Driving through the deluge just outside York, Will and I were relieved to discover it was depositing felines and canines in Wetherby as well – good start. Undeterred (well a bit maybe) we headed on and parked up just in time for a mutt to relieve itself on Will's rucsac – day's looking up.
Will had a notion for Allan's Crack so we headed off and found it deserted and basked in warm sunshine and blue skies. I soloed a couple of the easier routes while Will sorted out his rack and psyched himself up. After 15mins psyching up for the first move he got off the ground (technical crux!). There ensued a mighty struggle to climb the next 5 or so metres (dogs much in view). Once established Will raced up the layback complaining of thirst and fatigue and got himself into the rest position on the nose, obviously a bit too comfy as I thought he was going to bivi there! After fiddling in tons of dubious gear he raced to the top to be met by a swarm of midges (also available at ground level at no extra cost).
We ticked Fag Slab Variant before running away – cold and midges our excuses – still dry though.
Simon and Carmen had an eventful time on Indian's Turban West – MVS 4b – yeah right – poor gear and dirty meant some Indian Rope Tricks (HVS 3a) were employed.
Still the beer in the pub was good 🙂
I thought MVS 4b for Indian's Turban West was a bit of a sandbag grade – until I checked the 1974 guide and found it given VDiff!
Thank you kindly for not using a picture of me resting on gear 🙂