Storm in the Sun

Fort William seems to be in summer mode for the past few days, I have been drowning myself in sun cream and still managing to get a good Scot's tan. I was working today at Outward Bound and spent the day Canoeing and Gorge Walking.
I finished at five which was more than enough time to drive up the Glen and get a quick route done. Craig and I headed up to Cavalry Crack Buttress to have a shot on the direct finish  to The Storm (E1 5b*).

Craig on the Second pitch

The last pitch was brilliant and horrible all at the same time. You find yourself in a slanting crack with nothing for your feet where you want it and to commit to the crux moves a little faith is needed. The holds aren't found until after you're out there but they soon appear.
I'm heading back down to Wales next week and hopefully will find sometime to squeeze some climbing in between working there and here.

Dry Rock

I think you just have to believe it exists before you can find it but it is there. Kenny and I headed in to the Glen with the Sun shinning and still managed to find some dampness but after hitting Gorge crag we were on to a winner. It was bone dry and the midgies weren't attacking us so we climbed some routes we had done before; All Our Yesterdays and Conscription before top roping Captain Kevlar.

Outward Bound Aberdovey

I have finished my week at Outward Bound Aberdovey and had an absolutely great time and enjoyed the sun. My group summed the week up with this picture for a presentation they had to give on their weeks activities.

A Day of Firsts

I am going to be working in Wales for the rest of the week but before I started I wanted to climb in Wales because I haven't climbed there before. I met up with Guy in Llanberris, unfortunately the weather in the pass wasn't the best it could be so we headed out to the sea cliffs at Gogarth. I haven't climbed on what I would class 'real' sea cliffs before so climbing at one of the most famous sea cliff locations was a good introduction.
We started off with an HVS which I have forgotten the name of, it was that good. Then went on to climb an absolutely brilliant route called resolution direct (E2 5c).

Checking out the crag

Topping out on Resolution

Blade Runner

Made some use of the good weather and my dad was kind enough to give me a belay at Auchinstarry Quarry. Messed around on a top rope then decided to lead Blade Runner E4 6a**.

Also this has been circulating round the internet thought I better post it as well.
COULD YOU PLEASE ISSUE THIS WARNING. 25/06/2011

Cioch Direct on the Sron Na Ciche Skye is a no go area until further notice. After recent rock falls resulting in the death of a climber and the serious injury of 2 other climbers on the 31 May the climb has become unstable, especialy at the base of the 3rd picth. Further rock falls are immenent. Climbers should not attempt this route until the large boulders in the gully have been removed.

Please display this message on your web site and help us prevent any further injury/death to climbers.

Conformation of this message can be obtained from Northern Constabulary Portree Tel 01478 612778.