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The Skink Non-Epic 5-Nov-2005 At 8:52:11 AM robin

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Ignoring the weather forecast last Saturday we headed off for what was suppose to be an easy stroll up Skink. We cruised up the first 2 pitches of the watchtower crack. As Steven headed out accross the traverse our 'good' friend Anthony arrived at the base of the cliff. Beaming with joy and obviously happy to be on the ground he said 'you're going to get wet!'

Ignoring this advice we continued upwards. Light rain started to fall shortly afterwards and it rapidly increased to heavy steady rain. Steven set up a belay under the shelter of the roof. I seconded the pitch, by which time it was pouring and the rock was flowing. Steven offered to lead the final pitch which was an offer I couldn't refuse looking at the water flowing down the rock. The final pitch was slow and wet but otherwise uneventfull.

With the rain falling freely we were keen to descend and get back to the car. I abseiled first, only to find myself sitting on the knots on the end of the rope. Damn, forgot it is a 2 rope abseil. I look down & think the 60m rope will make the ground from the second abseil. Also our rescue party (partners) had arrived at the car park so I knew I could get a second rope if I got stuck again.

From the end of the rope I make myself safe on 3 cams in a slot so Steven can lower more rope & anchor it to the top. I abseil to the ledge then Steven drops the rope and retreats to the top car park to be collected by the rescue team. Down the rope again to find myself again sitting on the knots 10m above the ground. Damn, didn't judge that too well.

I then swung accross to the Watchtower crack, untied and pulled the rope then had a very cautious down climb in the wet.

A bit of fun in the rain but definitely no of epic proportion.