Monday Club at Cruit: 3 new routes and a 2nd ascent |
| Date: 22/05/2006 Submitted by: Peter Cooper What had origninally been a trip to Lough Belshade (plan A), with Eglish as back-up (plan B), became Cruit (plan C); due to weather. A very dark, wet and wintry start to a late May day became a fine sunny day by the seaside. Alan Tees, our driver (plan A+), myself and Dave Millar met-up over tea at Kearnan's diner before getting out to Cruit. No sightings of Daniel O'Donal this time but he now has a route named in his honour, as Donegal's No1 light-entertainer. On Cruit: Augnish Point Alan did a fine 2nd ascent of Dave's 'Manchurian Reprobate' (VS 4c). I didn't get a 2nd acsent of Al & Dave Millar's 'The Deep Sea Dangler' (HVS 5b), with a force 5 gale up my hole I couldn't quite conjure up the commitment. Dave later said "it was a wee bit thin, for the conditions, but would have made for good photos; either-way"! Thanks Dave. I'll have to return another day. Over on Cruit:Zawn Dave nipped up a nice, easier, new line (Dave's info to follow). We then got some rain and hail for 5 mins, no sooner had spirits and trousers dampened the rain stopped and the sun was out again. Intended lines seeped so we investigated lines at Cruit:Far West Buttress. This resulted in 2 new lines. A nice face route 'St. Daniel of Cruit' (E1 5a) involving some thin climbing and gear. Our last route of the day was led by Dave, having been discovered by Alan, this involved thin thrutchy moves up an off-width crack utilising a fishing float/buoy as hold and running belay (Dave's info to follow). I really enjoyed the day out, new routing always does it for me, and the beers at Bonner's Bar on the way off Cruit. A place worth a visit if your'e out this way (though no surprises on beverages on offer, thank goodness I like Guiness).What with climbing, craic and some of the dark stuff I could get into this climbing lark; so cheers alan and Dave: looking forward to next time. |
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