Freak-Out

This is a scanned in slide from a photo taken on Friday 13th May 1994. It shows Alan Kerr launching onto the first pitch of a climb called Freak-Out (E4, 6a) in Glencoe, Scotland. The plan was that Alan lead the 1st pitch and I freaked-out leading the 2nd. But it was still early in the season and the rock was a little wet. Alan got half way up the first pitch, placed some gear, got very pumped and in typical Kerr style said "fuck it" and just went for the belay ledge. He actually made it before his feet popped off and proceeded to take the biggest leader fall I have ever seen and held. The fall was so long his body started to rotate in the air and my eyes started to pop out with fright. Must have been a 20m flyer. He hit the deck sideways on rope stretch, so it was a good job I was belaying just to one side. Damage report consisted of being severely winded, bruised, mildly traumatised and a blooded ass cheek hanging out of his trousers. It took a while to retrieve the gear and return to the car, and later that night (after a medicinal visit to the King's House) his wife Kat had to take him to hostpital for back injuries. Those were the days:-)