao/Tr7ytfPFfAI/AAAAAAAAB1Q/xso6SGPUCsY/s1600/P1020098.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x9KaxA9d5Ao/Tr7ytfPFfAI/AAAAAAAAB1Q/xso6SGPUCsY/s320/P1020098.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Cy-6M07yEw0/Tr7zHPhhspI/AAAAAAAAB1Y/SXTADRYe7FQ/s1600/P1020092.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Cy-6M07yEw0/Tr7zHPhhspI/AAAAAAAAB1Y/SXTADRYe7FQ/s320/P1020092.JPG" width="180" /></a></div><br />
It was then a toss up between the Verdon or Chamonix.<br />
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8hrs later we were in Chamonix.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1M-kG5YoATk/Tr7xgbgKPTI/AAAAAAAAB1I/E0MAz1u3eRM/s1600/P1020108.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1M-kG5YoATk/Tr7xgbgKPTI/AAAAAAAAB1I/E0MAz1u3eRM/s320/P1020108.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>To get acclimatised we headed up the Aiguille du Midi for the classic Rebuffat route on the SE Pillar.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BR3XCj7FaVM/Tr7zSUAEvvI/AAAAAAAAB1g/8hb6gjWPDWI/s1600/P1020115.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BR3XCj7FaVM/Tr7zSUAEvvI/AAAAAAAAB1g/8hb6gjWPDWI/s320/P1020115.JPG" width="180" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BQnv9ntlE2U/Tr7zozs3lZI/AAAAAAAAB1o/C3BmFN0i0Hw/s1600/P1020125.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The following morning was windy and the Midi was closed.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">So we decided to drive over to La Fouly and climb the Amone Slab on the Dalle de L'Amone. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wzd2jZbZV4Y/Tr70F9Caz-I/AAAAAAAAB1w/kQWYSp50E5M/s1600/P1020152.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wzd2jZbZV4Y/Tr70F9Caz-I/AAAAAAAAB1w/kQWYSp50E5M/s320/P1020152.JPG" width="320" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">John damaged both his big toes on the previous 2 routes!! For him, wearing rock shoes was unbearable, so I climbed with a guy from the camp site we were staying at.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Me and Bradley headed up for a day on Envers Slab for Les Vertiges De L'automne </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-miH_uhVRUzU/Tr70wyYa_JI/AAAAAAAAB14/RGx2B-bbb_g/s1600/P1020212.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-miH_uhVRUzU/Tr70wyYa_JI/AAAAAAAAB14/RGx2B-bbb_g/s320/P1020212.JPG" width="180" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">To finish off our few days in Cham, me and John had a blast up the Petite Verte.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zhAxqh5uPw8/Tr72GCwUupI/AAAAAAAAB2Q/k538QBOUDdE/s1600/P1020244.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zhAxqh5uPw8/Tr72GCwUupI/AAAAAAAAB2Q/k538QBOUDdE/s320/P1020244.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Top Week</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div>stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06289716750248675217noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1026894585201389198.post-45089056965113495322011-06-06T19:30:00.006+01:002011-11-12T23:07:47.240+00:00Pass and GogarthMe and John Glendinning headed for the sunniest part of the UK last Saturday. Llanberis being the place to be!<br />
We had a great afternoon climbing on the sun drenched walls of Dinas Cromlech.<br />
Ticking the classics of Cenotapth Corner E1,5c and Left Wall E2,5c and finishing off with a spot of bouldering.<br />
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Tent up, Bar meal, then too much to drink...<br />
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Sunday we had a slow start due to rain in the Llanberis Pass. So down with the tent and we headed for Anglesey.<br />
Only one place for me on Anglesey - Gogarth. <br />
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We missed our chance of getting along the base of Main Wall for the Big Groove due to a rising tide and settled for the excellent Resolution Direct E2,5b<br />
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Great routes and weekend.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Starting up Cenotaph</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">John just before crux on Cenotaph</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Busy on Left Wall </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q282/crfx/wales/IMG_0400.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q282/crfx/wales/IMG_0400.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bouldering in the Pass</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q282/crfx/wales/IMG_0406.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q282/crfx/wales/IMG_0406.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me on the approach to Main Wall</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q282/crfx/wales/IMG_0412.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q282/crfx/wales/IMG_0412.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Starting up Resolution Direct</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q282/crfx/wales/IMG_0408.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><a href="http://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q282/crfx/wales/IMG_0408.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a>stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06289716750248675217noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1026894585201389198.post-70386642016578940722011-05-25T19:36:00.014+01:002011-05-28T23:34:28.831+01:00RiglosJust had 4 great days climbing in Riglos with Graeme Read. <br />
From Barcelona Airport we took our hire car on the 4hr drive to Riglos.<br />
We stayed at the <a href="http://www.refugioderiglos.es/es/">Refugio de Riglos</a> in the centre of town which is clean and cheap as chips At 15euros a night.<br />
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From here you could walk to any one of the main climbing area's in about 20 min's<br />
We did take the car one day to the bird of prey centre, which leaves you with a easy walk to the likes of La Aguja Roja.<br />
The Guide book for the area <a href="http://www.barrabes.com/tienda/libros-mapas/p-12444-d-1614-v-44839/ed-prames/guia-escalada-riglos.html">Riglos, Aguero y Foz de Escalete</a> can be bought from the <a href="http://www.refugioderiglos.es/es/">Refugio</a> ,or up the road at Bar El Puro.<br />
