‘A stern test for anyone’s vocabulary. Amid festoons of cowardice, the leader called upon ethereal beings for strength, and assuming sundry copulative pastures, eventually clawed over the mantelpieces.’ (Following a 1954 ascent of Shadow Wall).
Sam and I initially opted to climb Shadow Wall on Carreg Wastad. There were no sundry pastures today, but instead there was a fresh southeasterly airflow, which was funneling its way down Llanberis Pass. This helped somewhat as it was blow-drying the crag to give good friction, but at the same time having a significant wind-chill effect, with down jackets therefore being obligatory. There was an initial cloud inversion, but that was soon blown away to leave sunny conditions. However, the warmth of the sun was weak, being low in the sky, which reminded us that were climbing in the middle of November.
I think the cold wind had an impact on Sam as he appeared to run up the first pitch of Shadow Wall. Accordingly I followed with the same enthusiasm to meet him below the large overhang to then lead onwards. The second pitch traversed below the overhang by way of a series of ledges or ‘mantelpieces’, and hence the description at the beginning of this post.
After climbing Shadow Wall we abseiled back down the bottom of the crag and went on to climb Lion. This was another good route, especially on the second pitch, which was greasy under its overhanging chimney - A stern test for anyone’s vocabulary! We both surmounted the overhanging chimney by using a variety of techniques and then went on to finish the route by climbing to the top of the crag.
It was a good day and felt like a small adventure, but the best part of the day was arriving back home to enjoy a nice brew of tea. Bring forth the sundry pastures!
It was a good day and felt like a small adventure, but the best part of the day was arriving back home to enjoy a nice brew of tea. Bring forth the sundry pastures!
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| Sam, pitch 2, Lion, Carreg Wastad, Llanberis Pass |