Surfs Up!

Just had a fab day out surfing around Newquay. After a 2 week flat spell, it was great to see the waves again. Even the sun has been shining. Met up with a mate this morning and surfed 2 foot Whipsiderry, then Watergate for high tide this afternoon. It was just like a summers day, but without the crowds and ticker neoprene! Kayaking tomorrow on the South Coast.

Lovely, lovely St Loy

Had a fab day down at St Loy yesterday with Mossee and Hannah. I managed to get up a couple of E1s and follow Mossee up an E4 without falling off. Not a bad effort since I haven't climbed for ages! I then went over to Porthgwarra and soloed Hellava Slab and one of Mr Kirkus' routes in the evening sun. Just perfect!

Raiding Party

I went up to N Devon yesterday to help Mark Garland develop a new cliff that he'd spied on one of his many forays in his backyard. With the fab weather helping this along, it was great to get out on the rock. The rock on the Culm Coast does lead a lot to be desired, but you do get used to it! The climbs were short, steep but on fabulous holds, making for great climbing. Belays not too great though. Climbing new routes is very thrilling and satisfying as you never know what the outcome is going to be until you get to the top!! I've been sworn to secrecy as to where the crag is, so you'll have to wait until Mark decides to let the cat out of the bag!

All sorts

Many apologies for not updating the blog for nearly 3 weeks now. It has partly been due to dashing around the country doing stuff. I had a fab week in the Peak District with Duchy College. The weather was cold but dry and we spent 4 magnificent days on the Grit at Birchens, Stanage, The Roaches and Froggatt. Since then, its been climbing on Bodmin Moor, kayaking at Fowey, coasteering and surfing in Newquay and some down time to catch up on the admin! It was very cold in Cornwall today. In fact the weather put paid to kayaking plans today. Strong westerlies, coupled with spring tides meant a day checking climbing equipment. I'm off to the Lake District next week with the Air Cadets. Lets hope the weather improves!

ML Training - Day 3

This run of dry, cold weather is unbelievable! When will it end? We've been out in the northern part of the Moelwyns, polishing navigation and leadership skills. The hills still look fab. Security on steep ground and technical rope work tomorrow.

ML Training - Day 2

Guess what? Yeap, its another stunning day in Snowdonia! We've spent the day micro-navigating around the Moelwyns and making an ascent of Cnicht. Views from the summit were some of the best I've ever had in 25 years of mountaineering in Wales! All the way out to the Lleyn and around Cardigan Bay. Snowdon and the other peaks looking majestic, almost alpine like. On our way around the humps and bumps, the guys and girls discovered Robbie Williams hiding in a natural shelter. (See photo). We are all hoping that these conditions last until the weekend. More hills tomorrow - Yippee!

ML Training - Day 1

Conditions in Wales couldn't be better. Blue skies and light winds, along with snowy tops meant that the views of Snowdon are spectacular. I have been helping run a Summer Mountain Leader Training course with Rick Abbott MIC. Day one today, and the candidates have had a gentle start to the course, gaining insight into the mountain environment and navigation.