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We did 11 routes in 4 days of climbing. Only touching the surface really. Another couple of trips should see us through most of the classics.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Start of Fiesta De Los Biceps</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sun just starting to kiss the Wall</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I fell off leading this pitch. A hold broke!. Not a pleasant feeling when your 250m above the ground, and trying to swing back onto the rock. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">AIR</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bcsIMc71xpI/TeFa3ZygwwI/AAAAAAAABz0/G69D-fIgwd8/s1600/P1010594_edited-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="245" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bcsIMc71xpI/TeFa3ZygwwI/AAAAAAAABz0/G69D-fIgwd8/s320/P1010594_edited-1.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Look close!? I Captured this guy mid base Jump.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8UxuZ1P8AFk/TeFbiOwWVWI/AAAAAAAABz4/oiReCzxHPeQ/s1600/P1010612.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8UxuZ1P8AFk/TeFbiOwWVWI/AAAAAAAABz4/oiReCzxHPeQ/s320/P1010612.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sleepy Riglos</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YsYV08jMR8o/TeFcVbTfIII/AAAAAAAAB0A/KBD-iPpsubM/s1600/P1010591.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YsYV08jMR8o/TeFcVbTfIII/AAAAAAAAB0A/KBD-iPpsubM/s320/P1010591.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another Base Jumper came buzzing past us.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wFc1eyGz-Kc/TeFcChDACpI/AAAAAAAABz8/iis6bdNpcHc/s1600/P1010637.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wFc1eyGz-Kc/TeFcChDACpI/AAAAAAAABz8/iis6bdNpcHc/s320/P1010637.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">10PM</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DiVvWFpgicw/TeFcrUdxsSI/AAAAAAAAB0E/mccrTJmJkjQ/s1600/P1010661.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DiVvWFpgicw/TeFcrUdxsSI/AAAAAAAAB0E/mccrTJmJkjQ/s320/P1010661.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bolt theft must be a problem!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lNHooMdbZ-k/TeFdV7sLwqI/AAAAAAAAB0I/RpAw1G_vszA/s1600/P1010656.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lNHooMdbZ-k/TeFdV7sLwqI/AAAAAAAAB0I/RpAw1G_vszA/s320/P1010656.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Graeme Cruising up Mosquitos</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RJZ9Z9xY0Dw/TeFdxWEWxJI/AAAAAAAAB0M/GasqTDuM1dg/s1600/P1010681.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RJZ9Z9xY0Dw/TeFdxWEWxJI/AAAAAAAAB0M/GasqTDuM1dg/s320/P1010681.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Awesome Fire</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-shwyT1RyrMc/TeFeD4TFRiI/AAAAAAAAB0Q/B3BEL8QrNG0/s1600/P1010719_edited-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="157" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-shwyT1RyrMc/TeFeD4TFRiI/AAAAAAAAB0Q/B3BEL8QrNG0/s320/P1010719_edited-1.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v0Wi1Ff6NBA/TeFemPXO8AI/AAAAAAAAB0U/gojEzfFvXQY/s1600/P1010698.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v0Wi1Ff6NBA/TeFemPXO8AI/AAAAAAAAB0U/gojEzfFvXQY/s320/P1010698.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FeuvdMv-xLE/TeFfFotJjHI/AAAAAAAAB0Y/eFyDa6yhsZ4/s1600/P1010728.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FeuvdMv-xLE/TeFfFotJjHI/AAAAAAAAB0Y/eFyDa6yhsZ4/s320/P1010728.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Catalogue image on Pecho Lobo</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gX-PWL7hu0U/TeFfe1fx6DI/AAAAAAAAB0c/h2FZ-Kwxzwo/s1600/P1010730.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gX-PWL7hu0U/TeFfe1fx6DI/AAAAAAAAB0c/h2FZ-Kwxzwo/s320/P1010730.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pecho Lobo</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QzNMLztqkms/TeFgFNjGdaI/AAAAAAAAB0g/n_SeChQ5jU0/s1600/P1010737.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QzNMLztqkms/TeFgFNjGdaI/AAAAAAAAB0g/n_SeChQ5jU0/s320/P1010737.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nbgRcfH7wFM/TeFgSfsHKLI/AAAAAAAAB0k/yyRgiIZ4DjY/s1600/P1010747.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nbgRcfH7wFM/TeFgSfsHKLI/AAAAAAAAB0k/yyRgiIZ4DjY/s320/P1010747.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YIccHBDYAlU/TeFhuzCXEqI/AAAAAAAAB0o/iZsZDApORIc/s1600/DSCF1090.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YIccHBDYAlU/TeFhuzCXEqI/AAAAAAAAB0o/iZsZDApORIc/s320/DSCF1090.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">High up on Visera. Thanks to Belen</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-I4rzTya7TOw/TeFiNLboI0I/AAAAAAAAB0s/3f61aFqXw94/s1600/DSCF1049.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-I4rzTya7TOw/TeFiNLboI0I/AAAAAAAAB0s/3f61aFqXw94/s320/DSCF1049.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me mid route on Visera.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06289716750248675217noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1026894585201389198.post-92177246271409156372011-05-04T18:25:00.002+01:002011-05-05T06:12:42.021+01:00Awesome AprilWinter now seems such a long time ago. <br />
It's not been my most active winter climbing season, but I have learned to ski which is a bonus.<br />
It all seemed to finish a little too early. It was April 23rd last year when I climbed my last route of the season Kellett's Route VI,6 on the Ben in fantastic conditions, and routes were still in nick through the early part of May.<br />
<br />
This past month has been great, with trips to :-<br />
Great Wanney<br />
Great End Crag<br />
Quayfoot Buttress<br />
Pavey Ark<br />
Scafell (twice)<br />
East Woodburn<br />
Buachaille Etive Mor (Slime Wall)<br />
Glen Lednock<br />
<br />
Ticking 2 of the best E2's in the Country. Shibboleth E2,5c **** and Saxon E2,5c *** which normally take a long time to dry out has been my highlight this month.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-d_VD-xYbQEo/TcF_ie8g1mI/AAAAAAAAByQ/z53Brj-8jLQ/s1600/P1010304.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-d_VD-xYbQEo/TcF_ie8g1mI/AAAAAAAAByQ/z53Brj-8jLQ/s320/P1010304.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Banzai Pipeline E1,5b ***</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4Qo04-PUuN4/TcGAC5pIegI/AAAAAAAAByU/354SQhji6IU/s1600/P1010319.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4Qo04-PUuN4/TcGAC5pIegI/AAAAAAAAByU/354SQhji6IU/s320/P1010319.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Go Between E2,5c ***</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dGIDhHFb3ss/TcGAuDQxvDI/AAAAAAAAByY/PpcHbT3aMpk/s1600/P1010323.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dGIDhHFb3ss/TcGAuDQxvDI/AAAAAAAAByY/PpcHbT3aMpk/s320/P1010323.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eclipse E4,6a ***</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GQjkmoPkzGs/TcGBIEpnKuI/AAAAAAAAByc/Hm_n_VE8mPk/s1600/P1010328.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GQjkmoPkzGs/TcGBIEpnKuI/AAAAAAAAByc/Hm_n_VE8mPk/s320/P1010328.