April...

It seems an awfully long time ago now, but April was a pretty interesting month. I actually went on some holidays that weren't climbing related for once!

At the start of the month I went with Carl and James to New Orleans for Wrestlemania, obviously...
 

The famous Superdome, home to the New Orleans Saints

Pleased to report that New Orleans is also a wonderful city.

Towards the end of the week, we took a trip out of the city to go on a swamp tour. Quite refreshing to visit a beautiful natural environment teeming with life which is the complete opposite of my natural habitat. It was also fascinating to witness some of the damage wrought by Katrina nearly a decade ago.

A turtle chilling on a branch

9 years on...

Shortly afterwards, Will, Jack, Andy and I descended upon Newquay for a few days. A couple of wild, hazy nights out and a couple of days attempting to stand up on a surfboard and not submit to the freezing Atlantic chill.

We managed to snatch a couple of hours of climbing on perhaps the most unique crag you will ever chance upon. Roche Rock is a tiny crag with an ancient ruined chapel perched on top and partially delved into it. A series of rungs leading up into the chapel form the walk off. And the rock has a strangely grit like quality! I lead South East Buttress, a steep and enjoyable VDiff.

Roache Rock, a unique crag

Finally it was off up to the Peak District with my dad and Anna for a third failed attempt to go hot air ballooning. Instead I showed them around The Roaches and we explored up through Winnats Pass and hiked up to Mam Tor to make the most of the disappointing weather.

The view across the Hope Valley from Mam Tor

So not much climbing this month and the hot air ballooning trip still proves to be elusive, but plenty of new places visited. Meanwhile, bigger plans were beginning to take shape...