tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28253933752640820272024-03-13T01:14:27.031+00:00Climbing ToolsBlog for the North East climbing rabble!Andy Moirhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10666943934016555421noreply@blogger.comBlogger33125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2825393375264082027.post-10460386976128893322010-12-27T20:35:00.004+00:002010-12-27T20:44:45.048+00:00Snow in the States! - December 2010<div style="text-align: justify;">Over state side in New Jersey for a few weeks visiting family for Christmas and New Year. Elbow's still giving me jip so hoping being miles away from Scotland and the Lakes will take the ice conditions out of my mind!</div><div style="text-align: justify;">A big snowstorm blew through last night leaving about 6" of snow here but much more further east and in the centre of New York. Ventured out today and it was freezing cold but lovely blue skies and sunny - too cold to go running though (what a shame!).</div>Andy Moirhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10666943934016555421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2825393375264082027.post-80073691079745436032010-11-14T22:14:00.003+00:002010-11-14T22:20:58.144+00:00Mark Savage - Blog site!<div style="text-align: justify;">Mark Savage has finally got his blog site on line. Check it out for some fantastic shots of climbers on the rocks of Northumberland and updates on how his book on climbing in Northumberland is coming along.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://www.marksavagephotography.blogspot.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;">Mark Savage Photography</span></a>.</div>Andy Moirhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10666943934016555421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2825393375264082027.post-74969030265853712232010-11-14T22:04:00.002+00:002010-11-14T22:12:56.969+00:00Injuries!!<div style="text-align: justify;">Back on the physio bench again :o(</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Left elbow is back to its usual gammy state! Bit of a bugger as I'm pretty psyched on the climbing again after a bit of a low spell, so looks like I'm going to miss out on a bit of the winter bouldering and the start of the winter season. Already missed out on the majority of the Tooling comps north of the border but Steve Lynch is keeping up the side for the North East squad - 5 wins out of 5 so a cracking result! Check out the results so far on the <a href="http://www.scottishtoolingseries.co.uk/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;">Scottish Tooling website</span></a>.</div>Andy Moirhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10666943934016555421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2825393375264082027.post-59762951015061628162010-11-14T21:44:00.003+00:002010-11-14T22:19:09.297+00:00What's gone on for the rest of the year?!?<div style="text-align: justify;">Been really slack in not updating the blog site for ages!! What's gone on since the last installment:-</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Skiing in Italy at Easter.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">A little bit of rock climbing in the UK</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Climbing trip to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Mallorca</span> October half term.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Steve has been getting out a fair bit, check out <a href="http://www.steve-lynch.blogspot.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;">Mixed Picks</span></a> for <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">details</span>.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Nathan's been on the injury bench for the last few months, hopefully back into training soon!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">More updates on the way.........</div>Andy Moirhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10666943934016555421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2825393375264082027.post-50118220128116811352010-03-15T10:47:00.003+00:002010-03-15T11:02:34.637+00:00Tooling at The Cove - Saturday 13th MarchHeaded down to the cove for an early morning training session with Ali, Alan, Nathan and Lucie. It was a beautiful morning, nice in the sun but chilly in the shade!<div>Aimed for the normal area as the tide was on the turn and we didn't fancy getting trapped in the 'Burl Cave'. Good session but I was tired from the comp at <a href="http://www.climbnewcastle.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3366FF;">Climb Newcastle</span></a> the night before.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><object width="400" height="300"><param name="allowfullscreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><param name="movie" value="http://vimeo.com/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=10172246&server=vimeo.com&show_title=1&show_byline=1&show_portrait=0&color=&fullscreen=1"><embed src="http://vimeo.com/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=10172246&server=vimeo.com&show_title=1&show_byline=1&show_portrait=0&color=&fullscreen=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" width="400" height="300"></embed></object><p><a href="http://vimeo.com/10172246">The Cove - Nathan Fires 'Warm-Up Traverse'</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/user2830829">Andy Moir</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.