Peace Descends

High above the Vathi Valley

Another perfect sunset

Almost six weeks on Kalymnos, the place has gone wonderfully quiet, there are few stragglers left, but it has become quite unusual to share a cliff with another team which is how we like it.
We have visited most of the new cliffs that have been developed over the past couple of years, Arginonta Valley, Black Buddha and Milianos Cave have all been exceptional - always nice to find new routes to go at and new crags to visit.
We have eaten out on the terrace every evening since we arrived and only had to have breakfast in doors on two occasions because of damp mornings. The forecast is showing storms followed by a strong cold (4C!!!) northerly - but we really can't complain!

Into the Aegean Groove

Bumpy today in the Taxi-Boat

 Just over three weeks now on Kalymnos, 50+ routes climbed and lots of old mates bumped into. Of course they have all gone home now, the place has quietened down to just how we like it. Quite why folks choose to visit when it is hot and busy escapes me - it must be that they like sweating and crowds!
In the three + weeks I have had a frozen shoulder, a gout attack in my elbow and a short but rather unpleasant cold - not what we expect over here!

Bruno ensuring Sherri gets no work done

Despite that the climbing has been a pleasure as ever and we have visited some of the newer crags that have been developed. Arginonta Valleyhas been especially good, a short approach, shade all day and really good set of routes - hats off to Claude Idoux - as ever. I watched him start the development of the crag last winter and the scale of the job isn't to be underestimated.
We have a few other new venues to check out too, so it shouldn't be to difficult fill the next five weeks - what a pleasant prospect.