Another dry day forecast, and so it proved – until shortly after we arrived at the crag, when it rained, quite heavily. Luckily, not before Carmen had led Sphinx Nose Traverse (S) – she'd always backed off before, but this time was confident enough that she led out to the end of the traverse without placing any gear!
We sat it out for 10 minutes, after which it dried out enough to keep climbing, with the odd shower, until 10. I took the opportunity to fill in some gaps and climb a few lower grade routes I'd not done before. Pick of the bunch were Ling Corner (HS 4a) and Cantilever (Diff, or VDiff in Rockfax). Lofty's Ease (HD, or S 4a in Rockfax!) was unprotected so I may as well have soloed it – HS 4a, or 5a for Carmen who couldn't reach the jug (the clue is in the route name).
As we left the crag, it started raining persistently. Not the best of evenings, but at least we got stuff done.
Tags: rain, Sphinx, Wainstones