</p><p><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Jn8asJtgM7Y/S54Stklj-lI/AAAAAAAAAIo/y4V07HABz_Y/s1600-h/P1010675.jpg"><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Jn8asJtgM7Y/S54Stklj-lI/AAAAAAAAAIo/y4V07HABz_Y/s200/P1010675.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5448813173289515602" style="cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px; " /></a></p><p>Alan pulling on the steep!</p><p><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Jn8asJtgM7Y/S54TZOFAMhI/AAAAAAAAAIw/79mPF4ZImMc/s1600-h/P1010683.JPG"><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Jn8asJtgM7Y/S54TZOFAMhI/AAAAAAAAAIw/79mPF4ZImMc/s200/P1010683.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5448813923161616914" style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px; " /></a></p><p>Ali on the 'Warm-Up' traverse</p>Andy Moirhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10666943934016555421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2825393375264082027.post-61365564046039883222010-03-09T10:06:00.002+00:002010-03-15T08:40:16.468+00:00Skiing at Nevis Range - 6th & 7th March<div style="text-align: justify;">Decided on a weekend on the slopes as a change from the climbing. The conditions were great so it made sense to grab the conditions while they were there!</div><div style="text-align: justify;">It was a weekend of two halves it terms of the weather, Saturday was hot and sunny while Sunday was cloudy and cold.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Jn8asJtgM7Y/S53x9lWJOeI/AAAAAAAAAIg/f90eJaeMYGI/s1600-h/P1010657.JPG"><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Jn8asJtgM7Y/S53x9lWJOeI/AAAAAAAAAIg/f90eJaeMYGI/s200/P1010657.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5448777164487473634" style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Ali on the sunny slopes!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div>Andy Moirhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10666943934016555421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2825393375264082027.post-46845381475884975032010-03-09T08:49:00.016+00:002010-03-15T08:27:00.325+00:00The Lakes - 27th & 28th FebruaryOpted for a weekend of climbing in the lakes for a change as the conditions were so much better than Scotland.<div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">On Saturday Nathan, <a href="http://www.steve-lynch.blogspot.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3366FF;">Steve Lynch</span></a>, Wilkie and I headed to Dove Crag to climb a route Steve had been wanting to tick for ages. Inaccessible Gully (V, 5) was there but in the warm sunshine it was really running! Steve and Wilkie set off first with Nathan and I following behind, dodging the lumps of ice.</div><div><div style="text-align: justify;">The ice was pretty detached on the first section which made it exciting even on the 'blunt' end of the rope!! The second pitch gave great (and strenuous!!) mixed/tooling moves round the big chock stone. Fantastic route! </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Jn8asJtgM7Y/S5YVCfhSMiI/AAAAAAAAAH4/fnWixie8KIs/s1600-h/P1010520.jpg"><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Jn8asJtgM7Y/S5YVCfhSMiI/AAAAAAAAAH4/fnWixie8KIs/s200/P1010520.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446563931916218914" style="cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Inaccessible Gully</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Jn8asJtgM7Y/S5YV9JPfaSI/AAAAAAAAAIA/xPatK03U_Vs/s1600-h/P1010531.jpg"><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Jn8asJtgM7Y/S5YV9JPfaSI/AAAAAAAAAIA/xPatK03U_Vs/s200/P1010531.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446564939548289314" style="cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Steve Lynch on the detached ice on pitch 1</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Sunday saw us heading to Dove Crag in Grassmoor, the aim was Dove Crag Gully (IV/V, 4). Nathan was climbing with Steve Hartland (AKA The Machine). Steve Lynch and I climbed with Steve Roberts from The Mountain Boot Company out for his first route of the season.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">It was really busy with plenty of teams on and vying for the same route. Amazing ice and a great weekend out with the team!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Jn8asJtgM7Y/S5YYfeidLYI/AAAAAAAAAIY/JCxjq3qA8yQ/s1600-h/P1010616.jpg"><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Jn8asJtgM7Y/S5YYfeidLYI/AAAAAAAAAIY/JCxjq3qA8yQ/s200/P1010616.