Everest Closed for 2014.

It seems the latest news from Nepal, following the serac fall and tragedy last week, is that Mt Everest is officially closed from the south side for this season.

My thoughts are with the families who lost loved ones and the Sherpa community at this time of grief, uncertainty and anxiety.

I also spare a thought to those who have gone on a life long journey to climb Mt Everest this year and who face the news at Base Camp, that climbing will not commence this season. 

I do hope that these events and reactions don't create scars in the future of Himalayan climbing, but I do believe changes need to be made and we must think long and hard about how to move forward positively when it comes to the future of climbing Mt Everest.

The mountain is a hostile place, but also incredibly spiritual. Is this event a sign that the mountain isn't happy with what it's becoming, where commercialism and monitory gains made from its land are taking over purity and respect?

As more news and information is made available and a final decision is confirmed, I will expand on my thoughts on the future of Mt Everest.

Playing Truent...

At the beginning of this year, I set out with the goal to lead 7a. With this in mind, I called on Robin O'learly (Climbing Performance Coach) to put together a plan to achieve this. 

The training has been going really well and although I have missed the odd session, I have kept to the schedule and seen dramatic progress. 

I managed to manipulate my work schedule on Friday and play truent to head to Cheddar Gorge, Somerset. 

Robin and I got to Cheddar around 1 pm and started climbing. First, we climbed a nice 6a+ called 'Dead on Arrival', then the focus turned to my first 7a. 

Robin thought 'Raw Deal' at 7a would suit my style of climbing. So we got to work. I broke the climb down and managed every move. The top 2 moves being very dynamic, with the option to cut loose (hanging with one arm and no feet).

I took some time off and we moved to a project Robin was working on, an 8a. Then I returned to lead 'Raw Deal'. I managed to piece it together and get the tick. I did pop twice for the last move and so glad after popping the first time and missing the top hold I managed to stay on the wall. 

Psyched and ready to return in search of more 7a's. 

So the training will continue and hoping to head to a crag this easter bank holiday Monday, in search of some fun on vertical faces.