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Dunowen/Bunagee, Culdaff 17th March 2001 Well we were there, disinfecting mats and all. Martin McGuigan, Ryan Hanvey, Alan Tees and myself (Columba McLaughlin). Alan had a few new routes spied out so off we went and met at Bunagee pier. After disinfecting ourselves we took the rocky and scenic route to the sea cliff, rather than the path. The wind was blowing strong from the East and the spray from the waves was tremendous. To warm up, Alan led 'Misconception' (S) and Martin followed. Meanwhile I took my time and had a full pump on a very sustained 'Grainne's Groove' (HS 4c). Ryan confidently cruised up it. Meanwhile, Golly and Tracy put in brief appearance and gave verbal encouragement. Next it was an abseil down the wall and Alan led a new route 'St. Paddy's Cove' (VS 4c) and Martin followed. Alan also led another new route called 'My Fault' (HS 4b) and Martin seconded. After this they relaxed and watched Ryan lead up 'Misconception' and then I followed and I hit better form this time. Then it was back to the cliff top and everybody abseiled down. Martin led a new route called 'Foot and Mouth' (VS 4c), which is the crack just to the right of 'My Fault' and Alan followed. Ryan also led a new route 'St. Paddy's Fleas' (S 4a), which is, just to the right of 'Foot & Mouth' and I seconded it. After this Martin then led up a combination of 'St. Paddy's Fleas' and 'St. Paddy's Cove' with a lot of rope drag. Alan followed him. On completion of this, Ryan headed back to Belfast and I had family commitments. So to finish off the day, Martin led 'Kerry Widow' (VS 4c) and Alan followed. A great day, with 7 excellent climbs and 4 of them new. Regards, |