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446567728403787138" style="cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The Machine on the first pitch</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Jn8asJtgM7Y/S5YXBoe9FQI/AAAAAAAAAII/UfVDLCbFs2Y/s1600-h/P1010542.JPG"><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Jn8asJtgM7Y/S5YXBoe9FQI/AAAAAAAAAII/UfVDLCbFs2Y/s200/P1010542.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446566116165752066" style="cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Steve Lynch on the steep ice of pitch 2</div></div>Andy Moirhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10666943934016555421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2825393375264082027.post-51952693754920402932010-03-09T08:09:00.006+00:002010-03-09T08:48:30.175+00:00The Ben - 20th & 21st Februaury.Headed back up to the Ben again on a beautifully clear Saturday. It was a later start than planned due to a late arrival Friday night, so thought Waterfall Gully might be a feasible option as it was reported to be in condition.<br /><div style="text-align: justify;">As it turned out it wasn't in condition from what I could see so we had a pottering day on the CIC Ice Falls. It was really busy with climbers on most lines. Bumped in to a few friends on the ice today, <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;"><a href="http://kevshieldsclimbing.blogspot.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;">Kev Shields</span></a> </span>who is still trying to recover from broken bone in his foot, and Gaz who was up from Manchester for a week in the hills.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Sunday ended up as a really steady day pottering down at Glenfinnan. It was another beautiful day, really wished we'd headed up to the ski area for the day. Next time maybe!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Jn8asJtgM7Y/S5YIA0RAylI/AAAAAAAAAHo/BT5rPpKdpaI/s1600-h/P1010471.jpg"><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Jn8asJtgM7Y/S5YIA0RAylI/AAAAAAAAAHo/BT5rPpKdpaI/s200/P1010471.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446549609474214482" style="cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">CIC Ice Fall</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Jn8asJtgM7Y/S5YJgBqDfkI/AAAAAAAAAHw/LWj_ccTRBZg/s1600-h/P1010511.JPG"><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Jn8asJtgM7Y/S5YJgBqDfkI/AAAAAAAAAHw/LWj_ccTRBZg/s200/P1010511.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446551245156482626" style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">View down Loch Shiel</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div>Andy Moirhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10666943934016555421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2825393375264082027.post-10627410406205745802010-02-15T22:11:00.008+00:002010-03-09T08:46:50.077+00:00Creag Meagaidh - 14th FebruaryAfter the day on the Ben, Ali and I grabbed some dinner in the fort then headed round to Laggan to meet up with Kieron, Ross, Nathan and Steve at the hotel for a beer before heading to the car park and a semi comfy night sleeping in the car. Nathan and Steve were up and away for 6am, headed for Pumpkin. Check out Steve's blog <a href="http://www.steve-lynch.blogspot.com/">'Mixed Picks'</a> for pics of their day! Kieron and Ross had a slightly later start and headed towards Staghorn again to climb the cascade on the left wall of the gully. Ali and I were tired from yesterday on the Ben and were pretty uninspired by the wet morning weather, so opted for a leisurely breakfast and steady walk to stretch out those aching legs!<br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Jn8asJtgM7Y/S3nJjBSdw6I/AAAAAAAAAHY/huCCUGLMpdo/s1600-h/P1010451.JPG"><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Jn8asJtgM7Y/S3nJjBSdw6I/AAAAAAAAAHY/huCCUGLMpdo/s200/P1010451.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438599628505072546" style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Breakfast time!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Jn8asJtgM7Y/S3nKQ1bS0fI/AAAAAAAAAHg/esedXjKLbCE/s1600-h/P1010452.JPG"><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Jn8asJtgM7Y/S3nKQ1bS0fI/AAAAAAAAAHg/esedXjKLbCE/s200/P1010452.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438600415594861042" style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Strange lichens on the trees in the woods of Creag Meagaidh</div>Andy Moirhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10666943934016555421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2825393375264082027.post-86182529151408103012010-02-15T21:44:00.006+00:002010-02-15T22:32:52.696+00:00Ben Nevis - 13th FebruaryA semi early start saw Ali and I setting off from the north face car park at 7.30am in crisp conditions. An hour and a half later and we were having a brew at the CIC eying up the days objective. We opted for Comb Gully and set off following a string of climbers heading towards number three gully buttress (and ultimately Comb!). The queue in the gully led us to continue up Number Two to have a look at Comb Gully Buttress but the snow condition dictated continuing up Number Two and topping out on the plateau into a freezing wind via an unconsolidated cornice exit. Half the descent was in thick cloud cover, finally clearing at the bottom of the red burn.