First Day Back On The Grit

Above: Working through the crux of Barry King Size sit down start

I am starting to feel like I have turned the corner and some strength is returning. So after checking the weather, Ben and I agreed to meet at Crookrise as we both had done very little there. The weather was good for most of the day, except for one heavy shower, but the rock was dry again in 20 mins.

We started by warming up on the Sole HVS 5b***, which was an excellent route. Bouldery start, then straight forward to the top. The temp was a little hard work with the wind causing cold hands. We persevered and walked over to the Hovis area with the view of ticking some more 3 star classics. This is when the rain hit. As we hid from the rain we met a couple of folks bouldering, and it turned out the problem they were trying was the only thing to stay dry. It made sense to have a go at the Problem, Barry Kingsize sit start V7 whilst other things dried off. I was pretty chuffed when I managed to send it 3 go, role on the season. Ben got pretty close to the stand up version V6, but the last move is a bit hard and committing. We then did Crease Direct and I soloed Hovis direct which took way to many goes, I need to open my eyes and use all the holds sooner next time. Ben then did a sterling job leading The Shelf E2 5b***. It was hard going with cold hands, but Ben made short work of it. We finished off with a quick send of Diet Pepsi, which was a bit tricky for the grade.

Above: The last hard move

Below: Topping out on Hovis

Above: Ben on the Sole

A great day out with some good ticks to boot.