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eclipse E4,6a **</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MMOT4meSWcE/TcGBhs8LxTI/AAAAAAAAByg/ux6fN5rySAo/s1600/P1010335.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MMOT4meSWcE/TcGBhs8LxTI/AAAAAAAAByg/ux6fN5rySAo/s320/P1010335.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Bracken Clock E2,5c **</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vEGnx1FR4TU/TcGCJWCj3aI/AAAAAAAAByk/RTv7M7FaoWw/s1600/P1010358.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vEGnx1FR4TU/TcGCJWCj3aI/AAAAAAAAByk/RTv7M7FaoWw/s320/P1010358.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chartreuse E1,5b **</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2xoYZBdkFiQ/TcGCiJrUi-I/AAAAAAAAByo/0DorJaLp_1Q/s1600/P1010364.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2xoYZBdkFiQ/TcGCiJrUi-I/AAAAAAAAByo/0DorJaLp_1Q/s320/P1010364.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chartreuse E1,5b **</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xQ55UN1ntCk/TcGC93YzFVI/AAAAAAAABys/5543eJNPdnk/s1600/P1010368.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xQ55UN1ntCk/TcGC93YzFVI/AAAAAAAABys/5543eJNPdnk/s320/P1010368.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dyad E3,6a **</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MZUNENfPxrI/TcGDSWkqOUI/AAAAAAAAByw/OqpPuHGpExY/s1600/P1010374.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MZUNENfPxrI/TcGDSWkqOUI/AAAAAAAAByw/OqpPuHGpExY/s320/P1010374.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Slab and Groove Route VS,4c **</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VSQGwbTLOWc/TcGD7doKwaI/AAAAAAAABy0/20P2pA0tU24/s1600/P1010403.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VSQGwbTLOWc/TcGD7doKwaI/AAAAAAAABy0/20P2pA0tU24/s320/P1010403.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shibboleth E2,5b ****</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dnRcHmOOYY8/TcGEXSGegVI/AAAAAAAABy4/W0uDwJ4ydAg/s1600/P1010414.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dnRcHmOOYY8/TcGEXSGegVI/AAAAAAAABy4/W0uDwJ4ydAg/s320/P1010414.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shibboleth E2,5b ****</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pqQD4cR1ocs/TcGE6ocXsnI/AAAAAAAABy8/m8lFPcg4R24/s1600/P1010432.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pqQD4cR1ocs/TcGE6ocXsnI/AAAAAAAABy8/m8lFPcg4R24/s320/P1010432.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shibboleth E2,5b ****</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iM8Lmo3VQEA/TcGFU4j-JZI/AAAAAAAABzA/44w9AAK8yb0/s1600/P1010446.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iM8Lmo3VQEA/TcGFU4j-JZI/AAAAAAAABzA/44w9AAK8yb0/s320/P1010446.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shibboleth E2,5b ****</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6SUMAPhCPa4/TcGFugmoi5I/AAAAAAAABzE/_-vGawrcrv4/s1600/P1010469.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6SUMAPhCPa4/TcGFugmoi5I/AAAAAAAABzE/_-vGawrcrv4/s320/P1010469.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Bendy</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-z0WiQ6Nscog/TcGGFrKy-mI/AAAAAAAABzI/i-a-Bujd9q4/s1600/P1010479.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-z0WiQ6Nscog/TcGGFrKy-mI/AAAAAAAABzI/i-a-Bujd9q4/s320/P1010479.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Black September E4,6a **</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iaLTnB_O4FU/TcGGoKarTJI/AAAAAAAABzM/mBSZTVEsbf4/s1600/P1010490.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iaLTnB_O4FU/TcGGoKarTJI/AAAAAAAABzM/mBSZTVEsbf4/s320/P1010490.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Centaur HVS,5a ***</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Tho1xnYc3AY/TcGHDcY7eNI/AAAAAAAABzQ/2EFGQZsdmgA/s1600/P1010504.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Tho1xnYc3AY/TcGHDcY7eNI/AAAAAAAABzQ/2EFGQZsdmgA/s320/P1010504.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Saxon E2,5c ****</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Z_iEbVuFAvc/TcGHfEnqE3I/AAAAAAAABzU/NXNCyqCXPEs/s1600/P1010518.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Z_iEbVuFAvc/TcGHfEnqE3I/AAAAAAAABzU/NXNCyqCXPEs/s320/P1010518.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Saxon E2,5c ***</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Jbm71TkK-Xs/TcGHvXF10ZI/AAAAAAAABzY/aCaD9relSnE/s1600/P1010533.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Jbm71TkK-Xs/TcGHvXF10ZI/AAAAAAAABzY/aCaD9relSnE/s320/P1010533.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Saxon E2,5c ***</td></tr>
</tbody></table>stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06289716750248675217noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1026894585201389198.post-48592769171546540832011-03-06T23:10:00.004+00:002011-03-07T19:32:20.543+00:00Ben Nevis 6th MarchToday me and Paul Smith were back up the Ben. <br />
Snow and bad weather are needed to bring the mixed climbing back into condition but with Spring like conditions, the snow and ice routes are starting to become very good.<br />
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We couldnt see much in the cloud after our slog up Observatory Gully, so we opted for Indicator Wall V,4*** which was in great condition.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Paul unimpressed with the walk in!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Indicator and Gardyloo Buttress</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</a></div> After decending Tower Gully we returned to the foot of Indicator Wall and the start of Pychedelic Wall VI,5***<br />
Paul made short work of the first pitch on good ice. Second slab pitch was very thin but climbable. Think I managed to get a couple of screws in the 3"- 4" ice slab. Good belay with rock gear at the top of this pitch.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Paul on the first pitch</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me on Second</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-z_L2GmtJe_Y/TXUJ34XqQ4I/AAAAAAAABxg/yv9LPAkEL9M/s1600/025.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-z_L2GmtJe_Y/TXUJ34XqQ4I/AAAAAAAABxg/yv9LPAkEL9M/s320/025.JPG" width="262" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Paul seconding the 2nd pitch</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-JzzkuY4tESM/TXUJ0AhIqZI/AAAAAAAABxc/6S5NFgna874/s1600/031.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="210" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-JzzkuY4tESM/TXUJ0AhIqZI/AAAAAAAABxc/6S5NFgna874/s320/031.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
