After working for transition since the doors opened unfortunatly it's time for Andrew to leave and go back to Canada. But before he left Al and myself decided to go out climbing one last time in Scotland with him. He set his sights on climbing an E4 before he went so i recomended we went to the Long Slough as this was the place where i did my first E4. Bob's Overhang E4 6a (Tim thinks it should be 6b maybe cos he has tiny arms.)
We decided to warm up on Brain Death a cheeky wee one move wonder that was slightly wet. Gibbon lead it in the same style as when Al did it (by campusing up it). Al and I then followed.
Feeling happy with the last route Gibbon decided to jump on Bob's overhang. After a we chat about where the route went he jumped on the sharp end cruising up to the top of the flake. After shaking he went into the crux and again just ran up it and topping out with a huge smile on his face as he had just flashed E4! Al followed felling abit anxious as he hadn't been able to do it last time but he made progress and managed to get all the gear out and make it to the crux this time.
After watching Gibbon climb I was psyched to try Double Dyno or Die E5 6b. I got to my previous high point but still couldn't do the crux. Its Hard!!! Failing it I topped out of Bobs so Al could have another go at it. This time he made it to the lip but aparently the rope was in the way. You know what that means Al you have try it on lead!
After finding Bobs overhang 'easy' he tryed Double Dyno. But unfortunatly getting spat off at the same point as me. He did however get on again and did the move after a couple of tries and topped out. Well done Gibbon.We were now tired and hungry so Al had a quick blast at it and luckily managed to get the gear out so we didn't have to have an epic to get it by abseil. With all the gear packed away we decided to go to Mikes for a beer and a bbq.
Good Bye Gibbon we will all miss you.
Words and pictures by Ashley Dean
Edited by Rachel and Caroline!
