The sun was shining, the urge was on and the gallant few, Sally Cook and Ciaran, Pete Smith and myself (Columba McLaughlin) met at Dunmore Head (Culdaff). Pete needed his head cleared so he opted to lead Orange Blossom (HS 4b), "This will waken us up from a sleepy winter of hibernation." I said thanks, and suggested that a gentler alarm call may be more beneficial. This was the body going through the motions of complaint; he was already tying me into the belay. The lead went well and Columba shook out the cobwebs on the way up, Sally sailed up in record time.

Pete suggested that I lead something, so off we went to Diversion (HS4b). After a slow and shaky start I eventually made it up. Pete immediately followed and Sally did a bit of monkeying around on her ascent. We then went over and Pete led Bird's Nest Bulge (S) and the troop followed. I decided to lead Alan Tees' new climb Bluebell (Diff) and show Sally a little bit about gear placement. Up I went, being careful and doing it right. Sally followed. Pete was in too much of a hurry and just soloed it for the fun.

Finally, Pete decided to lead Peapod(VS 4c). A brilliant climb to the right of 10cc. However, on the crux, he needed to stick a bit of extra psychology into the crack in the pod. On the way up, I tried in vain to retrieve it. So Pete abseiled over the edge for it. He made good use of Frankie's recent talk on prussiking. On descent it was over to the cottage of El Presidente, Margaret and onwards to Mac's Pub for much needed refreshment. Overall, a good day's outing.