</tbody></table>Paul then took over for the final pitch. Another excellent pitch, very much in contrast to the 2nd one with a short chimney and steep corner exit.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-i0fXZnwPhvY/TXUbYlTOwYI/AAAAAAAABxs/hf1j6bYF0WE/s1600/P1010154.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-i0fXZnwPhvY/TXUbYlTOwYI/AAAAAAAABxs/hf1j6bYF0WE/s320/P1010154.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Happy on the 3rd pitch</td></tr>
</tbody></table>This was another one of those stonking good routes the Ben can offer at this time of year.<br />
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Forecast looks good to build on conditions this coming week. So it'll be another 10hrs of driving next weekend hopefully.stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06289716750248675217noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1026894585201389198.post-43934862977122567332011-02-14T21:18:00.000+00:002011-02-14T21:18:38.935+00:00SCNL 13th FebWet start for me and Paul Smith this morning. The rain soon turned to heavy snow above 500m, but thankfully the forecasted wind didn't materialize.<br />
A careful approach to Central Buttress on Stob Coire Nan Lochan was needed in waist deep snow, I was relieved to reach the foot of our intended route Central Grooves VII,7***<br />
I could barely look up the first pitch with so much fresh snow and sluff coming down, but I battled on up the first pitch. Clearing cracks was almost impossible at times as they refilled instantly with a constant stream of sluff.<br />
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After bringing up Paul, the snow had eased a little, making it that little bit more bearable.<br />
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Paul was happy for me to do all the pitches, so off I went up the excellent sustained but well protected 2nd pitch. Pitch 3 had the most awkward move at the start, having to mantle onto a small shelf and reach high for a small crack which allowed you to stand up.It probably was still easier than the previous 2 pitches at about VI,7 perhaps some good ice or neve makes the move a little easier.<br />
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Pitch 4 was a easy romp to the top. <br />
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I was a bit concerned about descending Broad Gully with so much fresh snow about, but fortunately there was a guided team (guinea pigs) testing it out in front of us. Awesome bum slide back to our sacks.<br />
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Only one photo today. <br />
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Top day out. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z767OcZwiuc/TVmafGdvOXI/AAAAAAAABxU/yzAo7ix4zoc/s1600/010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z767OcZwiuc/TVmafGdvOXI/AAAAAAAABxU/yzAo7ix4zoc/s320/010.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06289716750248675217noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1026894585201389198.post-12140089734513736012011-01-25T23:10:00.002+00:002011-01-28T08:37:19.070+00:00Ben Nevis 24th - 25thAfter a quick meal in Fort William on Sunday evening with Steve, Paul and Lindsey, we headed up to the CIC hut for a couple of nights.<br />
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Monday morning was grim with rain, mist and light winds. Temps were above freezing. Not a great day for standing around on belays so we decided to do Zero Gully V,4** The ice was very good to climb on, but rubbish for screws. Vast amounts of spindrift were also coming down off the windy summit, making it an even grimmer experience. In 300m of climbing I think we placed 9 pieces of pro. Just a typical day on Zero really.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is the only photo of our day on Zero. Sums it up really.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
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On our way back to the CIC we dropped down No 3 gully and noticed that the buttresses were pretty white with Hoar. So the plan was set for Darth Vader VII,7*** or Sioux Wall VIII,8*** on Tuesday morning. During monday night it rained pretty hard, so it was no surprise that when we reached No 3 the following morning, the buttress was black. <a href="http://guysteven.blogspot.com/">Guy Steven</a> had a look at a black Cornucopia VII,8* and salvaged his day on Thompson's Route IV,4***<br />
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We salvaged ours by starting up Gremlins VI,6 then finished up Thomson's ourselves.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Start Of Gremlins<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Grivel Masters and their masters :-/</td></tr>
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Still beats going to work, whatever the weather.stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06289716750248675217noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1026894585201389198.post-7595157919900434462011-01-15T21:59:00.001+00:002011-01-15T22:07:55.764+00:00Christophe Profit<object height="390" width="640"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/qeikeo9wMa0&hl=en_US&feature=player_embedded&version=3"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/qeikeo9wMa0&hl=en_US&feature=player_embedded&version=3" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowScriptAccess="always" width="640" height="390"></embed></object><br />
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<object height="390" width="640"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/Vgab1yJYMlQ&hl=en_US&feature=player_embedded&version=3"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/Vgab1yJYMlQ&hl=en_US&feature=player_embedded&version=3" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowScriptAccess="always" width="640" height="390"></embed></object>stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06289716750248675217noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1026894585201389198.post-85117428293098357722011-01-15T21:49:00.000+00:002011-01-15T21:49:43.466+00:00Jeff Lowe's Metanoia<iframe frameborder="0" height="410px" src="http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/jefflowesmetanoia/jeff-lowes-metanoia-documentary-narrated-by-jon-kr/widget/video.html" width="480px"></iframe>stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06289716750248675217noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1026894585201389198.post-87159502742012690952011-01-09T19:22:00.003+00:002011-01-10T23:10:30.889+00:00Stob Coire nan Lochan 8th JanHeavy snow on Friday night added 1.5hrs to my usual 4hr drive to Glencoe, only just making last orders at the Clachaig. Phew... close one!<br />
Alarm was set for 04:30, in readiness to meet <a href="http://gregboswell.blogspot.com/">Greg Boswell</a> at 05:00, for our slog into Stob Coire nan Lochan.<br />
