Five Weeks and Counting

The End of another Hot One

Redcar beach and steelworks

 Five weeks since we sailed back into Hull and it has been quite a summer - hot (really hot) and unrelentingly sunny. Apparently it hasn't been quite has hot as 1976, but it has come pretty close.
Climbing has always been in the shade, and on the limestone, it has been just to hot to contemplate climbing in the sun or on the Gritstone.
We have broken the time with trips up north to visit our respective mums and even had a three day break in Hull which was very pleasant, despite being the hottest place in the country. A bit of a sea breeze on days at Flamborough Head and Spurn Point made it bearable.

Zuri in the bird-house

Although it isn't even August yet thoughts have turned to the Autumn and what we might do. Current ideas are centring on maybe heading back to Switzerland initially, getting high to avoid the final heat of the summer. Then it could be onto Briançon, an area we have grown really fond of - quiet, high and with lots of good climbing - I am wondering if a Rockfax to the area might be a suitable project for next winter.

Back to Burning Blighty

Seven Deadly Virtues (E1 5b) Harpur Hill

After a couple of months in Switzerland we headed back to the UK. The weather in the Alps had been unseasonably cool and unsettled for the whole of our trip, although this may have been a blessing in disguise - climbing conditions were perfect and everywhere was lovely and quiet.
By complete contrast the weather in UK has been quite bizarre, unrelentingly hot, blue and dry. With temperatures regularly in the high twenties climbing has always involved seeking out shade.

Harpur Hill Blue Lagoon - looks inviting

Harpur Hill Quarry has been the crag of choice, usually it is a bit of a dismal spot, but with the sustained good weather the place is bone dry, and may routes are in excellent condition.
There has been a regular and large turn-out of the "Grumpies" - the group of retirees who climb every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. (Apparently I am too Grumpy to qualify for membership!!!)

Full team turn-out at Pic Tor, Matlock

I find it odd that we are away for 10 months, then when we call back we see the same people, meeting at the same (excellent) cafe, going to the same crags and often doing the same routes as a year ago, we will join in for the summer before we head off again  - though I may need to investigate a new car first!