Matthew's Journal

That was an interesting climbing session at Stowmarket. I attempted to lead up the purple route on the inclined wall (less abrupt than the overhang) - I've climbed this route top-roped a couple of times successfully. The runner points start about 2m up the wall and are spaced about every 1m. I'd clipped into the third runner, and had climbed level to the fourth; I was trying to climb a little higher to a more stable position to clip into the fourth runner point, when my grip failed suddenly, and I fell. This meant I fell a little over 2m before the rope started to decellerate me. Thankfully, climbing ropes are somewhat elastic, and james was pulled a little way from the floor, so this was painless. I gather it looked quite spectacular, and it certainly got the adrenaline going! Strangely, I only felt scared after I'd stopped falling, rather than during the fall.

I've showered and suchlike now, so I think it's bed-time. I suspect I'll sleep well!