01/06/2014

North West

So I spent my weekend up in Reiff climbing. After a later start we used our work bus for a 3 hour journey up to the rock. There was eight of us in total and we headed straight to the pinnacle area. Sam and myself got on 'westering home' (E1 5b**), then Sam made good work of 'Earth Shaker' (E2 6a**) which had a great start. I then had a go on Immaculate Deception (E1 5b**) which had some hard initial moves then eased off.
After a break Sam and I spent a while soloing some of the easier routes and just enjoying the Sun and the grippy rock. We finished on 'Sip from the wine of youth again' (HVS 5a**) and went looking for a different climbing area. Didn't have the energy to keep going, so we called it a day.
After a good pub meal and a night in the Buckingham Palace of tents we went to the West Buttresss of  Stac Pollaidh and climbed 'Jack the Ripper' (E1 5b**) which had lots of dubious rock but good climbing on exposed situations. By the team we got to the last pitch the rain started and had we had to climb the crux in the rain, which took some enjoyment away and added some scariness.