Colmcille Climbers

Report - Culdaff 22nd July 2000. Phil Magill

Saturday morning saw Dave 'Ballymoney' Blair and myself (Phil Magill) heading to the sunny (must have been 25C+) resort of Dunmore Head. Arrived at 9.45am and, as I was wrecked, forty winks was called for, while the boy Blair sought out a route. When I awoke to find some dodgy youth walking towards the open door of the car, Davy had found his route, Spanish something or another. With his harness on and rope laid out (first time ever) he led said route (or was it Belfast Blitz Boys V?) with the style and grace of the Flying Scotsman. The fun started on the descent and then the traverse across to the main area, when Dave slipped off the path and, with a double pike and 360 roll, headed into the brambles. His instinctive side kicked in and, grabbing the brambles for support, managing to cheese grate his hand and face. Very, very funny! The laughter was soon wiped from my face when I realised he could lead no more.

So we went on to climb Grecian Gift VS 4c, Peapob VS 4c Beanbob VS 4c and finishing with Orange Blossom HS (hardest climb of the day). A great day was had by the two, it could have been more fun if people would answer their messages on Friday night. Ah well, next time.

P.S. I did solo SRS slab in me wellies with a rope over my shoulder, must have been inspired by the intro to MI 2

Phil Magill