Leaving work feels harder than it should, I take pride in what I do and the account I have built up over the last year and a half has to be handed over and I am sad to see it go. I have enjoyed the people I work with and the many business men and women around the world I have spoken to, many now on first name terms. However, I am never sure if they dread the sound of my voice or enjoy the chance for a distraction from their work.
Me climbing and Paul belaying.
To get myself in the mood I headed down to Swanage and the Quarries at Dancing Ledge for some climbing with Yvette and Paul, a friend from the local club with a refreshing outlook on life. Bearing in mind I am planning on spending the rest of this year climbing I was hoping for a better start. I climbed like a pansy, got scared the second above a bolt and didn’t commit to a single move. Rather an ominous start. But what a day, early Feb and it could have been late June. Many of the routes are described as needing cold crisp winter conditions to enjoy fully. We got the winter bit right, but the clear and crisp was not happening. It was t-shirts all round.
The day was finished off with a pint at what must be my favourite pub in the world. The Square and Compass in Worth Matravers.
Yvette, belaying and enjoying the sun at Dancing Ledge, Swanage
http://www.hiddendorset.org/index.php/hd/gem/hd1117.html,
It feels like it hasn’t changed in 50 years. Local Beer and Cider are served from a hatch, food is simple and consists of homemade pies or Pasty served on a paper plate and it is the only pub where children, pets, a flock of chickens and some old hippies mingle freely and happily. It’s the perfect ending to a tiring day on the cliffs of Swanage.
Yvette, bringing the refreshments at the Square and Compass
Anyhow, back to reality. What will happen next? First I have to get through two days of work and then the world is my Oyster. Keeping to my budget will be tough, but with finger crossed I will enjoy the ride. Next stop the Peak District.
