No, not a hangover, but the route Hangover in Llanberis Pass. I have had a hate, Hate relationship with this route ever since I first climbed it. The first time I thought is was hard for E1 and awkward, the second time I thought it was just awkward, and yesterday the third time I have climbed it and the first time since it was upgraded to E2, I still found it awkward, certainly not the best E2 in the pass or on teh Crouchan for that matter.
Llion lead the first pitch that was wet and horrible, and then I had the delights of the top two grooves. Stepping round the corner the gapping abyss below, I fiddled in a wire from the ledge and went to move up and round to a better hold and another wee ledge and the gear falls out. Next time I should remember not to place those wires blind!
This of course inspired me with confidence, so preceeded to shake my way up the crack to the ledge. Then move left into the base of the hanging top groove, at least this time I got the right wire first time! Anyway, I battle my way up and got to the belay. I have to say that I was probaby still feeling the effects of the weekend of partying, but I was also filled with dread from when the words ‘Hangover” came through on the text from Llion, and I am pretty sure I was climbing defensively because of it.
Anyway I borrowed a crash pad last night, so went to go bouldering today. I managed a quick Cromlech circuit, but I left my chalk bag at home so came back when I started greasing off even big handholds. The weather looks like I moght turn dramatic later, as black clouds seemed to be lined up