Greg had his eye on The Duel IX,9 ** so at first light I was off up the first and belayed high on the left hand side which greatly reduces the fall potential, whilst Greg clipped the first runner on pitch 2. A lot of hoar had built up, so it was time consuming for Greg to clear the walls looking for the tiny front point edges and at times even smaller hooks. I'm sure at times he levitated.. We were both surprised at how few good sinkers there are.<br />
There is one hard mantle onto a small jutting block, and then it's into the hanging corner, again with some sketchy hooks and ledges, which lead to an easy ramp and the top of pitch 2.<br />
Greg brought me up what I can only describe as the hardest technical, sketchy ground I've climbed. I was happy and relieved to reach the belay rest or fall free. <br />
With the light fading we decided it was best for Greg to finish the top pitch. <br />
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Since I received the new Grivel Jedi axes a few weeks back, I'd only used them predominantly on ice, which felt very good indeed. Having them out on some seriously steep ground today was just awesome. From smashing them into tiny cracks to full body weight mantles and torques, these axes felt much better than previous technical tools I've used on mixed routes.<br />
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Awesome day.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_0cbbuEiZiPg/TSsHm3pgd8I/AAAAAAAABwk/9E1OiA99mo4/s1600/duel+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_0cbbuEiZiPg/TSsHm3pgd8I/AAAAAAAABwk/9E1OiA99mo4/s1600/duel+1.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_0cbbuEiZiPg/TSsHrTQcBWI/AAAAAAAABwo/FldHRsXlolY/s1600/duel+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_0cbbuEiZiPg/TSsHrTQcBWI/AAAAAAAABwo/FldHRsXlolY/s1600/duel+2.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_0cbbuEiZiPg/TSsHZrnk-mI/AAAAAAAABwg/VDrpIbNTrAU/s1600/duel+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_0cbbuEiZiPg/TSsHZrnk-mI/AAAAAAAABwg/VDrpIbNTrAU/s1600/duel+3.JPG" /></a></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_0cbbuEiZiPg/TSsAA6QSFXI/AAAAAAAABwU/Kdnd26izB7E/s1600/duel+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_0cbbuEiZiPg/TSsAA6QSFXI/AAAAAAAABwU/Kdnd26izB7E/s1600/duel+4.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo courtesy of Ken Applegate</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo Courtesy of Ken Applegate</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_0cbbuEiZiPg/TSsCgps5WeI/AAAAAAAABwY/prg0E3Haong/s1600/duel+5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_0cbbuEiZiPg/TSsCgps5WeI/AAAAAAAABwY/prg0E3Haong/s1600/duel+5.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo Courtesy of Ken Applegate</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_0cbbuEiZiPg/TSsI9Ut6OhI/AAAAAAAABww/sgTGrbZ3AQM/s1600/20101226_black%252Bcrag%252Bicefall_2212.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_0cbbuEiZiPg/TSsI9Ut6OhI/AAAAAAAABww/sgTGrbZ3AQM/s320/20101226_black%252Bcrag%252Bicefall_2212.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jedi<br />
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</tbody></table>stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06289716750248675217noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1026894585201389198.post-57646726516009978942011-01-02T21:49:00.003+00:002011-01-02T22:31:43.524+00:00Langdale 2nd JanThe Langdales where black as coal this morning, so with John and Steve we decided to climb Bowfell Buttress in our big boots. Done in two pitches with very little wind but it was -5°c <br />We then had a walk over to Angle Tarn Crag, and was surprised to see a fair amount of ice. Steve climbed a steep line on the right hand side of corrie at about IV and I climbed a similar graded route on the left. <br />The ice was hard and brittle, which made it feel precarious with out any ice screws!! <br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_0cbbuEiZiPg/TSD8MJNt6UI/AAAAAAAABvY/Wykem2UlZG8/s1600/006.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 299px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_0cbbuEiZiPg/TSD8MJNt6UI/AAAAAAAABvY/Wykem2UlZG8/s400/006.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557719225737275714" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_0cbbuEiZiPg/TSD8L9yzSlI/AAAAAAAABvQ/KoejtYjM5XI/s1600/009.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 299px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_0cbbuEiZiPg/TSD8L9yzSlI/AAAAAAAABvQ/KoejtYjM5XI/s400/009.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557719222671592018" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_0cbbuEiZiPg/TSD8LHLxsBI/AAAAAAAABvI/MO3IXxnVvsc/s1600/010.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 299px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_0cbbuEiZiPg/TSD8LHLxsBI/AAAAAAAABvI/MO3IXxnVvsc/s400/010.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557719208012394514" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_0cbbuEiZiPg/TSD8K3G-RzI/AAAAAAAABvA/kZ-NEr8Nn2Q/s1600/016.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 299px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_0cbbuEiZiPg/TSD8K3G-RzI/AAAAAAAABvA/kZ-NEr8Nn2Q/s400/016.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557719203697280818" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_0cbbuEiZiPg/TSD8KnSBHUI/AAAAAAAABu4/jbin4djMfJc/s1600/018.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 299px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_0cbbuEiZiPg/TSD8KnSBHUI/AAAAAAAABu4/jbin4djMfJc/s400/018.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557719199448636738" /></a>stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06289716750248675217noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1026894585201389198.post-879131981080379692010-12-30T22:12:00.004+00:002010-12-30T22:59:19.537+00:0028th / 29th/ 30th DecMe and Nathan visited Creag Dubh and we climbed Oui Oui II/III *** Golden Shower looked impressive but was thawing rapidly.<br />Then it was over to Aviemore in the afternoon for our first ski tour. We did a wee tour up Meall a' Bhuachaille, enjoyable skinning up, but having never skied before it was interesting getting back down in one piece.<br /><br />Wednesday we did a tour from the lower car park, up over Cairngorm and back down via the Ski area.<br /><br />After getting my hands on some <a href="http://www.skitrab.com/index.php?cmd=viewcat&id=19">Skitrab</a> Ski's and <a href="http://www.scarpa.co.uk/Products/Product.asp?ProductId=151">Scarpa Boots</a> me and John decided to have a blast up the Cheviot in Northumberland today. These amazingly light Ski's and boots are going to see some action this season. I'm addicted already.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_0cbbuEiZiPg/TR0Ni-qGVyI/AAAAAAAABuw/-OAhXLiMebE/s1600/033.