Out on the rock

Stronstrey Bank  18/03/2015

It's been a long time since I was last climbing at Stronstrey, probably around the time I put up David Vetter etc etc.  It was very sunny and hot on Monday, and I was off for the day.  Recent videos of hard problems on the Lone Boulder whetted my appetite.  I went straight to this odd-ball boulder.  It's been a long time since I was here, my last visit was with my late father and he's been dead a good few years now.

I did Jim Reaper pretty easily via a sneaky heel-toe cam.  My own Day-Glo Man went down second go, after brushing off a load of crud - I don't think this gets much attention.  Noisy Cricket was impossible, I blame the head but me being very out of condition may not have helped.....

I did Grim Leaper, again via a naughty foot lock.  After this I had a play on the Fun Boulder, then headed home.  Need to get (a lot) stronger and then come back for a rematch.


Stronstrey 18/3/2015 from GCW on Vimeo.



Higher Chelburn  20/03/2015

I had a day off on Friday to use up annual leave.  Whilst driving over to Summit I got a decent view of the Solar Eclipse.  Good, but I think the 1999 one was better.  Once I parked up as per Robin's guide, I realised this is where Nik and I came to on our last trip together.  It took exactly 12 minutes to walk to the first area (as predicted).  I did a load of easy stuff, and Small Star which was excellent. I moved over to the next area and did a couple of problems on the big boulder - these were a bit damp, rather scrittly and felt a bit unnerving due to the pit beneath them.  I had a look at Expletive but the break was popping, so I did the easier version using the sidepull.  After this was the trio of excellent problems including Clarion Call - I flashed all three, and they are very good.

I had a look at the Chilli Burn boulder, but it was seeping (and too hard).  I picked up some finger tape and banana skins that someone had left there, rather disappointing this is happening already.  After this my skin had had enough so I left.

On my way home I dropped in at Roundbarn, which was wet, and had a wander around. Catfoot looks great so I think I'll head back this week if the weather remains dry.

Yesterday I did a new 10k route from home in my new Mudclaw 300s - got some heel rub and a blister on my right second toe.  I'll not be wearing these next weekend for the Buttermere to Dalemain rec.!!  A gentle 5k this morning was OK though.

So the plan is to get out on the rock this week - maybe Roundbarn +/- Jumbles.  I'll also get the Higher Chelburn video online once my Vimeo allowance resets.