Finally after several disappointing weekends a gloriously warm and sunny Sunday came along. Despite its thuggy reputation the grassy meadows round Almscliff make it a very child friendly location so we took full advantage of it, and there was a picnic atmosphere as climber after climber was lured out by the warm sun. While the adults took turns to remove the skin from various body parts, the sprogs showed us the future of climbing on the various mini boulders scattered round, Pia in particular showing early signs of giving dad a good run for his money when she gets older. Other kids present included Iain Everett and Liz's son Joshua (in uber-cool shades) and Poppy, Ali's daughter, now taking regular climbing lessons herself.
Giggle of the day was definitely South Chimney Layback, with Sweary Ian, Dean and myself demonstrating the use of a human pyramid to overcome a cruxy start. (Ian, I'm hoping you have photos of this to post). I had wondered at Rob's choice of this notorious sandbag for a warm up, but who was I to spoil everyone's fun? A definite jamming baptism of fire for Dean, but not to be put off he later ticked off his first trad lead, on Low Man Easy Way. I got to tick off my Z Climb project and the day was also a first for Iain Everett who despite being a well seasoned limestone climber had never been to Almscliff before.
Embarrassing Adults present: Rob, Iain Everett, Liz Moreno, Sweary Ian, Peri, Dean, Dave Shield, Ali, Ann Freund, Jenny Tweedy, Astell
Cool Kids: Joshua, Pia, Poppy