North Wales weekend continued

Saturday
Despite the threatening inclement weather we thought we would venture onto some of the slate routes.  With the weather just about holding we eyed our chosen routes in Dali's Hole while also contemplating the wonderful friction afforded by the said rock. To be fair Dali's Hole is an excellent beginners venue with sport routes (bolted every 6-8 feet) from 3-6a+.  The walk in is also suited to the fat or lazy man which just about covered Ged and I (take your pick!), so a good choice for starters.  After flapjack we ventured down to the Collusus Area to try a 3 star arete called Horse Latitudes.  Since the publication of the new guide book this E3 5c has been very sportingly retro bolted so it’s around 6a+/6b.  However, with the dramatic backdrop, atmospheric conditions, and the bolts every 20 feet or so, this made for a very memorable sphincter twitching ascent

                              
Sunday
Getting into the Pass as early as possible to beat the car space hoggers we headed up to Dinas Mot.  The weather continued to be kind to us - just.  Climbing as a 3 was slightly awkward but we took off up Super Direct which as the name suggests takes a direct line up the main wall.  The climbing was fantastic and with the scenic views too - we all thought it was top notch.  A final note for prospective Ged partners. On multi pitch routes, before agreeing to Ged's suggestion of who takes what pitch - read the guide!

Steven McIntosh

Polish trip

The first 2 weeks in June saw Brian & I in Southern Poland. Our base was the Alpine ski resort of Zakopane in the Tatra Mountains, Poland's part of the Carpathians. We were blessed with hot weather, with temperatures in the high 30's and were out most days walking. However, our main objective had been to ascend from Kuznice by the cable car and walk along the high ridge from Kraspowy Wierch then to descend via the hut at Kondratowa and on to Zakopane.

 

As seems to be our luck on these outings, when we arrived at the cable car it was in bits- closed for major repairs, so we had to do it the hard way. The routes in the Tatra National Park are all accessed via gates where there is a small charge which helps to pay for conservation etc. All serious climbers must be accompanied by a guide, so I guess this area might not appeal to many of our club's climbers.

 

Anyway we walked up to the hut at Kondratowa then headed for Geiwont at 1895m. We had made it to 1700m when black clouds gathered and thunder began to echo around the mountains, so a tactical retreat was called for, and a return to our hotel where a swim, jacuzzi and sauna were waiting, not to mention a number of excellent Polish beers.

 

This is a good place for walkers and those who enjoy the great outdoors & we had a brilliant holiday.

Jean Harrison