Life sometimes is wonderful, and it’s the different people you meet that’s makes it so.

A very attractive young lady enters the shop;

FH – “ Hi there”

Lady – “ Hi, do you sell climbing chalk?”

FH – “yes over here in the basket, I’ve 200g, 100g and ball”

Lady – “what is the difference?”

FH – Thinking; you’re not a climber are you? “Quantity and the ball is in a net”

Lady – “ What do you keep it in?”

A silent pause

Lady – “oh I don’t want it for climbing”

FH – “What’s it for then”

Lady – “Pole Dancing”

Lady – Doing the motions “ I rub it on my hands and on my thighs”

FH – Faints!

This last few months has seen many a visit to The Cliff, Almscliff. I’ve been trying various problems with some or no success, but that’s what bouldering is all about.

The first project this year, a strange crazy fixation as my wife sees it, was not at the cliff but at Ilkley. There is a very good traverse here (or in West Yorkshire Travus) above the Cow. It doesn’t have a name but it’s problem 17 on page 237 of YGB.  After a few visits earlier in the year the weather started to warm up and the sloppy holds got slippy.

Anyway a few weeks ago I went back one fine evening with a friend and got it. Well worth seeking out, it’s a right to left traverse which gets harder, with some crafty footwork at the end the, crimp and glory.

The next major project of the year was Crucifix Traverse at the Cliff. I had tried it in the past but not really put the effort in, but this year was different, I became determined to get it. And last Thursday as the rock started to cool in the Autumn weather I eventually got it, and on video too!

So whats the next project? Not sure yet but I’ve never done Sloper Patrol and it’s getting cold!

This is a blog about the shop, me (Francis Holland) and climbing, well mainly bouldering. The shop and I are located in the heart of Nidderdale, Pateley Bridge High street. A mere stones throw from Brimham Rocks and with views of the mighty Guisecliff not a bad spot to spend the day.

The shop is an outdoor store with a definite slant towards the climber, selling some really good brands.

Then there is me, I work here 5 days a week, married with two kids and occasionally post on UKC. I try to get out climbing as often as I can but running a business, kids and the other toils that are life can prevent that happening as often as I would like - but hey that happens to us all right?

A younger me on Morrels wall.

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