<br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Jn8asJtgM7Y/S3nEhDisdLI/AAAAAAAAAHA/FKAO2A4KDqo/s1600-h/P1010427.JPG"><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Jn8asJtgM7Y/S3nEhDisdLI/AAAAAAAAAHA/FKAO2A4KDqo/s200/P1010427.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438594097192137906" style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">View up to Number Three Gully Buttress</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Jn8asJtgM7Y/S3nFd3dam_I/AAAAAAAAAHI/wnAjm4DS-jY/s1600-h/P1010434.jpg"><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Jn8asJtgM7Y/S3nFd3dam_I/AAAAAAAAAHI/wnAjm4DS-jY/s200/P1010434.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438595141920791538" style="cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Ice formations in Number Two Gully</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Jn8asJtgM7Y/S3nGGF4YJTI/AAAAAAAAAHQ/gB2jVHWHDIg/s1600-h/P1010437.JPG"><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Jn8asJtgM7Y/S3nGGF4YJTI/AAAAAAAAAHQ/gB2jVHWHDIg/s200/P1010437.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438595832986740018" style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Ali topping out!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div>Andy Moirhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10666943934016555421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2825393375264082027.post-38688281325843071482010-02-07T20:51:00.005+00:002010-02-15T22:33:07.660+00:00Tooling at the Cove - 6th February<div style="text-align: justify;">Went for a quick tooling session at the cove with Nathan on Saturday afternoon in leu of any winter action. It was a rude awakening back on the axes after quite a while away from the cove!</div><div style="text-align: justify;">We started at the standard traverse for a warm up then headed over to the burl cave for a couple of burns on the problems there. Will have to get some gas lanterns so I can keep up the training through the week.</div><div><br /></div><div>Check out Nathan in action!</div><div><br /></div><object width="400" height="300"><param name="allowfullscreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><param name="movie" value="http://vimeo.com/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=9269240&server=vimeo.com&show_title=1&show_byline=1&show_portrait=0&color=&fullscreen=1"><embed src="http://vimeo.com/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=9269240&server=vimeo.com&show_title=1&show_byline=1&show_portrait=0&color=&fullscreen=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" width="400" height="300"></embed></object><p><a href="http://vimeo.com/9269240">Nathan Tooling at the Cove</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/user2830829">Andy Moir</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.</p><br /><object width="400" height="300"><param name="allowfullscreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><param name="movie" value="http://vimeo.com/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=9277434&server=vimeo.com&show_title=1&show_byline=1&show_portrait=0&color=&fullscreen=1"><embed src="http://vimeo.com/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=9277434&server=vimeo.com&show_title=1&show_byline=1&show_portrait=0&color=&fullscreen=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" width="400" height="300"></embed></object><p><a href="http://vimeo.com/9277434">Nathan on another 'Burl' problem</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/user2830829">Andy Moir</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.</p>Andy Moirhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10666943934016555421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2825393375264082027.post-74060241924275239332010-02-07T20:00:00.007+00:002010-02-15T22:33:22.700+00:00Creag Meagaidh - 31st JanuaryHeaded up north on the Saturday evening with Kieron, Ross and Ali after Ross had finished work. Stopped over night in Newtonmore so we would be close to the mountain for the following day.<br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Things were a lot slower to get going on the Sunday as breakfast wasn't until 7.30am which left us a little behind schedule!!</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Walked in to Meagaidh in a cold wind but relatively clear skies. Kieron and Ross were aiming for Staghorn Gully while Ali and I were going to try South Pipe Direct. As we got closer the views of the fat ice on Last Post were amazing. We all decided to climb Staghorn due to the time and the other climbers on and below most of the other routes!</div><div style="text-align: justify;">The climbing was great, if a little tiring on the calves, with two brilliant pitches in the upper gully. We topped out on to the plateau into a really strong, biting wind and with the clouds threatening to close right in we set off down to the window and back to the car as the snow started to fall.