"Its getting late, I’m tiring fast and for a second I contemplate how easy it would be to simply relax, let go and allow myself to fall. But then a stubborn, competitive, sheer bloody-minded part of me yells an emphatic “NO!” that echoes inside my skull, and the tired, scared part cowers back to a dark corner of my soul. A fatalistic acceptance washes over me: if I fall then I fall – and it seems a distinct possibility - but it is NOT going to be because I wimped out and let go! The adrenaline surges. This is it: no half measures, all or nothing. If I don’t give it everything then I’m sure to fail....."....Hazel Robson (aka SecretSquirrel) climbs on!
In reply to Rosie A: Yep and she's also an ecologist. So apart from the ecologist box I cant tick any of the above - you're right Rosie - she should be banned!
Great article, it captures really well that feeling when you decide to go for it above your gear and with no great expectation of success. And the buzz afterwards...
Diamond Crack is a fight - and you've caught the essence of it beautifully. You also fought the good fight... and won! A glorious feeling. Thanks for sharing it with us,
If anyone asks me why i climb, i'll point them to this article... now we just need one that captures the adventure within the sport so briliantly as Miss squirrel's. Well done.
In reply to practicalcat:
I've climbed a a fair bit harder than that since but its one of the most memorable routes I've done.
I'm quite interested to see what i'd make of it if I climbed it now nearly a year later, might have to have another go next time i'm at Froggatt.
I think you've put into words what a lot of us (well me anyway) think, when those fingers start to unravel, as the prospect of a fall looms closer extremely well.
In reply to SecretSquirrel: Very nice feature, I've sent it to Jo who led that route about 5 years ago with more or less exactly the same experience (and result!). She was still fizzing when she brought me up on second!
In reply to willhunt:
ahem - novice, thank you very much!
I'd only been climbing trad for about 3 months when I did that route. :0)
But I did write it because I'd posted in a discussion that it'd be nice to see more articles about the "ordinary folk" as well as those at the top of the game and thought i'd better put my money where my mouth was, so to speak.
In reply to SecretSquirrel: Good for you, really enjoyed reading the article. I post about my escapades on a bloggy type site. Dont think theyre as grand as whats usually on here.
Fri Night Vid Finding Focus - Life Behind The Lens of a Climbing Photographer
This week's Friday Night Video is a portrait of a prolific climbing photographer from Wedge Climbing. Sam Pratt is well known in both the outdoor and competition scene but if you haven't heard of him, you've likely seen...