Monstant - land of the uber-route
Anna cruising up the monos of a 36 metre mega-route at Monstant. Photo by Chris.
More time in between beers, yoga and van discussions. A new found appreciation for simple things - rationing water as there is only so much to be carried in the van, only so much electricity in the battery so limited use of electronics, realising how little gear you actually need.
Appreciation of the simple life.
Gratefulness to spend time reading up so many articles, books and documents (the nerd in me spends my time on a lot of technical documentation - trends, research, web design - and climbing - coaching and personal development). Watching in awe at the development and expansion of Cornudella the town underneath Siurana into a genuine outdoor-sports capital (rows and rows of road and mountain bikes give it away). Hearing stories of another of my favourite locations, Blackheath in the Blue Mountains. Visions of how future co-operative bouldering/training walls will work. Refreshing perspectives on sport and climbing - not the local-town bubble it's easy to get sucked into in your own home location. Excitedly telling new friends about the the amazing climbing of Ireland (and trying not to mention the weather :).
Recharged and refreshed views on work, life, balance.
We had a quick day in at the ultra-area of Raco de la Finestra. A quick send of the uber-classic 'Sativa Pratica' 8a , 1st redpoint. A second, fun day at possibly one of the best crags around(?), Monstant. Long endurance routes, there's a reason why the local climbing shop sells 90 and 100 metre ropes!).
Naomi on-sighting 7a+ at Monstant - all 38 metres of it. Photo by Chris
A sea of pockets
one of the many reasons to spend time in France and Spain - better coffee!
Sativa Pratica - steep pumpy pulling. Don't forget your technique!
Winter in Spain