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">We finally got to the car park at 7pm and started the long trip back down the road! </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Jn8asJtgM7Y/S28kwPlj7tI/AAAAAAAAAFA/WVfJ48vVahE/s1600-h/P1010395.jpg"><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Jn8asJtgM7Y/S28kwPlj7tI/AAAAAAAAAFA/WVfJ48vVahE/s200/P1010395.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5435603686495874770" style="cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Fat ice on the lower pitches of Last Post</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Jn8asJtgM7Y/S28limUyBRI/AAAAAAAAAFI/zhIeFtI0gyk/s1600-h/P1010404.jpg"><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Jn8asJtgM7Y/S28limUyBRI/AAAAAAAAAFI/zhIeFtI0gyk/s200/P1010404.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5435604551592969490" style="cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Ali mid way up Staghorn Gully</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Jn8asJtgM7Y/S28mV-AJpbI/AAAAAAAAAFQ/Jfk6M59boZQ/s1600-h/P1010407.JPG"><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Jn8asJtgM7Y/S28mV-AJpbI/AAAAAAAAAFQ/Jfk6M59boZQ/s200/P1010407.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5435605434122216882" style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">A qiuck cuppa at the bottom of the window on the way out</div>Andy Moirhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10666943934016555421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2825393375264082027.post-18819738255873116792010-01-12T23:10:00.009+00:002010-02-08T23:20:07.430+00:00Lakes in Winter! 9th & 10th December<div style="text-align: justify;">Decided to head to the lakes for the weekend as the reports of the conditions were very good. Set off on the Saturday morning to Kieron's over at Carlisle. The journey over took much longer due to the snowy conditions so the venue was Borrowdale and the very frozen Sour Milk Gill. Had a great few hours in very alpine temps and conditions!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Jn8asJtgM7Y/S00LgdTXvmI/AAAAAAAAAEo/akev2p5HV0w/s1600-h/P1010261.JPG"><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Jn8asJtgM7Y/S00LgdTXvmI/AAAAAAAAAEo/akev2p5HV0w/s200/P1010261.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426005778300911202" style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 139px; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Blencathra in a wintery coat!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Jn8asJtgM7Y/S00MN9cyIqI/AAAAAAAAAEw/YYniMFsAxoo/s1600-h/P1010288.JPG"><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Jn8asJtgM7Y/S00MN9cyIqI/AAAAAAAAAEw/YYniMFsAxoo/s200/P1010288.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426006560024437410" style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Kieron on the ice of Sour Milk Gill.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><object width="400" height="300"><param name="allowfullscreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><param name="movie" value="http://vimeo.com/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=9305768&server=vimeo.com&show_title=1&show_byline=1&show_portrait=0&color=&fullscreen=1"><embed src="http://vimeo.com/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=9305768&server=vimeo.com&show_title=1&show_byline=1&show_portrait=0&color=&fullscreen=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" width="400" height="300"></embed></object><p><a href="http://vimeo.com/9305768">Kieron on Sour Milk Gill</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/user2830829">Andy Moir</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.</p>Sunday we headed back down to Borrowdale with Ross, aiming for Raven Crag Gulley. The day was very different weather wise from Saturday, blowing really strong gusty wind with lots of wind blown snow and spin drift. The route turned out to be very busy with two teams on the route and another two waiting at the base. With this in mind and the want and need to keep moving, we headed further left towards Corvus as an option or some ice further left. In the end we opted for the ice sheets over left as Corvus was looking very lean. All in all it was a great day out and a great weekend, good to be back on the axes!</div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Jn8asJtgM7Y/S00MzjCsU1I/AAAAAAAAAE4/oOvgupEIl88/s1600-h/P1010335.jpg"><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Jn8asJtgM7Y/S00MzjCsU1I/AAAAAAAAAE4/oOvgupEIl88/s200/P1010335.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426007205770711890" style="cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px; " /></a></div><div>Ross nearing the top of the first ice sheet.</div>Andy Moirhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10666943934016555421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2825393375264082027.post-8584427407421167132009-12-20T20:50:00.008+00:002010-02-15T22:32:25.488+00:00Kyloe In The Woods - 20th December 2009<div style="text-align: justify;">Decided at 6.10am that it was a bit too snowy & icy to head over to the lakes as planned so opted for a later start and a look up the woods.