Malham Trip 4/05/15



My "Try Hard" face..

I love bank holidays- I get to go climbing at Malham❤️



On Monday the 4th my Mum, Dad and I went to Malham for a nice day out climbing in the sunshine. We walked to the crag and got up to the catwalk, it was pretty busy but I knew what I was going to warm up on and the routes I was going to try. We set up camp by seventh aardvark and I got my harness, chalk bag, quick draws and boots.
Seventh aardvark is 7b and a brilliant route with a technical start and a crimpy, powerful top. When I got to the flake about two clips up I realised "the flake is wet.." wiping my hand on my trousers I carried on. It had been a while since I had been on the route so I ended up having to work out the move sequences all over again. I really enjoyed working the route as I like the precision you have to use just to place your foot and also the fact you have to find the holds yourself. 



Clipping the chain on Seventh Aardvark

To warm up I dogged seventh aardvark, putting the clips up for my redpoint attempt. Once I got down I sat for a while and decided to go up it once more on a top rope before I had my lead attempt. I did it clean on top rope so decided I was confident enough to do it on lead.
I had the first clip done (so I didn't take me and my Dad off the edge of the catwalk if I came off before the first clip) and got to the flake feeling strong. I chalked up and then moved onto the technical, crimpy and powerful top half. I made a move off a sharp crimp going up to a slight edge then out to a side-pull and getting the okay top hold, I clipped and then came down with a smile from ear to ear😄

Something Stupid, 7b

 

At the top of Something Stupid:)

I then moved over to the base of Something Stupid, 7b. I had never been on this route so was excited to have a go, I was unsure on the holds and moves so decided I would just go up and put the clips in and finding out where the holds were. I rested 3 clips up and found a good foot hold. I set off and finished the route, clipping the chain then coming down, I then went straight back up on a top-rope to see where I would clip from and to make sure I had all the moves using the right footholds.
I had a rest, some water and a bit of my sandwich and was then ready to go for it. I got through the starting sequence then made quite a big move, I locked out to a pinch then to an undercut. I then got a good but small crimp, clipped the chain from there got a small pocket then came down, yet again with a huge smile on my face:))

 

It was a great day and I loved being able to get out on some real rock as it is a nice change☺️
 

A beautiful day for Malham!

I might have to try something harder next time!





Demoing at the YCS final

It was the YCS final on the 25th April and I was asked if I could demo the routes for the competitors on the day so that they could have an idea on how the route was meant to be climbed. 

I arrived late on the Friday night so had no chance to see the routes. On the Saturday morning my Dad and I drove from the hotel to Ratho ready for the judges briefing as my dad was helping out with the comp. I had a look at Youth E girls routes (that was the category I was demoing) - they looked fun! I was determined to give my best effort at demoing the routes as they would climb them so it would be easier for them to see the moves. 

Once the comp was up and running I found the first group I would be demoing for and got ready for the first climb. The route was interesting with lots of different moves in it, I clearly held the top hold and came down. I then sat with the girls while they had their turn on the route. I demoed the route again for the other half of E girls, trying to emphasise the way to do the moves. The day moved slowly however it worked well. The next two routes were lovely routes that I'm glad I got the chance to climb! 

The presentation was next and then it was over. Well done to everyone that competed! 

The following day I went back to try all the routes I didn't get the opportunity to have a go on the day before. I got stuck in and loved all the routes I tried😊 

Thanks for reading it☺️