Dave does trad (Vol 2)

Tuesday 21st July 2008

Ellis and I drove up to Dunkeld in the late afternoon, only to be greeted by one of my irregular climbing partners, Sonya. She had been there most of the afternoon and was just about to tackle Beech tree wall.

Ellis and i decided on an easy start, so i lead Holly tree groove (Vdiff) which has a bold and slightly run out start. Still, a nice climb!

Ellis seconded it, and i got a surprise when our mate Alexi appeared at the end of the rope after him.

Dave and Iain appeared whilst i was belaying, having spent 30minutes thrashing through the trees, trying to find the crag...

Dave decided to lead Holly tree groove, which was a comendable lead considering it was only his 3rd lead climb in ages!!!

Ellis was in great form and felt up for a challenge, so took on the 3 star route called 'The Groove" (VS 5a). He lead it clean, and brought Alexi and me up on the end of his rope. However, i made the mistake of not traversing left, so effectively top-roped the next route, called wriggle (VS 5a). It was a lovely climb, with awesome holds along a long prominent flake in some exposed and reachy positions. Nice climb, would like to lead it soon!

After that, we all decided to head to the pub in Dunkeld, and had a good old chat, and a good old ogle at the local talent (which was out in force!!!)

It was great to see Iain, Alexi and Dave come out for some adventurous climbing, so much so, that Dave's wooly jumper is well and truly coming on, and should be complete if he gets another few trad leads in before the end of the month...