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">It was certainly still cold and snowy on the side roads as we got to the parking spot. Quite a few cars were parked up so we expected the crag to be fairly busy but we were surprised to find only 3 people on the rock, the other cars being from folk out with their dogs.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Another pair turned up just after we got there, giving a total of 7 climbers. Unusual as it was certainly cold but dry and perfect friction!!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Managed a few of the classics before soft skin and numb toes got the better of me!</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Swan Wall Direct</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Pink Gin</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Red Rum sit start</div><div style="text-align: justify;">The Elf Direct</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Bad Finger</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Bad Company</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Monty Python </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Ali managed a longstanding project in Bad Finger, then got on to Bad Company and made good progress before the cold stopped play!</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Paul and Joanne were working the moves of Cubbys then moved on for a quick burn on Monty Python before heading back. Paul was very close and will get the tick next visit I'm sure.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Jn8asJtgM7Y/Sy6Se3BFmVI/AAAAAAAAAEY/Qy0_F4MMv-I/s1600-h/P1010252.JPG"><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Jn8asJtgM7Y/Sy6Se3BFmVI/AAAAAAAAAEY/Qy0_F4MMv-I/s200/P1010252.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5417428460635527506" style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px; " /></a> This way to the crags!!</div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Jn8asJtgM7Y/Sy6T-HVS7fI/AAAAAAAAAEg/1ju5BqeBCI0/s1600-h/P1010255.JPG"><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Jn8asJtgM7Y/Sy6T-HVS7fI/AAAAAAAAAEg/1ju5BqeBCI0/s200/P1010255.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5417430097102826994" style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px; " /></a> Perfect conditions.</div><div><br /></div>Andy Moirhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10666943934016555421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2825393375264082027.post-11630057211595746672009-12-13T10:42:00.005+00:002009-12-20T21:19:05.265+00:00Scottish Tooling Series - Kinlochleven, Saturday 5th December<div style="text-align: justify;">Traveled up for the last round of the Tooling series at Kinlochleven. Nathan and Stave (Lynch) were in with a shout for another podium spot, Scott and Steve (Wilkinson) were psyched to do well, where as Ali and I were going along for the 'see how it pans out' session.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">The problems were great (the ones I actually got on!!) but I was taking it much slower than the others as it was the first proper go back on the tools for over 4 months.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">In the end Nathan finished in 12th, Scott in 18th and Steve W and I were in 21st. In the Vets Steve L bagged 2nd and in the Women's Ali got a 4th place in her first go at these comps!</div><div style="text-align: justify;">This left the boys with the overall results of:-</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Nathan 2nd and Steve W 13th. Steve L 2nd in the Vets.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div>Check out Steve Lynch styling the problem!!<div><br /><object width="400" height="300"><param name="allowfullscreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><param name="movie" value="http://vimeo.com/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=8280639&server=vimeo.com&show_title=1&show_byline=1&show_portrait=0&color=&fullscreen=1"><embed src="http://vimeo.com/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=8280639&server=vimeo.com&show_title=1&show_byline=1&show_portrait=0&color=&fullscreen=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" width="400" height="300"></embed></object><p><a href="http://vimeo.com/8280639">Steve at The Ice Factor</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/user2830829">Andy Moir</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.</p></div>Andy Moirhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10666943934016555421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2825393375264082027.post-53582091425712508982009-12-12T22:15:00.006+00:002009-12-20T21:19:26.017+00:00Hungchi Trip - Link<div style="text-align: justify;">It's been over a month since I got back from Nepal and it seems like a distant memory with getting straight back into the swing of work!