Simon, Carmen and I made a late start due to confused weather reports and eventually (about the A64) decided to go West instead of South (or North!). Rylstone is a superb grit crag, near Skipton, stuffed with quality routes (and bouldering), many in the lower grades.
Carmen on Dental Slab
Despite the sunshine it was, as usual, quite empty with a few other teams spread across the broad crag. We headed for the slabs area and finding Presidents Slab free we played there, with me leading the HVS (sometime E1) Hotline, nice route but one move wonder. Carmen Sauntered across the slab and Simon and I soloed a few easy routes nearby.
Carmen tops out on Senators Saunter
Simon's goal was Persistence which could easily have been named Luminescence as its bright green sheen could be seen from the road (20 mins away!). He instead selected Laughing Gas on the Dental slab, which despite a scruffy start turns into a fine bold 4c arete at HVS. Carmen took on Dental Slab, a 4 star Severe, and it was like having teeth pulled. Struggling with confidence she eventually battled her way to the top.
We rounded off the day with Simon sprinting up Trowel Face and me padding up the beautiful Extraction (HVS but via the easier RH start as the direct is a boulder problem at 5c – imho). Our stroll down was in beautiful evening light, and we managed to check out the ducklings midge-hunting.
evening view
Great weather, marvellous view, one small shower but a chilly wind on top, a great venue.
My Pix here
http://www.psych.york.ac.uk/~rob/pix/climbing/uk/peak+yorkshire/rylstone-apr-09/
Since I cannot lead HVS, Laughing Gas is now officially downgraded to VS 4b.
Our photos are here http://climbing.me.uk/Rylstone/index.html
Looks like you had a good day, while we dodged the lightning and rain.