Snow

Having escaped the winter this time, it was very enjoyable to put in a few turns upon returning to the northern hemisphere.

Patagonia

The internet in El Chalten hasn’t really improved all that much in the four years that passed since our last trip there. Hence the post comes later as I am trying to resist the temptation of watching the latest offers from the in-flight entertainment system.

The Playgrounds

With no long trips this year, we have been trying to make the most of the weekends and short escapes. We haven't done any big faces but been having good fun playing around on our mini-adventures. A few snaps below from the last month.

Gozo. The most famous arch of the island.

Kamasutra, Klausenpass

When our plans to check out the Wendenstöcke dwindled away, Cyrill immediately came up with an alternative. Something closer and shorter, but with good quality limestone and fun climbing. Sounded great, but when he mentioned Klausenpass, I was a bit skeptical, since last time I was there, the rock was loose and slabby. Being a local though, he knew the goods and we went to climb the Kamasutra, which takes the steepest wall of Chli Glatten.

Cyrill working on his tan.

Churfirsten. Zuestoll South Face

Having driven past Churfirsten so many times, we finally managed to try and climb something on them. We went for Zuestoll, which is said to have the best rock and weren't disappointed. We climbed a rather recent route Solitaire. Scenic approach, airy traverse into the wall and good climbing made for an excellent day.

Family time on Piz Palü

When I started heading off to the hills, my first climbing partners were my parents. They took me on skiing trips, we went hiking together and even ventured as far afield as Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan to climb some of the 7k peaks in there. Ever since, every time we get to spend time in the mountains together it proves to be a great trip.

July Heatwave

Rodellar steepness

The two crazy weeks of travelling started with Saule and I visiting our friends in Swansea. Always great hosts, Tadas and Anna took us to the shipwreck cove for some sport climbing. With the morning drizzle, we were a bit skeptical at first but in the end we all got happily pumped in this cool crag.