La Lancha for Pensioners

Something special was needed to celebrate Franks' accession to the illustrious ranks of the pensioners. Yes, I know he really is just a sprog. Anyway be that as it may it was decided that a dog-free day with a rope on La Lancha would fit the bill. So early one Wednesday morning we were off in an attempt to beat the heat!

La Lancha is the most westerly ridge of Sierra Maria and it is a cracking route, a real wowser! But the approach up the south face was not a lot of fun!

The view NE from the top was a consolation though.

And looking out down the ridge to the West it was easy going.

But off to the East it was a different matter altogether.


Especially as Frank hadn't been on a rope since his Outward Bound Course when Adam was a lad!

A breather before the first steep bit.

Which was done in style.

Frank on his leading rein!

Yours truely!

Gathering strength before the 'bad step'.

Looking back across the 'bad step'. It doesn't look much but it is a steep V notch in the ridge about 10m in depth, and we were very pleased to have brought the rope.

Catching our breath after the above, and nearly done.

All over.....

........bar the descent.







All was over bar the shouting at 1230hrs and there was plenty of time for a beer!

VIVA LOS PENSIONISTAS!