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Will put more photos on the Hungchi blog as soon as I get the time:</div><div><a href="http://www.hungchi2009.blogspot.com/">www.hungchi2009.blogspot.com</a></div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Jn8asJtgM7Y/SyQX3atkzCI/AAAAAAAAADI/00yefDurwVw/s1600-h/P1010114.JPG"><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Jn8asJtgM7Y/SyQX3atkzCI/AAAAAAAAADI/00yefDurwVw/s200/P1010114.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414478892836899874" style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px; " /></a> </div><div>View of Hungchi across the Ngozumpa Glacier.</div><div><br /></div>Andy Moirhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10666943934016555421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2825393375264082027.post-88797156120163740182009-06-05T23:04:00.003+01:002009-06-05T23:10:28.628+01:00October 2009 - Hungchi 7030m<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Jn8asJtgM7Y/SimXuEWzsnI/AAAAAAAAADA/ChUPYGpBPzY/s1600-h/Chakung_7029m.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 132px; height: 200px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Jn8asJtgM7Y/SimXuEWzsnI/AAAAAAAAADA/ChUPYGpBPzY/s200/Chakung_7029m.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343969250550985330" /></a><br />The trip is on! Flights are booked and the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">itinery</span> sorted. Now all that's needed is the fitness.<div>More details to follow shortly.</div>Andy Moirhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10666943934016555421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2825393375264082027.post-77470077668920065932009-06-05T22:49:00.003+01:002009-12-20T21:20:40.494+00:00The Rest of 2009 - so far<div style="text-align: justify;">Lots of climbing weekends have been had since the last time the blog was updated, work's been getting in the way of the write ups!!</div><div style="text-align: justify;">The winter season finished a little premature but still managed to get up the Ben a few times with Nathan, Steve Lynch, Steve Hartland and Ali on the last trip. Got Smith's, Comb, Green, etc climbed before a quick sun rock trip to Costa Blanca.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Since then there's been a couple of trips to North Wales and numerous Lakeland escapades! Nathan and I have also discovered a new tooling grotto down near the cove. This is a great tool bouldering area where 'burly' is the name of the game! Photos to follow.</div>Andy Moirhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10666943934016555421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2825393375264082027.post-87112327516614127592009-03-16T20:05:00.007+00:002009-12-20T21:21:05.440+00:00Pinnacle Ridge, St Sunday Crags - 22nd Feb 2009<div style="text-align: justify;">Had a trip over to the lakes for a scramble on Pinnacle Ridge on St. Sunday Crags as most of the snow had started to disappear and what was left looked very unstable. Collected Kieron on the way down to Glen ridding car park for the meet up. Steve, Martin, Chris and Tony were already waiting so we headed further up the valley to park then headed for the scramble.<br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The weather looked good, nice sunny spells but there was a cold strong wind blowing as we got further up the valley. Overall a great day out with a good bunch. Need to do more of this!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Jn8asJtgM7Y/Sb617j9RqxI/AAAAAAAAACw/IYKIawcp-Vk/s1600-h/DSC01697.JPG"><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Jn8asJtgM7Y/Sb617j9RqxI/AAAAAAAAACw/IYKIawcp-Vk/s200/DSC01697.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5313884645212924690" style="cursor: pointer; width: 133px; height: 200px; " /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Steve getting to grips with the ridge.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Jn8asJtgM7Y/Sb62s85IFyI/AAAAAAAAAC4/hn0HOw5uRU8/s1600-h/DSC01693.JPG"><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Jn8asJtgM7Y/Sb62s85IFyI/AAAAAAAAAC4/hn0HOw5uRU8/s200/DSC01693.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5313885493719996194" style="cursor: pointer; width: 133px; height: 200px; " /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Ali taking a quick break!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div>Andy Moirhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10666943934016555421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2825393375264082027.post-14414922861767720062009-02-21T22:47:00.003+00:002009-02-21T23:03:31.953+00:00Third Day On - 21st Feb 2009<div style="text-align: justify;">Early start for the third day on to get down to the cove for low tide. This had to be a steady session as the arms were feeling it after the previous two days. <br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Ali was feeling it too and the warm ups were slow and creaky!</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Once I got into the swing the session was more laps on the standard traverse and the low traverse. Need to get more time to train I recon!