Author: Oli B

In a change to regular programming, MMC headed to Portland for a Springtime meet rather than their usual Summertime venture to the Dorset coast.

It was a move that proved to be wise, for the climbers were met with glorious sunshine on both days of the weekend as they ambled across the Godnor boulder field to get to the routes they were after, which was not the case everywhere in the country.

The meet got off to a slightly nervy start, however, as there was a mix up with the campsite which varies its opening times based on the seasonal conditions.  The group had been in contact with the campsite and were booked in, but advised to check again nearer the time.  The nuance of the second part of the agreement was forgotten and the climbers arrived to find unusually empty fields.  They had their pick of the lots, pitched tents, cracked beers and started making some food when the caretaker appeared to announce that it was in fact closed and that we should probably leave!  It was about 9pm by this point.  Uh oh.  Tense negotiations were made and it finally was agreed that we could stay the two nights, with them opening up some facilities so we could have a warm shower etc.  We literally had our own private campsite.  Yay!

Although it was sunny, it was relatively chilly in the shade, so the group headed to the East side of the island to ensure they got all the sun going in the morning & early afternoon. 

Godnor has a good selection of routes across the grades, so there was something for everyone and it’s also one of the prettier spots on the island, with ocean waves lapping a few meters from the base of the routes.  It was so good, the group went to the same crag for the second day.

It was also a weekend of firsts :

• Niklas and Fernanda’s first ever rock climbs outdoors
• Sophie’s first ever lead outdoors
• Oli’s first lead since recovering from injury
• Anne’s first lead of the season
• Alistair’s first outdoor 6c
• …and very nearly, Damien’s first outdoor 7a+!

All-in-all a great meet, and a great start to the rock climbing season.

Bring on the rest of 2024!

Editor: Thank you Oli for the excellent report and thank you to Damien for organising a fantastic meet!