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_0cbbuEiZiPg/TR0Ni-qGVyI/AAAAAAAABuw/-OAhXLiMebE/s400/033.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5556612409831348002" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_0cbbuEiZiPg/TR0NJldbCOI/AAAAAAAABuo/iLS1RJvIv1w/s1600/032.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 299px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_0cbbuEiZiPg/TR0NJldbCOI/AAAAAAAABuo/iLS1RJvIv1w/s400/032.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5556611973570562274" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_0cbbuEiZiPg/TR0NJf-_rdI/AAAAAAAABug/-KQg5cv8MLE/s1600/021.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 299px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_0cbbuEiZiPg/TR0NJf-_rdI/AAAAAAAABug/-KQg5cv8MLE/s400/021.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5556611972100763090" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_0cbbuEiZiPg/TR0NJEd-_WI/AAAAAAAABuY/fcoIjov9UQY/s1600/042.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_0cbbuEiZiPg/TR0NJEd-_WI/AAAAAAAABuY/fcoIjov9UQY/s400/042.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5556611964714548578" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_0cbbuEiZiPg/TR0NIq0BZOI/AAAAAAAABuQ/GeTSoOfUSso/s1600/017.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 299px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_0cbbuEiZiPg/TR0NIq0BZOI/AAAAAAAABuQ/GeTSoOfUSso/s400/017.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5556611957827658978" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_0cbbuEiZiPg/TR0NINkEFeI/AAAAAAAABuI/CmC3FMKsYY4/s1600/015.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 299px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_0cbbuEiZiPg/TR0NINkEFeI/AAAAAAAABuI/CmC3FMKsYY4/s400/015.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5556611949976098274" /></a>stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06289716750248675217noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1026894585201389198.post-31615200358857407562010-12-26T20:12:00.005+00:002010-12-26T21:48:50.326+00:00Lakes 26th DecOne day of festive activities is enough for me. <br />So after a few phone calls last night, it was back to the lakes this morning with John, Nathan and Steve for an enjoyable Boxing Day on Black Crag Icefall IV,5***<br />Plenty of fat ice to try out the new Jedi axes. Can't wait to use these awesome tools on some hard mixed routes later this week.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_0cbbuEiZiPg/TReqjgFGfaI/AAAAAAAABtw/G7enqthg8Wo/s1600/20101226_black%252Bcrag%252Bicefall_2214.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_0cbbuEiZiPg/TReqjgFGfaI/AAAAAAAABtw/G7enqthg8Wo/s400/20101226_black%252Bcrag%252Bicefall_2214.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5555096192268271010" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_0cbbuEiZiPg/TReqjeDRRSI/AAAAAAAABto/j0-oBK2C5uU/s1600/20101226_black%252Bcrag%252Bicefall_2208.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_0cbbuEiZiPg/TReqjeDRRSI/AAAAAAAABto/j0-oBK2C5uU/s400/20101226_black%252Bcrag%252Bicefall_2208.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5555096191723717922" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_0cbbuEiZiPg/TRe4CpKqmlI/AAAAAAAABuA/IY8XmIJcnbw/s1600/DSCN2459.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_0cbbuEiZiPg/TRe4CpKqmlI/AAAAAAAABuA/IY8XmIJcnbw/s400/DSCN2459.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5555111020934634066" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_0cbbuEiZiPg/TReqjA1WafI/AAAAAAAABtg/UWm0UTaIDzw/s1600/056.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_0cbbuEiZiPg/TReqjA1WafI/AAAAAAAABtg/UWm0UTaIDzw/s400/056.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5555096183880706546" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_0cbbuEiZiPg/TReqivjAksI/AAAAAAAABtY/4UfoOGH-BLU/s1600/044.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_0cbbuEiZiPg/TReqivjAksI/AAAAAAAABtY/4UfoOGH-BLU/s400/044.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5555096179240374978" /></a>stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06289716750248675217noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1026894585201389198.post-54175686582731799922010-12-23T20:56:00.004+00:002010-12-23T21:37:07.693+00:00Lakes Ice 23rd DecThe steep crags aren't holding any hoar frost at present, so me and Paul had a fun day running around the northern lakes looking for icefalls.<br />Launchy Gill III *** is complete, as is Right Fork III *** <br />Shoulthwaite Gill V,4** was in sound condition, and we managed to beat the hordes of people that turned up. Across to the right is a couple of excellent un-named lines that go at V or maybe VI.<br />Then it was off to Honister to check out the Gantry Crag Ice Falls, but on approaching the mine we were stopped and told we were not allowed to climb there, which is bull shit. I'll be back there soon, but the car will be parked in a different area.<br />To salvage our day we climbed the brilliant Quarry Fall V,5<br /><br />Back out tomorrow hopefully.<br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_0cbbuEiZiPg/TRPAsWXE8mI/AAAAAAAABtM/YIUnseNkU3I/s1600/023.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 299px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_0cbbuEiZiPg/TRPAsWXE8mI/AAAAAAAABtM/YIUnseNkU3I/s400/023.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5553994633627103842" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_0cbbuEiZiPg/TRPAsPb0dvI/AAAAAAAABtE/LzbFHvotFVU/s1600/021.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 299px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_0cbbuEiZiPg/TRPAsPb0dvI/AAAAAAAABtE/LzbFHvotFVU/s400/021.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5553994631767946994" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_0cbbuEiZiPg/TRPAr6ntyuI/AAAAAAAABs8/8UZQqYqt0jU/s1600/020.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 299px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_0cbbuEiZiPg/TRPAr6ntyuI/AAAAAAAABs8/8UZQqYqt0jU/s400/020.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5553994626180696802" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_0cbbuEiZiPg/TRPArd7VMwI/AAAAAAAABs0/PHDx6Iz0JL4/s1600/016.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 299px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_0cbbuEiZiPg/TRPArd7VMwI/AAAAAAAABs0/PHDx6Iz0JL4/s400/016.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5553994618478342914" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_0cbbuEiZiPg/TRPArOach7I/AAAAAAAABss/y4fD6K0jQPk/s1600/015.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 299px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_0cbbuEiZiPg/TRPArOach7I/AAAAAAAABss/y4fD6K0jQPk/s400/015.