tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-42351848148569439572024-03-07T09:28:07.000+00:00Chris Craggs - My BlogAn occasional listing covering bits and bobs about my various trips, climbing or otherwise, plus anything else that pops up. Feel free to add a comment or ask a question.Chris Craggshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01219522140885875458noreply@blogger.comBlogger528125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4235184814856943957.post-66843764661007557552024-02-27T17:12:00.007+00:002024-02-27T17:15:52.227+00:00And it Continues<p></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7Fc__3gd98BNZt6kuHj88-CDnWHS3wftmQ16ZhmBt7xxpPUbWVSIdYcm0kvWCn8XK92ZlwJ_85e_yjwymLVK4QZfMeCsp9wastOHaKD0zO91c2CE-Ygp_0fcODuyF9sgjP0M0HV_MrAr2BQlh3UTyoBzHpZHrlUtCrM6jL04kjofZ_w7oU67GCiwzV00/s2000/DSC08797.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="1333" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7Fc__3gd98BNZt6kuHj88-CDnWHS3wftmQ16ZhmBt7xxpPUbWVSIdYcm0kvWCn8XK92ZlwJ_85e_yjwymLVK4QZfMeCsp9wastOHaKD0zO91c2CE-Ygp_0fcODuyF9sgjP0M0HV_MrAr2BQlh3UTyoBzHpZHrlUtCrM6jL04kjofZ_w7oU67GCiwzV00/w133-h200/DSC08797.jpg" width="133" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Exploring the coast north of Altea<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><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/AVvXsEgRprv7N9krbcFp_r6qH2kzUCc08FvG8eCqx9Ex_CNy1MgGSNjkl6G8AqngxpjohqOUFYsVLw-mGxtYFIGWYHOxOxeP4MFI1heBwH3IwmVdprMNPtrzCaBzu6oOH0RVsVefhDwpHYICk0x6tv7FDbAYGknixTlVZO9wdIgLhYIPOy10DWDw9NPgZ_Unzvc/s2000/DSC08822.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1333" data-original-width="2000" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRprv7N9krbcFp_r6qH2kzUCc08FvG8eCqx9Ex_CNy1MgGSNjkl6G8AqngxpjohqOUFYsVLw-mGxtYFIGWYHOxOxeP4MFI1heBwH3IwmVdprMNPtrzCaBzu6oOH0RVsVefhDwpHYICk0x6tv7FDbAYGknixTlVZO9wdIgLhYIPOy10DWDw9NPgZ_Unzvc/s320/DSC08822.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">February in the Costa Blanca<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>Three weeks on and we are still seeing slow improvements in my stamina, balance and general fame of mind. I have walked 3kms a couple of times including 1.5km uphill towards the Albir lighthouse. I have been having weekly osteopath sessions and doing my exercises religiously several times a day. We are still miles from tackling steep or rough terrain but life is so much better than it might have been. Valentine's Day was especially memorable - the day I should have gone under the surgeon's knife but we walked the beach and took in the sunshine as well as breathing huge sighs of relief. <p></p><p>It is getting close to the time to head off north now, the mission on the Costa Blanca more or less accomplished - the rest of my life awaits!<br /><br /><br /><br /></p>Chris Craggshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01219522140885875458noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4235184814856943957.post-14717521232113325462024-02-05T14:59:00.006+00:002024-02-05T19:08:35.051+00:00Improving at Long Last?<p></p><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/AVvXsEh-oeIZS7Ids7aAI_ax7z6Q00nEdeDW3H6pmx8UH1IRYIrBVdg5X6ctRTJe-KPtnXHHPnSRBSD5xsrWrC8HDJUIRlX8-YxbDqnmRbd5esS_fFFonisQsd6sXR1XUkUNh7DC_r3AHNLVTxsrFG_XY5iqq3ylZxxizsCYUrFh5PMUR51H2C5tx0rN3llyFhI/s2126/DSC08427.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1417" data-original-width="2126" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-oeIZS7Ids7aAI_ax7z6Q00nEdeDW3H6pmx8UH1IRYIrBVdg5X6ctRTJe-KPtnXHHPnSRBSD5xsrWrC8HDJUIRlX8-YxbDqnmRbd5esS_fFFonisQsd6sXR1XUkUNh7DC_r3AHNLVTxsrFG_XY5iqq3ylZxxizsCYUrFh5PMUR51H2C5tx0rN3llyFhI/s320/DSC08427.