Senior Moments

For the last 5 days I have been showing Gordon what Lake district climbing is all about! Lots of wet rock! He wanted to improve his climbing technique, get some more milage on rock and learn some more ropework skills. Day 1 was extreamly wet but we went out and climbed on Brown Slabs (D). We then went and climbed a very wet Little Chamonix (VD) before escaping to do some gear shopping at Needle Sports.

Day two and three we spent at Kendal Climbing wall. Working on technique, strength and improvised rescue techniques. On day 3 it finally stopped raining at 4pm so we shot off to Castle Rock at Thirlmere and climbed Via Media (S) and Zig Zag (VS 4b). It turned out there had been a major rock/turf fall at the top of pitch 3. The route could do with a clean now.

Day 4 we went down to Raven Crag in Langdale and climbed Evening wall (S) and then Bilberry Buttress (VS 4c) as it was fair weather and we didnt want to spend another day indoors.

Day 5 Gordon had a train to catch so we headed to Borrowdale again and headed up to Black Crag. We climbed the classic Troutdale Pinnacle (S) which is a must do route for every climber visiting Black Crag. We then shot over to Shepards as Gordon wanted to know what his limit was. I led up Kransic Crack Direct (HVS 5a), Gordon followed up but popping off a couple of times, he did get to the top though.