Dave Macleod Masterclass

I got a chance for a climbing masterclass with Dave Macleod on Sunday. Here in the photo he rests his arms with his own style. It was great to talk about his recent achievements and current projects. He gave us a good workout at the PYB indoor wall, and coached us on advanced technique. After getting pumped with lactic acid we stopped for lunch. Hopefully my tendons will recover soon ..

Association Of Mountaineering Instructors

The Association of Mountaineering Instructors (AMI) had their AGM at Plas y Brenin (PYB) on 28th Nov. It was an exciting and well attended weekend. We all attended lots of CPD workshops and had a great time. It all got a bit embarrasing when I won 3 raffle prizes with my tickets though..

Afon Mellte

Richard Carpenter sporting a really nice dry suit - guess who hasn't got one !

Richard landing a big seal launch

Richard Carpenter, Joe Jones and I headed out kayaking today to make the most of the wet weather, heavy rain and high rivers. We headed to the Afon Mellte for a 3 / 3+ stretch. It immediately started raining - we'd def chosen the right activity for today. I gave my Infrared a rest today and had a go in Rich's Burn - a massive difference!

Lots of fun in a spell of poor weather..

Sennybridge to Aberbran - Kayaking

Me - at least you can see my great new paddle
Mo Morrison

Paul Lillygreen

Today was a day for kayaking. Taking my new pride and joy - my new paddle, I joined up with Paul Lillygreen and Mo Morrison for a quick couple of hours on the river Usk. We met up and planned to do the Usk from Sennybridge to Aberbran. My first time kayaking white water for ages - I managed to stay in my boat lol. A good start to the white water winter season... Before the climbing starts...

Adventure Training For The Army

Back with the Army again training the Soldiers Under Training. This week saw us on the water in kayaks and in caves, as well as training some of the Corporals for their Rock Leader Training next week - good luck. In the photos above the SUT's are practicing their rescues. All good fun. Paddling is definitely the sport for all this wet weather.

No Rain - So Let's Climb

Lucky enough to live near the Gower, whenever the rain stops it's time to go climbing. Sometimes this puts you in great positions for the sunset.. The beach above is Torbay with Oxwich stretching behind.

Adventure Training

Another week of Adventure Training for the Army.

Pushing their courage in a variety of environments.

Testing their Selfless Commitment.

Testing their loyalty to the group.

The week went well, despite difficult weather. We had a lot of rain and at times the temperature dropped. All week the Soldiers were pushed testing their ability to maintain maximum performance under difficult circumstances - this will help them in their difficult future careers...

A Quick Climb Between Showers

Lucky enough to live by the Gower coast I can dash off for tidal climbs even on a day with a poor forecast. This afternoon the rock had just about dried out from the rain earlier today, but with a stormy sea and heavy rain visibly getting closer in the Bristol Channel - I didn't have long. The wind's strength increased into the evening, so an arete was perhaps not the climb to choose. It made for more excitement than normal on this climb. For Gower locals, the photo should be enough to identify the climb, especially, if I say it was taken at the end of the first pitch..

Developing Soldiers

Another week at the Soldier Development Wing (SDW). We develop their core values, which includes Courage,

Discipline, Respect, Integrity, Loyalty and Selfless Commitment.

The weather stayed good for us this week. It's still quite warm and we had slight winds and little rain - but lots of hill fog. My memory of the week is the SUT (soldier under training) who capsized over 10 times, and a different SUT who nearly learnt to eskimo roll in a day! Excellent.