First outdoor rock-climbing of the year...

This shot is actually taken a couple of years ago on Ardus....suffice to say that it was a bit colder today when Andy Cannon and I went to Shepherds Crag in Borrowdale to do a little rock-climbing. Easy routes were on the agenda so Andy opened up with Chamonix, a diff that I have only done once before...it was a little arkward to second actually.

Andy then sprinted up the first pitch of Little Chamonix before I ran it out to the top...although its a route I've done many times before it was good to feel so controlled and relaxed on it....



Cresecendo was next - or at least the first pitch of it. Suffice to say it does not qualify as the world's best Severe climb....the move off the platform being not only pretty bold but horrendously polished - I almost slipped off seconding and only a shooting hand catching a good hold prevented a fall. From there to the top of the pitch is much easier....not a great route in all honesty.

A violent storm then led to a cup of tea at the cafe under the crag before heading home with time to do some painting before going onto the cycle maintainence course with Claire tonight....may well be possible to get out in the next couple of days as well if the weather decides to play ball....

All in all - a good start to the rock year and nice to get some mileage under my belt.