Members: Dan O’Brien, Tim Howarth, Duncan Zerafa

Guests: John Smallwood, Annie Nye

The guidebook for Helsby does warn that after rain the rock can take some time before coming into nick for climbing so it was with some trepidation that the KMC arrived at the crag following torrential downpours earlier in the day.  Upon first inspection, the rock seemed in reasonable condition without too much dampness.  Perhaps everything would be ok…

That optimistic feeling lasted about three metres for Dan who found himself skidding around on some slopey foot-holes on End Crack (S).  After three or four abortive attempts he retreated to install a top rope allowing himself, Tim and Annie to climb with a little more security.  John and Duncan arrived and set off in search of dry rock at the other end of the crag.  They found Oyster Slab Direct (VS) which Duncan led without trouble except when he discovered the section above the ledge (a worthwhile D in it’s own right named The Notch) had little in the way of gear in it’s final 5m in a fantastic, if increasingly exposed position above the Mersey Estuary.

Dan, Tim and Annie moved on to top-rope Grooved Slab VS (4a!) which also had little in the way of gear and definite ground-fall potential for a leader.  Tim helpfully cleaned some broken glass off the handholds on the top section making the route a little safer for those following him.  Duncan and John then attempted to lead the same route but decided against it when Duncan realised the cam he’d placed about 6ft up was actually the last piece of gear on the whole route!

In the safety of the pub we reflected that Helsby is probably a better venue for a heat-wave rather than for snatching routes between thunderstorms… Two rounds of voting resulted in an improbable win for Trevor Rocks – obviously being only half an hour away from Helsby it felt nearer, we’ll see how many brave the journey after work next week.

On the drive home the thunderclouds gathered again providing an impressive lightning show and torrential rain to make the journey more interesting.