tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-62570965335573847822024-02-20T02:05:20.027-08:00Heather's climbing and general worrying about life too much blogHeatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06772163069658743800noreply@blogger.comBlogger14125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6257096533557384782.post-79068141239093928422015-01-19T00:32:00.001-08:002015-01-19T04:23:52.650-08:00The start of winter...in mid January?After a rather slow start to the winter, the snow has finally arrived!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7PY5Fj4uuROaYGZrE4Oe1tmzt5o7jNAJP234gW_Du1kt46FeZhoXkV1UzdkPgFBxEq6n-YXthyphenhyphengEvBNwoMwVDap1NzFvz6-wlDWRlAFEUs2EFnhVqBMWLKuu_Wgb-XMY18OhfTN-V97M/s1600/10937545_10153009623000499_430089159_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7PY5Fj4uuROaYGZrE4Oe1tmzt5o7jNAJP234gW_Du1kt46FeZhoXkV1UzdkPgFBxEq6n-YXthyphenhyphengEvBNwoMwVDap1NzFvz6-wlDWRlAFEUs2EFnhVqBMWLKuu_Wgb-XMY18OhfTN-V97M/s1600/10937545_10153009623000499_430089159_n.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo credit: Heather swift<br />
www.heather-swift.com/</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2mViITS0KB0Z4Xz_OShvzkxdkCz7f4A0VTq92Aq_EbPEk7ZXYVu2o7JZoGcngdFiXTwCrlmzigOQX28Y8XeUWIM6azm0nQcq2QoS2mBox6hDq6hmw1pqif5I4NYXLiE8q3oFbfCg8vqQ/s1600/10943530_10153009623075499_90454869_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2mViITS0KB0Z4Xz_OShvzkxdkCz7f4A0VTq92Aq_EbPEk7ZXYVu2o7JZoGcngdFiXTwCrlmzigOQX28Y8XeUWIM6azm0nQcq2QoS2mBox6hDq6hmw1pqif5I4NYXLiE8q3oFbfCg8vqQ/s1600/10943530_10153009623075499_90454869_n.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo credit: Heather swift<br />
www.heather-swift.com/</td></tr>
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The first big dump of the winter gently floated its way down onto the slopes and Saturday was a truly fantastic powder day. Unfortunately, the gorgeous fluffy powder was covering a multitude of hidden rocks, meaning that I now know a collection of people with core shot skis (when you strip off the bottom of the ski down to the wooden core-ouchy ouchy ski!) and I myself have very scratched skis. Despite this I have had some amazing runs off the top lift of Grand Montets with the 'girly shred crew' in the the fluffy stuff this weekend, as illustrated by these pictures...<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4M1ICBHCo6Z3qq5kJtLz098scXXGDnwAprTRxBBMR6O9FloZNSiOhEm8-VCRnykz5WJ4JU9RI1MSQGHdi9oV8HTUVVHWk-vIA7vdNuKgMdfME1hwxOMH88q3WKBhGrqKMBoFLxn1UWe8/s1600/10846895_10153009622765499_140130523_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4M1ICBHCo6Z3qq5kJtLz098scXXGDnwAprTRxBBMR6O9FloZNSiOhEm8-VCRnykz5WJ4JU9RI1MSQGHdi9oV8HTUVVHWk-vIA7vdNuKgMdfME1hwxOMH88q3WKBhGrqKMBoFLxn1UWe8/s1600/10846895_10153009622765499_140130523_n.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Amazing powder through the trees! <br />
Photo credit: Heather swift<br />
www.heather-swift.com/</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmbkZfU7aCpevmAXru-BQQrdNAhKF7TD6RhNo5DeVWvNfKX_p33nBBMAxYKd0tsVWcyteM4MJwvcyGSIAjSkGK2D6kza0zdzCCW74TJbhHNN3IB-Y_W0JuhuioFvKvIU_6on34m7rYzQY/s1600/10937698_10153009624340499_1251153741_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmbkZfU7aCpevmAXru-BQQrdNAhKF7TD6RhNo5DeVWvNfKX_p33nBBMAxYKd0tsVWcyteM4MJwvcyGSIAjSkGK2D6kza0zdzCCW74TJbhHNN3IB-Y_W0JuhuioFvKvIU_6on34m7rYzQY/s1600/10937698_10153009624340499_1251153741_n.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A rather sparser snow day at the Brevent the previous weekend<br />
Photo credit: Heather swift<br />
www.heather-swift.com/</td></tr>
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Leading up to this first snowfall, the winter has been rather sparse. I passed New Years down in the Pyrenees doing some winter assessment prep with Claire, Alistar and his son, Magnus. The week started off horrendously cold and windy and ended up too warm by the end. We looked at lots of trees and animal tracks and stuff like that, and barely covered any ground.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfqz6gcvXlOO_dexeeEh9qAt0Bjsbz3PD8FZuj8P5a3D_ChgUr5jMGCBmt3PzJLBoBPqkY_IMdp-4eUHapBc1cKqiazqVBVs5Ge1RQsK4UxI3Vkyl0P0vYuo5v_V7kfXeTzKt2YRIFIzg/s1600/image+(4).jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfqz6gcvXlOO_dexeeEh9qAt0Bjsbz3PD8FZuj8P5a3D_ChgUr5jMGCBmt3PzJLBoBPqkY_IMdp-4eUHapBc1cKqiazqVBVs5Ge1RQsK4UxI3Vkyl0P0vYuo5v_V7kfXeTzKt2YRIFIzg/s1600/image+(4).jpeg" height="320" width="238" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A powder day...on snowshoes. <br />
Hmmmf</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4QafCZaT19HCVvcTdisGjxRGOan_l8ITieOC5BpkClphO8RmyoM14XeMezC2xDR9AQsJGLV__IHfwsTzPV39_DKb26utC15eacvn7gltjBPN5BkgaYNfE3ZeDqfX6iB5KiIUylRacAd4/s1600/image+(5).jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4QafCZaT19HCVvcTdisGjxRGOan_l8ITieOC5BpkClphO8RmyoM14XeMezC2xDR9AQsJGLV__IHfwsTzPV39_DKb26utC15eacvn7gltjBPN5BkgaYNfE3ZeDqfX6iB5KiIUylRacAd4/s1600/image+(5).jpeg" height="238" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And by the end of the week, <br />
most of the snow had melted...</td></tr>
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My whole family were here for Christmas which means we were running around like headless chickens trying to find something to do in the complete lack of snow, but had some good days skiing at Les Contamines (Rosie totally smashed her first off piste experience), a couple of days snowshoeing, and just some normal walking in the valley as well. Also had the achievement of doing Christmas dinner for 8 in my 19m2 flat!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj38-4HpCEGcQUGv8SF_-EJpG39tb5yYoGH7rDc4h9tpVEN0W7IfKdq-v1lKvfAT-f-wfe4wO6JKnr_XbZDpJOb4-JZFikn8j2wUjmA5VfLe9qm0TninLRl-S48mfblIHnixA7Bb7wPW4g/s1600/image+(7).jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj38-4HpCEGcQUGv8SF_-EJpG39tb5yYoGH7rDc4h9tpVEN0W7IfKdq-v1lKvfAT-f-wfe4wO6JKnr_XbZDpJOb4-JZFikn8j2wUjmA5VfLe9qm0TninLRl-S48mfblIHnixA7Bb7wPW4g/s1600/image+(7).jpeg" height="238" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The aftermath of the Bulgarian<br />
present exchange</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9z114KqadiGs5dSL3AAFOgPN5fKDR-l1mV6UbUFiBITo1oDAccW42v85RiAJV5iBKtGb_XCP-MfRmZZeA2_i4zIeCSDpUx6mYtSdOOBmqqB5ytH0ZeSYOKDDQvPsD7wYn7BQAiiqyRJk/s1600/image+(2).jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9z114KqadiGs5dSL3AAFOgPN5fKDR-l1mV6UbUFiBITo1oDAccW42v85RiAJV5iBKtGb_XCP-MfRmZZeA2_i4zIeCSDpUx6mYtSdOOBmqqB5ytH0ZeSYOKDDQvPsD7wYn7BQAiiqyRJk/s1600/image+(2).jpeg" height="320" width="238" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is what 'fresh tracks' look <br />
like when there is very little snow</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUeMqI_N-q7Z0TDMgNI65QtnGkgXEwF3mnCS32I_BStxrP_goVNy8NFtQeWWvdBnKR6wp67jVD3EXmFiJO86bDgQD6kHrYoqLUP6Ub013pwhQI3lHuLMRkbzuQaAy5JebGYNmbeI2dapM/s1600/image+(1).jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUeMqI_N-q7Z0TDMgNI65QtnGkgXEwF3mnCS32I_BStxrP_goVNy8NFtQeWWvdBnKR6wp67jVD3EXmFiJO86bDgQD6kHrYoqLUP6Ub013pwhQI3lHuLMRkbzuQaAy5JebGYNmbeI2dapM/s1600/image+(1).jpeg" height="320" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rosie totally shredding the nasty sun crust at Contamines</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA_xJxqEY-Ip4C1-XZ7U1l2SYXTVH4RkI5mDY59WExxcP6yd2RWk5Zom7DDHDW_4Yb9VIkpV-aODPxCFs3CTMa3h7SIS0_shOtuY7HAHZ5Zv8UrDp6OG9XRcaVnZhXxGF8bxoXcpbz2bY/s1600/image.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA_xJxqEY-Ip4C1-XZ7U1l2SYXTVH4RkI5mDY59WExxcP6yd2RWk5Zom7DDHDW_4Yb9VIkpV-aODPxCFs3CTMa3h7SIS0_shOtuY7HAHZ5Zv8UrDp6OG9XRcaVnZhXxGF8bxoXcpbz2bY/s1600/image.jpeg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Team snowshoe out at Le tour</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEger7clri58Jn3cifHNpCfr1pAYKUxaxZ3TcyLiQRpGnMd5itEjYi5Nfihui0z11Om0z6L9dQnMEmc0bEMdzdFZe1dpHAQIBCvrxV3K3uYI9LeN6GIpIj_XwvENDZkIxYjzazeO3pvRF50/s1600/10934165_10153009634890499_1647807468_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEger7clri58Jn3cifHNpCfr1pAYKUxaxZ3TcyLiQRpGnMd5itEjYi5Nfihui0z11Om0z6L9dQnMEmc0bEMdzdFZe1dpHAQIBCvrxV3K3uYI9LeN6GIpIj_XwvENDZkIxYjzazeO3pvRF50/s1600/10934165_10153009634890499_1647807468_n.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Need straight legs!<br />
Photo credit: Heather swift<br />
www.heather-swift.com</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0RAAU-e21JNfA4LTNeSnxNHecAy58RDGPtOIinIJSIiUOYULCikmA_IJHy6YM2MfpX6S2CS_qvwsK0BKGJLSnhn-UAj-XXOoIsMo3pKnAvg0NQ20hknBd2Dr-xAIyOtwM5IBJfH6wouc/s1600/10934266_10153009634905499_364640340_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0RAAU-e21JNfA4LTNeSnxNHecAy58RDGPtOIinIJSIiUOYULCikmA_IJHy6YM2MfpX6S2CS_qvwsK0BKGJLSnhn-UAj-XXOoIsMo3pKnAvg0NQ20hknBd2Dr-xAIyOtwM5IBJfH6wouc/s1600/10934266_10153009634905499_364640340_n.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Standard, mainly spending <br />
my time sitting of the mats<br />
Photo credit: Heather swift<br />
www.heather-swift.com</td></tr>
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In between all this, I've been climbing indoors alot, until I hurt my shoulder last week. I've been feeling really good and strong moving about on the plastic so its a bit of a bummer to have injured myself, but I have been very aware that my core has been letting me down, so going to take this opportunity to address that, so sit up city here I come...<br />
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<br />Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06772163069658743800noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6257096533557384782.post-33472459631032087192015-01-18T23:44:00.002-08:002015-01-18T23:44:49.670-08:00Getting ready for winter...I hope(Forgot to press post on this one so dates back from November!)<br />
<br />
So after a dump of snow down to valley level last week (or the week before?), ski psyche for the winter is high. I've dug my boots, ski and skins out of the garage and even gone for a quick snowshoe up at Le Tour (got to get IML logbook days in!). Unfortunately it has now been unseasonable warm and dry for the last week and the snow level has disappeared somewhere upwards in a slightly worrying manner. At least this means that climbing season is still going strong!<br />
<br />
We have taken a move from the van into an apartment, as everything was getting a bit cold and damp. The relief of living inside four walls with a shower, toilet and sink can probably only be understood by someone who has done the same.<br />
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I took a trip back to the UK last month in a last ditch attempt to get my car fixed (failed), and although the weather wasn't great, saw lots of friends, my godchild, my parents and spent lots of time at indoor walls.<br />
<br />
Climbing indoors in Chamonix, I only ever boulder at an indoor wall called the EMHM (Ecole Militare de Haute Montagne), its a wall on the French army base with great facilities for training, not so great for just having a fun time. It was so nice to go back to the UK and climbing on a wall where the problems were already made for you and a bit less testosterone flying around!<br />
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I got back to France feeling a bit stronger than before, but unfortunately the snow put a stop to immediate crushing, so more training on the indoor wall.<br />
