Getting Back In The Swing Of Things

It's all been a bit hard work since coming back after the winter.  I'm no where near as strong as I was before going away, so have been struggling on the boulders.  A few hits to Earl Crag has seen me close to a few classics, with one more visit needed.  Woodhouse has given a couple of good sessions to aid getting stronger, along with the wall (needs must with a toddler).

I had a quick trip into Cow's Mouth Quarry last Saturday and Soloed Visions from the Darkside E5 6b.  This felt like another Lancashire chop route, with the grade reflexing a headpoint feel, not an onsight.  I thought this would be the case, so gave it one quick toppy, the soloed without any pads.  They would not help anyway.  The climbing is very good and worth a look if you are in there for the other E5.

Making the hard starting moves

Today |I had a quick couple of hours a Woodhouse as it was the only place dry local.  I added a new eliminate Angel's Breast font 7b to the Clingen Face.  The aim was to climb on a different part of the crag, but the weather had made it's mark.

Cupping the breasty sloper

SPA Training

I spent a windy weekend in the Peak running an SPA Assessment course.  A busy day at Froggatt on Saturday for personal climbing, before moving to the Foundry in the evening to cover the climbing wall aspects of the award.

Yesterday took us to Millstone and Lawrancefield for all the group rigging and management parts of the assessment, with some problem solving thrown in.

A successful weekend for most, with only a short term stumble for others hopefully.

Catch Up

It has been a busy few weeks since being back down South.  I got straight back into my route setting work, trying to catch up after nearly a month away.  A few busy days has seen me back on track, but as holds need to be returned and replaced, I get to chill out a little.

The Technical Advisor work has been the same, catching up with folks through meetings and visits etc.  It's been great to get folks moving forwards or back on track, but generally all things going well is always good.

Last weekend I ran a CWA Training award out of ROKT and The Leeds Wall.  A small course of 7 this time, but a great mix of candidates who brought a lot to the course.

I have even managed to do a little climbing.  Some indoors, which is not like me and some bouldering outside.  More new problems, nothing hard, but pleasant sessions with toddler in tow.  I'm looking forward to getting fit and stuck into some more interesting problems and sports routes this year.