Sheep Fold Bouldering, Ogwen Vally

Loved this problem, absolute class. Slopers, crimps, heel hooks, rock overs, even dynamic throws- all in the space of 12ft of climbing. If you don't love climbing this- you don't love climbing!

Bouldering at Devils gorge

Bit of bouldering 10 mins walk from my door- and no- I can't do most of these.... yet..... (but I'll be doing the V6, and working the V9 though- what a spectacular climb!...)

North Wales in March

Snowdon- at it's atmospheric best- a magnificent mountain.

(I know this one is similar to the one above- but it's slightly different- and I like it too)

Norwegian marathon runner and former work collegue Silje cracks on a blistering pace up the Pyg track on Snowdon. Ice and frozen hail make for treacherous conditions, one slip and
it's a long way down...

worse ways to spend your birthday than with friends in a beautiful place like this...

Another session on Elephantitis, Llyn Gwynant- still no success- but still an amazing place to spend a day- no complaints

Sunset from my parents balcony- no photoshopping required

My Spanish friends- what a gang- so good to see you all- and so happy- I hope Jesus, Pili and Rotheo are happy again soon after their loss- my thoughts are with you.

What?! Me? In a club?! I've spent more nights in a sleeping bag under a cliff in the last few years than in a club- but I have to admit it- I had loads of fun ;¬)

Lee makes his way carefully down the icy path to the bouldering in Angel Bay near Llandudno

Chris Doyle and his mate showing just how hard the classic V6 boulder problem "The Limpet" is... A great looking problem- I vow to return when it's warm enough I can feel my fingers- and dry enough that they will grip the rock.

Llyn Gwynant bouldering

Lyn Gwynant, at the foot of Snowdon horseshoe

North Wales classic V6- Elephantitis

Yes- that crimp is that small, and on that steep problem and does hurt.

View from the boulder problem

Lee tackles the same problem


Sunset, over one of the most beautiful places I've ever climbed

Recently

Dinbren, climbing until it's dark, a summer evening's climbing at it's best

Climbing at it's worst: a climber is injured by a rock fall, and rescued by helicopter (the climber's ok-and making a full recovery- no serious injuries)

Some graphic flower shots from Trevor Hall today

The Splodge has landed!

Daisy Mae Chambres

Ben:
"It's a Girl - Daisy Mae arrived on Saturday evening 7:15pm weighing 8lb 11.5oz happy and healthy she and Jules are fine. It was a bit of a DIY job she was born in the bathroom at home and I was the midwife!!!! I haven't stopped laughing about it! "

Congratulations guys!! see you very soon!
Love y'all
big hugs and kisses!

Welcome to the world....

Johanna Kümmel

05.05.2007, 23.18 uhr
53 cm, 3560 g

All my love to Christian, Babs, Laura, and of course Johanna.
:¬)

(Ben n Jules- you're next!)

Viva Catalunya!

Ricard and I head to his home in Catalunya for the most intensive climbing trip I've ever had- about 1600ft of climbing, 18 routes, in 3 1/2 days. Climbed with David and Olga whilst there, meeting up with quite a few familiar faces from friends who visited them in Chester too. I had a lot of fun :¬)

(coloured text are links to videos)

Day 1: Siurana
(Sector La Siuranella)

Below: enlarge the photo, and spot the climbers in the middle- this is one BIG cliff..

2 French Mountain guides were trying this 7c+ route all day- they tried VERY hard

Day 2: Margalef

First view of the stunning conglomerate rock of Margalef

David Climbs

Below: No trick photography- there is a route accross this 40m (130ft) overhang- 8c+ apparently...

Below: Ricard climbs what was one of the finest routes all weekend, an incredible 6b+

Olga pleased as punch to have made the best progress on this 6b+ that she's ever made

Ricard and I climb this fantastic 7a

Day 3: La Mussarra
(Sector TV crags)

Another handful of long, very high quality routes- glad I had a 70 meter rope for this trip- most routes were 30 meters+. View from the top of the crag here was incredible- you can apparently see the Balearics on a clear day.

Below: Monastero De Poblet: 5 mins from Ricardo, David and Olga's home town of L'Espluga De Francoli

Day 4: La Riba
(Sector La Directa)

Still had time for three 3 star routes on this incredible crag before eating our lunch by the river and heading back to the UK (and rain).

What an incredible trip- so many thanks to Olga, Ricardo, David, their family (for making me so welcome, letting us run around in their car, and running us to the airport, and giving us food and drink and a place to sleep). - I miss, and will miss my Spanish friends so much. In fact so much, that I'm already planning my next visit- I hope you're ready ;¬)

May Bank Holiday

Bank Holiday weekend in South Wales with Ricardo, Lee and Paul

Witches Point

End of a beautiful day with 3 star climbs on less-than-inspiring looking crag

Sunday: Oxwich turned out to be another crag with some great routes- beautiful location:

Oh dear, not the best start to Monday, but somehow Lee stayed positive, and found us a superb crag to climb on: Dinas:

Lee's best impression of Jesus.


Lee's "climbing super power"- the ability to bridge onto the neighbouring crag

Ricard tries the same route

Paul powers through with a clean ascent.


All in all a great trip- and the area definitely warrants another visit.