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sherri guarding my chair<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p>So we bided our time for about a month waiting for my pre-op visits to the hospital, getting out every day in the sunshine but I was really struggling - at the worst it was four rests (on the small chair Sherri bought me) to cover the 300m or so to the Promenade. Then something odd happened - the aching in my legs faded, so we kicked the painkillers meds into touch - then I walked to the Prom without stopping - and day on day I got a little better, steadier on my feet and covering longer distances. After several days we began to think a small miracle may have occurred - we visited the docs and she was impressed with my sudden progress. She suggested the cyst had either burst or been reabsorbed - and more to the point, was sure any operation should be postponed at least for the time being. The relief was palpable, after two months of depressing decline there was a little light ahead. </p><p></p><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/AVvXsEiN9edhOgeEuC98n3skq7LEJNoiWQokqnCY01QwWMHJmQY2ABWjTpGlBSSM54WepWzq8Jwdrr3SN9EH2RnzEF4One6oBLLroL6jW_dPFF0Ubw_lZsW1-Wi5NK-BVFQ4ETES3y3Tj9cOPte82ZV8EFzU9BoSqkire-dm8QPy_6dp2ZX3KnAqdWAzICbLEMw/s4032/Out.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN9edhOgeEuC98n3skq7LEJNoiWQokqnCY01QwWMHJmQY2ABWjTpGlBSSM54WepWzq8Jwdrr3SN9EH2RnzEF4One6oBLLroL6jW_dPFF0Ubw_lZsW1-Wi5NK-BVFQ4ETES3y3Tj9cOPte82ZV8EFzU9BoSqkire-dm8QPy_6dp2ZX3KnAqdWAzICbLEMw/w200-h150/Out.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A smile or just signs of relief?<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>A week later and the progress continues - small steps but all in the right direction. It is too early to get giddy but we are both in a much better place mentally - at least for now. We are here for another month or so - let's see what develops.<br /><p></p><p></p><p><br /><br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><br /><p></p>Chris Craggshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01219522140885875458noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4235184814856943957.post-72992757703678626032024-01-01T16:32:00.009+00:002024-01-18T16:17:30.282+00:00Sciatica - Arghhh - Update<p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjydd8B9Zb50w1_rU2umZ5w4J8v3Uf5pGl_i41uV8UG5qc9f7STbpdisJ_UURJ4VY9rL0DaPjMunsTnooHDXIzX8jkqok-ok6SRtkyxE9ydh2csujafzHcashyphenhyphenODwVV0UM77ladxcFYJrnfmDz18j_j6CS_7WMr6ZYQ2ar5LmuLbOE8YKhhss5y6wM3o2M/s5638/Minder2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3086" data-original-width="5638" height="219" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjydd8B9Zb50w1_rU2umZ5w4J8v3Uf5pGl_i41uV8UG5qc9f7STbpdisJ_UURJ4VY9rL0DaPjMunsTnooHDXIzX8jkqok-ok6SRtkyxE9ydh2csujafzHcashyphenhyphenODwVV0UM77ladxcFYJrnfmDz18j_j6CS_7WMr6ZYQ2ar5LmuLbOE8YKhhss5y6wM3o2M/w400-h219/Minder2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Minder keeping a watchful eye<br /></td></tr></tbody></table> We assume it is sciatica - whatever it is, it has has pretty much floored me - the numbness/tingling in my left leg is especially worrying. We made it back to Chez Arran but I wasn't in a great state so we booked a Physio who was excellent - loosening things up nicely. Then things got worse so we visited the 'emergencia' at the hospital in Foix - the doctor I saw was pretty dismissive - gave me a prescription and a form for a scan - the first available date was two months away!!<p></p><p></p><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/AVvXsEhXmQoiCne90rWlFzj4QO-RcEH_6FSrLKqJbRou0gB_rf92MOf6dZq6-JiYYRBvm8QwbJN-n7jNpK4ZWr9bWAtl-nyz-N8KcBzKAViBznpCTf7Oc7ITFL2i2RwKdoqVuvV5eEyBqa6k5csK_fpcG849WtU5MmxpXW7DC3tzyFaLPyaKrZ1PV-4MduhzPcc/s2268/Scan.