To break in the new year, Rich S, Rachael T and Davie headed over to Slipstone Crags for some climbing.
The weather was clear and sunny, which sounds great until you realise that the temperature at Davie's was -5 degrees and at 300m, near the crags, it was a little cooler in the breeze.
We tackled two routes starting with 'Staircase' - a 'Moderate' as the name would suggest. However, with the breeze being channeled up the gorge we were in, even if it had been a staircase, it was so cold that grip was iffy to say the least.
Rich lead climbed and tried to use up his entire rack in order to cut the weight carried and to give Davie something to do, removing it all on his ascent.
We moved across the crags to another route, this time a 'Difficult' called 'Heather Crack'. Slipstone is known as a bouldering area and some of the initial moves on the climbing routes are more akin to boulder problems.
Heather Crack is no different. Rachael struggled with some boot placement on the first two moves but soon got into the groove and made a hasty ascent despite being frozen. Davie, being longer in the leg, completed the intial moves a little quicker and progressed 'smoothly' to the end funnel - only to find his 54" inch wide frame being confronted with a 42" gap.
Giving birth must be just like this, except less painful.
A quick mantelshelf move and a bouncing 17 stone baby Dave was deposited beside a startled and bewildered Rich on the belay.
Slipstone is great for those wanting to get into climbing, with something for everyone. Today the weather was against us, but in the summer it will be excellent fun.
We even finished the day with a spot of caving...
Davie
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