Peak Mountaineering
The climbing blog of Paul Lewis
Archive for December, 2009
December 18, 2009 at 4:45 pm · Filed under peak mountaineering
We’ve been running our Essential Skills Courses for several years now - and next year is no exception. Trouble is we advertised them on UKClimbing and most of the dates are full! But it isn’t too late to join us (if you’re quick!). Here are the dates with places still available…..
Eseential Navigation Skills - Saturday 27th March 2010
Essential Climbing Skills - Saturday 17th April 2010
Essential Rescue Skills - Sunday 18th April 2010
If you want to join us please don’t delay.
December 17, 2009 at 4:27 pm · Filed under peak mountaineering
Our last day in Spain also turned out to have the best weather. We went to world class sport climbing venue Sella and, despite strong winds, the sun showed itself in force and we had a top day with the guys leading a range of routes around grade 4 then Adrian and I added the multipitch classic Marion (5) as the finale to the trip. Back at the Orange House we had time to relax on the terrace in the evening sun before heading back to Blighty - fortunately enjoying a less shaky flight than we had on the way out. Having said that, it was a surprise to find snow on the ground when I walked out of the terminal at Manchester Airport!
The trip was very successful and I’m really pleased that we managed to accomplish all our main objectives. As always the Costa Blanca is a very special place to spend time and I hope it won’t be too long before I’m back there again. Will you be with us?
December 16, 2009 at 7:13 pm · Filed under peak mountaineering
Left the car at 7am, back at the car at 6pm. In between we climbed Espolon Central! It has been a wild day of strong winds and sleet…..and rain…..and freezing fingers……and numb toes…….but we got up it.
The Espolon is classic - pitch after pitch after pitch of perfect hard severe grade climbing in an amazing location. Then, just when you think it is over you have a long and intricate descent to keep you on your toes right to the very end.
It is always brilliant, but what was really different today was the weather. Last time I did it we climbed in T-shirts and shorts. This time I had 5 layers on and was still cold. As I got to the top of pitch 7 Adrian turned to me and said “this is just like climbing in Wales…..but I can see Benidorm!” Just about sums up a brilliant adventure.
December 15, 2009 at 8:20 pm · Filed under peak mountaineering
For this week Peak Mountaineering has jumped ship to the Costa Blanca for some winter sport and trad climbing. Adrian, Andy and I flew in last night but got a shock as we approached Alicante to find the plane being thrown around by uber winds. I am not a great fan of flying (how can that hulk of metal really get off the ground?) and when the plane is lifted up and dropped repeatedly I must admit my anxiety levels did rise a bit (or maybe that should be QUITE a bit!). We then drove around the coast dodging fallen trees, pools of standing water and collapsed walls to arrive at the Orange House feeling rather pessimistic about the weather for the next few days. I went to bed and was constantly woken every time the house was blasted by another typhoon gust. But…………sometime during the course of the night I was aware of waking up to still, calm conditions and this morning I went outside to find blue skies. The Costa does it again!
We had a quick breakfast then whizzed over for a fine days sport at Toix West. I love this crag because of the beautiful ocean views and today it certainly did not disappoint. Adrian and Andy led a bunch of fine single pitch routes in warm sunshine then we finished the day with a nice multipitcher that proved a perfect challenge. We have also practiced abseiling and lowering off bolted routes. A fine meal tonight and we are preparing for an ascent of the Puig Campana tomorrow……..unless the weather changes!
December 13, 2009 at 11:04 pm · Filed under peak mountaineering
For the last couple of days I’ve been enjoying some fine Peak District weather with Andy, Phil and Joel who have been attending one of our NNAS Introductory Navigation Courses. We spent a day covering key skills around the Derwent Valley then today we’ve had a day on Kinder Scout. It has been cold and crisp both days and as I’ve kept reminding them the weather has been far too good for a navigation course (they didn’t seem to agree).
By this afternoon they were ready to be assessed for the Bronze Award and after some tricky legs I’m pleased to say they all passed with flying colours. A very big well done to the guys and as I said at the end of today………now you need to practice, practice, practice!
December 8, 2009 at 1:29 pm · Filed under peak mountaineering
Phew. The Peak District has thrown everything from snow to gale force winds at me over the last week or so. I have spent 3 days running an expedition leader assessment for an overseas expedition company then went straight back out to train a team heading out to the Indian Himalaya next summer.
The leader assessments are always great as it is a chance to meet a group of experienced travellers with lots of stories to share and expedition skills to discuss but the assessments also incorporate areas of training to ensure they are fully prepared for their role. Leading an expedition team is a big responsibility so the candidates are thoroughly assessed on everything from knowledge of altitude sickness to emergency procedures and water purification to medical problems. The assessment is all outdoor and takes place over the course of three full days. This allows a thorough assessment of candidates ability to manage themselves and others in the outdoor environment. In this case low temperatures combined with almost constant rain have certainly ensured they got a thorough test!
I got home on Friday with just enough time to dry out some kit and have a meal out with friends before I was back out to train an expedition team heading for Northern India next summer. The team were outstanding and more rain, strong winds and a bit of snow certainly couldn’t dampen their spirits (although it did dampen everything else!). They left on Monday with a lot of new skills and a clear understanding of what they would be facing on their trip. A big thanks to all the potential leaders and the exped team for a fun and friendly few days but I must admit I was really glad to get back last night and enjoy the comforts of my own bed for a change!
While all that was going on Dan has been out with returning clients Charlie and Emma walking the first few days of the Pennine Way from Edale to Marsden. It’s a lovely walk and Emma called last night to say what a great time they had had….despite the weather. Apparently they were up to their knees in a few of the sodden Bleaklow peat groughs but it appears they haven’t been put off because they are back to do the next section with us next spring.
Peak Mountaineering still has a few places left on the SPA assessemnt running on January 16th and 17th so please get in touch if you would like a place. £130 for the 2 day assessment.
I hope you have all been busy wherever and whatever you’ve been up too…………despite the rain!
Cheers,
Paul