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5553994614313879474" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_0cbbuEiZiPg/TRPAAz2e22I/AAAAAAAABsk/9cLW8lGriCY/s1600/014.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_0cbbuEiZiPg/TRPAAz2e22I/AAAAAAAABsk/9cLW8lGriCY/s400/014.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5553993885629209442" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_0cbbuEiZiPg/TRPAARC-bdI/AAAAAAAABsc/1I_ZlGKo5Ng/s1600/008.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 299px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_0cbbuEiZiPg/TRPAARC-bdI/AAAAAAAABsc/1I_ZlGKo5Ng/s400/008.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5553993876286369234" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_0cbbuEiZiPg/TRO__981pLI/AAAAAAAABsU/ddNL4qXLoC8/s1600/005.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 299px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_0cbbuEiZiPg/TRO__981pLI/AAAAAAAABsU/ddNL4qXLoC8/s400/005.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5553993871160353970" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_0cbbuEiZiPg/TRO__rcirUI/AAAAAAAABsM/XYG7tnhPLyE/s1600/003.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 299px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_0cbbuEiZiPg/TRO__rcirUI/AAAAAAAABsM/XYG7tnhPLyE/s400/003.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5553993866193055042" /></a>stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06289716750248675217noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1026894585201389198.post-91054259188864053802010-12-19T23:41:00.001+00:002010-12-22T15:12:45.278+00:00Ben Nevis 19th DecIt was a moon-lit walk in to the CIC hut last was night, with head torches being optional. Arriving at 22:00 to meet Paul Prentice and the gang.<br />Sunday morning, me and Paul Smith headed for Cutlass VI,7** on the Douglas boulder, but looking very black we decided to head up into Coire na Ciste. On the first pitch of Darth Vader VII,8*** I decided it wasn't going to happen due to extreme wind chill,and screaming barfies.. ahhhhh.<br />So me and Paul fled to south trident buttress. Having already lost a lot of time we got onto The Clanger IV,5** Paul led the excellent first pitch leaving me with the squeeze pitch. Struggling to fit through and with darkness falling we decided to bail and abbed off.<br /><br />Paul Prentice opted for a easier day, having also failed on Darth Vader VII,8*** the previous day, due to the high winds. They did Thompson's Route IV,4***.<br /><br />Camera finally died today so not many pics.<br /><br />Hope to be out again later this week.<br /><br /><br /> Paul Smith starting up The Clanger<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_0cbbuEiZiPg/TRIIyfQO8oI/AAAAAAAABsE/hwm3kQXtVik/s1600/011.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 299px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_0cbbuEiZiPg/TRIIyfQO8oI/AAAAAAAABsE/hwm3kQXtVik/s400/011.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5553510953977311874" /></a><br /><br /><br /> Paul Prentice at the start of Thompson's <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_0cbbuEiZiPg/TRIIx9TJZ4I/AAAAAAAABr8/-4D4aziiarU/s1600/004.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_0cbbuEiZiPg/TRIIx9TJZ4I/AAAAAAAABr8/-4D4aziiarU/s400/004.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5553510944862726018" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /> Darth Vader and Cornucopia<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_0cbbuEiZiPg/TRIIxkwYNqI/AAAAAAAABr0/K_kTRw_pikw/s1600/001.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_0cbbuEiZiPg/TRIIxkwYNqI/AAAAAAAABr0/K_kTRw_pikw/s400/001.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5553510938274444962" /></a>stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06289716750248675217noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1026894585201389198.post-40129111845294152010-12-05T18:36:00.002+00:002010-12-07T17:48:59.320+00:00Gable 5th DecThe morning started badly after I got the car stuck picking up Paul. After 20mins we managed to dig and push it out of TGI's car park!!<br />Picked up Steve - we had a trouble free run until Honister pass!! With only inches to go up the steepest part of the Pass, the car decided to run out of diesel!!<br />Doh.. Not having any brakes, we decided it was safer to fit the snow chains and roll back down the hill on the ice. After getting the car turned around, the engine now had enough diesel to start up and return to Keswick for fuel.<br /><br />Having now added 1hr to our journey, we decided to stick to plan A and headed back along the Borrowdale Valley and up onto Honister Pass. Success; we made it to the Mine car park.<br /><br />Fortunately, there was a team ahead of us blazing the trail to gable in (at times), knee deep snow (not realising they were after our choice of route for the day). Bugger!! Five times now I've been into Gable to do Engineers Slabs VI,7 and this time we were beaten to it. I blame the car...<br /><br />So we decided on Engineers Chimney V,4 ***, which is a fantastic route (even if it is a sandbag). V,6 is a more realistic grade.<br /><br />Great day (in the end)<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_0cbbuEiZiPg/TP5ud9E868I/AAAAAAAABrc/SRQJaJePlfk/s1600/033_resize.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_0cbbuEiZiPg/TP5ud9E868I/AAAAAAAABrc/SRQJaJePlfk/s400/033_resize.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5547993251857624002" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_0cbbuEiZiPg/TP5udQHY8KI/AAAAAAAABrU/Cl0E4EjsAjo/s1600/026_resize.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_0cbbuEiZiPg/TP5udQHY8KI/AAAAAAAABrU/Cl0E4EjsAjo/s400/026_resize.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5547993239788253346" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_0cbbuEiZiPg/TP5udPxMl6I/AAAAAAAABrM/2TZ4xlp08Pc/s1600/022_resize.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_0cbbuEiZiPg/TP5udPxMl6I/AAAAAAAABrM/2TZ4xlp08Pc/s400/022_resize.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5547993239695169442" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_0cbbuEiZiPg/TP5uc2joEdI/AAAAAAAABrE/5iEreocor8I/s1600/019_resize.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_0cbbuEiZiPg/TP5uc2joEdI/AAAAAAAABrE/5iEreocor8I/s400/019_resize.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5547993232927363538" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_0cbbuEiZiPg/TP5t_X_1H-I/AAAAAAAABq8/6QqTQtgS2BQ/s1600/015_resize.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_0cbbuEiZiPg/TP5t_X_1H-I/AAAAAAAABq8/6QqTQtgS2BQ/s400/015_resize.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5547992726507954146" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_0cbbuEiZiPg/TP5t_ERbKII/AAAAAAAABq0/JQp_vQGwhRA/s1600/013_resize.