You’ve got to grab the opportunity when it arises, so Jon and I took a day off work and headed up to Great End to enjoy some of the fantastic conditions.
We made an early start expecting the crag to be heaving, but saw only a couple of climbers all day, and a couple of walkers. We headed for the Central Gully area, and did Left Branch (3) and Right Branch with the Chimney finish (IV,5). The neve was solid, and the ice on left branch ok. The chimney finish was a good lead from Jon as it was a bit thin.
As usual, we took far too much gear with us……….. having left half in the car, half at the bottom, we still had twice too much. Why is that???
We were back at the sacks by 12.30 leaving plenty of time to head to Keswick for the first tea shop. Then it was glove shopping (again!!!) and another tea shop. All in all a good end to a perfect day!
Well. looks good 😎
But you can’t beat the real thing 👿
Maybe not pure waterfall ice climbing, but I think bashing up to Great End does count as the “real thing” Terry?
Is that a glove or a cat John’s holding?
Lotisher,
As you know, I’m fairly easy going about most things. However, Jon with an ‘h’?! :angry: :angry: :angry:
As for the gloves, can you imagine how irritating they’d be when teetering on your front points trying to clip in?! They were quite warm though…
😳
Doh!
Sorry – didn’t even think what my fingers were doing. That’ll teach me.
Another pointless early start then. When will you guys learn? 🙄 There are no prizes for how early one gets to the top you know.
Now, if you’d used the time and done another route…
Always need to leave time for the tea shop Pete.. you know that!!
And of course it gives you plenty of time to clean the fan if the shit happens to hit it!! 😆
I’d rather be dealing with a situation in daylight than sitting in the dark, looking for the black cat…………… which isn’t there… ❓ ❓
Why did you take a cat?