Meet the Community: Tess
What is your name? Tess Dog
How did you get introduced to climbing? My human is an avid climber and takes me with him on his many climbing, running, and biking adventures!
Where is your favourite place to climb? I’ve been lucky to go with my human to St Govan’s in Pembrokeshire, numerous crags in The Llanberis Pass, and scrambling on the east face of Tryfan. Personally, I think mountain crags are most enjoyable because I get a good run in and out. (I always end up waiting at the bottom for my pals to catch up!)
Describe your best climbing experience! Where was it, when was it, with whom and why? I have too many to count! Any time that I can get outside is a great experience for me. I did have one bad experience –after 3 days of fun in the mountains, my human and I set off for ‘one last adventure’. I got to the bottom of the crag and was too tired to go any further. The only way I could make this clear to Ollie was to sit down and refuse to move. In the end he got the message and emptied his rucksack of all his gear and put me in it. There was no more climbing that day but we had a great trip and a good bonding experience.
What's your favourite piece of climbing kit and why? I really enjoy the magic, never ending bag of treats in my human’s pocket. Never underestimate a good snack to keep your energy up!
Why do you climb? I’m a Welsh sheep dog and used to work on a farm. I have since retired but I still have lots of energy and so like to be out doing things in the great outdoors. Luckily my human loves to climb, trail run and mountain bike.
What would your advice be to someone thinking about trying climbing for the first time? Find yourself a good climbing partner!
What's your favourite food? Any and all cheese.
What’s your #1 most played song? The masterpiece that is 'Who let the dogs out?’
What is the last book you read? ‘War and Peace’ by Tolstoy.
If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would it be and why? Most years I am lucky enough to go to Font with my Boulders teammates. I’ve also been to Tignes in France, however I think with the ongoing COVID situation my next trip will most likely be to Scotland.
What would be your perfect day? Wake up at first light and go for a long trail run straight away. For some reason my human likes to sleep until at least 07:30 which I just don’t understand! Cheese for breakfast, followed by a mountain biking session (I love to chase my human down the winding trails in the forest.) Then out to our favourite crag ‘Clogwyn Du’r Arddu’, in North Wales. It has an amazing run into the crag, and I can then rest and enjoy the view whilst the humans go climbing. Then obviously more cheese for tea.
Fun Fact about you? My owner thinks I’m really well behaved and don’t sit on the sofa. When he goes out it’s a different story.
