The Gripper Clipper Awards

The Gripper Clipper Awards (est 2004) are awarded to person or persons for services to comedy whilst climbing or attempting climb.

With over 10,000 user visits to the Orange House over the last 8 years it's no wonder our guests have had the odd thrill and spill. Cantina Marina hosted a Morroccan food night at the house, with most guests attending what better time to present the award.

I've been promising for several years to document this esteemed award's history with a page on the main web site. This is now under construction.

 So until that page is completed here's the latest installment from the White Coast of Epics.....

Bertie's Blunder
Bertie (retired solicitor from LMC so I will be careful with what I write) was attempting to second a route, was unable to do so and was subsequently lowered back to the ground.

Sam (the leader) then threaded the belay and prepared to be lowered back to the ground by Bertie. Having communicated with Bertie his intentions, Sam was lowered the 30m to the ground safely if a little fast. Bertie, with a face similar to that of a bull dog chewing a wasp and no skin left on his fingers, turn to Sam and said "I forgot to put the friction plate on!"

Congrats Bertie! You join an elite band poeple who are entitled to use the letters "GCA" after their names.

Other award holders are Helen and Chris for attempting to walk the Bernia Ridge North to South when it runs East to West. Sharky and Ex boy friend for being rescued by boat from the Toix Sea Cliffs, only to realise they were now stranded at the port of Altea with no shoes, no money, no car keys and the car still at Toix anyway. Paul and his missus for taking thirty one and a half hours to climb Puig Campana. The list goes on.....

So if you wish to climb on the Costa Blanca and want to avoid the "GCA" title, the following dates are available for improvers (F4 to F6c) 27th November, 22nd December and 16th January. These are 5 days courses, selfcatering and transport. Email  sam@theorangehouse.co.uk  for further details.

Autumn on the Costa

We spent the long hot summer in the Alpes. September was still very warm and the traditional DWS venues have seen some action and are becoming very popular by local and visiting climbers. The hot weather has continued well into October allowing us to push out about 40 new DWS lines from 5 up to projects likely to be 8a or harder.

"Daniel" 6c+  Rich Mayfield on the first ascent.

My fav new route is Daniel (6c+/7a), named after my grandson who was in the kayak during the first ascent. This leads into a fantastic traverse line of Ailis 7b ish so far. 60m long the odd loose hold and the pump means this line is still a project.

"Curse ya fur breathin", an open project likely to be 7c/8a.

"Curse ya fur breathing, ya slacked jawed idiot!" Pictured above has seen manys attempts over the Autumn with slow progress through the roof. It's still warm enough that I'm itching to get back today, so as soon as I've finished typing this I'm off. Wish me luck I may need it!

New DWS mini guide will be available from our web site next year, watch this space...

Hasta la Vista from the White Coast....