Robin, Ryan, Rachel and I found ourselves free on a lovely Sunday on a day that was sunny - the typical transition day from Winter into Spring that makes you happy to be outside
Splitting into 2 pairs (Robin & Ryan, Rachel & myself), we started out on routes on Low Man. Rachel and I did Fluted Columns (HVD 3c), Fluted Crack (S 4b) and Rachel did her first lead with us on Low Man Easy Way (D), while Robin & Ryan did Rough Crack (VD), Stew Pot (HVD) & Fluted Columns (HVD 3c)
Ryan then led Square Chimney & Whisky Crack (HS 4b) which was the one I attempted on a previous trip but bailed trying to get up the chimney. Robin, Rachel and I watched Ryan put a supurb effort in to get up the chimney which made the remainder look easy in comparison!
Then Robin showed his caving skills and showed Rachel and myself how to do the chimney in a different way (it's always easier on a top-rope!)
After this most enjoyable climb, we all went further up to the Demon Wall SW face where Robin & Ryan did The Traditional Climb (VS 4c) while Rachel and I did Birds Nest Crack (HS 4b)
Robin needed a bit longer with The Traditional Climb than Rachel and I did with Birds Nest Crack, so we moved to Crack and Wall (HS 4b). I led with Rachel seconding.
The initial crack climb from the ground to the ledge was very enjoyable, but traversing left across the wall was quite sketchy. I must have taken at least 5 minutes before moving out across it and I very nearly fell going round a bulge but just managed to bridge out with a left foot to stop myself - a very close call. Rachel doing the same wasn't quite tall enough to reach and loaded the rope. There must be a different (read better!) way to do this route given its HS 4b grade
It was mid-afternoon and although there was plenty of daylight, we all had other commitments so called it a day and headed off home.
