May climbing

More good weather for courses recently, and even Saturday's showers didn't cause too much of a problem - with the tree cover keeping most of the rock dry and some sunshine quickly drying any rock that did get wet. Thanks to Sav, Tom, John, Ed, Anwen and tom for their company dodging the showers. I'm off to Italy for a few days, then heading North to Skye for a Cuillin Ridge traverse so fingers crossed for some good weather !

Leading on limestone

Continuing good weather and conditions this week allowed us to explore the techniques of lead climbing, looking at gear placements, creating anchors belaying from above, and rope management - the 'head game' aspect of lead climbing was also discussed - fortunately without too much 'psychobabble' ! - options were also discussed for occassions when things start to go wrong !

Thanks to Den and Riccardo for their enthusiasm and easy company.

Also heard on the grapevine that the new Symonds Yat guide is with the printers - shouldn't be too long now - I'm looking forward to it !