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Just the same as last year, I then had to drive the big van back to the UK for its MOT (first time pass go van!), which combined with getting stronger and a bad driving position, immediately means I have shoulder pain again.<br />
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I've been trying to combat this with yoga at least every other day, and am already feeling the benefits, not only in my shoulders. I'm feeling more stretchy all over! The apartment has been great for this as yoga outside is a bit too chilly and damp.<br />
<br />
Despite all this there has been trips outside. Whilst Jonny goes to Sarre roof in Italy every weekend, I've been going to more chill crags like Pierre a Voix and Bionassy, trying to tick routes around 7b to tick over. I'm not feeling a need to push hard at the moment, and I think it is unhealthy to do that all year, so I am really enjoying climbing just for the sake of climbing and being outside with good friends.<br />
<br />
Who knows what the winter will bring!?Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06772163069658743800noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6257096533557384782.post-63082281403519249262014-10-19T14:48:00.001-07:002014-10-19T14:48:14.387-07:00A summer updateSo, this blog tends to fall short rather as the months go on and nothing particularly significant happens. Seeing as my little sister has just started a blog (see here: www.boatingbendingpoppingsprogs.wordpress.com), this has prompted me to remember that I am the older sister, and clearly my life should be more interesting than my little sister by right of having had come first.<br />
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This summer has been rather hectic, but unfortunately without much climbing. In August I passed (thank god) my summer IML assessment, and much of the summer has been spent wandering about practicing reading a map etc in anticipation of this.<br />
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I've been on lots of trips throughout France, down to Briancon and the Ecrins a few times, over to Norway (LOVE it) and lots of time wandering around the Chamonix valley, here is a quick photo review...<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaU2iRyS7DpLHEhHmhWq2ajhDR_b6eGQArl55iqLD4szcVSZfZU7D3tcmwmJ1YPg6A3-8-8jLh3xTfTFjjzZzUE6VcT4G80o5lUWJ9nCwXe1xBVaBxA9khQUvUlhO99kr0_MxpNJmASyM/s1600/IMG_2484.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaU2iRyS7DpLHEhHmhWq2ajhDR_b6eGQArl55iqLD4szcVSZfZU7D3tcmwmJ1YPg6A3-8-8jLh3xTfTFjjzZzUE6VcT4G80o5lUWJ9nCwXe1xBVaBxA9khQUvUlhO99kr0_MxpNJmASyM/s1600/IMG_2484.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ugg climbing at Foron, a great crag just down the road from Morzine</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-2IbAt6nkhWgGLncfOcV2JfrLAH0YygyS7JyFfXFX74OJaFvioMnAow-5-AjqhrF1yRy4wKijfi6u3zF75eeII1vnNFJp3c1-6I79LgRla_o2mWfUe6k8EAJ423_qcGyT0qQSkW2JzsE/s1600/IMG_2514.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-2IbAt6nkhWgGLncfOcV2JfrLAH0YygyS7JyFfXFX74OJaFvioMnAow-5-AjqhrF1yRy4wKijfi6u3zF75eeII1vnNFJp3c1-6I79LgRla_o2mWfUe6k8EAJ423_qcGyT0qQSkW2JzsE/s1600/IMG_2514.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sandra taking Sadie for a walk some ladders</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVZzYMXBwHQjeszEQzprBs6vKbLDJHY9pIUAOBuJ89vDJDEtM-z8NiDXYpkI4pBcjfW5HJDiLkBIpgDC5C3S8yirsR60JAnjVLKJ7c68S73qLeYLUrgEVIdREzfivr2yHA203Xm9OhENI/s1600/IMG_2517.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVZzYMXBwHQjeszEQzprBs6vKbLDJHY9pIUAOBuJ89vDJDEtM-z8NiDXYpkI4pBcjfW5HJDiLkBIpgDC5C3S8yirsR60JAnjVLKJ7c68S73qLeYLUrgEVIdREzfivr2yHA203Xm9OhENI/s1600/IMG_2517.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">...which turned into a rather nasty thunderstorm, luckily my map is waterproof!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaSWYEOVLKm1Ku3UR6xhLbKHIIkqkoFXDH9HAsRmnH-XIdqe9bgXz-K8FMOj86_MYhDFkemNoimxN0NW_d892dcGRJZtvJV-6D2XwWxsj95DXSUogUQSYouo2aI4v4OtRjsHNc4NT9zB0/s1600/IMG_2535.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaSWYEOVLKm1Ku3UR6xhLbKHIIkqkoFXDH9HAsRmnH-XIdqe9bgXz-K8FMOj86_MYhDFkemNoimxN0NW_d892dcGRJZtvJV-6D2XwWxsj95DXSUogUQSYouo2aI4v4OtRjsHNc4NT9zB0/s1600/IMG_2535.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some goats underneath 'La Blanche' in the Ecrins</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhekdFdMfcgwg43QunNWt6Z4homEUJLezHT4vE8ktTsMQ5lj61KBhN77gqnhpcupTv9Fn1CUeURuKg4j8SHDUFysX7s5ul_4htVzg9sxXg_56QBPIBNDKPkSDwGv-SUQK8eGIwr31Seg3E/s1600/IMG_2544.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhekdFdMfcgwg43QunNWt6Z4homEUJLezHT4vE8ktTsMQ5lj61KBhN77gqnhpcupTv9Fn1CUeURuKg4j8SHDUFysX7s5ul_4htVzg9sxXg_56QBPIBNDKPkSDwGv-SUQK8eGIwr31Seg3E/s1600/IMG_2544.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Classic view from L'envers des Aiguilles sunset shot</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcq6YvKr0tq_xmiKplnr3oOjcniDPromua3Hr1Pg-p_NoB78DscpD0CN9n3n19WxCou2UZeIB6E8omatHwNfDbIJ7VF9WHDMbwuPZ38vw5tvRYiLOnH8Yn5-KO65s93amZdCKGDsG_ajM/s1600/IMG_2806.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcq6YvKr0tq_xmiKplnr3oOjcniDPromua3Hr1Pg-p_NoB78DscpD0CN9n3n19WxCou2UZeIB6E8omatHwNfDbIJ7VF9WHDMbwuPZ38vw5tvRYiLOnH8Yn5-KO65s93amZdCKGDsG_ajM/s1600/IMG_2806.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dad investigating the fast way down a snowslope in a white out...ooops!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig92nem3PquPPoqWeXrqoUTCFP4EbMLO507SpEPyxPCYQJgbsfsJqE8SqeExI3_KVY0igZibWr_PTVOvj9nWbrQ9EsDuG24Ky9_ZOTpSgDPa6U2djX62WlA1ZantYjEM5uI6Y5BMovBe4/s1600/IMG_2771.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig92nem3PquPPoqWeXrqoUTCFP4EbMLO507SpEPyxPCYQJgbsfsJqE8SqeExI3_KVY0igZibWr_PTVOvj9nWbrQ9EsDuG24Ky9_ZOTpSgDPa6U2djX62WlA1ZantYjEM5uI6Y5BMovBe4/s1600/IMG_2771.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Amazing sport climbing close to Ailefroide</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMQFNgtS0OdMH7xqsRHJB8GYXG1s925atpEYy4RnePKPf_nnvxPZ-ylsaRmJJNZqu0mblUduzeAPyaZjpGxLLkqqSayo__ytFjLJChMVy-853TWn3jj5hK38XU7iRBD8BzYADQShnx1t0/s1600/IMG_2762.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMQFNgtS0OdMH7xqsRHJB8GYXG1s925atpEYy4RnePKPf_nnvxPZ-ylsaRmJJNZqu0mblUduzeAPyaZjpGxLLkqqSayo__ytFjLJChMVy-853TWn3jj5hK38XU7iRBD8BzYADQShnx1t0/s1600/IMG_2762.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The wrong way up this mountain!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDIKYo-NylsW2YC6XMviXiiAqyUSU8lNdvUL87W8t_pBBv5MM8S1gr9dwm9mqVwMgILzYnblZKi8j1kVLWWI0vRZ83jyRSes8xSC8h4n0EgFJlM0UKlvqAi3UgVwPdYWA55TJIUhKh1vQ/s1600/IMG_2642.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDIKYo-NylsW2YC6XMviXiiAqyUSU8lNdvUL87W8t_pBBv5MM8S1gr9dwm9mqVwMgILzYnblZKi8j1kVLWWI0vRZ83jyRSes8xSC8h4n0EgFJlM0UKlvqAi3UgVwPdYWA55TJIUhKh1vQ/s1600/IMG_2642.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Norway, described as lots of rock and water. Generally accurate</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4mNNmkF_7oF2xX2RvjRt86GSA88Fs5e5-4cuSEZIl8jr_F4hG-EJ_VEUKDZx9Xsi4yqLkeN5jJ4caouAxQfutT-llnIbvyPg7VKDFailN-Q3V1Yn3PgDQwuaAHWTeEGpAxl0KWMWKzJo/s1600/IMG_2605.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4mNNmkF_7oF2xX2RvjRt86GSA88Fs5e5-4cuSEZIl8jr_F4hG-EJ_VEUKDZx9Xsi4yqLkeN5jJ4caouAxQfutT-llnIbvyPg7VKDFailN-Q3V1Yn3PgDQwuaAHWTeEGpAxl0KWMWKzJo/s1600/IMG_2605.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Psyched and ready to go</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjIeLfG59QKJ2cE7-W-I9JthaczxGKu2w8laVU0iGMxB6VnEtICXkKU1XzpAdEkeH3OV1trcRC9rl0z9nZv4MaGM2DkqfuqbCgVh0g0GtWGNOqRf-7iYKfEkfsO5ESqSiZqIEK2IB2B_w/s1600/IMG_2814.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjIeLfG59QKJ2cE7-W-I9JthaczxGKu2w8laVU0iGMxB6VnEtICXkKU1XzpAdEkeH3OV1trcRC9rl0z9nZv4MaGM2DkqfuqbCgVh0g0GtWGNOqRf-7iYKfEkfsO5ESqSiZqIEK2IB2B_w/s1600/IMG_2814.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Family walk above Emmoson</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyYhVrlh8n9rbXxrqWvIbHPU4opdmHDWcbx8yUUW9o0bAUdufQk4NHG5P_Y5ULzOdUuTIn3bcxEF5pjlifgBhCo8IveQ3x3rFFmlRIju_Ls_5HeCnB6VHzRgGvpgPPXchvWwIX2ONUyZE/s1600/IMG_2861.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyYhVrlh8n9rbXxrqWvIbHPU4opdmHDWcbx8yUUW9o0bAUdufQk4NHG5P_Y5ULzOdUuTIn3bcxEF5pjlifgBhCo8IveQ3x3rFFmlRIju_Ls_5HeCnB6VHzRgGvpgPPXchvWwIX2ONUyZE/s1600/IMG_2861.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Final day of IML assesment</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMdqqGKrojI_bFu0OakMrp1Z9Fe-sm15W4AWKAwWYbr-8gql2_8CnAs11m4WwqfFobDc0S2gqaVNHfngixd5YsZcFZbtS3g3RLSxJbbfru-ZXWBCyqOu2Y664O4Y8j3NaUjfb-yiQ1_Fc/s1600/IMG_2875.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMdqqGKrojI_bFu0OakMrp1Z9Fe-sm15W4AWKAwWYbr-8gql2_8CnAs11m4WwqfFobDc0S2gqaVNHfngixd5YsZcFZbtS3g3RLSxJbbfru-ZXWBCyqOu2Y664O4Y8j3NaUjfb-yiQ1_Fc/s1600/IMG_2875.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Climbing with Heather in Gastlosen</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkm1bXI2T9MwGMxJPZ0erM47Muo9LIamtND7ALxuXRd8zqGS9FpLCLSQIaaVb3tjhQl8cfA8W8qQTLo3HxpWPDnqkGOvmcXIL2-nV_gNgpvU0h-KAeW0Kv1aK-b7OT3JkPLZT7WxE3RtQ/s1600/IMG_2886.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkm1bXI2T9MwGMxJPZ0erM47Muo9LIamtND7ALxuXRd8zqGS9FpLCLSQIaaVb3tjhQl8cfA8W8qQTLo3HxpWPDnqkGOvmcXIL2-nV_gNgpvU0h-KAeW0Kv1aK-b7OT3JkPLZT7WxE3RtQ/s1600/IMG_2886.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Heather (s) summit shot</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
So despite the summer being damp to say the least I seem to have go out lots! The autumn so far has been lovely, but I am unfortunately stuck in the UK at the moment waiting for my car to be fixed. A return to rock climbing is hard but its great to be improving again and psyche is high!Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06772163069658743800noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6257096533557384782.post-39357129843878670652014-05-02T04:16:00.001-07:002014-05-02T04:16:46.597-07:00<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><u>A girly guide to
fears of falling<o:p></o:p></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In my mind falling and failure are linked, but not in the
way one might expect. I’ve been climbing all my life, but only in the last 3
years have I really got into sport climbing. Coming from a trad background, and
taught by my parents I had never pushed myself into places where I was likely
to be falling off, and up until a few years ago had never fallen of EVER on
ANYTHING. This developed into a huge fear of falling off, something that I have
tried to overcome this year. I’ve managed to come to a point now where falling
off is not the failure, but rather failing to push myself until I either fall
or succeed on a route.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
After a fairly unsuccessful 6 month trip two winter ago, getting
more and more frustrated with myself as I failed to perform, it became clear
that this was due to my inability to climb above a bolt due to a paralysing
fear of climbing off. After talking to lots of my girlfriends it became pretty
clear that I was not alone in this. Allot of the frustration comes from knowing
that you could and should be trying harder, but the fear is holding you back. I’ve
decided that I’ve now come on enough to
share some of the things I have found helpful with the world of the interweb.
