
Back at Staple Edge with Mike and Tony. I was feeling confident until the plan was to repeat Tony's new E2 routes. E2 on Sandstone is something I haven't experienced and I was apprehensive about leading.
So I decided to gain confidence by seconding the routes while Tony lead them. Mike also seconding as he wasn't feeling strong enough to lead.
Burnt Mound actually took more head game than the E2?! Although we were doing a Tont finish, rather than the actual finish. Ended up below a well protected overhang, but I knew as soon as I removed the protection, if I slipped there would be a swing and potential for the rope to be damaged or cut.
This made me grip tighter and I struggled to keep the weight on my toes, even with straight arms. I made the move in the end, but was unable to climb/belay after I was lowered from the finish.
I've got to work on being aware of the risks, but not letting them have an negative effect on my climbing and/or psychological approach to climbing.
Area :
The Wye Valley, Monmouth, Gloucestershire and The Malverns
Includes Symonds Yat, Wintour's Leap, Shorn Cliff, Wynd Cliff, Windcliff Quarry and many other smaller crags.