A full day of multi-activity goodness today in some lovely October sunshine…

The day started with a beautiful drive along the coast as we headed into the sunrise, while a rolling mist flowed out of the Conwy Estuary. As the day brightened (and warmed!) up, I spent a magical morning floating around the lake teaching some expedition skills to a group of canoe students. When conditions are this good, it’s very hard not to be having a great time!

Later on, I met Clare to go and check out a climb that had been recently bolted, to see what it was like and if it would be good to take students on. It started off well, with a god first pitch and nice stance.

The rock is very angular and in places incredibly sharp. The second (top) belay was placed very strangely, with two bolts but a long way back and far apart. I rigged things so I could still see Clare and signalled for her to climb. This is when the drama started…

As Clare moved up from the belay, the ledge she was standing on collapsed beneath her and she suddenly grabbed the rock to hold on. Unfortunately this was at one of the very sharp edges, and after the shock of the unexpected drop, she looked down to fine blood dripping from her fingers! Some rapid first aid was self applied and the climb was easy enough for her to join me one handed. We beat a hasty retreat as the light began to fade, but in the way home stopped off at the beach to sit on the wall and watch the colours change into a stunning sunset. A full day out..