(Apologies for the fairly girl specific points in advance)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj04lr1SW-KS-LPsmdWbwhDjvvKv_3IWEw7dpLh52YRDbXZqvq10H291aiUvkpABaKrgrdkaLrdu6_pzi3uQnoFb_QHeDZtT49HeOHmNFWPrTIKAyzTwaGPWzCNcfR8ETC3WpPiWedbhbE/s1600/IMG_2356.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj04lr1SW-KS-LPsmdWbwhDjvvKv_3IWEw7dpLh52YRDbXZqvq10H291aiUvkpABaKrgrdkaLrdu6_pzi3uQnoFb_QHeDZtT49HeOHmNFWPrTIKAyzTwaGPWzCNcfR8ETC3WpPiWedbhbE/s1600/IMG_2356.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A picture of the amazing gorge of Mascun Superiour, Rodellar. Because I can<br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><b>1)<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-weight: normal;"> </span></b><!--[endif]--><b>Climb with people who you trust, are
attentive and understand you<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Possibly alot to ask on a daily basis. I mainly climb with
my boyfriend at the moment and this is NOT who you want to be working on your
fear of falling with, as it is much too easy to get frustrated and take out
your anger in yourself on them. Not great for your climbing or your
relationship! Luckily I made a load of progress this summer going climbing in a
big bunch of girls, before I came away on a long trip with my boyfriend. I find
that the approach a bunch of girls will take to a day out climbing is very different
to a day with a bunch of guys, everything is a bit more relaxed and less macho
grade orientated.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDbihv1f85tyM_Y6AZylngVVLpnjaU8TMztphEJwPJPi8XHCiaVIbSZG4C5bZFUYWYO6kVF0lHSsumR4BHb2Co0qbpsiLssOfHgqS8CKysJRuYImJE6fsyewWQaWqFRqr9uox8RSnioxI/s1600/IMG_2379.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDbihv1f85tyM_Y6AZylngVVLpnjaU8TMztphEJwPJPi8XHCiaVIbSZG4C5bZFUYWYO6kVF0lHSsumR4BHb2Co0qbpsiLssOfHgqS8CKysJRuYImJE6fsyewWQaWqFRqr9uox8RSnioxI/s1600/IMG_2379.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jonny having had fallen off the Delfin AGAIN-he seems to have no fear!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><b>2)<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-weight: normal;"> </span></b><!--[endif]--><b>Start small<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Fall practice is fairly essential and at some point you will have to start
trying. However there is no need to throw yourself in the deep end. Just
deciding not to clip the chains at the top of a route and lobbing off is
unlikely to do anything for your head. Start by just slumping on to the rope on
a top rope, then let go, then let go with a bit of slack in the system. And I’m
not talking about once, or on session on one day. Do it a couple of times every
time you go climbing. Once you feel confident with that start working up to
jumping off on lead, below the bolt to begin with, and then gradually work up
until you are falling off higher and higher. Don’t expect overnight miracles,
its going to take time and patience. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><b>3)<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-weight: normal;"> </span></b><!--[endif]--><b>Warm up properly<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I find this important, as it gets not only your muscles, but
your head warmed up and ready to climb. Start on a route you find easy and gradually
work up to harder things. There’s no point in starting the day cold and scared,
as things are unlikely to get any better. If by the time you get to a hard route
you have already done a couple of harder moves (but ones that you feel happy
on), got warm fingers, arms and toes,
and successfully completed a few routes already you are going to feel
alot more confident. The same applies if you have just scared yourself half to
death, chill out, get on something easier and relax a bit.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFlGVRTJ69sUvoom2YkDV0K6E4siiQ1TUzH50O0_z_tCyaxuT_FCnifPQThzl2t07uskcHDurC7GFUVM3wtE67baY1XL-gliZRJMwlAqfsxsS8bObTYG9k-9-Ln5452Q8Vl6_FKFM__XU/s1600/IMG_2244.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFlGVRTJ69sUvoom2YkDV0K6E4siiQ1TUzH50O0_z_tCyaxuT_FCnifPQThzl2t07uskcHDurC7GFUVM3wtE67baY1XL-gliZRJMwlAqfsxsS8bObTYG9k-9-Ln5452Q8Vl6_FKFM__XU/s1600/IMG_2244.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Duncan warming up in Collegats</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><b>4)<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-weight: normal;"> </span></b><!--[endif]--><b>Project routes<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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Great for increasing confidence. Try not to work things on a
top rope, allow yourself a clipstick, but if you can go between bolts-do it!
Once you have the moves sorted you know that you can do them, and you know that
there is no reason why you shouldn’t be doing them above the bolt. Choose
projects that you really want to do, and then go for it. If you get scared
above a bold, stop and think for a moment. You know that you can do the move,
so go for it. I can guarantee that even if you do fall off going for it you
will feel better than if you grabbed the bolt.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCCWG_xWwbGIm0Ptpn7_yO9z-us4zHZyasG3TGzTCX503qy1rIQujj62s3mHQjdJP5XyrHT5wjIUYHQszA4xOGxRYgh_11v14mrO-lZNzdMRoB0ywiqGXLBdz8CUiij18amA-97oKdPCk/s1600/IMG_2282.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCCWG_xWwbGIm0Ptpn7_yO9z-us4zHZyasG3TGzTCX503qy1rIQujj62s3mHQjdJP5XyrHT5wjIUYHQszA4xOGxRYgh_11v14mrO-lZNzdMRoB0ywiqGXLBdz8CUiij18amA-97oKdPCk/s1600/IMG_2282.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me setting off on Magic Festival-must have fallen off the top of this route about 5 times before I held on to the top</td></tr>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><b>5)<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-weight: normal;"> </span></b><!--[endif]--><b>Boulder<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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This may seem counterproductive on first instance. However,
I found that bouldering really helped my confidence. When bouldering you move
dynamically and do harder moves than you would do on a rope. Having the
confidence to know that you can do harder moves really helps when you are about
to go for it above a bolt and may be just enough to give you the bravery to
make the descision to keep going up, rather than hanging on a bolt.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDbdGfETTQQ8MQpeLb4Ki95AO4b0taVBaV_xeU5IMP0-CvyC6Dc2SEnFu_Rzs7qhVXAqgbUgeh-JSCJxnA3SStH8INokgqncIAeWMCuhEs0_PdjwE-zmF7Awk_TiMy8rBORBm5AiD-bCM/s1600/Albarracin+bloc.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDbdGfETTQQ8MQpeLb4Ki95AO4b0taVBaV_xeU5IMP0-CvyC6Dc2SEnFu_Rzs7qhVXAqgbUgeh-JSCJxnA3SStH8INokgqncIAeWMCuhEs0_PdjwE-zmF7Awk_TiMy8rBORBm5AiD-bCM/s1600/Albarracin+bloc.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bouldering in Albarracin <span style="background-color: white; color: #545454; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 18.200000762939453px; text-align: left;">©Jonny Baker</span></td></tr>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><b>6)<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-weight: normal;"> </span></b><!--[endif]--><b>Climb ‘go-ey’ routes<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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Also an odd one, but I’ve found myself much more confident
on routes where I don’t have alot of time to stop and think. If your brain is
totally engaged in getting to the next hold, there’s no space left to think
about falling off! You might be at the top of the route before you even know
it.</div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><b>7)<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-weight: normal;"> </span></b><!--[endif]--><b>Enjoy yourself<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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Remember the reason why you climb; because it’s fun! If ever
you start feeling unhappy with yourself take a step back and try to work out
why. Once you have worked out why, find a solution and apply it. For instance,
if you are beating yourself up over grabbing a draw instead of going for it,
climb up to that draw, do one more move and then try and jump off. Even if you don’t
manage it that time, it’s still progress! </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt6Z12cjd_TNFStJDQTUqHdOxPNHZpW_UvbHTNxx2QMesOjALuAtYUt_kBRKwNyesalmLOKC_09AQJNcwgUH5-cmQJyHJBs9x61LeHUfU2dRQkPgiSNAxoh_NK8s9yXmrpC5NM-AIRHaw/s1600/IMG_1802.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt6Z12cjd_TNFStJDQTUqHdOxPNHZpW_UvbHTNxx2QMesOjALuAtYUt_kBRKwNyesalmLOKC_09AQJNcwgUH5-cmQJyHJBs9x61LeHUfU2dRQkPgiSNAxoh_NK8s9yXmrpC5NM-AIRHaw/s1600/IMG_1802.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking happy even after a mega alpine route</td></tr>
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<b>Measure your climbing
days not by grades achieved, but by how hard you tried. </b>Even if you don’t achieve
your route that day, come home knowing that you tried your best that day, and
any effort you put in today will be training in the bank for tomorrow.</div>
Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06772163069658743800noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6257096533557384782.post-39278640597467987402014-03-14T10:32:00.003-07:002014-03-17T09:55:03.539-07:00RAB Women's Neutrino Jacket Review<br>
The nice <a href="http://www.outdoorkit.co.uk/">www.outdoorkit.co.uk</a> website shop has sent me a lovely new down jacket to review!<br>
<br>
The excitement at finally having a functioning down jacket, after spending three months of this winter shivering in an ancient, empty jacket is hard to explain. This coat is probably everything I would ask for in a down jacket. I've been mainly using it as a belay jacket at spainsh sport crags, which whatever people tell you is not always a baking hot day! It's has been windy and overcast this winter so temperatures haven't really been getting very hot.<br>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOG6RVi5n2aqcb19txAjDoQIHWTR91RoAfLPjZCVuvCSVmusVVTeQIIBxRyEDZ8MPusuCBLZIYOcUWE-RThVNAUsWhaIeXoXByQbZAM0fkMpcaci41BosZrAcQHIDz2FhPSYFBJsUppAQ/s1600/IMG_2239.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOG6RVi5n2aqcb19txAjDoQIHWTR91RoAfLPjZCVuvCSVmusVVTeQIIBxRyEDZ8MPusuCBLZIYOcUWE-RThVNAUsWhaIeXoXByQbZAM0fkMpcaci41BosZrAcQHIDz2FhPSYFBJsUppAQ/s1600/IMG_2239.JPG" height="240" width="320"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br></td></tr>
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As a belay jacket, this coat has many great features. For a start, it has a 800 fill loft meaning that it is super warm, but not so puffy as to encumber movement. It has great big pockets for stuffing your hands in to keep them warm whilst waiting in between redpoints as well as room for hand and rope whilst belaying. It also has a handy inner pocket for a mobile or something that you are worried about getting cold. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqCs9vh9419R9HwClTTCbMPnWF8lbi2lJC1D4cySPII4fMxosehcVIsA_xDlhUAMu_tUrMna341evTMCSwltx23b4d5-iWS05Pi2jY9v38-q-9vrRL-JPiJEeSLOWK9ekLm4M-2uQT7zI/s1600/IMG_2216.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqCs9vh9419R9HwClTTCbMPnWF8lbi2lJC1D4cySPII4fMxosehcVIsA_xDlhUAMu_tUrMna341evTMCSwltx23b4d5-iWS05Pi2jY9v38-q-9vrRL-JPiJEeSLOWK9ekLm4M-2uQT7zI/s1600/IMG_2216.JPG" height="320" width="240"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Making full use of the pockets on a chilly afternoon at Terradets</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">It has a nice big hood which will fit over a helmet, and a simple velcro adjustment system so that you can still look up whilst belaying.</span><br>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8rT-m-KP17s44U5RHqN-DJM5dmkG31uVsdWLV2deXmOKPDew5aVekWomtIa7-dw77111cQpzmawcO1fJ7Uh8KbA0nWkLLpPVzdOzIfSjJ-_gXaCZKF9XAoJIoj_xwUN0f3CZO5TRW4zQ/s1600/IMG_2238.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8rT-m-KP17s44U5RHqN-DJM5dmkG31uVsdWLV2deXmOKPDew5aVekWomtIa7-dw77111cQpzmawcO1fJ7Uh8KbA0nWkLLpPVzdOzIfSjJ-_gXaCZKF9XAoJIoj_xwUN0f3CZO5TRW4zQ/s1600/IMG_2238.JPG" height="240" width="320"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just move the strip of velcro down and you can look up</td></tr>
