Climbing Expedition to the Pyrenees Days 4 and 5

The missing helmet and the hAPPY Power Grunt

Walking up to the crag, following Tim’s big black bag, we set off in search of some sun.

He’s up early to prepare, and decide what to wear, ensuring every precaution is done.

But when Timmy got there, the rucksack was bare – no helmet to protect his lovely long hair!

So what could he wear, and what could he do?

Perhaps someone else had thought to bring two?

But alas and alack! He’ll have to go have go back,

Or can he find a friend, with one they could lend?

Luckily for Tim…

His friends, they were fair, and decided to share, so that everyone could take a turn,

And thankfully this time we had plenty of shade so the Irishman’s skin didn’t burn!

The Crag was called Appy, and the routes kept us happy, as we gradually increased the grade,

Ending up on some hard stuff, upon rock which was quite rough, some really good efforts were made!

The climbing felt nice on a rock type called Gneiss, me and Bethan climbed right to the top,

Then abseiled down to where Khesha and Saz, baubled on about nothing, non-stop!

Ieuan and Jem, said “Ian, pick up your pen” and record our achievements so far,

Cos’ once we’ve walked back, down the long grassy track, we’ll be arguing about seats in the car!

“Not me” then said Si, you won’t hear me cry, I’m far to mature and too cool!

Now just get me back, so I can strip off my pack, and belly-flop into the pool!

But wait said young Jas – I’ve not finished this race, I’d quite like, to take a punt,

But his cries were drowned out by Muller’s 7a shout, as he snorted his last power grunt!

I.MARTIN Esq.  

Day 5 - 

This morning we had a leisurly start to the day, as it was 30 degrees by 9.30 and too hot to climb until after midday. So we relaxed our tired hands in the morning by swimming and visiting the nearby town of Ariege. While we were relaxing this morning, we had a call from our dept Head back at school, who was surprised to hear that we were swimming and not rock climbing!!!!!

The Phone call....

Mr Russell phone today, from his office back at school,

He thought we'd be out climbing, but found us chilling by the pool!

He said, I thought you expeditioners, were tough and really hearty, 

It sounds like this years rock climbers are out there on a party!

"Get out and get some climbing done! We've not sent you there to just have fun!

This expeditions's part of your schooling, I don't want to hear that you've been fooling,

Instead of climbing hard all day - get out that pool, quick, straight away!

Or you'll be on halves for all the term, then maybe year 10, then you'll learn, 

That Mr Russell, he knows best, and that his pupils lead the rest, 

In being creative, bright and keen, and because of this they should be seen, 

To make the most of their time away, climbing rocks till end of play,

Before returning back to base, to tidy up the messy place, 

That borders call a dorm or room, now do it quick! Now do it soon!"

And with that he hung back up the phone and the expeditioners gave a groan,

But it could be worse, you know, it could be rainy, 

Or you could be here with Steve Delany!!

By Mr Ian Amazing Climber Martin 

Now thats the last full day of climbing done (we were only in the pool for a bit this morning!! - we did climb until 9pm this evening!!!) Tomorrow a bit of bouldering perhaps, then flights home in the evening!! See you all soon!.....