I like this picture, as it's the moment before I went for it. I'm getting a nice calf-rest on the big ledge and focusing on the crimp I need to get to. It shows how friendly the route is, with the gear right there and the wall looking so brilliantly smooth!
It's not often that a route seems almost perfect, especially when it's a route that hasn't been climbed before. I think the only route that has ever been getting close to perfect for me is The Waves Of Inspiration. It's a very smooth wall at Stoupe Brow (aka Ravensdale), overlooking the sea, and for me it is almost the perfect line.
A good place to think
No need for hands on this move; positioning my feet for the crux leap.
Even The Hypocrisy Of Moose, with its magnificent outlook across the Esk valley, could not match the beauty and enticing nature of The Waves'. Because of this, I felt The Waves' needed their own little place on my blog, despite perhaps not being the hardest route I've done, it makes me quite happy when I think about that wall. My brief romance with it; from 2010, when I first saw it and assumed it would be impossible, to late 2011, when I eventually climbed it. My whole experience was nothing but enjoyment, with the only feeling of sadness I have being the thought that I will most likely not find another route as pleasurable and brilliant as this line.
Pulling some nice shapes high up. The route may only be 8 metres, but it makes you feel like your whole life is complete.
To Stoupe Brow, The Magic Waves and all that is the Moors spirit of beauty- I salute you.
