Wednesday, May 3, 2000 Anthony Feeney
Pete Smith, Donna Ryan, Alan + Andy Tees and myself Anthony Feeney ( + Micky Stick + Colm Stronginth'arm ) all gathered at the Culmore layby around 6 pm with Pete muttering about timekeeping and the disappearing daylight.
We set off in two cars to Glengad, with neither car breaking any speed limit to get there. (German Autobahn speed limits that is). The weather was great with not a cloud in sight, in total contrast to the previous week's climb at Belshade (see report). A quick march over the heather and we were at the rock. Pete, Andy and myself sweated and swore over Claw Hammer (VS) with plenty of blood spilled on the way up. Alan lay back and took lots of photos - not necessarily of us though.
Alan and Donna clambered up a Severe to the right of us. I can't remember the name even though I was to lead it later (ed's note - Catherine D). It was my first outdoor lead - you'd think I'd remember it! Duh!
Anyway after that we tried the technical bouldering route Raw Hands (VS). Took a while getting the move with Andy leading and Pete and myself following but all three climbing it differently! Raw Hands was true to its name and more blood was spilled.
Meanwhile Alan and Donna went to the other face for a crack at Salty Dog (Severe). Andy followed them up it while Pete coached me up my lead of that (as yet nameless) Severe. Pete and I then moved on to Salty Dog to wrap up the evening (which was fading fast) with Pete putting in every bit of gear he could. I though at one stage I would be climbing it in darkness!
Anyway, great evenings climbing and the waens enjoyed it so much they promptly fell asleep on the way home. By the way Pete - Colm says he was making African statues just like on the telly when he was banging that big rock with the little sharp one! (Note from Pete - You could have fooled me, with the echoes in that corner I was climbing, it sounded like someone was trying to demolish the crag!)