And who knows where I will go......

For this is who I am....and this is what I do...

And mix them with a bunch of wonderful people...

Take a place like this....

Nearly one year on....what has changed?

I went through a run of climbing a route and taking rather large falls. It's not something that I feel completely comfortable with yet, despite good traditional gear or bolts. It's strange how much failing affects you - I rarely feel like completing the route after a fall. Your muscles tense, your confidence departs and for a moment, you feel scared.

It's not just about climbing...

A little more than a year ago, a few of us headed over to Freyr, Belgium for an extended weekend of climbing...and well, um, beer drinking. We spent the first day trying to find the crag that we had in the guidebook - eventually convincing ourselves that we had found it putting up some pretty excellent routes. The next evening we *really* found it - a huge mass of slightly polished rock. It soon dampened our spirits.

My climbing partner had been filmed several years ago on this route, soloing. He even showed us the video the night before. Such an amazing feel of freedom. Total focus.

In El Chorro, John and myself climbed a multi-pitched route called Amtrax believing it to be a simple mixture of grades 5, 5+ and 6a. A couple of hours later, we were rather relieved to be abseiling down the route having reached the finish.

But you've still got to smile, right?

I arrived in Bucharest, to nearly 40 degree heat. After a rather uncomfortable car journey with as many body parts hanging outside the window for the cool breeze, we arrived in Constanta, on the shores of the Black Sea.

Romania has some amazing climbers. It's a shame that they are restricted by money and a government desperately trying to to recover. But they can smile, for they are one of the most warm and generous people I have ever met.

Distant memories of a wonderful trip in El Chorro.

On the return from a weekend trip to Llanberris Pass, Wales with only a train ride and ferry before we reached home.

While up in the Blue Mountains, just outside Sydney, earlier this year I went off track and got lost for about 2 hours. This was the first frightening experience that I've had since I was nearly a boy. After grabbing on to vines, climbing over boulders and sliding down mud finally I found myself a small track. This was all I needed...

From the Calanque to the Alps - I wish I was there once again.

California dreamin...

Leads to some of the most amazing views of Yosemite valley.

I've gotten a bit slack about taking photos recently. In fact I've barely lifted the digital camera over the last month or two. A couple of weeks back, I gave a slide show for the climbing club. These are some of the photos I showed - although the quality isn't as good.

An embarrassing photo...which is why it's here.

More casualties.

Hrm, a reflection of my state of mind? Only in my dreams.

Ian, always up for a party.

Hung like a horse, I assure you.

Good to see Kev back in Ireland...and Viv smiling for a change.

A Saturday afternoon...a day that would freeze the balls of a brass monkey...watching Trinity rugby.

Eyes, wide shut.

Some canal blockage.

I think I've only ever seen like two episodes. I guess I'm just different.

And I do appreciate you being 'round.

Help me if you can, I'm feeling down.

Winter is finally making its entrance. Life dies once again.

Hrm, I wonder if he's the brother of Oscar...but jeesh, he got around quite a bit.