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Ali was pulling well, making big links through to the drop down.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Jn8asJtgM7Y/SaCHmgmrICI/AAAAAAAAACo/iFpuQy2KI-M/s1600-h/IMG_5421.JPG"><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Jn8asJtgM7Y/SaCHmgmrICI/AAAAAAAAACo/iFpuQy2KI-M/s200/IMG_5421.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305389456699367458" style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 146px; " /></a><br /></div><div>Ali moving towards the Fig 4</div>Andy Moirhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10666943934016555421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2825393375264082027.post-65891561126405665932009-02-21T22:38:00.002+00:002009-02-21T22:47:16.924+00:00Comp Night - 20th Feb 2009<div style="text-align: justify;">Wasn't sure that a comp was what i wanted to be doing as my second night on. Went down with a view to having an easy session on the comp problems which worked out well.<br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Ticked around 22 or 23 of the problems first go but stopped before the end as i was getting too tired.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Ali climbed well again, resulting in a first place in her category again!</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Stayed for the prize handout which was good crack, the Climb Newcastle boys put on a good series. I just need to train a bit harder for next seasons rounds.</div>Andy Moirhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10666943934016555421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2825393375264082027.post-13397710331394413622009-02-21T22:32:00.002+00:002009-02-21T22:38:28.336+00:00Climb Newcastle - 19th Feb 2009<div style="text-align: justify;">First trip to the wall for a while. Went down with Nathan and Ali for a quick session after a busy week at work. Just needed to get the body working again!<br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Had an OK couple of hours on the new pink circuit. Ali and Nathan were both climbing well.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Finished off with nice hot choccy!!</div>Andy Moirhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10666943934016555421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2825393375264082027.post-1381942805463764782009-02-13T20:13:00.001+00:002009-02-13T20:18:59.719+00:00Crispy temps - 10th Feb 2009.<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial; font-size: 13px; ">Travelled up to Glenshee last night for a work thing! The day dawned with clear skies and sunshine, -8 on the car's thermometer. Later on I headed round for the west side and Kinlochleven, more work! Passing Laggan and on towards Loch Laggan the temps reached -11. Shame the camera was nice and warm at home!! Looking into Creag Meagaidh from a distance, the conditions were looking good. Might have to get in there soon.</span>Andy Moirhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10666943934016555421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2825393375264082027.post-85966192344669653522009-02-13T20:09:00.001+00:002009-02-13T20:12:52.911+00:00Too much snow!! - 7th Feb 2009.<div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial; font-size: 13px; ">Travelled up to Aviemore on the Friday night with Kieron & Steve hoping for a steady Saturday in the Northern Corries but the weather had other plans! The snow started falling about an hour or so south of Aviemore, continuing all the way there and through the night. After a slightly slower start than planned we were semi up and at it to be told the road up to the car park was closed with no specific opening time. Drastic action was required so we headed into town for a big breakfast.</span><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial; font-size: 13px; "><div style="text-align: justify;">By lunch time the road still wasn't open so we got back in the car, tail between our legs, pointed it south and headed for home. A long way to go for a couple of beers and a big breakfast!<br /></div></span>Andy Moirhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10666943934016555421noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2825393375264082027.post-17618761616443985032009-01-31T20:45:00.005+00:002009-01-31T21:01:38.502+00:00Freezing at the Cove! - 31st Jan 2009<div style="text-align: justify;">Decided to head down to the cove for a steady tooling session by myself even though it was really windy and pretty damn cold!<br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Felt lousy warming up but seemed to get more into it as the session progressed. Ended up doing 3 laps on the traverse with 15 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">mins</span> rest between burns. After a tea break I managed 3 laps on the half version of the low level traverse with similar rests before the cold was getting the better of me and a hot coffee in town beckoned!!</div>Andy Moirhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10666943934016555421noreply@blogger.com0