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_0cbbuEiZiPg/TP5t_ERbKII/AAAAAAAABq0/JQp_vQGwhRA/s400/013_resize.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5547992721213040770" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_0cbbuEiZiPg/TP5xx34YWoI/AAAAAAAABrs/H5OmUezjnkQ/s1600/IMG_0437.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 299px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_0cbbuEiZiPg/TP5xx34YWoI/AAAAAAAABrs/H5OmUezjnkQ/s400/IMG_0437.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5547996892594985602" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_0cbbuEiZiPg/TP5xxSAEIAI/AAAAAAAABrk/fc00bVU8TcM/s1600/IMG_0436.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 299px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_0cbbuEiZiPg/TP5xxSAEIAI/AAAAAAAABrk/fc00bVU8TcM/s400/IMG_0436.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5547996882426667010" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_0cbbuEiZiPg/TP5t-xTltLI/AAAAAAAABqs/CEXEH2-0wD0/s1600/008_resize.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_0cbbuEiZiPg/TP5t-xTltLI/AAAAAAAABqs/CEXEH2-0wD0/s400/008_resize.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5547992716121846962" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_0cbbuEiZiPg/TP5t-Inz9lI/AAAAAAAABqk/dWHbH7RD270/s1600/007_resize.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_0cbbuEiZiPg/TP5t-Inz9lI/AAAAAAAABqk/dWHbH7RD270/s400/007_resize.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5547992705200813650" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_0cbbuEiZiPg/TP5t9ieyiQI/AAAAAAAABqc/zfsMVtkJQdo/s1600/006_resize.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_0cbbuEiZiPg/TP5t9ieyiQI/AAAAAAAABqc/zfsMVtkJQdo/s400/006_resize.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5547992694962424066" /></a><br /><br /><iframe src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/17530374" width="400" height="300" frameborder="0"></iframe><p><a href="http://vimeo.com/17530374">Gable summit</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/user4481281">steve lynch</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com">Vimeo</a>.</p>stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06289716750248675217noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1026894585201389198.post-41304340137712933182010-11-28T20:59:00.006+00:002010-11-29T17:33:57.292+00:00Ben Nevis 26th NovWith snow on the hills I thought I'd get back into the habit of updating my blog.<br />Hopefully the next 5 months will see regular blogs of winter climbs here in the UK and Europe.<br /><br />Good conditions on Carn Dearg (Friday) saw me and Paul on Route II direct VI 6 *** reportedly one of the best mixed route on the Ben. Well we enjoyed it anyway. we managed to finish with just enough natural light left.<br /><br /><br />Fantastic start to the season.<br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_0cbbuEiZiPg/TPLUJ5R8izI/AAAAAAAABqM/7MqpilBiy6w/s1600/141.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 231px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_0cbbuEiZiPg/TPLUJ5R8izI/AAAAAAAABqM/7MqpilBiy6w/s400/141.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5544727357706505010" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_0cbbuEiZiPg/TPLUKZxTZII/AAAAAAAABqU/rU0qYjIgfnE/s1600/144.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 308px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_0cbbuEiZiPg/TPLUKZxTZII/AAAAAAAABqU/rU0qYjIgfnE/s400/144.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5544727366427960450" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_0cbbuEiZiPg/TPLTcFcxuRI/AAAAAAAABqE/ldObaD2ky4U/s1600/158.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_0cbbuEiZiPg/TPLTcFcxuRI/AAAAAAAABqE/ldObaD2ky4U/s400/158.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5544726570699176210" border="0" /></a>stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06289716750248675217noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1026894585201389198.post-56403102861858713812010-09-04T23:44:00.000+01:002010-09-06T16:19:24.446+01:00Shelterstone 4th SeptMe and Graeme were the first team onto Shelterstone this morning, Just beating others onto Steeple E2,5c **** <br />Bit damp on the crux pitch made for some exciting moves, but overall the route was in good condition for a mountain crag.<br /><br />Got to be a contender for one of the best E2's in Britain.<br /><br />At least 12 other teams were out today.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_0cbbuEiZiPg/TIUFtRCZdSI/AAAAAAAABpk/5L6c3ylBulo/s1600/IMG_6755.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 319px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_0cbbuEiZiPg/TIUFtRCZdSI/AAAAAAAABpk/5L6c3ylBulo/s400/IMG_6755.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5513819594010752290" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_0cbbuEiZiPg/TIUFtGfuKQI/AAAAAAAABpc/SBqwKaBSaPc/s1600/IMG_6751.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_0cbbuEiZiPg/TIUFtGfuKQI/AAAAAAAABpc/SBqwKaBSaPc/s400/IMG_6751.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5513819591180953858" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_0cbbuEiZiPg/TIUFNj2yl9I/AAAAAAAABpU/nmRUXRLeW-g/s1600/IMG_6747.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_0cbbuEiZiPg/TIUFNj2yl9I/AAAAAAAABpU/nmRUXRLeW-g/s400/IMG_6747.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5513819049306527698" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_0cbbuEiZiPg/TIUFNETvSVI/AAAAAAAABpM/rRme8zrJYzY/s1600/IMG_6741.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_0cbbuEiZiPg/TIUFNETvSVI/AAAAAAAABpM/rRme8zrJYzY/s400/IMG_6741.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5513819040838011218" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_0cbbuEiZiPg/TIUFMgpYkPI/AAAAAAAABpE/F8yCXi6-Neo/s1600/IMG_6733.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_0cbbuEiZiPg/TIUFMgpYkPI/AAAAAAAABpE/F8yCXi6-Neo/s400/IMG_6733.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5513819031265120498" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_0cbbuEiZiPg/TIUFMKZd8dI/AAAAAAAABo8/IgxJt6KQhLs/s1600/IMG_6744.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_0cbbuEiZiPg/TIUFMKZd8dI/AAAAAAAABo8/IgxJt6KQhLs/s400/IMG_6744.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5513819025292784082" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_0cbbuEiZiPg/TIUFL0MA6iI/AAAAAAAABo0/BFRjCAemI_Q/s1600/IMG_6758.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_0cbbuEiZiPg/TIUFL0MA6iI/AAAAAAAABo0/BFRjCAemI_Q/s400/IMG_6758.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5513819019330775586" /></a>stevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06289716750248675217noreply@blogger.com0