Top-rope, Lead, Multi-pitch ?

May 2010, I organised a self funded trip/challenge to undertake the 3 peaks challenge.  My brother and I drove to Glen Nevis, Scotland, camped at the foot of Ben Nevis and the following morning 6a.m. I set off alone, only to summit the peak and return in under 4 hours.  A quick stretch and  a long drive to England for an afternoon hike up Skafell pike, returning around sundown with sore knees. Another long drive to Wales, the to begin the summit bid of Mount Snowdon.  I arrived back at the car 23 hours and 15 minute from the minute I started that day in Scotland.  It was a great adventure and I started to think about actual Rock Climbing with real ropes and stuff.

Lee & I

Summit of Ben Nevis

   

Summit of Scafell Pike

Summit of Snowdon

  


  September, 2010 4 months later I travelled to Thailand for the second time.  This visit I packed a pair of rock shoes, chalk bag and harness I had borrowed from a friend back home in England.  I soon arrived at my desired destination Railay bay where I read on the net they teach rock climbing.  Walking around the bay I soon realised everyone here was too climb the amazing overhanging limestone cliffs that dripped ancient stalactites over the blue Andaman sea.  Quickly I chose a 3 day climbing course that began the following day.


  9 a.m my self and 2 other from the states put on these harnesses and we were shown how to top rope and spent the day taking turns belaying each other.  The following 2 days I had 'Soley' an amazing guy teach me one on one how to lead climb and on the third day we climbed a multi pitch, on which I lead the first pitch.  


  A big thank you to 'NJOY' rock climbing school,  and Soley !

Trying to tie a figure 8

the busy 1-2-3 wall on my first day climbing

Soley, myself and  the two americans

  Enjoyed the rest of my travel around Thailand and returned home.