After a late night out, Anna and I made a slow start, but finally headed to Grange to meet Martin. We headed up to Black Crag, but just as we got to the gate leaving the track, the rain started. It had been warm in the sun, so we pressed on and the shower soon passed.
The crag was fairly busy, so we plumped for Troutdale Pinnacle Direct, which was free. There was still a bit of knitting higher up as we met a pair on Troutdale Pinnacle.

Ian on the 5b crack start

Martin on pitch 1

Ian on pitch 3

Anna on the final pitch

Halfway up we were buzzed by the RAF, but they weren’t there for us; they headed just up the valley to meet the MRT who were attending a accident. We watched as they winched the victim from the valley floor and sped away towards Keswick.

The RAF move into position down the valley

The stretcher is pulled aboard

The climbing and rock was great after the sandstone of a couple of weeks ago. Even when the sun disappeared and we got quite chilly, it didn’t detract from the day. Mind you it did cause us to head straight to the cafe.

The boys....... ready for cake!!

The cafe was busier than the crag!! Keith and Fiona arrived , and soon after, Zac (just back from Cho Oyu) and Sarah turned up. We tucked into tea and cake, but forgot to take a photo, so when I got home I had more cake, just so I could take a piccy.

Anna's homemade courgette fruit square with cream cheese icing.. YUM!