Buttermere

Colin had organised a working week-end at Buttermere to construct a new log store at Birkness the FRCC hut so me and Paul headed up there early to get a bit of climbing in and make a start on the preparation work.
The cold easterly wind suggested a low crag so Shepherds Crag was the choice for the day and we started with Ardus (MVS 4b). I led out the first two pitches to a belay in the corner and Paul led the final pitch across a slab and up a thin crack which felt harder than its grade with numb fingers and toes.

Ardus first pitch.

Ardus second pitch

Next we tackled Eve (VS 4c). Again I led off and belayed Paul as he combined the two upper pitches and again we suffered numb fingers and toes but didn't completely detract from the quality of the climbing.

Eve top pitch.

After this we called it day as far as climbing was concerned and called at the cafe for tea and cake before heading back to the hut. There we set about clearing the old log store ready for the construction work to start.
Colin, Bev, Christine and Nick joined us on Friday night along with several FRCC members and the construction began in earnest on Saturday supervised by Colin who had designed it and supplied the materials.
 

The new woodshed