Went to Glenmalure this morning. Was cloudy up in Dublin but it cleared as I drove south. There was a haze in the mountains which cleared about half way up Glenmalure valley. The sun was just leaving The Diving Board as I got there. Perfect for friction but makes for dull photos. Warmed up on the easier campus moves, first move felt easy but it took a while to sort the beta for the crux second move. Getting the sloper is ok but holding the swing takes either good core or good footwork. Fortunantly I worked out a nice foot sequence. I was hoping that once I got through the crux I might go all the way but I was a bit short of power to finish it. Will get it next time.
My skin was pretty worked by the rough sloper but I headed down to Ballinafunshogue Boulder. Did the right hand line which is really nice. The guidebook seemed to think 6c from SS but I don’t think so. Failed on Big Boots again. Just can’t do it.
Checked out a boulder that has been on my list for years. It’s in the lower Glenmacnass valley where the Wicklow Way crosses the river. A large log has been beached on the landing which was already sketchy. The climbing looks nice if short but I don’t think I will go back.