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Probably my favourite feature is that fact that it has a super long length in the back, meaning that my bum stays warm when I'm belaying. You may think this is insignificant, but it is bloody amazing!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM9jCBttYypEiYpfgUxhEREiuFZAwEjUgPSPvTCMZt3_O2p1xdaci7zv3XhJloRLabvNQe_TB9n82Sbtinrz4OtYYHStsrdGLYgtZnhLW59nfogILnXhrbR7-YhKbVxs4elyYQ1jLpwI4/s1600/IMG_2219.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM9jCBttYypEiYpfgUxhEREiuFZAwEjUgPSPvTCMZt3_O2p1xdaci7zv3XhJloRLabvNQe_TB9n82Sbtinrz4OtYYHStsrdGLYgtZnhLW59nfogILnXhrbR7-YhKbVxs4elyYQ1jLpwI4/s1600/IMG_2219.JPG" height="320" width="240"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">No-one likes a belayer with a cold bottom!</td></tr>
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Although the zip is maybe a bit stiff,I like the double sided zippers so that you can poke your belay device out without having to hoik up the front of the coat and get a cold belly!<br>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCDZXvf1joS-Tw5SNyQbn6hFWz5LitEuQG-8_Y0wNjp8Il3DcUrWP-hsGZo5nLZIVh3cwz1hkCcr5hyphenhyphenQmxzDly6mqFOeSbx21uK6UGkYt-E53-bjswy9b8biGIUWLr3ib1Ck6uAUfmRUc/s1600/IMG_2217.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCDZXvf1joS-Tw5SNyQbn6hFWz5LitEuQG-8_Y0wNjp8Il3DcUrWP-hsGZo5nLZIVh3cwz1hkCcr5hyphenhyphenQmxzDly6mqFOeSbx21uK6UGkYt-E53-bjswy9b8biGIUWLr3ib1Ck6uAUfmRUc/s1600/IMG_2217.JPG" height="320" width="240"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Double-ended zips so that you can poke your belay loop out</td></tr>
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The fabric is really tough and hard wearing and has coped with being dragged through spiky spanish shrubbery, as well as surviving many a drizzle without becoming a sponge and ruining the loft (the water actually beading which suggests it will survive worse weather conditions as well).</div>
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It's worth bearing in mind that the sizing seemed relatively large,<br>
so whilst I normally go for a size 12 jacket to fit thousands of clothes under, the size 10 was actually perfect, and on top of that it is so warm I didn't need as many clothes anymore!<br>
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Buy it here!<br>
<a href="http://www.outdoorkit.co.uk/product.php?product_id=811">http://www.outdoorkit.co.uk/product.php?product_id=811</a><br>
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On top of my enthusiasm for the women's jacket, my boyfriend has the men's jacket so I can vouch for that being pretty fantastic as well!<br>
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<a href="http://www.outdoorkit.co.uk/brand/rab_15.html">http://www.outdoorkit.co.uk/brand/rab_15.html</a><br>
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<span style="color: #0068cf; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="cursor: pointer; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.299999237060547px;">https://www.facebook.com/outdoorkit</span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.299999237060547px;"> </span><br style="color: #444444; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.299999237060547px;"><span style="color: #0068cf; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="cursor: pointer; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.299999237060547px;">https://twitter.com/outdoorkit</span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.299999237060547px;"> </span></div>
Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06772163069658743800noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6257096533557384782.post-63456812673415527652014-02-19T11:08:00.000-08:002014-02-19T11:08:24.947-08:00And here are the pictures to accompany the previous blog post...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYNIQNNxvheA4Ayo8ax6OQuXbmzFfmtlZw_ECrAcPdwpvqdmzdruj2Nl1TP0b1k_fHpLdeH_UQfvHMY5s2oxdNuRDVE2aZc0Rl17sRj1PwZOjF8SO4ie2eAAwVV1Wrbyn6LluWpsxXPCk/s1600/IMG_2148.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYNIQNNxvheA4Ayo8ax6OQuXbmzFfmtlZw_ECrAcPdwpvqdmzdruj2Nl1TP0b1k_fHpLdeH_UQfvHMY5s2oxdNuRDVE2aZc0Rl17sRj1PwZOjF8SO4ie2eAAwVV1Wrbyn6LluWpsxXPCk/s1600/IMG_2148.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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Christmas in Chulillia was hot and sunny</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy3VIEhiTtASM4WBcwEKj9qZln-yMnvoJzS-BrrdFG3N0SS6BE5RSAZNs7ynnyeiU-7cukO2Alv3v5zMbbn_T0u7Ewvo5o70_6FCerdU9vQMwCFKvBkzLWfy7g-Bps8p1hdohumnNUhDQ/s1600/IMG_2153.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy3VIEhiTtASM4WBcwEKj9qZln-yMnvoJzS-BrrdFG3N0SS6BE5RSAZNs7ynnyeiU-7cukO2Alv3v5zMbbn_T0u7Ewvo5o70_6FCerdU9vQMwCFKvBkzLWfy7g-Bps8p1hdohumnNUhDQ/s1600/IMG_2153.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jonny smashing some tufas at Sector Oasis</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijoCvhy3dzNgs2KT7mgj2GD9lkE97VaQpjrN-8-gXW5l-BOAxkqa1YN98MCrFyLSRKJaRM_CLIjnyS8Z9GQfHXakVcwzEB3mqkIiD4iV_Tr4mhUmS9d0AvHYcXp6prDHB4mJw8H260Ubo/s1600/IMG_2160.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijoCvhy3dzNgs2KT7mgj2GD9lkE97VaQpjrN-8-gXW5l-BOAxkqa1YN98MCrFyLSRKJaRM_CLIjnyS8Z9GQfHXakVcwzEB3mqkIiD4iV_Tr4mhUmS9d0AvHYcXp6prDHB4mJw8H260Ubo/s1600/IMG_2160.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bouldering in Albaracin</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A beautiful sunny day at Siuranella Sud-Mac on an 8b that I forget the name of...</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hol crusing at Sector Espadelles in Margalef</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tickmarking the holds with blood for the next climber</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lots of Rosemary at the crag</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sorting out the van. We have two whole trad racks with us-not so useful at Margalef!</td></tr>
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<br />Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06772163069658743800noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6257096533557384782.post-91998531866435499202014-02-13T03:19:00.001-08:002014-02-13T03:19:20.654-08:00A wet winter worldwideI write this sitting in my nice cosy van, in the middle of a rainstorm in Margalef. Not quite ideal conditions.<div><br></div><div>I hear that it has been wet everywhere this winter, Wales, the Peak, Chamonix, and therefore I actually feel quite lucky to be blessed with days that in majority are not monsoon esque.</div><div><br></div><div>In other ways this winter has been rather successful so far as well. Last week I climbed my first 7c, a route called Follame ( apparently means 'fuck me', classy) at sector Espadellas Extension. I had quite the battle and fell seven times from the very very last mov, but all's well that ends well! </div><div><br></div><div>We have been in Margalef for almost a month now, climbing mainly at the fantastic wall of Espadellas, a gorgeous pockety south facing crag. There is routes for everyone, from 5 to 9a and I feel like I am fast coming up to everything I can do without some siege style projecting! I've done some great routes though, and seem to generally be cruising along happily on 7a's.</div><div><br></div><div>The grades here came as a bit of a shock after Chulillia where we started, which either really suited my style or had very soft grades. It seems to just be getting popular as a destination, and rightly so! The setting is like a mini Rodellar, with the climbing on the sides of a gorge. There is everything from techy wall routes, to tufa mega routes. It was a great place to gain confidence at the start of the trio as everything is well bolted and friendly feeling.</div><div><br></div><div>We plan in spending another Two weeks here, then moving on up north to Terradets and other crags hopefully. Pictures will be coming soon I hope!</div>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06772163069658743800noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6257096533557384782.post-2874613562402653572013-10-23T04:47:00.001-07:002013-10-23T04:47:36.683-07:00A successful summer...So...the summer has drawn to a close, and the bad weather seems to be starting. Luckily in two months I will be off to Spain for the winter for some sending!<br />
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Overall I have had a pretty good summer. I've been working and saving a lot, so haven't got out as much as I would have liked to, but the days I have had have been pretty darn awesome!</div>
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My favourite area to climb in Chamonix has to be the Envers des Aguilles, it is amazing granite, amazing views, and being a good 3hrs walk in tends to put a few people off so is less busy than other places. On this trip, me and Jonny climbed a 25pitch 6a called 'Le soleil rendezvous avec la lune'. Originally we had intended to climb the Republique Bananiere, but changed our minds as we didn't really fancy loads of rapping in the dark. the route we did do was amazing, there was only one other party on the route, and we raced up the snowslope approach to be first on the route! The climbing was fantastic, here are some pictures to attest to that:</div>
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After arriving at the summit, we spent another 3hrs rapping down and finally re found our bivvy just as the night descended.</div>
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Another fantastic trip was to the Petit Portalet de Clocher. This seems to have been a trendy crag in Champnix over this summer, and lots of people seem to have headed over. We climbed 'esprit de choc', in our guide a 6c, in the modern topo 7a. Thank god for that! I haven't pure crack climbed in a while and the extra grade was a commiseration for how hard I found it. Still, as it tends to be around here, the granite was top notch and we had an amazing day, despite Jonny having nightmares the night before about 'the cow that picks stuff up'. Crazy boy.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">That one!</td></tr>
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Ive also been doing a fair bit of sport climbing at a variety of venues, although my niggly shoulder injury is holding me back. Two recent trips to Finale ( amazing ice cream and coffee), the Aosta valley and local dragging have all provided plenty of exploring. Switzerland also provided two cool crags in the Spain esque Rawyl, and the bolted crack climbing venue of Medji. Crazy stuff!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Medji</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rawyl</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">OltraFinale</td></tr>
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Anyway I'm back to the UK next week, hoping to get a bit of good old British trad in amongst the rain showers and see lots of friends!</div>
Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06772163069658743800noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6257096533557384782.post-59468066309206931792013-07-07T13:49:00.000-07:002013-07-10T09:19:50.463-07:00Osprey Kestrel 38l ReviewRucksack review: Osprey Kestrel 38<br />
