Ascent: Tol

An apprenticeship in laybacking!

This climb will gobble up number 1s and 2s.

P1 and P2 combined: Fairly easy climbing until you hit the fun bit. Now for the past 2-3 weeks I had been 'jamming' in Piddo and I tried the same on Tol.

"Mate you wanna try laybacking here", advised Harry. And as the Italians say, 'Buonissimo'.

P3: "Harry, I am thinking I should place another piece here", I try to calm myself while holding on with a good(?) hand jam. "Mate if you are thinking about it, I think that's when you really should", best advice ever.

I pop in #2 half a meter above a bomber #1 , commit to the layback, swim up with the arms and feet. Placed the left on a slopey foot hold, stood up and 'Bazzinga'. I end up next to Harry. First trad fall, now the doors of potential in my trad climbing days have really opened.

The chimney is not as bad as they say. Good gear and 'shady-side-lower/route/119873676">yes' there is a bit of chossy rock around but as long as you are mindful of what you are pulling and stepping on, 'she will be alright'.