Skating on thin ice

Today started the usual way with a guy from Sunderland playing music at the wrong end of the day.

Cliffy.

Off to lower gorge to see what's doin, lots of information regarding access, deep snow and difficult access. We set off up the road and parked opposite Knerten. Took the track down into the river bed and made a way through the snow to the centre of the river. This ended in a nice little river crossing incorporating a lunging jump to safe ground.

The Roxcool boys taking time out.

Now comes the fun, running water under the snow. Crossing time boys.

Just crossed over the snow bridge with the water running fast below. Had to jump in a star position to spread the weight, hit the other side like a plank. Rucksacks are over and cliffs got the go ahead to jump. Further than it looks, wouldn't want to fall in. We all make it over in good style, no wet feet. 

Nice landing cliff.

Ok, now the serious stuff,Let's get climbing. The day started at the right pace, straight in. Dean took the right side (Lillebror WI3) and I took the left side which was absolutely bombed out with snow, must have been at least two foot on the route. The route I took was left of (Lillebror WI3) sketchy route with deep powder snow and really shit placements, long run outs due to scrappy ice. All in all the route was amazing and I wouldn't have swapped it for the world.

Yep, it's deep. No snapseed enhancement here. It was a battle all the way. Having to cut the snow off in blocks and send it crashing down to john, oh well, happy belaying.

John climbed in great style on second, completely new style of climbing due to the snow cover on the route. Axe placements were not easy to find.

John going well on Hjemreisen WI4, got just past the yellow ice stacks and decided enough was enough. Real shame as john had done well to here, but lost confidence. Think this will be a lesson learnt as it was more arduous getting him off the route than just continuing on. Oh well alls good and this is how we all develop our skills, another tool in the tool box for john, just keep going.

Me trying to get the Daniel Du Lac look off the 4th page on Heavy Water. Obviously didn't work.

Dean heading off up a route (unknown WI4)to the right of Verdens Gang  in good style.

Ok, all done. Off to the Kondertori (cafe) for coffee un cake.

Cliff Lowther monster cake eater.

Finished for today, check in tomoz.