Midges And Climbing

Lena on pitch 1 of Storm, on Cavalry Crack Buttress

Lena and I had a good afternoon of climbing at Polldubh today, but as we were uncoiling the ropes, we had to stop and quickly get our midge nets out. So this means that I was able to go until the 13th June before I needed to wear a midge net this year - pretty good. However today, I was glad I had it with me. We looked at each other through midge nets and nearly decided to bin it and go mountain biking instead - but we got on with it. Today was my first lead on Storm! Pitch 2 is fantastic, I can't wait to do it again. Then we headed off to Dundee Buttress bacause Lena wanted to get on Weaver's Loom, as her first HVS of the season. She went through the crux well at the top, and so it was my turn. I got onto the neighbouring climb - Heading for the Howff - some brilliant moves through the crux. Dundee Buttress should be in G Latter's book. So we did manage to ignore the midges enough to have a good afternoon - on the rock we didn't have any problems with the little devils. Now, back indoors I'm looking at all the bites on my arms, ankles and face - they'll be gone by tomorrow :)

Pitch 2 of Storm

Pitch 2 of Storm

Lena on 'Weaver's Loom' on Dundee Buttress (First HVS 5a of the year)

'Weaver's Loom'

'Weaver's Loom'

The Crux of 'Weaver's Loom'

'Heading for the Howff' (my first HVS 5b of the year)

Getting ready for the crux on 'Heading for the Howff'