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<a href="http://www.outdoorkit.co.uk/product.php?product_id=8711&category_id=2233">http://www.outdoorkit.co.uk/product.php?product_id=8711&category_id=2233</a><br />
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The first thing that you should know before reading this is that I am an avid rucksack collector. Not in a geeky way, but more of a 'I need one for every occasion' kind of way. I have a small pile of them in the corner of our apartment that my boyfriend despairs of and considers totally unnecessary.<br />
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I've used this bag for multi-pitch rock climbing, cragging, walking, alpine climbing, skiing and just wandering around town. It has proved itself to be very versatile and a good all rounder.<br />
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Osprey have a very good reputation when it comes to rucksacks and are many people's 'go to' brand. Their bags are always very well made and designed, and the Kestrel is no exception.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi026Omx6_B01CSlrsiJ8A9i_gXRV3iQEg8vJunpH4DV42KS65d0OjEUVqEXO7JX6LXvj1nCWDlVPAGOSUsUaY1X1FGhSGsXHaxtHhCjpt_WxDXnxclPvGVa2WYtevNQ8SiKVX62QoXJ-Y/s1600/Mer+de+glace+ladders.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi026Omx6_B01CSlrsiJ8A9i_gXRV3iQEg8vJunpH4DV42KS65d0OjEUVqEXO7JX6LXvj1nCWDlVPAGOSUsUaY1X1FGhSGsXHaxtHhCjpt_WxDXnxclPvGVa2WYtevNQ8SiKVX62QoXJ-Y/s320/Mer+de+glace+ladders.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Heading down the Mer de Glace ladders, with rucksac in tow</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
The most important thing about a rucksack is that it is comfortable to wear. I really like the back systems on the osprey packs, as they are well ventilated, but haven't resorted to the 'trampoline' style ventilation which I consider to be a complete waste of space. The material that they have used to make the straps is really comfortable, and dosen't wear badly on bare, sweaty skin which is definitely a plus.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9VqGtnRS1wTQ0Qhtii4jy69pY8VbCCYMHxKnB-bcYe6tnmFxzMnc0xS61wCDtQDz5sT6bL9LyGyP2HFcxSwi5TtrnUlVF_TBnIiJeuYCZ07M9KU-HOCms76TzTPYNL4F_D_uiLoBcFng/s1600/IMG_1407.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9VqGtnRS1wTQ0Qhtii4jy69pY8VbCCYMHxKnB-bcYe6tnmFxzMnc0xS61wCDtQDz5sT6bL9LyGyP2HFcxSwi5TtrnUlVF_TBnIiJeuYCZ07M9KU-HOCms76TzTPYNL4F_D_uiLoBcFng/s320/IMG_1407.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Holding out on a rainy day on Cnicht</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
The pack works well when completely full, and also when it has less contents as the compression straps reduce the volume really well. The waist strap also clips back into itself very tidily, something that I find essential when climbing. The bag itself is also quite narrow, so allows for a full range of movement with your arms. For trad climbing, I found that I could happily fit in my personal gear (harness, shoes, helmet etc), two half ropes, a couple of extra layers, lunch and water for the day with no problem for the approach and during the day shrunk down enough to climb VS multi-pitch happily. On the other hand, when not full, it is small enough that you can just use it as a day bag for wandering around town.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1sqVTXd5fTeRT8D5L43FZFaVJWxMJ7CoOt1ublRXIoKUvDl2abu1oaB061dfkeFvc2pQOFg21MptXMjwFaGDKW43Aii9jhdMnrWi0kfs6w7UXTuR63XxtnLn31t-Db7smxwcwdGyT_wI/s1600/IMG_1396.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1sqVTXd5fTeRT8D5L43FZFaVJWxMJ7CoOt1ublRXIoKUvDl2abu1oaB061dfkeFvc2pQOFg21MptXMjwFaGDKW43Aii9jhdMnrWi0kfs6w7UXTuR63XxtnLn31t-Db7smxwcwdGyT_wI/s320/IMG_1396.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Everything above fitted in with space to spare</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
Some people hate a rucksack with accessories, but I don't see what the harm is! The side pockets on this rucksack fit a map or water bottle perfectly and don't eject them without warning when you aren't paying attention. The big front stretch pocket is great for stashing layers when you can't be bothered going down into the main body, as you know that you will want your jumper/coat/t-shirt again when it stops being warm/starts raining, or the sun disappears.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisjsJ2L5GnUo2fIWlpRByY7cVMkaIAJWQgLR48uPfqkzkxEeOG4LR9Z4pXQUznW0T2_1IMLjm8XuAHXU23lS_O7NL4ubPDJehsKsTddX1qqwPZI-4nRAFiBhPBkT8xILqBN7QzkJ_Pe_4/s1600/DSC02185.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisjsJ2L5GnUo2fIWlpRByY7cVMkaIAJWQgLR48uPfqkzkxEeOG4LR9Z4pXQUznW0T2_1IMLjm8XuAHXU23lS_O7NL4ubPDJehsKsTddX1qqwPZI-4nRAFiBhPBkT8xILqBN7QzkJ_Pe_4/s320/DSC02185.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Outside pocket stuffed with a jumper, axe and walking pole stored down the side </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /><br />
<br />
The bag itself seems fairly waterproof even before you bring in the rain cover, and is also made out of good durable material. Be careful about putting pointy things (Ice axe, walking poles) inside the side pockets, as they don't seem to be quite so harwearing.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYN6ciV_x8PtATvXWeV8NEoq1d24jsDpshaiis7N5Ai0Afyd4vBaPPwXTUY_jO8AoXhongVf7-qmG1kbdbqsniiMD4Vy2xQjK3sQ5VKrj4SlrEe17hrz5N6VH_buqQfsXjoHQ-2B86Cis/s1600/DSC02173.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYN6ciV_x8PtATvXWeV8NEoq1d24jsDpshaiis7N5Ai0Afyd4vBaPPwXTUY_jO8AoXhongVf7-qmG1kbdbqsniiMD4Vy2xQjK3sQ5VKrj4SlrEe17hrz5N6VH_buqQfsXjoHQ-2B86Cis/s320/DSC02173.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thats an ice axe and a whole baguette in the side straps this time!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I found that ice axes store best down the side straps with the head tucked under the hood of the bag, but they connect into the actual ice axe bits fairly well, without too much wobbling and potential for impaling peoples eyes.<br />
<br />
On other small notes, for those people like me who think that a 38l pack doesn't need a sleeping bag compartment, it folds away nicely and you can forget it exists. For those who like it, the zips work fine and are accessible, but not too intrusive!<br />
<br />
The 'stow-on-the-go' walking pole holder works well, however you definitely need to remember to collapse your poles first!<br />
<br />
Overall, I think this is a great all round versatile bag. You can climb, ski, walk and put your swimming stuff in it for a quick trip out. For someone looking for something that does a bit of everything, this is probably what you are looking for!<br />
<br />
Ps.<br />
More serious mountaineers might want to check out the Osprey Mutant rucksack:<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.outdoorkit.co.uk/product.php?product_id=8729&category_id=2233">http://www.outdoorkit.co.uk/product.php?product_id=8729&category_id=2233</a><br />
<br />
It is a little more streamlined for climbing with, and operates on a 'function only' basis, also thoroughly reccomended!<br />
<br />Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06772163069658743800noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6257096533557384782.post-11229791206157774572013-05-05T14:43:00.002-07:002013-05-05T14:43:25.346-07:00So once again I have had a short(ish) trip back to the UK, and been told by my Mum that she requires more blog updating due to a lack of Facebook activity!<br />
<br />
I haven't written anything recently as I spend last summer being rather busy with work, and then spent this winter just passed skiing. As I'm not a particularly good or adventurous skier so this doesn't seem worth of much note.<br />
<br />
I have however definitely improved as a skier over the winter, done some cool ski tours, ticked winter IML training and spent far too much time not climbing with a shoulder injury. Anyway, the snow is starting to melt, the crags are getting drier, and my shoulder (touch wood) is feeling pretty good.<br />
<br />
We had a short trip to Spain in February to visit some friends and to escape the Chamonix winter for a bit. I shocked myself by flashing a couple of 7a's basically off the couch which felt rather good and gives me relatively high hopes for the year coming. I spent alot of time at the end of last season working on climbing past bolts and falling off, which hopefully means that my climbing will come on leaps and bounds!<br />
<br />
An update of my insignificant skiing achievements seems unnecessary so I'm going to add some picture/captions below to cover that section:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_0Y7fc3pggQaTJJdwrfG6zW12q9Bw5vCXlSKjIGZntSRpIVPCipEZcY0v5serFRBIqOSw55PLaa5QVElBZA-ZiPczDsxRq2wbxKfG-2Q1veHXIkHMta9dswFS9oD16qAwjqaM-s8jXVI/s1600/IMG_1223.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_0Y7fc3pggQaTJJdwrfG6zW12q9Bw5vCXlSKjIGZntSRpIVPCipEZcY0v5serFRBIqOSw55PLaa5QVElBZA-ZiPczDsxRq2wbxKfG-2Q1veHXIkHMta9dswFS9oD16qAwjqaM-s8jXVI/s320/IMG_1223.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jonny near the bottom of the Berad valley</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDX8zo1BvfFQHJ-RiotygCMx_gNBfLxC_He5rNOLDCX0Sd1ZpUvIGjHoYXSx6p5kuhk0Gr371KhX-Kud5oKjIIK5WQa6ogahe5ZJmWWcfU_VJWPxkNcvkE0b_FN1n9bKESLo8Cu1MXx3I/s1600/IMG_1235.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDX8zo1BvfFQHJ-RiotygCMx_gNBfLxC_He5rNOLDCX0Sd1ZpUvIGjHoYXSx6p5kuhk0Gr371KhX-Kud5oKjIIK5WQa6ogahe5ZJmWWcfU_VJWPxkNcvkE0b_FN1n9bKESLo8Cu1MXx3I/s320/IMG_1235.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An amazing day on the Aiguillette des Houches</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK4EFYAPYE7cAWIqdfLbD_shJ4l-RN3t_Iq8pRnFNpwi1zfeY3UWS84wtlrjasVJyw6J2BMXQsLiYG95KQQKlrsnDDCBNEfmRAGQKIMysBUDqkOYMqUE2o2NvBlxpwk0sd-4NUKSltM_E/s1600/IMG_1243.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK4EFYAPYE7cAWIqdfLbD_shJ4l-RN3t_Iq8pRnFNpwi1zfeY3UWS84wtlrjasVJyw6J2BMXQsLiYG95KQQKlrsnDDCBNEfmRAGQKIMysBUDqkOYMqUE2o2NvBlxpwk0sd-4NUKSltM_E/s320/IMG_1243.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Team shot at the train station</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDC2-Fea7KvwXHfkIJzTdWdOeR78n6u4qOPZHqc2exX7MVAeUcx4n3G7glRHEN_dIVgPI0sYAtb_hiChhG9Ufn1J_K2C1EQa94KZoRBLb55nTzbBO7279YTcvDW4cqxFcQ8G5Iy0kzk3g/s1600/IMG_1287.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDC2-Fea7KvwXHfkIJzTdWdOeR78n6u4qOPZHqc2exX7MVAeUcx4n3G7glRHEN_dIVgPI0sYAtb_hiChhG9Ufn1J_K2C1EQa94KZoRBLb55nTzbBO7279YTcvDW4cqxFcQ8G5Iy0kzk3g/s320/IMG_1287.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ballsford coming down the Glacier Mort</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1G4JwJ0ELgn_Dh0J-CndbSchgLtthnaJNu54BbJQd1VRYzjx_bcV9oMeL583ZtSaDuEctHuCWoKuN7x5Z5kZuKRSqnEJ55QnwqiiLSxHysw73EbHN1wRStoaxpVFkbTI8jdJBTIwftUE/s1600/IMG_1300.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1G4JwJ0ELgn_Dh0J-CndbSchgLtthnaJNu54BbJQd1VRYzjx_bcV9oMeL583ZtSaDuEctHuCWoKuN7x5Z5kZuKRSqnEJ55QnwqiiLSxHysw73EbHN1wRStoaxpVFkbTI8jdJBTIwftUE/s320/IMG_1300.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The day the white out got a bit 'too scary'</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlhNi4jafRTXHdTy2nADEa4wwtqfNwriuOvfVHFuw8FxIHRHNvv0zSjUu-cxC8nZydvFpsHBfzh4_wJ_3kxJ2Wf1MXehAu8vRcVXliIYwHDQup969fdl0_d4FtjhzFCUIEr1boyWhPXVA/s1600/IMG_1334.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlhNi4jafRTXHdTy2nADEa4wwtqfNwriuOvfVHFuw8FxIHRHNvv0zSjUu-cxC8nZydvFpsHBfzh4_wJ_3kxJ2Wf1MXehAu8vRcVXliIYwHDQup969fdl0_d4FtjhzFCUIEr1boyWhPXVA/s320/IMG_1334.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Olivia and Jess at the bottom of the Magic forest</td></tr>
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<br />
