What a difference a week makes...

Letting my vehicle rest.

It's amazing what a difference a week makes; last week it was blowing a gale and absolutely chucking it down. This week there wasn't a cloud in the sky. However, there was the slightest of breezes but when in the sun, it was pleasantly warm, meaning the three of us headed to the hills once again.

Having a wee nap.

On this occasion, we ventured slightly higher up the fells in the hope of having some nice scenery to admire and we weren't disappointed; the crystal clear blue skies allowed us to admire the many peaks of the Lake District's western fells.

Having a bread stick to keep my energy up.

However, we did cheat slightly as our walk started from Watendlath Tarn, meaning the majority of our height was gained whilst sat in a car. Our walk took in Dock Tarn and then, after retracing our steps, headed up Joppelty How allowing us to admire a high ball project that was climbed last year by Carlisle resident Pete Gunn.

Looking down to Watendlath, with Skiddaw in the distance.

It's back to work tomorrow, but I'm off on Monday and supposedly this spell of weather is set to last a little longer so we may be able to get out and about sooner rather than later.

My mummy, daddy and me, obviously.

Good lines, stay safe and see you on the wet stuff...
Iain

Blowing in the Wind

On the path from the New Dungeon Ghyll to the Old Dungeon Ghyll.

The opportunities to get out into the mountains are few and far between at the minute, but this year I am trying to make a conscious effort to resolve this issue. It does mean that I'll have to change the objectives for a days mountain adventure, but the underlying rational for mountain exploration will still be there.

It was all a bit to much work for our little Feebs.

Today the three of us explored Great Langdale's valley floor. From the New Dungeon Ghyll we walked up to the Old Dungeon Ghyll and then on into Mickleden. We eventually turned around and retraced our steps when the driving wind and rain got a bit too much for Phoebe, who soon after fell asleep on my back.

Good lines, stay safe and see you on the wet stuff...
Iain

In the fells with Feebs

In the mountains with Feebs.

Firstly I must apologise for not posting in such a long time, but in the last few months I haven't really been out and about climbing, walking or kayaking because of three things.

We moved house at the end of July and that took up many of my days off. Secondly, I changed jobs half way through September; I've now left Go Ape and am working for the family owned Booths, a supermarket chain exclusive to the north of England. Thirdly, Phoebe takes up much of my free time.

Having a picnic at High Sweden Bridge.

However today I got out into the fells with Phoebe. This was her very first experience of the fells and the first time she's been on my back. Previously she's been for walks around Carlisle on my front, but now that she is nearly seven months old she is big enough to be on my back.

Having an afternoon nap as Daddy heads back to the car.

Our walk was only a short one. From Ambleside we walked up the east bank of Scandale Beck, before crossing via High Sweden Bridge and returning down the west bank for tea and medals at the Apple Pie in Ambleside.

Good lines, stay safe and see you on the wet stuff...
Iain

Thirlstane Sessions

Phoebe and her mum at the crag.

It's been a while since I posted, and it's almost been as long since I've donned my rock shoes and pulled onto a problem or route. This afternoon we visited Thirlstane in Dumfries and Galloway for an afternoon on the beach and a session in the sandstone tidal borehole.

Topping out on The Groove (Font 5).

It's an impressive spot, with some highly graded problems, which is a shame as the long absence from the rock has affected my footwork and strength meaning I wasn't pulling at my best. However, I ticked a fair few problems, with the hardest being in the Font 6c region. I also held the crux move, for a couple of seconds, on a Font 7a, and got up to the crux on a Font 7b on the first go.

Topping out on Bad Sneakers (Font 6a).

It was nice to be out on the rock again, and even nicer to be at the crag with Phoebe, however it was also disheartening at how a short absence from the rock has such an affect on your climbing.

Reaching for the pocket on Jihad (Font 7a).

It's back to the daily grind tomorrow with work and such like, but having just checked my emails I've discovered I graduated with a First Class Honours in Outdoor Leadership.

Good lines, stay safe and see you on the wet stuff...
Iain