Hobson's Choice

We had a baking-hot day on Tuesday but, thankfully, by the time we'd cropped up at Hobson Moor Quarry there was a light wind, and no midges. Result!

After Saturday's demoralising demolition at the hands of Mersey sandstone I was looking for some decent climbing and, more importantly, to have a laugh again and not worry about an early grave. 

Thanks to Jen, Helen and Simon (the belay AND camera monkey), it was job done. That and the fact all the routes had bomber gear.

I lead Crew's Route, a brilliant crack line VS 4c, with no dramas whatsoever. And Jen also pissed a VS with a tricky top section.

Also glad the motorbike CAN, in fact, accommodate all my gear, albeit with panniers that I was convinced were going to fall off and wrap themselves around the back wheel for the entire journey. It's the first time she's been on a climbing trip (she's a silver and red Kawasaki ER6n. bless her) and she loved!

A friend had previously pointed out Tighe's Arete as a potential first E1. It's the video on the right. After sizing it up, here's my thoughts: It looks do-able, there's a huge pocket for a friend, but other than that not a lot else. It'd be bold, but within our capabilities. Will keep it secret from JT so he doesn't snaffle it first....oh wait on, he's probably already read this. Bugger......