CLICK TO RETURN TO:-
From the late Miss Marston via S. & R. Ling
Jerry Wright crossing to the Arete, which leads up to the shoulder
Jerry Wright begins the awkward mantle-shelf manoeuvre from the shoulder.
Jerry Wright leading
Bill Marston on The Needle, The Napes, Great Gable Circa 1931.
The classic route to the shoulder is via the ‘Wasdale Crack’ but on this occasion Jerry chose the less polished Arete.
Unusually, photos 2 to 4 were taken from a vantage point above & to the East of the Needle. Probably from the climb ‘Salome’.
Jerry eases himself upright, while Bill protects him with a shoulder belay, (standard in that era), but no longer used for belaying leaders.
Bill attacks the summit block, which is usually completed near the edge, out of our sight to her left.
Click any image to see a larger view
It is normal practice for the leader of this climb to belay himself on the top by rigging a ‘lassoo’ around the back of the block or, better, under the overhang which is on the far side.
Jerry was probably secure enough in this sitting ‘stance’, though he does not appear to be tied on at all !
Though many Alpine Guides still use the shoulder belay to bring up clients from below as it allows them to give a helpful upwards pull !