Top Outs

Train train train. You can train all you want at the wall it won't prepare you for those rounded mantley top outs. I was up in Glenmacnass on my own yesterday working some problems - couldn't finish one as the top out's a nightmare (actually there's two I couldn't finish). The problem itself is a roof problem called Right Angle and it isn't hard grade wise. After checking with the author of the guide its a standing/crouching start apparently although there is a slightly harder bum start to it. So when you get to the lip of the roof you have to heel hook and mantle up on some very uneven ground. Suppose I could get an old table and practice on that for a while. Its frustrating but I had my ass handed to me all day anyway. I'll get it next time.

The granite in Glenmacnass is a lot more crystallised then that of my regular haunt Glendalough so it's harder on the skin. The friction, however, is fantastic. I have the one photo of Glenmacnass taken before my battery ran down. Photos are a feature still to come to this blog. I'm working on the Cool Photo Display Thingy© which may are may not work out. The CPDT is in development until further notice.

As for bouldering on my own, it's fun but I find if you're in a group the energy gets higher and having spotters means I can pull harder. Being out on my own in a lonely place in the mountains requires caution. Still though - its a beautiful place to spend an afternoon.