But, we’re back regardless, nose to the grindstone…..a grindstone made out of grit - what else? So what’s been going down? The big news of the new year period was that Smiling Buttress received its long-awaited second ascent from Alex Moore. It looks like the new beta and padding setup makes it less of a logistical headache, and crucially less deathly, so maybe this will open the floodgates to more repeats? Even if not, it’s great to see the line get the attention it deserves, because it is a mega piece of rock. The arête immediately to the right just needs climbing now - from what I hear it’s almost all ’there’.