These past two weeks in the UK have been spent buying a new van to do up for a winter in Spain this winter coming. This is a generally stressful process and meant spending far too much time in Ikea and B&Q for my liking and I have spent this week recovering from the onslaught by climbing in a beautiful SUNNY North Wales! It was lovely to have a catch up and see lots of people who I miss when I am in Chamonix.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCoMBp0jOETi4wpJKv0pnweLfnPqtvSTQ2KklGLquEBIcC25SNbk0hBkX1GV3ae-qI5R7cREti0rHFMbl1yreQ0O5TiFMAsM8N0vJOz85V94qyut8xBcy2Ge6OYNuSKWS-ijMUaL-LVbw/s1600/IMG_1390.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCoMBp0jOETi4wpJKv0pnweLfnPqtvSTQ2KklGLquEBIcC25SNbk0hBkX1GV3ae-qI5R7cREti0rHFMbl1yreQ0O5TiFMAsM8N0vJOz85V94qyut8xBcy2Ge6OYNuSKWS-ijMUaL-LVbw/s320/IMG_1390.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It snowed in Wales at some point!<br /><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcYPQWvl9ERPm_9P-amzuwo9L5iiDFh4eMoK1nwzyrMcUOsMCEYBDKKxtnNZkNfRMKEMpdh10jqf2eFanAhqHHgL5DndFBS_kvjxznJ597N8We_cmILeDwXRe7MfNVYntys57Ey3E-vXs/s1600/IMG_1400.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcYPQWvl9ERPm_9P-amzuwo9L5iiDFh4eMoK1nwzyrMcUOsMCEYBDKKxtnNZkNfRMKEMpdh10jqf2eFanAhqHHgL5DndFBS_kvjxznJ597N8We_cmILeDwXRe7MfNVYntys57Ey3E-vXs/s320/IMG_1400.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mum seconding up Tennis Shoe on Idwal Slabs</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Anyway, it's back to Chamonix now for some summer crushing!Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06772163069658743800noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6257096533557384782.post-49975664355728673602012-03-21T08:39:00.000-07:002012-03-21T08:39:14.402-07:00So it turns out that as soon as you start working, loose internet, break a laptop and start living in a van it becomes alot more taxing to 'blog'. This would explain the reason as to why there have been no updates since October 21st last year...however, due to being back in the UK very briefly this weekend, aquiring a new laptop and being asked by multiple people to write something I am going to do a quick overview of what has been going on....<br />
<br />
<br />
November:<br />
Rock climbing in Chamonix, an Indian summer<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg26-ZLVkepRaGdFxNExvOQgq0KD8xYu7sUkGkgHFP4JdgxzMlvRNiZPh3V4bOYBuZpSIV1K087brwxBVCD5T74vwdCAHalqntZaV6vy1MquQHxbRptVDu5RC2u2hiL5IksJF9ezw4Xj08/s1600/DSC02302.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg26-ZLVkepRaGdFxNExvOQgq0KD8xYu7sUkGkgHFP4JdgxzMlvRNiZPh3V4bOYBuZpSIV1K087brwxBVCD5T74vwdCAHalqntZaV6vy1MquQHxbRptVDu5RC2u2hiL5IksJF9ezw4Xj08/s320/DSC02302.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sandra belaying on a beautiful autumnal afternoon</td></tr>
</tbody></table>December:<br />
The snow arrives, I work loads but manage to get about 5 days out skiing before we leave in mid January. Christmas is spent on the slopes, and most of New Year sleeping!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaNVR2febzau-JvvGPs_RvKWi0tTmspI74y7ZqFxF-hmiImCOsYxQSpe2MJvyq3QJUNGJU30QGWpnz-bCu-o8wqOYb3Ki1OLfEUk8yCrdI-G5BNVmi_8Kneh7JFq3IWS2mEZbmuDSae9o/s1600/DSC02668.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaNVR2febzau-JvvGPs_RvKWi0tTmspI74y7ZqFxF-hmiImCOsYxQSpe2MJvyq3QJUNGJU30QGWpnz-bCu-o8wqOYb3Ki1OLfEUk8yCrdI-G5BNVmi_8Kneh7JFq3IWS2mEZbmuDSae9o/s320/DSC02668.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Matt knee deep</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzXytZDv1LxInJCG8a_Y9LQLF1SPZO5V3QvXUDnCJtIBNPDo7lZeAOsuNac-IWQJqC2vurO3ZbxiAWEzfnMHuiNwFHlU8EX9CybNRT6tX6soNKwCRmZpjbyXR_ck9cX44ofPyY0I_YsaQ/s1600/DSC02675.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzXytZDv1LxInJCG8a_Y9LQLF1SPZO5V3QvXUDnCJtIBNPDo7lZeAOsuNac-IWQJqC2vurO3ZbxiAWEzfnMHuiNwFHlU8EX9CybNRT6tX6soNKwCRmZpjbyXR_ck9cX44ofPyY0I_YsaQ/s320/DSC02675.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Olivia at Brevent</td></tr>
</tbody></table>January:<br />
Jan 18th, after a trip home to England we leave for Spain! Initially we were going to Morocco, but then had financial disasters and basically couldn't be bothered driving that far. We head straight to Siurana and climb there and Montsant for about a Month<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR2W4DGONmLkGGAkoiMz0SMqioa-zZNVJ0dshlRl97hoHswKLbwAQteLuKtFQLAWPuaT-IAPXj2JmLp9hmedTNrIqZE48xsZsDH4PWabW_AnRipPwd3AYYjRb3fzBnb86e2UJuUDGu9Rw/s1600/IMG_0062.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR2W4DGONmLkGGAkoiMz0SMqioa-zZNVJ0dshlRl97hoHswKLbwAQteLuKtFQLAWPuaT-IAPXj2JmLp9hmedTNrIqZE48xsZsDH4PWabW_AnRipPwd3AYYjRb3fzBnb86e2UJuUDGu9Rw/s320/IMG_0062.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me and Jonny on the beach at Salou, waiting for a new cam belt on the van</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh91u63TYBK0VFciAcS7pXbqPU5-iGTeiBvW92pP2U3CbrGsFkvg0yi0fdMuduaX3J3rQIdVg_vTY3NaDzC7ypWoZjztZXRv1_lEqRrQ94vO22slt7hnddfjRrvKyQwVHAE_pHIJSl9Yiw/s1600/IMG_0176.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh91u63TYBK0VFciAcS7pXbqPU5-iGTeiBvW92pP2U3CbrGsFkvg0yi0fdMuduaX3J3rQIdVg_vTY3NaDzC7ypWoZjztZXRv1_lEqRrQ94vO22slt7hnddfjRrvKyQwVHAE_pHIJSl9Yiw/s320/IMG_0176.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jonny on an 7c+ at Montsant</td></tr>
</tbody></table>February:<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBvaR2Xd6Eo5Y5XgCNcgDUlVbB3W_5ItgnayXEd58M-mUQH8L6ZJdgb8NES7zW6s-OvUwBlHO8HxXBx4RClwAUL1f3aGMpxa-6F1oadEsnvtPFO-A6vFKy5JWIlceUQP4Obn_GIVKS_Nw/s1600/IMG_0275.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBvaR2Xd6Eo5Y5XgCNcgDUlVbB3W_5ItgnayXEd58M-mUQH8L6ZJdgb8NES7zW6s-OvUwBlHO8HxXBx4RClwAUL1f3aGMpxa-6F1oadEsnvtPFO-A6vFKy5JWIlceUQP4Obn_GIVKS_Nw/s320/IMG_0275.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jesus giving Jonny a quick belay at Montserrat</td></tr>
</tbody></table>We finish up in Siurana, and about halfway throught the month my family visit in a huuuuuuuge camper van! We send some time in Montserrat and Barcelona with them, then head on upto the Lledia area. I lead my first 7a onsight and also manage to redpoint two 7a+s.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw-6EYYrPoHuyUasHs3jpHj3mBmsczjzAXa0ynu5V_UrSzzpFhpAhbwg3uFlOT-8pRAkt9tdYco0EiDt8mCbTcx88r2u-17-h9VH2u2iHWXhmKRh2qZ0_bnPBeTMQaPFEj4khd6EHmAOo/s1600/IMG_0282.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw-6EYYrPoHuyUasHs3jpHj3mBmsczjzAXa0ynu5V_UrSzzpFhpAhbwg3uFlOT-8pRAkt9tdYco0EiDt8mCbTcx88r2u-17-h9VH2u2iHWXhmKRh2qZ0_bnPBeTMQaPFEj4khd6EHmAOo/s320/IMG_0282.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Family in the Parc Guell</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHcHchYtVlpmKo-DldYtROW5IPbdegpdlBF1i4Xpw-OQ7SULbz0ix6gYlZbax7OFMFZGUDitw4_o3v1xgnin0Qs3dm_gQ95bcpVrAKo0QCirr81IKAxpY5vEm_PBGceNNsBcPQu0DWIL4/s1600/IMG_0320.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHcHchYtVlpmKo-DldYtROW5IPbdegpdlBF1i4Xpw-OQ7SULbz0ix6gYlZbax7OFMFZGUDitw4_o3v1xgnin0Qs3dm_gQ95bcpVrAKo0QCirr81IKAxpY5vEm_PBGceNNsBcPQu0DWIL4/s320/IMG_0320.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Alpine bouldering in Targassone</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<br />
<br />
March (so far):<br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2-iXG7JzzhTu0-pCLkwbdboGBKXr_NDGjgN8UpnMylsrqAh4hKB5UBcqaoPtUgczGnhLnBiITNN7zmnwnUcsrTmDjjD1qd2K776uaUALI9YgX1U7yDTAV06EXJTf7OxsVh72BL9fV4jg/s1600/IMG_0401.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2-iXG7JzzhTu0-pCLkwbdboGBKXr_NDGjgN8UpnMylsrqAh4hKB5UBcqaoPtUgczGnhLnBiITNN7zmnwnUcsrTmDjjD1qd2K776uaUALI9YgX1U7yDTAV06EXJTf7OxsVh72BL9fV4jg/s320/IMG_0401.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Villanova de Meia, lots of rooves to <br />
pull through!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHHyfk-DjH4Kn8PDFC6vK6E-UJ9evxDjjo23J0jZSJ1EuyJPQIdDvAIzg-vfYEHYRIlgt4eXQfgGa1VRgEg3rE8LVgpUqqt_liSAF5jd-Z5XkkfaCdos_jMjiz8scbVS5gXWZsG2rH2AM/s1600/IMG_0325.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHHyfk-DjH4Kn8PDFC6vK6E-UJ9evxDjjo23J0jZSJ1EuyJPQIdDvAIzg-vfYEHYRIlgt4eXQfgGa1VRgEg3rE8LVgpUqqt_liSAF5jd-Z5XkkfaCdos_jMjiz8scbVS5gXWZsG2rH2AM/s320/IMG_0325.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oliana-way hard!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
We arrive in Oliana and everyone climbs hard, girls do 8c+s every day. I feel very punterish here and I am amazed at everyone else. I projected the warm up route (my first 7b), we also climbed at Tres Ponts and Perles. Also climbed at Terradets with loads of super strong people! Also a couple of days multipitching at Villanova de Meia.<br />
<br />
<br />
Although progress is seeming slow, my confidence has improved dramatically and I am moving above bolts much better than i was previously. Redpointing seems really good for me as it removes some of my fear of the unknown and I hope to climb 7c before the trip is up.Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06772163069658743800noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6257096533557384782.post-53842414470893341472011-10-21T11:38:00.000-07:002011-10-21T11:38:08.144-07:00Cold Chamonix...Chamonix is starting to get COLD!<br />
<br />
This is a slightly bitty post, and hopefully a more exciting and less disjointed post will follow shortly...<br />
<br />
In the last week there was snow as low as Argentiere, we've had first, second and third frost so far i think and my trousers actually froze to my bike seat at 6am this morning!<br />
<br />
Heres a couple of pictures of cold things:<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ4P6CMxeTbVeNpOv4SroMJfZsSu5mtI6MacVCKVSZxnu9hWueD1chR0R0abaH7SmlE2Hsy-cHgq3BuqYop0xHUnz4pyvIg41MJelXl9fHvocix001EbYlLVTTd1VeJGXnJOHH1dBMiY0/s1600/DSC02266.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ4P6CMxeTbVeNpOv4SroMJfZsSu5mtI6MacVCKVSZxnu9hWueD1chR0R0abaH7SmlE2Hsy-cHgq3BuqYop0xHUnz4pyvIg41MJelXl9fHvocix001EbYlLVTTd1VeJGXnJOHH1dBMiY0/s320/DSC02266.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The view from our balcony up towards Argie</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
Waking up to see a winter wonderland after a night of snow last week, we spent a morning frantically trying to locate a sledge, and generally failed miserably. Accepting defeat, we headed up to Buet, stopping to get Ben and Hannah on the way and headed for a short walk up the valley...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPVRqt0hNA2HH_oQSLLHErB22gIvMzgJBrI9Nl2il6DjZuFuri7gT8Fx1gfJgI4K9xnDs76qoG-V5goTtlkyrfc_CrsgcJksEzgwl4t1tZDqt_sEhhEA65BPbJ0Ewll_-wmlNj0qM_HJM/s1600/DSC02269.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPVRqt0hNA2HH_oQSLLHErB22gIvMzgJBrI9Nl2il6DjZuFuri7gT8Fx1gfJgI4K9xnDs76qoG-V5goTtlkyrfc_CrsgcJksEzgwl4t1tZDqt_sEhhEA65BPbJ0Ewll_-wmlNj0qM_HJM/s320/DSC02269.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
We walked up the valley through the trees and eventually came out above the treeline to be greeted by a gorgeous sunny day and knee deep powder!<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh74W9af25ZepSjmX5ESlty0bYf5X7cz4mKDVAZgFvBW9kmeThpTKVpipixN5o_Pzzd6ojaQw0hN2ybT3U4hQHAaDHzJ2X_FB-zGIWh9iGqxYhLWRcL71PF45RyrGJ7_vX_3BtdPNFYvpQ/s1600/DSC02270.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="137" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh74W9af25ZepSjmX5ESlty0bYf5X7cz4mKDVAZgFvBW9kmeThpTKVpipixN5o_Pzzd6ojaQw0hN2ybT3U4hQHAaDHzJ2X_FB-zGIWh9iGqxYhLWRcL71PF45RyrGJ7_vX_3BtdPNFYvpQ/s640/DSC02270.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The view of the Buet valley from the treeline<br />
<br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQSCdyOUra7DdbrdoC2gHlsNtAkXIJ1p6XEkCZhFaQpNYDrihZzfwzHVAnwQKJB5CWG5KQwq_oKvWg7Go4mAUKnDoGw1P7DGCjgQXfFsHOF3SvAw2WSKPl6l25QJZUs1YWLWvI1z2-ybI/s1600/DSC02271.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQSCdyOUra7DdbrdoC2gHlsNtAkXIJ1p6XEkCZhFaQpNYDrihZzfwzHVAnwQKJB5CWG5KQwq_oKvWg7Go4mAUKnDoGw1P7DGCjgQXfFsHOF3SvAw2WSKPl6l25QJZUs1YWLWvI1z2-ybI/s320/DSC02271.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just before the hut in glorious sunshine</td></tr>
