Climbing the Walls

I want to tell you about a wonderful experience that was given to me as a gift by strangers.

As a child, I loved adventure holidays. I went twice with school to the Peak District to mess about on rock faces, under the ground and on water. If you know me well, you will have heard about the long hot summers spent boating.

As an adult, I often miss these things. In many ways, my work life balance is perfect, and yet sometimes I simply ache for active fun. I have no interest in becoming a master at any sport, but I love having a go. With a cheeky grin and questionable talent, I'm up for it, as long as no one expects me to be serious.

When I discovered a free course in wall climbing, I leapt at the chance, almost literally.

During two recent Sunday evenings, I have learnt to belay, to tie a ‘figure of eight loop follow through’ knot, and to swing dramatically mid-air. A friend of mine’s recently acquired girlfriend held me safety in her hands (via a rope!) and I gave her absolute trust. It would have been no fun not too. Rather inelegantly, I even made it up the odd wall.

I like the ’figure of eight follow through’ knot, despite its stupid name. Contrary to speculation, I did not 'let one go' or 'follow through'. I like the knot because it's an elaborate version of the only sailing knot I know. My limited skills could take me far.

How and why did I get all of this free? Well, a group of super Brighton based ladies have set up a social enterprise called VertiGirls. As a member of the willie-less sex, they wanted to provide me and other women with an opportunity that might not otherwise come our way. I thank them for it. It was the best present ever.

My Geek bought me a new eye mask today. It's the best present ever. There can be more than one. It blocks out every glint of light and has a lovely cushion where it rests upon my nose.

Fabpants Recommends: Headlights - Some Racing, Some Stopping. The entire album is scattered across the World Wide Web in MP3 format. If you like it, you can buy it. Otherwise, take advantage of my search engine skills. I’m so rad.


Download MP3: 1. Get Your Head Around it (sorry, this link has died)

Download MP3: 2. Cherry Tulips (courtesy of the-frame.com)




Download MP3: 3. Market Girl (courtesy of chromewaves.net)



Download MP3: 4. On April 2 (sorry, this link has died)


Download MP3: 5. School Boys (sorry, this link has died)

Download MP3: 6. Some Racing, Some Stopping(sorry, this link has died)

Download MP3: 7. So Much For The Afternoon(sorry, this link has died)

Download MP3: 8. Catch Them All (courtesy of the-frame.com)




Download MP3: 09. Towers (sorry, this link has died)

Download MP3: 10. January(sorry, this link has died)