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

Picnic Sarcastic, V7

After finishing work today I headed down the Borrowdale valley to the Bowderstone. After ticking the usual five problems and then spending some time trying to see if I could repeat Statstick (V6) I moved onto Picnic Sarcastic (V7). After getting some new beta from a friend I sent it with surprising ease, after just a handful of attempts, which was really good as I have been trying this problem for some time now.

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

Norway

I've just entered a competition for a fifteen day climbing expedition to Norway with Dave MacLeod. In order to win I need your help. Please vote for my application by visiting this link.

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

Last Night...

I was at Quayfoot Buttress and lead The Crypt Direct (E1, 5b) and Mandrake (HVS, 5a). I also seconded The Go Between (E2, 5c), but I forgot my camera hence the lack of pictures accompanying this post.

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