liensiwel
After discovering that I loved climbing in my 20s (the 1990's) I left the scene when I hit 30 as it dawned on me that I probably needed to establish a career and earn some money, etc. Now that I've got that bit sort-of sorted, it's been lovely to return and discover that people and places are pretty much as I remember them (apart from the fact that many climbers now carry half a dozen bouldering mats to the crag). Climbers are still climbers and the cliff still doesn't give a damn if I get up it or not. Sweet. Looking back, I wished I'd never left. But hey ho, I've got a second chance... And I get to share it all with my wife. Hopefully, my body will stay intact enough to still be able to lead Severe at 70.Location
Shropshire
Best Climbing Experience
There's been quite a few, but in the present: Introducing my wife to climbing has been a JOY, particularly discovering gneiss and north west Scotland together. There's enough here to do us for the rest of our lives. Evey trip feels like a honeymoon. From the 1990s: climbing Cioch Nose at Applecross with Lloyd, with whom I ticked off so many 'classic rock' routes, was particularly memorable. Nigh on every climb with Dusty K. was a glorious adventure of 'shall we give it a go?... and just see....?' We did Diagonal on the Mot during a blustery November day, and it's permanently etched in my heart, as is the exposed final pitch of Kipling Groove; while our winter exploits in Scotland and the Black Ladders of the Carneddau still give arthritic memories! On a personal note, on-sighting The Padder at Eastby was my hardest lead. To date. And we've now just discovered slate... Bold slab climbing is still my thing.
Favourite Climbing-Related Discussion Topic
Trad... aka keeping climbing and the mountain / cliff environment adventurous.
Recent Postings
Interests Outside Climbing
walking, nature.
I've voted for 300 photos, average vote 4.2.
(40% superb - 42% good - 14% average - 2% poor - 0% rubbish)