Sam, Vinnie and I headed out to the Pass of Ballater at lunch time yesterday to escape the mist that was enveloping the coast. More often than not when the coast is in the clutches of the greasy mist the inland crags could be basking in sunshine; and we weren't disappointed!
We weren't the only ones at the crag by any means as there were a number of teams climbing on the various sectors of the crag. The popular Middle Tier of the Western Section was our first destination. Being Vinnie's first day out on the rock we started up some easier ground and got on Ping Pong (Severe).
Vinnie following me up Ping Pong (Severe).
Lucky Strike (VS 4c***) is definitely my favourite climb is this section of the crag. It's tricky start leads onto a nice wee crack system following the corner to a shelf with a final wall. The contrast of the lighter coloured granite with its cool temperature to the warmer rock that has a distinct black colouring (slightly off putting when you've not chalked your sweaty hands!).
Placing gear.
High up on Lucky Strike (VC 4c***).
(Camera angle not true BTW!)
I let the guys have a go at Silent Spring (E1 5a**) so I led it keeping in mind the battle of cleaning pine needles and fending off the Ants from the few holds on the upper slab! Unfortunately I think there's a block missing from the starting crack causing it to be harder to get off the ground, thus preventing Sam and Vinnie from following me.
Sam trying to see how far she could get into the crack on the start of Silent Spring (E1 5a**).
After a biiiig bite to eat we wandered over to the Central Section for Sam to lead Giant Flake Route (VS 4b*). Dopey here forgot to take the camera for what would have been potentially some brilliant pictures. But what a brilliant lead by Sam! 30 metres of some pretty adventurous terrain and confident climbing!
Crossing the slopes towards the Central Section of the Pass.
Well done to Sam and Vinnie on their climbing; and in Vinnie's words it was a "F****** Awesome day!!!"
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