After four weeks, it was a huge relief to get rid of my big plastic boot and knee-crutch (I’m keeping hold of both – sorted for fancy dress options for the foreseeable future!) From “non-weight-bearing” to “as tolerated” is quite a step change, so I’m on with some mobilisation and gentle physio.

Sadly, my release from immobilisation came too late for the BMC International Meet. It was brilliant to welcome a couple of dozen guests from as far afield as South Korea, Hong Kong, Malta, Bulgaria and half a dozen other countries, and a similar number of hosts, to sample the splendour of British Trad.

… a bit gutting to not be able to join in the fun on the rock, but plenty of banter…

… and the occasional beer…

… to make for some precious memories.

Too soon for Gogarth as well 😦

After some dodgy weather for the last couple of days of the international meet, forecast animations saw nascent weather systems parting like the proverbial Red Sea, ushering in a weekend of grand beaux temps. Game on!

For once my optimism was misplaced as it became clear that my recovery from ankle surgery would curtail both my climbing and organising capacity. Happily, Bill stepped in as Senior VP for logistics and numerous others signed up to offer help. The show would go on!

Another stupendous turnout, ninety plus, but not quite breaking the hundred barrier. The usual suspects were swelled by a huge contingent of ex-MUMCers (now Rucksackers), a host of new and prospective members and a bunch of participants from the BMC International Meet who’d decided there’s no such thing as “too much of a good thing”.

All the usual venues saw plenty of action, with the great weather tempting plenty of people onto Main Cliff and Wen, and other scattered to the Mountain, Castell Helen and Rhoscolyn. My only contribution was a shift of epic people-watching at the cafe!

Of course, the beach BBQ was the highlight of the weekend.

Huge thanks to Bill for masterminding proceedings, Cec for fetching and carrying…

… and everyone else who helped with the tidying and carrying. Already looking forward to next year – get the date in your diary: 12 and 13 June 2027. I’ll endeavour to be on two working legs.

Having kept my frustrations in check over the weekend (probably not the ideal spot for a first test drive of a recovering ankle) I decided to ease myself back into climbing with a short local excursion. Horse Thief might not be Main Cliff, but you can’t beat the accessibility nor the convenience of a bolted lower-off.

With Helen as rope-gun, I could bask in the convenience of my top-rope tough guy role. I was pretty chuffed to hop up a couple of 5s and a 6a – cue celebrations with a swift half at the Red Lion.

Not quite so chuffed when a swollen ankle and some chest pains had me consulting ChatGPT, then Jake and Leah and then NHS 111. All concurred that it was probably nothing to worry about, but that I ought to head into A&E to be on the safe side. 7hrs later and I’d been diagnosed with a DVT in my calf and likely Pulmonary Embolism, and dosed up with anticoagulants. Just shows it’s a good idea to listen to your body as well as the experts. The advice is to stay active, but not to over do it, and avoid any bumps and bruises. I reckoned an evening out with the Rucksack Club for some more top-rope tough guy shenanigans at Harpur Hill would fit the bill, and Dave took excellent care to ensure the no exertion or bumps criteria were met.

The week ended with a catch up with the surgeon, who was pleased with his handiwork, but mortified and mystified with the DVT (I’d had 4 weeks of bloodthinning injections throughout my immobilisation). Six weeks post-op and two weeks out of my boot, I’ve made it to a couple of crags and ticked off half a dozen routes. Most importantly, I’ve been “back in circulation” with my climbing buddies. Onwards and upwards!