No doubt, in the aftermath of Thursday's and Friday's rain, many of the mountain crags will have
been suffering from seepage and, perhaps, even sporting temporary streams. But there's always
somewhere that will offer climbing. Likewise, after four hectic days in the Lake District, many were
content to rest on their laurels, or attend to pressing domestic duties, but there's always at least one
to answer the call to arms.
Like the Gaffney girl, for instance - always ready to have a go. Being as there were only the two of
us, I decided to use the opportunity to introduce Niamh to one of our collection of secret crags, on
condition that she agree to travel in the boot of the car and allow herself to be blinfolded on the
walk-in. No problem there.
Pine Tree Slab was a little damp in parts, but it dried out as the day progressed, thanks to sunshine
and a fresh breeze (an essential pre-requisite for midge-free climbing on mountain crags at this time
of year). The slab is home to a numer of climbs, some of them quite easy and, while protection has
to be worked at, this is no bad thing, as there is no better place to practice gear placements than on
slabs, where it is possible to stand quite comfortably on the smallest of holds while fiddling around
with runners.
Niamh made several on-sight leads (surely the most satisfying way to lead any route) and progressed
so well that she decided to add a route of her own to the collection, a short, but sporting severe.
All the other routes hereabouts were put up nearly
twenty years ago - I haven't got around to
officially recording them yet, but I'm working on it -
and if a little note of urgency has manifested itself,
it's probably because it's unlikely that I have
another twenty years to play around with, though one mustn't be pessimistic about these things.
Just to confuse Niamh, we returned to the car via a different route to the one used on approach. You can't
be too careful with these women - you know how they love to talk!
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climbgaffney
Re: The Wickford Chronicles.
11 Jun 2012 14:57
# 2
Mr moss tis a rarity that my lips are sealed but on this occasion they will remain so . The blindfolded trip in boot of your car was a small price to pay considering the delights that awaited us at this secret location.
A classic example of the hidden gems out there when you wander off the beaten track. Although my new route that was added to your collection was short in distance , it was a great adventure indeed.
And so Gerry , here's to the next 20 years of adventures in secret locations!
Niamh
rainman
Re: The Wickford Chronicles.
13 Jun 2012 19:03
# 3
Gerry & Niamh,
What a great pair of chin waggers! Gerry the legend with great rhyming words and niamh the cheeky chancer.
I can`t wait for the new routes to go public. Where do you find these hidden gems?
IMC Forum
IMC forum
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