99 - obstructive boulder
Simon Kellet
99
p>What a stinking day ! Enthusiasm unfortunately overtook common sense and
with Andy W lugging 82 metres (yes 82 !) of Interalp we raced up to the
plateau to change rather unhappily in low cloud and drizzle. The wetsuits,
previously left at 106 to freshen themselves, lived up to their name and
caused some discomfort which was accentuated by hanging around in a very
cold pot.
Tony went down first, happy to get below the draught and snow
(into which the end of the rope had frozen pretty solidly) in the hope of
moving the obstructive boulder whilst Andy W put in another bolt half way down
the shaft. Needing a lifeline to be protected against a head first lob Tony
sat around waiting for Andy W so that we were both frozen by the time progress
could be made.
The boulder eventually had to be pushed creating a wonderful
noise as it dropped 12 feet to a boulder strewn ledge. Tony then free
climbed down and eventually calling for Andy W's assistance the boulder was
pulled back from its position on the top of a longer pitch. Extreme cold led
to a return to the surface after the next pitch had been observed to
corkscrew cleanly away for at least 30-40 feet. Everybody was feeling
miserable though progress looked hopeful and we jacked through more dismal
rain.
PS. Simon K festered coldly on the surface throughout and sensibly
resisted the tempting offer of a tourist trip.