X-ray's and diagnosis

After a check up at the fracture clinic and another x-ray I finally have a conclusive diagnosis; the talus bone is fractured and I have torn two ligaments. As the fractured bone carries blood to the rest of the foot they don't want the bone to displace as this would cut off the blood supply, so it has to be immobilised for another six weeks. After this my leg will probably resemble a soggy chip as well as needing work to stretch the ligaments back into place. It's not all bad news as I might have secured a job so will at least be able to save up some pennies during recovery!

Ankle update 07.06.09

At least the weather has been nice whilst I have been indulging in rest and recovery interspersed with some bouts of hobbling! Further probing at the Fracture Clinic concluded that the ankle is not broken, although it possibly has a hairline fracture. Good news I thought but with continuing discomfort and this Simpsons-esque colour there might be some damage to the tendons/ligaments. The dark bruising up my calf is the worry; as there was no impact to this area the bruising must be from internal damage. With a check up on Friday and physio appointment I will keep you posted.

Craig a Barns 23.05.09

Today I headed up to Dunkeld with Damien to do some tradding. However the weather had other ideas and so after a short while sitting in the rain at Upper Cave we decided to head over to Myopic's. We were not alone in our thoughts and met Boo, Mike and Ali hiding from the downpour. I went to put up the clips in Chopping Block and was warming up nicely having pulled through the roof and rested at the next clip. I started off again heading for the top and then as I was clipping the second to last bolt I suddenly found myself travelling rather swiftly towards the ground. All was well until the rope came tight and pulled me back into the rock, as it was this happened rather aggressively and as I put my feet out to safegaurd more important bodily parts there was a rather loud smack. This turned out to be my right ankle and it was with much dissapointment that I spent the rest of the day lying on a bouldering mat pointing my foot upwards. Later I went to A&E in Edinburgh as my ankle swelled up to a good apple size and much inconclusive poking and two x-rays led to a conclusion of sheared bone on the left side and a possible fracture on the right (back next week for more poking so watch this space!) Overcoming the shmega-fest associated with damp forest and polished shist Damo and Ali had a good day getting the red-point on Chopping Block and working the moves on Granola Head whilst Mike red-pointed Granola Head and The Vibes. A good day for those uninjured.

North Berwick Law 11.05.09

I've been busy revising for exams recently and so haven't been able to get out much unfortunately. However after next week I am off until October so I can't really complain!

Today I made the most of the beatiful weather in Edinburgh and headed for an evening of sport at North Berwick with Andy. The climbing was quite crimpy but on excellent rock with plentiful bolts. We did Wild Iris, Necktie and Law & Disorder as well as playing on Fogtown.

Sinners Wall 20.04.09

Back out in the glorious sunshine today with Greg at Dunkeld. I managed to get the redpoint of Father Figure after putting in the clips and warming up, it is a nice route but very bouldery. We also did Death's Head which gave good sustained climbing. Psyched to get another project on the go and keep enjoying the weather!

Harry Potter and the Masters of Etive Slabs 17.04.09

Venturing out from the miserable weather of the east coast we were delighted to find Glen Etive basking in sunshine complete with Harry Potter film crew (so please excuse the multitude of pictures!) Neil, Helena and I had an awesome day climbing The Pause which gave 6 amazing pitches of continually interesting climbing with the crux being a delicate smear-fest under the roof of pitch 3. Possibly one the of the best climbs in the country for its grade? After a quick bite for lunch we went up the shorter Vein Rouge which had three good pitches, the last being a great romp up a fairly unprotected vein which provided surreal climbing; or as Neil aptly described it "extreme walking."

Huntly's Cave 09.04.09

With beautiful weather in Aviemore I managed to persuade Sarah to spend an afternoon at Huntly's Cave. This was my first visit to the crag but with such excellent climbing and atmosphere it will definitely not be the last! Diagonal and Double Overhang provided the day's entertainment with continually interesting climbing throughout. Another great day out!