</tbody></table>We had a chilled walk upto the hut, had lunch, admired the view and then walked back down again. Lots of ski tours come down this valley so we spent some time looking at potential December days out and threw some snowballs etc. General conclusion was that the snow might be skiable and psyche is high for some ski touring!<br />
<br />
By the next day the snow had mainly melted and we were back to normal Chamonix sunshine. Both me and Jonny have been working flat out for the last two weeks, so not much outdoor climbing has been done but lots of training at the EMHM military wall (an Indy equivalent). I've been working cleaning in a very posh chalet complex in Les Houches and getting free lunches, and for the last few days in one of the most expensive chalets in the valley doing a bit of hosting and lots of bed making for a male model underwear shoot, so I'm not complaining!<br />
<br />
In other news, we finally experienced a rendition of Marvin Gaye's Sexual healing by Rob Greenwood. This had been hugely hyped and did not dissapoint, despite him and Jack only just having returned from an ascent of the North face of the Matterhorn.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM0fN3FbPdI-b2O5oxLhvt5rzX6ZA_LJNsOu4huzLElbhi7RUkltbHKkneTIVprbQU68Fro00VLznWq18hDNTIkz3VZRWAf9dMm1LnxwbaO5Jf003045IC8wOF1Buet_acynByQtG3LI4/s1600/DSC02272.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM0fN3FbPdI-b2O5oxLhvt5rzX6ZA_LJNsOu4huzLElbhi7RUkltbHKkneTIVprbQU68Fro00VLznWq18hDNTIkz3VZRWAf9dMm1LnxwbaO5Jf003045IC8wOF1Buet_acynByQtG3LI4/s320/DSC02272.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rob 'Hot just like an oven'</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
The last few days we've been scraping frost off the windscreen of the van and Autumn has definately hit. The garden was still frozen at about 11 today as the sun takes a long time to hit it, but it makes for a very pretty view!<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimJYrh6snXv1DBI9YjTL4FFM76ZbzqHyI6fYywRFkQ6zmcPH5QFvtaYnSSbgCPPVqn17leoUVxCk79YTSgxKk_ox6-kAnaDRS4QFe7AKyClbO-m6axRl2wlx3fH-s0HIhp2Rr9p4eXkoA/s1600/DSC02277.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimJYrh6snXv1DBI9YjTL4FFM76ZbzqHyI6fYywRFkQ6zmcPH5QFvtaYnSSbgCPPVqn17leoUVxCk79YTSgxKk_ox6-kAnaDRS4QFe7AKyClbO-m6axRl2wlx3fH-s0HIhp2Rr9p4eXkoA/s320/DSC02277.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The garden just before the sun hit</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
As of Sunday I'm free again and have no work lined up, so I'm hoping when Sandra gets back from Germany we are going to get some routes in either down the valley or up high! Psyche is high and after a break to recover from a mega work stint, I'm sure I will be ready to get some cragging on the go. Who know, maybe even some alpine peaks!?<br />
<br />
<span id="goog_1140709040"></span><span id="goog_1140709041"></span>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06772163069658743800noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6257096533557384782.post-9821167135510137832011-10-07T12:56:00.000-07:002011-10-07T12:56:27.768-07:00Sunshine funtime in Chamonix!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>So here I am!<br />
I've been in Chamonix for just over two weeks now, had a couple of ups, a couple of downs but overall having an ace time.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia0NYhdA2EvmQwLo1r9Lz2VT2hDAYn4gQnCPP1Q01zKuSrHlN0Zda-IjvxjMCcCtpS17vGuA41ZYymQvwUhF7v7jtcD-jY41AuaQ479MnVWDlJljp4Dtij79lifBv7uOIg08w59Vm4GZc/s1600/DSC02180.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia0NYhdA2EvmQwLo1r9Lz2VT2hDAYn4gQnCPP1Q01zKuSrHlN0Zda-IjvxjMCcCtpS17vGuA41ZYymQvwUhF7v7jtcD-jY41AuaQ479MnVWDlJljp4Dtij79lifBv7uOIg08w59Vm4GZc/s200/DSC02180.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The kitchen in our<br />
luxury chalet...</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLjvl_SH55_GsR9ikaHBbwb37wNffqisMVTM665P2UFzEvoGHw1YiBmPvymZNnY0qE-W-jFynk9PLQVAi3_KXhY_5SzT1pk7OY2XqRoWyVVo9JwBGp4VraTrByFfnIFPzQgUfOHrHTLCI/s1600/DSC02182.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLjvl_SH55_GsR9ikaHBbwb37wNffqisMVTM665P2UFzEvoGHw1YiBmPvymZNnY0qE-W-jFynk9PLQVAi3_KXhY_5SzT1pk7OY2XqRoWyVVo9JwBGp4VraTrByFfnIFPzQgUfOHrHTLCI/s200/DSC02182.JPG" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our living room area</td></tr>
</tbody></table>I arrived back in the valley to be met with torrential rain (bad), but also the news that rather than living in the van we would be staying in a luxury chalet (good!). Very hungry, pretty tired and a bit shellshocked Jonny drove us up to the chalet where I got shown around and generally didn't believe our luck! Rather than the van with its two gas rings and bed you assemble when you need to go to sleep, we have a fridge/freezer that produces ice on demand, a huge oven, flat screen TV, wifi, SHOWERS(!) and an actual bed to sleep in. Having the chalet has been really useful as it means that I have somewhere to stay and seach for jobs, with internet while Jonny is at work, rather than wondering the streets of Chamonix because the van has gone! Very lucky, and on top of that it stopped raining!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A normal evening at the chalet...<br />
Wonderwall on repeat</td></tr>
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The employment front has been slightly more sporadic, as I didn't anticipate just how hard it would be to find a job in interseason. After one very stressful week, I have one guy who I'm doing some housework for, and also working behind the bar in the 'Jekyll and Hyde' Pub at the end of our road. Having never had worked in a pub before I'm finding this good fun, but also surprisingly hard carrying lots of plates and suck the like.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kelly and Sasha having a break from 'The Shack' and chilling at ours</td></tr>
</tbody></table>One of the things that I'm finding great about Chamonix is meeting so many people, both old and new. For the last 2 weeks Sasha and Kelly, two friends from JMU have been out here and its been really nice having some people who I know about to help me settle in. They had an ace two weeks, doing Cosmiques Arete, 3 points of Lachneal and Mont Blanc, as well as a slightly less sucessful trip up to Envers. I've started making friends out here as well, and have been climbing quite a few times in a big girly team with Hannah (who is living in a red van), Heather and Sandra.<br />
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I've never really climbed much with girls before and its been quite an eye opener to see how much I've enjoyed it! I think it's pretty special to be somewhere where you can get a group of four girls who all climb pretty well to be out at the crag together, although i think we have shocked many a frenchman with the general singing and recorder playing that accompanies us!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some local wildlife at the crag</td></tr>
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So, onto where we've been climbing. Being poor and impoverished, I've been staying in the valley rather than catching lifts up high but I've still got loads done in the last two weeks (one benefit of relative unemployment!). I've been up twice to 'Le Zone', a crag with long routes of 6b and above. Me and Sasha ended up there the first time after hitching out to Barbarine, but realised that it was far too wet to climb the multipitch slabs there. Luckily the guys we were hitching with knew of 'Le Zone' and we just followed them up there and had a really good day doing loads of 6bs.<br />
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The day after that me, Jack, Mac and Hannah headed over to Switzerland to a crag called Secteur Corbeau<b> </b>. Me and Hannah climbed together and warmed up on a couple of tricky 6as, then moved onto a really nice 6b. We finished on a 6c that I had some issues with first time, eventually dogging my way out, and on the second go only giving up once!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jonny climbing into the night<br />
at Le Couteray</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Another evening was spent at Le Couteray 'working' a 7a+ which i didn't do. This crag is home to an 8a offwidth-it looks horrendous, maybe another time!<br />
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Another really good day was spent at Le Coupeau, climbing with Sandra and Hannah. We had an awesome day chilling in the shade and got loads of mileage in as well as getting a 6c+ 2nd go!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sandra on a 6b at Le Coupeau</td></tr>
</tbody></table> The second time I went up to Le Zone was with the awesome girly team of me, Hannah, Heather and Sandra. Heather bought her recorder and there was lots of singing and general merriment, a real positive atmosphere! After a 6b warm up, I managed to fight my way up probably the longest 6c I have ever done onsight, but then completely wimped out of a 6c+ with some awesome undercut moves which Heather cruised!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Toto at Chezerey</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Another 2 days were spent up at Chezereys Slabs above Argentiere, both times the 45min uphill walk in the Indian summer heat nearly killed me. Me and Hannah had an awesome relaxed afternoon going up and down the Aguille d'Argentiere numerous times on easy routes then posing for silly photos on the top. A second day was spent climbing with Heather on Voie Bleue, a multipitch climb up the slabs, with a cool corner crack pitch and a nice 5c pitch with an odd move at the top. By the time we abbed down, we realised we were on our 4th day on, knakered and so just chilled in the sun for the rest of the day!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me and Hannah pulling silly faces <br />
ontop of the Aguilette</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A German couple ontop of the Aguilette</td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">So that's a general update so far. After the gorgeous Indian Summer, the weather finally broke last night and it has been raining since! The snow level is way down and should be getting lower, so we've been watching lots of ski movies to get psyched. I had a bit of a suge of employment offers this morning which was pretty cool so I should be busy for the next week at least, and we are starting looking for somewhere to live when we have to leave the chalet.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I'm missing everyone back home hugely especially the Bangor crew, but have been lucky enough for at least one game of Skype 'Cock or Ball' to keep me amused (no screenshots avaliable luckily). I'm also really looking forwards to Rosie coming out soon, partially because she will be bringing ice axes and tea bags, but also because I miss my little sister!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">In summary, so far life out here is good and I'm looking forwards to adventures to come...</div>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06772163069658743800noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6257096533557384782.post-90496640729897372902011-09-17T00:14:00.000-07:002011-09-17T00:14:31.422-07:00An explanation of the life trauma up to this date...Soooo where to start hey!?<br />
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</div><div>The last month for me has been one of big decisions, or more specifically one Big Decision.</div><div>In complete defiance of whatever was expected of me academically five years ago, I've still not made it to University, and I have to say that I am unlikely to do so in the near future. Instead I'm off to live in a van in Chamonix for a bit and then sport climbing in Spain if all goes to plan!</div><div><br />
