Weekend in the lakes

[Julie Proctor]

What amazing weather we had for our long overdue weekend in the Lakes! ` Little Chamonix` was our goal and after waiting for the Autumn sunshine to warm the wind chilled rocks we set off en route. The first pitch proved quite daunting to me and much harder than it looked since some of the rocks were worn quite smooth in places. At the back of my mind I was trying to picture the tricky move yet to come and was feeling a little worried and rather shaky. The description in the guide book certainly didn`t fill me with confidence. I did think the first part would be much easier than this and dreaded the final pitch. Surely Geoff wouldn`t lead me up something I couldn`t handle??

Geoff fastened me securely to the rocks and set off to face the dreaded move! one thing was certain.........soon there would come a point where there would be no going back!! Even Geoff seemed a little uneasy which unnerved me even more.........especially when I could no longer see him and simply heard him say.......` Don`t talk to me now...........` Oh dear, I thought to myself and made myself more secure against the rock...........Better brace myself! .........Phew! He was ok. Thank goodness. The rest must be easy now I thought but.............there were far too many long pauses for my liking (unless he was having a rest). Perhaps it isn`t so easy after `the move`. I began to prepare myself for what was to come.......Oh dear. Can`t wimp out. Finally............he reached the top! Phew! But not really coz it was my turn now.

I set off rather shakily and soon reached it.....the dreaded move ...............!!!!!!! And I`m supposed to sit on that rock?? It doesn`t feel right!! Such a long way down!!! Gulp! Only one thing for it...........make the move quickly then it`ll be done! Ok then......feet across......stretched out and..........Wow! Not as bad as I thought. It worked! Gasp!

But........as you all know that was not the end......there was more to come........real scarey stuff!!!!!!!!!!! Well, I just had to go for it........even though it didn`t feel right straddled across that jagged ridge with a long way between me and terra firma..........The moves were actually quite easy.........It was just so high up and so awkward! Finally after a few puffs n groans and a few too many more expletives

I reached safety! Phew.........that certainly was my hardest climb to date!.

[Rick Riding]

Nice one! As Derek has said there are plenty more classics out there...and they will start to feel easier. Good Effort.

[Derek Kenyon]

Keen as musturd, keep it up there's plenty more to wet your appetite.