Columba McLaughlin Well it was the big stag night and Noel (me bro) had come up from Dublin. So I decided to take him to try some of the delights at Galavoir Point. We arrived at about 13:00 hours and went straight to 'Salty Dog' (Severe) [pic], a brilliant Tees route that weaves its way up through the overhangs. I eventually managed it but not in the style of 'El Presidente' or the with the speed of Michael McGinty. Nonetheless, I felt good at the top.

Noel was not long in following me up it. Then we went over to swing about on 'Clawhammer' but I was not up to leading it. So we went to Crag X [pic] instead. I showed Noel all the routes (that I knew of) and asked him to try out 'Ledge' (V.Diff) and 'Cracker' (Severe). Noel led 'Ledge' and I then led 'Cracker'.

Earlier in the week Sally had expressed concern about the three blocks at the top on the left-hand side of the twin cracks of 'Cracker', I would suggest treating them with suspicion. Noel though that to knock them down would substantially change the route. So we left them there.

We contemplated doing a few other routes, but Noel spied a small buttress about 10 metres to the right of 'Cracker'. There was a lot of heather in the centre. It looked good so I climbed and cleaned it. Noel followed me up and our overall impression was it warranted a 'Diff.'grading. We christened it 'Wee Butt'. At this stage it was 16:30 hours and the Stag Party was beginning at 19:00 so off we went for a feed and a wash.

Wee Butt (Diff.) 14m. Columba McLaughlin and Noel McLaughlin 2/9/00 About 10m to the right of 'Cracker' there is a small square-cut buttress. Climb the centre of the base to a small ledge below the main block. Step to the right and climb the arete.

Slán go fóill, Columba.