rginns blog

So last week I didn't manage to get to the Wiltons, but I did get to Brownstones a couple of times,again before work or at lunchtime. It's been ages since I've been here and last time I was here I had a really good session ticking the old circuit of easy problems. During that visit however I did get spat out by Verdigris (6a+/b), a problem in the Two step area that is typical Lancashire climbing: a dynamic start,with a crimpy high step to finish. This annoyed me, and I wanted to get the problem on video anyway, so I headed down with this in mind. I was pretty pleased to get it second go, and it felt pretty easy, which was promising. When I originally climbed it about 5 years ago, it was about as hard a problem as I thought I'd be likely to climb here, but recent psyche has made me believe I can climb a lot harder than this. When it comes down to it, so much of what gets done in life comes purely down to belief. If you want it badly enough you'll find a way of get

The last two weeks weather has been fantastic, very warm even early in the morning, which has meant I've been super keen to try and get out climbing as much as possible without disturbing the normal routine. This has been challenging especially with a new baby in the household. The best plan of attack has been to get out in the morning, I can normally get an hour before work, and if I'm focussed I can normally get a bit done. I've been out before work 3 or 4 times in the last couple of weeks and sometimes half an hour at lunchtime. I've been working my way through plenty of easy problems in the Wiltons, and there are some really good ones even if you do feel a little strange bouldering on a 20m tall crag... Amongst others, I've managed to tick the following (W1)Horrobix 6a, Horror arete 6a, Remembarete 6a, Pocket Wall 6a+, Break Dyno 6a, Big Frenchie 5, Leading Question 6a, (W2) Bish Bash Bosh 5, Wam Bam 5, The Urkling 6a, Iron Orchid 5, (W3) Final walls 1 5+,

I think I'll try to keep this blog a little more up to date than I have been doing, especially as I seem to be getting out a little more than normal. 3 weeks ago our beautiful baby girl arrived, 2 weeks earlier than expected but otherwise healthy, so time looks like it'll be pretty constrained for a while, which gives an extra impetus to get on the board for late night/early morning sessions. I got out with Taff to Cadshaw small quarry about a week after she was born for a couple of hours. We climbed 7 or 8 problems up to 5c before being out-gunned by midges and after a brief look at Brian Jacques we ran away. Unfortunately a crucial (for me) foothold has been broken on this problem and it now feels a lot harder than it did although I may just need to man up... I may sack it off as something I want to do, but it needs a closer look before I decide I think. It's a proper midge fest up there right now, but the river blocks also need to be looked at as I think there have bee