Pete Cooper at Galavoir Point. July 2003

Over the telephone I had suggested an evening's climbing at Bunagee, to Pete Smith, so that apart from some routing we could do a bit of top roping as strength/endurance training. (Climbing with Dave Millar always lets me realise just how little training I do) I guess I must have put Pete off a bit as we ended up at Galavoir and the adjoining Wave Crest Rocks, our previous week's outing to Bunagee may have swayed his decision; the legend that is _Psyclone was also present and incorrect. Pete the previous week had been with me on the 2nd ascents of two of my climbs from 2001 (which don't really count, if you follow), see his comments for 'Curly' and 'Larry' in the Dunowen section of the on-line guide, perhaps somebody reading this might like to repeat these pleasant little climbs.

Young Psyclone proved invincible on Salty Dog at Galavoir, it may not have been the fastest ascent; Pete Smith certainly gave him some 'flavoursome' encouragement to succeed. I followed third on the rope, finding it a v. pleasant line; additionally I gave it some cleaning which should see the upper slab stays clear of lichen for a couple of years. A slight shower then came upon us, this was no bad thing as _Psyclone is still a practising student when it comes to personal hygiene (only joking _Psyke).

We resumed climbing after the shower passed, at Wave Crest Rocks. Myself I had a battle royale (with cheese) on a climb at Wave Crest, which Pete 'kindly' pointed me up, called True grit HVS. By trying to jam the crux in true Yorkshire grit style and not really pulling it off with any style... other than that called 'floundering', fortunately after 20 mins of heroic floundering and with rests on the rope, Pete very kindly told me where the small under-cling holds were. I guess he didn't want to spoil it for me. Pete and _Psyke were both very impressed with how long I was able to hang on going absolutely nowhere...it's a gift!

My forearms are still aching, I have several deep yellow bruises and am somewhat cut-up about the hands and forearms. I must at this point thank Pete for pointing me up such a prize climb, which is in no way a 'sandbag' and coming to my aid with beta, some ungentlemanly types might have let me fight away for thirty minutes; not just a meek twenty minutes. Hats off to Alan Tees for climbing it in one slick go, some people just don't have patience for heroic floundering.

A further two climbs were completed. Pete did a good lead of Clawhammer and I led a rather freestyle ascent of Raw Hand, which, if you wish, can incorporate a western-roll finish over the roof on the left.

These Rocks don't see enough visits in my opinion and are really worth a trip being in close proximity to the sea, so plenty of atmosphere, and are two noticeably contrasting rock types despite only 40 Metres apart. Jura Wall is just inland too.

PS: I've threatened to report Neantog - the Fiancee, if she's not nice to me, by saying she inflicted the wounds I'm currently sporting, they Still burn witches and husband (to be) beaters around Inishowen.