November | 2014 | The Magik Rock

29th November 2014

Goodbye to my Panasonic Lumix DMC F3

Back in 2009 I said goodbye to my trusted old Nikon Coolpix 4300 on account of a busted zoom and a failure to actually take a picture (quite important for a camera). The Lumix then took up the slack.

To be fair it was never as good as the Nikon, but what it lacked in quality it made up for in ‘balls’! This camera has been through the grinder and despite being battered beyond belief, it kept going. It was the proverbial A10 Warthog of the compact camera world.

Its place in my rack was right at the back by my extenders. It hated chimneys almost as much as I do and I returned on many a day with a camera imprint on my back or arse.

On one of the occasions the lens came out to play???

Unfortunately I can no longer see through the view finder, get it to focus, download pictures to my PC or evn switch it on (sometimes). There is no part of the case that isnt scratched and the battery falls out when the gaffer tape loses its stickyness. Other than that its in pretty good shape.

RIP buddy.

28th November 2014

Sennen

Corner Crack – Severe 4b – Second
Monday Face – VS 4c – Lead

It was a bit of a disappointment really. The forecast had been suggesting all week that Friday would be dry and sunny, but although the sun did its best, the faces of the crags were sopping. It didnt stop the coast from shining in all its glory, but as regards climbing it would be a frustrating day.

Our first stop was Pentire. I had it in my mind that this would dry quickly on a day like this, but alas it was not the case. Both Rip Tide gulley and the main point were unclimbable so it was on to Sennen for what was a fall back location.

This continued the mood of the day with all the faces being in poor condition. When the rock is wet it does not inspire you to climb hard and I started to get a feeling that maybe we should pack up and go.

Tom however got us started with Corner Climb, probably the first route I ever climbed back with Bart and Tony. It sandbagged me then, but this time I had the better of it taking a slight deviation to finish on the bulge.

Tom and I mumbled about going to the pub, but it was Dave who had more determination on this day, eventually cajolling me into taking on another route. To be fair he was out to test his ankle and one route was not enough.

Monday face is a good route to do when its damp. Juggy and confidence promoting (despite the less than bombproof pro) it was a good finish to the day and set us all in a good mood for the return journey.

Equally inspiring was the amazing view towards longships, with a golden sun and battleship sea. Just amazing.