Gwilym's Adventure Blog

    What a busy day in Plymouth Sound! Ken and I headed out into the sun along with a vast number of other boats from yachts to wake boarders. I think the pictures say it all.

Today I took the yacht out for a short sail out beyond the breakwater before anchoring up at Cawsand in the afternoon sun. After a fews hour chillin, I motored up the Tamar to Saltash and a quick look at some of the yachts (yacht envy kicked in at one point) before heading back in and tying up in time for tea. As you can see, Daisy is collecting miles towards her "competent crew" certificate. However, I am sure you need to be awake for some of them.

Today I got the flooring done as well as finishing off the outstanding wheel arch and metal work around the windows. Daisy has inspected the floor and says it is comfortable as long as she has her blanket.

Beach Lifeguard Training at Whitsand Bay with the Plymouth College students. Sun, Sand and Sea (albeit quite cold). After school it was staright back to the beach with some staff who are also doing the course. Lets hope for some more weather like this.

Today I lay in the sun for over 3 hours whilst my personal assistant scrubbed the decks all around me, he even lifted me up and moved me so he could scrub underneath. After lunch I went for a run on the beach and chased some Seaguls which got me very wet and muddy so my slave hosed me down and I shook myself all over his nice clean deck. I then lay down again to have a sleep and dry off. Unfortunately the wind turbine was whirring so my slave wired in a switch so he could turn it off so it didn't disturb my rest. By Daisy "lazy" Dog

Today I was out Coasteering in Torbay and although it is mid May and the sun was out, the water was very cold. Probably still in single figures. Brrrrr.

Today I was working with Level 4 students looking at rigging climbs as well as personal climbing and belaying skills.

Having spent a good few nights in the van now I though I should progress with the conversion. I have already had windows put in and today although somewhat shattered from the last few days, I made most of the sunny evening and carpeted inside. Just one wheel arch and some finishing off to do. I have ordered the floor so that will be next weeks job.

This morning before Rich had to head off, we climbed another esoteric Cornish Route, Terriers Tooth VS 4b. This is a 3 pitch sea stack with a final abseil to get back off. All pitches contained some interest and again the weather was absolutely stunning.

Today we hit Sennen for some more Sun and rock. We started on Demo Route HS 4b but due to incompetence on my part ended up finishing up a Severe. I must go back and do it properly some time. We then climbed Black Slab and Banana Flake both a VD before heading round to Land's End for a late afternoon/evening ascent of Land's End Long Climb. This gets VD in the guide but is definitely Severe and possibly even HS on the final wall. I have been waiting to do this for a long time and it is clear why it is a classic but every pitch is awkward and it didn't let up. Dinner was in "The First and Last" Pub.

Late this afternoon I joined forces with Rich and we headed to Bosigran for some rock and sunshine. We climbed the classic Doorpost HS 4b and the first couple of 4b pitches of Anvil Chrous before finding a quick way off as it was nearly 8pm and we had succombed to the cold.

Back out with the Level 4 Public Services students in the river today looking at teamwork and leadership to negotiate hazards and challenges. Could have done with a little more water but it still made for a good morning out.

Out in the sun yet again, today teaching rock climbing at Sheep's Tor. All the students set the climbs up themselves and managed the whole session.

A lovely walk in today from New Bridge via Dartmeet to the bunkhouse at Whiteworks, just south of Princetown. Fantastic weather and no significant navigational errors from the students.