The weather forecast for Saturday was a bit uncertain so we decided to stay away from the Cumbrian fells and head to the close by Trowbarrow Quarry just inside Lancashire. We went straight over to the classic Cracked Actor (E2), it’s a long sustained pitch and my arms and fingers felt the strain!
Richard turned up a little later and got stuck in to the other quarry classic, Jean Jeanie (VS).
Luckily for Richard I was still on top of the crag taking photos when a massive rain storm arrived. A quick top-rope was organised and shortly afterwards four drowned rats left the quarry to dry-off and warm-up at Leighton Moss cafe.
(Sorry no cake pictures. 😳 )
Saturday evening was the annual Gurning competition at the Eagle and Child. The event is accompanied by a beer festival. 😛
The winners:
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Sunday’s forecast was a little drier but colder. So we chose Shepherds Crag as a valley option with short routes, allowing us to retreat to the cafe to warm up…
…and at the cafe, warming up! :yum:
That evening Richard and Rachel joined us – they’d been fell-running Saturday and had got soaked and frozen on top of Helvellyn. 😮
Laetitia wanted to borrow a lightweight backpacking tent, we sampled several options in the backyard.
On bank holiday Monday we met up with Anna & Ian in Chapel Stile, our destination was Raven Crag for some classic moderate rock climbing.
Unfortunately as Laetitia was climbing the crux moves of Odin the rain came back! :angry: After some hurried retreating, followed by abseiling and gear retrieval activities, we decided it was time for the third cafe of the bank holiday weekend; Chesters at Skelwith Bridge.
Too bad we missed the cake. And the gurning! Thanks for the hospitality on sunday night! :star:
I see from the tent shot that the tree is no more. What is the planned alternative?
We’ve planted a little damson tree, so hopefully we will be enjoying damson gin in years to come :yum:
Sorry I missed the chance to pitch my lightweight backpacking tent – which has never been backpacking and has only experienced rain once.