Page 8 - RAFMA Winter 2003

The author, First ascent of "Prow' - Severe. Afternoon Buttress - Mount Challenger.
A tour in the Falkland Islands isn't all bad, there are opportunities to see the wildlife and tour the battlefields. However, if you climb, the Islands offer a golden opportunity that alludes many of us in the UK. The climber's Holy Grail. The chance to move on virgin, or near virgin, rock; the chance to climb a route that doesn't appear in the guidebook; the chance to see if a route will just go. The rock
itself varied from easy angled slabs through vertical to severely overhanging. In places it is sound, in others, friable. This quality adds uncertainty to the route and allows the climber to fine-tune his sense of care when choosing a handhold.
After an initial recce (a short 1-month detachment in January 02) during which I managed to achieve a couple of outings, I promised myself that when I returned in December I would pack my rack and a couple of ropes, as these were not available through the Sports Store. Fortunately my next trip would be longer and would take in most of the Austral summer.
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