Málaga Navidad

 December 21-28

Flew out from the travails of Plague Island to the go-to Xmas getaway

¡Málaga!

On the descent to a happy landing passing over the magnificent edifices of El Chorro, some fantastic multi-pitch sport climbing to be had up there.  

A quick taxi ride and our gaff (bottom centre) is all set up in position A (small red square).

Looking straight out to sea

FAB!

First of many sally-forths

And some great sun downs

A night at the Zambomba!

Vikki is a year older!

Lunch at the Monroy for Vikki's Birthday

Coincides Christmas Day

¡Málaga! in the depths of mid-winter

This ain't no Darlo!

CT contrived to be in-town this week - hooked up for coffee and a spot  of lunch.

Shame about the drizzle!

After some pretty grim weather over Christmas, Boxing Day dawn was full of promise

That's more like it....

Tea shirts at ten o'clock!

No more puddles from now 'til fly back.

Another sally into the city, with the inevitable lunch

A look at the Teatro Cervantes in daytime

No trip would be complete without the Light Fantastic on the Lario

So-long Malagueta you showed us a great time

All papers in order

Passport - check

Boarding Pass - check

Passenger Locator - check

Lateral Flow Test - negative certified - check

Vaccinations certified - check

READY TO FLY!

What a trip!

Weekly Wall

 19th November

Starting up again at Harrogate Wall.  Sessions as a three with CB and NB helping to get some good training in, generally quiet there even so making sure the door is open letting some air circulate.

A 6c+ project

Moments before a rattling fall.

This 6a+ route is proper hard with some tenuous foot work.

Scot a lot going on

Wednesday Nov 10th

Diaries and forecast in conjunction so the omens looked providential for a late Autumn outing.  The drive in featured deteriorating conditions and the windscreen wipers were doing their thing when we parked up at;

Scot Crags Scugdale

Air was dry on arrival at the crag itself, the rock however was pretty damp.  A few easy safe leads at the right hand end established the prevailing rubber to rock coefficient, so we kept going in the mild and still conditions.  The forecast sunny spells appeared but only in the singular, nonetheless as the day progressed conditions proved perfectly reasonable and a worthwhile day completed.  Mr P arrived to make it a three so plenty of material for the record.

BP checks out the various friend options in the break on Pet's Corner.

Moves up in fine style

And leaves the gear behind on the first lead in a few months.

 Shapes galore

The next route (Supine VS5a) goes up the arete to the left

A good lead by CB

The crux holds above are somewhat snappy to say the least,

But they all stayed attached.

AT below the crux moves

BP above them

AT tempted by Woodpecker Wall but succumbs to the call of Wolf Whistle

A wobbly wire gave some reassurance higher up.

But not much, a friend was the way to go.

CB led one more and the followers played nicely. 

BP showing off some handiwork

All in all a decent day crow-barred in, despite the recent windy weather and the future low pressures coming along.

Lakeland Autumn Gold

 November 4th

A rare wall to wall forecast out over the other side, had to get over there to make the most of Autumn's best western rays.

Swinside parking, Catbells road and back via the grey beach.   Lingholme overloaded, Strawberry Cafe in Keswick the perfect option.  The usual Horse and Farrier finish.  A brilliant outing.

Grey Beach Multitude

Fabulous clear air and lighting.

Wonderful day out one of the best

Alpenglow on the Pennines

Autumn Lunching

 September October 2021

Making the most of the Indian Summer with a series of getting it togethers!

September

Picnic on Beach

At Natasha's and Mike's before lunch in Penge.

October

Kirkby Lonsdale with Norm and Grace

Plus a break for ice cream on the walk back.

Oh ands a swift half at the Pheasant!

Fill yer boots!

Family Sunday dinner special at BW

Fabulous lunch at the Fox Hole with the Dyes.

Coffee and more chat at Briar

Still half of October left to go!

Whitestone Wash Out

 Tuesday 12 October

It's been on the list for a LONG TIME.  Finally committed to getting onto the classic "Nightwatch"  .  

(VS 4b or HS for the traditionalists)

"Packs a quality experience for the grade - quite exciting for a VS but with big jugs. Take plenty of slings and dust off those hexes."    (H Barrett UKC)

"Just fantastic. Adventurous feel, but surprisingly solid rock and loads of gear and holds, both inside and outside of the crack. Must do route"  (J Jones UKC)

© BStar

UKC

With thanks

But this was the scene from the car as we approached

Grim

Drove 20 miles west to Slipstones.  Arrived at the same time as the rain.

Climbing aborted.