</div><div>I believe at this point a short summary is appropriate:</div><div><br />
</div><div>I have had a pretty awesome summer, I felt a bit like I deserved it after working pretty long shifts all winter and being thwarted by bad weather at every attempt to climb!</div><div><br />
</div><div>The first big trip of the summer was to Squamish, BC in Canada. Me and my good mate Spunky concocted this trip after Bubbles bailed on a trip to Yosemite at the end of the summer. Despite the pretty wet weather, I can safetly say my first dirtbagging experience was rather a good one. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDyJTXKr1fuV-Ok2PzBz7CsN1RIZlLDZLs4IELk8UOlmLwXdVkGupebqAAJ5wnnnHtY-ETtH9p5qLYk0p1jEl6hQ3h4Npt2x9x2lkbGDsQ8iLnT8IRQfCjQ9Z5vOJTQa8oeyGEY53M7uQ/s1600/DSC01115.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDyJTXKr1fuV-Ok2PzBz7CsN1RIZlLDZLs4IELk8UOlmLwXdVkGupebqAAJ5wnnnHtY-ETtH9p5qLYk0p1jEl6hQ3h4Npt2x9x2lkbGDsQ8iLnT8IRQfCjQ9Z5vOJTQa8oeyGEY53M7uQ/s320/DSC01115.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Duncan soaking up the ambiance</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div>We based ourselves in the Stwamus Cheif campsite, blagging one person in the tent nicknamed "The Palace" due to being so big. Just staying at the campground was an experience and meeting awesome people there such as Liam & Doug, Barry the Pirate and swedish Tim would have made the trip on its own, without all the awesome climbing we did. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me and Spunky representing midgets united ontop of the Cheif</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div>Route highlights included Squamish Buttress, Exasperator, Birds of Prey and St Vitus Dance. My favourite route that we did was a 12 pitch mega route called Angels Crest. It was an awesome, sustained route, each pitch being fantastic in its own right and all together just an awesome climb! The Angels Crack pitch and the final 10a face were probably my favourite pitches, exciting but not too challenging, while the traverse over the Acrophobes was awesomely exposed. Unfortunately The Grand Wall remains on the tick list, but luckily that just gives me reason to return!</div><div><br />
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</div><div>After a whistle stop trip back home, which in 7 days included a 3 day trip to Cornwall, 2 days in North Wales and approximately minus 4 days of sorting my life out I was off again, this time to Switzerland. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTlCe90nZcDQkCxxpr2txGzC7v5zNPw-XaujXUIFjAYrGpPapmnK1AOjZBJQGR4QfvKsD9h-BL9akTt3kxsWWlXjTcVeE7q8NU4Ewn7rV3_5HraZDZmI2qH4OCmbOR_FzsQ_Bn57xE09g/s1600/DSC01633.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTlCe90nZcDQkCxxpr2txGzC7v5zNPw-XaujXUIFjAYrGpPapmnK1AOjZBJQGR4QfvKsD9h-BL9akTt3kxsWWlXjTcVeE7q8NU4Ewn7rV3_5HraZDZmI2qH4OCmbOR_FzsQ_Bn57xE09g/s200/DSC01633.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The team on top of the Allalinhorn</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div><span class="Apple-style-span">After some hectic train journeys and almost missing a bus, I made it to a very wet Arolla where I met up with Katy and Josh. I'm starting to believe that the rain follows me everywhere, it's a bit of a curse. Anyways, whilst in Arolla we did a cool scramble that isn't named, and also ventured out to climb La Pigne de Le which was practically in Scottish Winter conditions! To escape the unforgiving weather we ran away to Saas Grund. From here we did a nice scrambly ridge up the Weissmeiss, topping out on our first 4000m peak in a horrible wind, meaning that we quickly ran back down again! After a few days chilling and a spot of valley cragging we set off again with the Allalinhorn set in our sights via the </span><span class="Apple-style-span">Hohlanubgrat route. We walked up to the hut in bad visibility, that didnt get any better as the evening went on. When we went out to scout out the approach across the glacier it was full on snowing and we were pretty dubious as the snow continued on into the night. Waking up in the morning, we set out across the glacier, but it soon became clear that in the zero vis and thick snow we didn't have enough experience to cross the glacier, epecially when the guided party ahead of us turned back. We ended up still doing the Allalinhorn but went up an easier route, in what turned out to be a very nice sunny day in the end. The next day we caught a ride over to Chamonix, where I had a late night out, then a very hungover jaunt up Lawrences arete, followed by Cosmiques arete-possible contender for worst hangover ever? </span></div><div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5hNHT8v2rKMORtlwVlerU9ZkNmJWnR4NMEbW-VfpRVWot1S2FdV3mLhesRUlpd7HNNpFF2PCKwaEhfkmCa-mtMjquAaEEaJFt79di_MbPvWaGW91FELQP4QY2DBFtTqzqisNYOLfHDaw/s1600/DSC01751+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5hNHT8v2rKMORtlwVlerU9ZkNmJWnR4NMEbW-VfpRVWot1S2FdV3mLhesRUlpd7HNNpFF2PCKwaEhfkmCa-mtMjquAaEEaJFt79di_MbPvWaGW91FELQP4QY2DBFtTqzqisNYOLfHDaw/s200/DSC01751+%25282%2529.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ceuse at sunset</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div>After that, Katy and Josh went home so I was on my own a bit until Jonny rescued me. We did some really cool climbing over two weeks including Indiana Juane, a really nice 10 pitch 6b at Mavaldiere in the Vallee d'Arvee when i realised my shoes were far too tight after the second pitch! We also climbed up high at Envers on two occasions and did Guy-Anne and La Piege, as well as getting snowed off of 'Le mariage de la terre et du vent' a route at the Belvedere. At the end of the trip we took a short trip down to Ceuse to appreciate the epic walk in, but I puntered about and didn't get to the top of alot of things. I did start learning how to fall off though which was pretty scary on the renowned Ceuse runouts!!</div><div><br />
</div><div>As soon as I got home, I realised that I kinda wanted to be out in France again, so I worked my ass off for a week to afford flights back out again, Jonny picked me up at the airport and we headed south. Or rather, failed to drive out of Geneva, got lost and eventually gave up and just slept in a random car park somewhere in France! Anyway, the next day was my 20th birthday (now offically old) and we eventually made it down to Orpierre. Orpierre is a really nice crag, alot friendlier than Ceuse, but still with lots to go at, and a much shorter walk in! Over the next few days Jonny ticked loads of 7bs and onsighted a 7c, I onsighted lots of 6s, fannyed around a bit and got scared, but eventually got the redpoint on a 7a (Je t'aime moi non plus) which I was pretty chuffed with. First proper 7a tick, may many more come my way please!</div><div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXJR2A2I3d0JrhYYCPfnRlzobQUBfqCFHCJA0dlVL5ZrfsHMZPRFwEYbpU5znad29t1G2BKktYxlpNwC37Di2yOmBCiOGBj0djMAacG5j_clOOnFmsxqmdqUJdpw1M01JUDbzjBTCnzzI/s1600/DSC01856.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="139" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXJR2A2I3d0JrhYYCPfnRlzobQUBfqCFHCJA0dlVL5ZrfsHMZPRFwEYbpU5znad29t1G2BKktYxlpNwC37Di2yOmBCiOGBj0djMAacG5j_clOOnFmsxqmdqUJdpw1M01JUDbzjBTCnzzI/s640/DSC01856.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Orpierre panorama of the crag</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVZg4XJyBuYZsN2Zout9c8TUfDzMadyKgVmNlkA1jnnGjbxTHrNlYicizaProjZWJ1Pr_YDYQELeUpPUI-OnzpgaPyKYvmxOP4m7VBKZ_HsJ2wuIX4yajlodlZ-tVVAC9r0mCFsMBM4JM/s1600/DSC01986.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVZg4XJyBuYZsN2Zout9c8TUfDzMadyKgVmNlkA1jnnGjbxTHrNlYicizaProjZWJ1Pr_YDYQELeUpPUI-OnzpgaPyKYvmxOP4m7VBKZ_HsJ2wuIX4yajlodlZ-tVVAC9r0mCFsMBM4JM/s200/DSC01986.JPG" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jonny on one of the chimney <br />
pitches on Le Demande </td></tr>
</tbody></table><div>The next day we headed even further south, stopping at Voulx for a day and night (pretty cool routes, but also FAR too hot!).<br />
We arrived at the majestic Verdon Gorge in a rainstorm, and spent the evening in the bar making plan for the next day. The first route we did was a 6c multipitch in the Dalles Grises area called 'Dingomaniaque'. We originally started up on the wrong route, so ended up having to ab down and start again! Eventually we started up the correct route and realised just how hot it was, we eventually reached the top dehydrated and absolutely knakered but still decided for another big day tomorrow. </div><div>The next day we decided to do the classic La Demande. The walkway into the bottom was officially closed but we sneaked past and walked through some very long dark tunnels to reach the bottom of the route. The hardest pitch on the route is only 6a, but indirect sunlight all day, with large runouts and a heavy bag this was a hard day (for me anyway!). We got to the top completely exhausted again and managed to hitch a ride back down to the van again with a very nice french couple. </div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQMMDApz4WfsTTWpAB-KaMH0JvMDxAI2nW11sA2Hz0W2VptPdD21G5E8kISypMbtMkiS-SUVH7fQmVK_CcBNs-glP9-pRXpjEaHSDusCFlaJHzccdRMqQrmx4yMtGbPlv2iMC1zZ2CQBc/s1600/DSC02051.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQMMDApz4WfsTTWpAB-KaMH0JvMDxAI2nW11sA2Hz0W2VptPdD21G5E8kISypMbtMkiS-SUVH7fQmVK_CcBNs-glP9-pRXpjEaHSDusCFlaJHzccdRMqQrmx4yMtGbPlv2iMC1zZ2CQBc/s200/DSC02051.JPG" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me puntering on the 6c+<br />
pitch </td></tr>
</tbody></table><div>The next day, we decided to do a bit of a shorter route so set up Pichenibule, a 6c+. The first few pitches were lovely, not too polished, exposed traverses covering some awesome ground. Eventually we got to the 6c+ pitch, which was absolutely desperate. I ended up hanging in space and pulling on the rope, draws and generally just cheating my way up the pitch, absolutely desperate! We eventually topped out a few pitched later and rewarded ourselves with some awesome pizzas, ready to drive through the night back in a Geneva direction for my flight home again.</div><div><br />
</div><div>Basically what this whole post has been working upto, is the fact that I had an amazing summer and I don't want it to end. Therefore I'm not going to let it. On Sunday I'm moving out to Chamonix to try and get a job and climb loads! The plan is to work until December, and then go sport climb in Spain until we run out of money.</div><div><br />
</div><div>I've had a stressful and emotional week sorting out things like dropping out of University, finding someone to fill my place in the house, and squeezing in the odd climb here and there as well with Duncan and Jess. I'm really going to miss all of the Liverpool and North Wales crew, but am expecting lots of visitors in France and I know I'll be back at some point!</div><div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcc521KNRU7DBPzrhjLVNED5AmLfAU8_heaRUZVZy_H49Eg5ywa-3-fG10I3aewgjb3M3u_Wh0wRGkxOZ23lVim1fuvH_sCfHGH0M_IMZ4YubHFtnGLLkMZtsiDHmKMlL0OwP8PfreOvY/s1600/DSC02160.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="222" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcc521KNRU7DBPzrhjLVNED5AmLfAU8_heaRUZVZy_H49Eg5ywa-3-fG10I3aewgjb3M3u_Wh0wRGkxOZ23lVim1fuvH_sCfHGH0M_IMZ4YubHFtnGLLkMZtsiDHmKMlL0OwP8PfreOvY/s400/DSC02160.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Duncan on the traverse pitch over the Zawn on Dream of White Horses</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div>So, thanks to everyone who's helped me make decisions and I hope it all turns out okay in the end! Fingers crossed!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div></div>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06772163069658743800noreply@blogger.com1