For Liechtenstein

Spent a great day at The Wainstones yesterday (sunday). A few showers hurtled through during the day but the strong winds dried everything quickly and so we got plenty of climbing done and footage taken. The showers and wind meant that I didn't get on the raven's project as intended but not to worry, hopefully weather and circumstances will allow another shot at it soon.

We ended up as a magnificent seven at the crag. The moors was new to most of the guys who came out and it was great to see them enjoying the circuit and problems. It was also good to meet up and climb with Lee and Rob - enthusiasm set to turbo.

Having warmed up I left the pack for a bit to go and clean up a lowball problem I'd actually spotted a couple of visits ago. Getting the holds in decent nick took a fair amount of effort but it soon became clear it was worth it when I pulled on and felt how the move would work. Essentially, just a one-move power problem, but I could tell the one move was a good 'n. Since I reckoned it was a likely FA, I got to work trying to do it before Lee and Rob turned up! But, despite managing to latch the move from squatting, which allowed me to be well established on the crucial holds, I couldn't link from the sitter. Sure enough, the competition(!) turned up but umpteen team efforts later, the problem was still holding out. I had the knacky movement going fairly well after so many goes and was losing skin nearly latching the top with each effort. Another rest and another go and bosh, held it. Satisfying. Good little problem - felt similar in quality, style and difficulty to a bigger splash direct at Rubicon. Assuming it is an FA (which I'd wager it is but wouldn't be totally surprised if it isn't) I've called it For Liechtenstein.

Covering old ground here but as a family out enjoying the day walked past and exchanged pleasantries with us, it occured to me how strange our activities must look to unsuspecting muggles. Three grown men trying to pull their way up a small piece of rock on a windy, showery day in October. It made me wonder at the time; why are we doing this? A question I've not asked myself for a while as climbing is so routine these days. Simply going out and trying to climb stuff isn't really a novelty, doesn't need explaining, just a part of life and usually a thoroughly enjoyable one. We were having a great time so it didn't really matter. But, after thinking about it a little, I've gathered up the usual host of reasons: For the feeling of discovering and experiencing movement. For the reward of ultimately completing the problem. For the challenge of doing something that was hard for you. And the rest. Like I said, it didn't really matter at the time so, why not For (the first word that came to mind) Liechtenstein?

We cruised around most of the other boulders and I got plenty of video. (Am currently finishing an edit off, will post on here when done.) Rob and Joel did the Prow and I did it again too, using Joel's slightly easier beta - maybe more 6C/+ now but still just as good!

I think everyone really enjoyed the day, having a fun, sociable time of it. The young guns are on half term this week too, so have a couple of willing belayers to open the raven's project if/when the weather allows in the next few days. Fingers crossed.

Vid now finished:

A Wainsteean Hoolathon from Ram Man on Vimeo.