Swimming up Stream

But then again we always are (swimming up stream that is), so what are we doing it for? We go through tireless struggles against an unpredictable weather, insecure thoughts and diminishing time. We can book time off work, leave our partner, friends and social life behind for a couple of days at a time and still were fighting for that one single hour in one single day from the hundreds we go out. And the best thing, if it wasn't for all the times spent frustrated, you wouldn't appreciate the present for what it is.

Just recently this has been my dilemma, yesterday spent at Frogatt, then Calver for a cuppa while the rain/hail stopped, Robin Hoods Stride and back to Froggatt and feeling taunted by the weather constantly changing. Still we (Dom and me) got on a few things, Strapadictomy, Oeidopis! Ring your Mother and Kaluza Klein. Unfortunately I didn't manage a clean lead on any of them, as is climbing sometimes. A kip out at the stride and we got rained off the lead of Kaluza again, ran away to Burbage south to get blown over walking in let alone climbing before finding Burbage West a nice little wind sheltered haven for bouldering (apart from a rain shower every hour). Despite the weather whipping us for two days we still had a great time being outside and climbing and I have a few things to get back too. As they say, 'getting out there is half the battle', and we got out there.

On a more 'topping out note' I managed Peter and the Wolf the other week at Hen Cloud, exactly what the guide says 'Classy bouldering at an uncomfortable height' loved it.

Keep climbing.