Wednesday 1 August 2012

Best of Ness

When I first visited Nesscliffe two years ago it blew me away. The hardest thing I did was an E1 solo and a 6b boulder, at that time it was a great day. I've been back twice since and both times I've felt that familiar euphoria whilst staring up at the collossal lines.

Having done the classic Dixon arete, My Piano last time this trip was to be focused on more volume. We got straight on the unique corner of Tombola and after a few goes on TR me and dad both led it smoothly. I may post a bad video of this ascent at some point, keep posted on Vimeo...

We again met up with the Nesscliffe locals Patricia Novelli and Jonathon Cain who had rigged ropes above several routes. I noticed a rope above another potential target, Gathering Sun. This route climbs an immaculate wall of sandstone on adequate gear with a hard 6b crux at the very top. After doing it on a rope and finding enough gear I led it, but not without several shakey moments, including jumping to the top of the crag! The route used to be E8 but has now settled at E7 and along with Tombola and My Piano it provides yet another three star experience!

Another Nesscliffe local Phil Black filmed my ascent and the video is here-

https://vimeo.com/46705178

Too finish the day I made a shakey flash of the E5 Cones and Currents and Dad onsighted Trouble in ToyTown.

Personally this day was up there with the best, Nesscliffe is my perfect crag.

Boothy's mega route Local Rite, Une Jeune and perhaps a look at Nick's E9 will make sure I return soon!

Lee, Ciao.