As long as it takes

Put in yet another hasty bank visit today. Was disappointed by how quickly the condition of Raven's Scar has deteriorated, with luminous green lichen and slime springing up all over it. I had to start up stratagem rather than satchmo to reach the ledge because satchmo was soaked, not that it really matters how you get there. I undertook a concerted cleaning effort on the project, but ultimately wasn't rewarded. I did quickly top rope the 2 halves of the route but it was feeling a little harder than it should - the poor conditions meant the odds were stacked against success. I did have a go on the lead but it was fairly pathetic, the less said about it the better really! On the positive side, I'm 100% certain I can climb this line now after doing the all the moves and the route in 2 halves so many times. It's on a platter really - I can't improve anything and I don't need to anyway. Just need a dry spell so the crag is in generally decent nick, a cool (but not too cold) day, a patient belayer (or preferably 2) and to be there feeling ok and with decent skin. The chances of all those things coming together this side of 2010 are pretty slim unortunately but not to worry, it'll still be there when I go back!

vid still from one of the unsuccessful attempts:



Gutted I havn't done the route but thinking about it, despite so many visits, I've actually only had one day where I had good conditions and knew exactly what to do moves and gear wise. The first go of that day was my best so far - I was 2mm off doing the route! Frustrating but you can't win everytime. I think I did well/had some luck to get up Subculture just before pursuing this project so I suppose it just shows how things even out over time.

Everyone else out today had a really good day though. Bill & Noaks did Sesame which I was pretty impressed by. My old man crushed his nemesis too. I'm sure I'll be back and will get the route done eventually - 'As long as it takes'!