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1701" data-original-width="2268" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXmQoiCne90rWlFzj4QO-RcEH_6FSrLKqJbRou0gB_rf92MOf6dZq6-JiYYRBvm8QwbJN-n7jNpK4ZWr9bWAtl-nyz-N8KcBzKAViBznpCTf7Oc7ITFL2i2RwKdoqVuvV5eEyBqa6k5csK_fpcG849WtU5MmxpXW7DC3tzyFaLPyaKrZ1PV-4MduhzPcc/w200-h150/Scan.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">About to spend 30 mins in a noisy tube<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p>So after a lot of stressing and throwing ideas around, plus asking questions on FB we decided out best option was (probably) to head back to the Costa Blanca and try and get sorted by going private. Of course Christmas/weekends/New Year got in the way but within three days I had seen a doctor and had an MRI scan which was pretty amazing. We await the results while I hobble around and chew through twelve tablets a day - not a lot of fun, but at least the pad is nice, the weather is good and Sherri is on hand 24/7.</p><p>Update: The scan shows a synovial cyst pinching by lower spinal cord - the back specialist says it is 'serious' and needs sorting - more scans to come and probably an op :-(<br /></p><p>Update 2: more scans and the surgeon thinks I need 3-4 discs replacing with titanium inserts and the cyst removing - a four week wait, a four hour op and £18,500 for the pleasure - ouch on every count.<br /><br /></p><p></p>Chris Craggshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01219522140885875458noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4235184814856943957.post-6612541391431569012023-12-12T07:53:00.001+00:002023-12-12T07:54:03.338+00:00Back to the Blanca - One More Time<p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjib0MTfIbQrM6bCfxoOipArQSMIC72oLsaIKpb5PDKbLVmzLFHRcZ_4q7frkjXO_w16UFjzNqg-M_9KvcWRRT9od8ihrOVoSrlsn0AlRE8yM-isiX_xMKvuZy5cKfg_kzkk2RI6RmHOYI3omWhyphenhyphenYWPlnuy_i-Ka9JykuJy1mEwySpwYet5n_Cw3WDdTmo/s2000/DSC08201.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1333" data-original-width="2000" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjib0MTfIbQrM6bCfxoOipArQSMIC72oLsaIKpb5PDKbLVmzLFHRcZ_4q7frkjXO_w16UFjzNqg-M_9KvcWRRT9od8ihrOVoSrlsn0AlRE8yM-isiX_xMKvuZy5cKfg_kzkk2RI6RmHOYI3omWhyphenhyphenYWPlnuy_i-Ka9JykuJy1mEwySpwYet5n_Cw3WDdTmo/s320/DSC08201.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our pad at Mascarat - though not all of it<br /></td></tr></tbody></table> After a month of cool windy weather arriving back on the Costa Blanca was a complete tonic, it felt like a huge weight had been lifted as we enjoyed warm sunny days and glorious sunsets. We stopped in the same lovely apartment in Mascarat that we weathered Covid Lockdown 2 in, back in early 2021. I did a bit of climbing but felt vaguely ambivalent about it, not sure if that was because we know the area so well, or I was just happy to enjoy the sunshine without the need to keep scaring myself!<p></p><p></p><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/AVvXsEjHwV_gsgAvvdKc533n6iRzAOpf6qlUvtl8uO3EEcNf_wIe0rY6-Y2qB04Ke4Zdkvg39KU_8pfwefsvXNIWm7O55gdxgwBB47o4VNKsP2CGTmfJGRIbEUUQISkdX0saU0asY2htRD3lkX6d3qvHADp5WGKtdkTiN_QXeHxRi7XoNM_Om_BHMCfz0YVqtIw/s2000/DSC08203.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1333" data-original-width="2000" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHwV_gsgAvvdKc533n6iRzAOpf6qlUvtl8uO3EEcNf_wIe0rY6-Y2qB04Ke4Zdkvg39KU_8pfwefsvXNIWm7O55gdxgwBB47o4VNKsP2CGTmfJGRIbEUUQISkdX0saU0asY2htRD3lkX6d3qvHADp5WGKtdkTiN_QXeHxRi7XoNM_Om_BHMCfz0YVqtIw/s320/DSC08203.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The last supper, Pal and the final sunset<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>The only fly in the ointment was my second bought of sciatica - the first, in Ariege two months ago was unpleasant, this one was worse, more painful and longer lasting, two weeks in and I still haven't shaken it off. Currently we are stopping in the Ebro Delta, Ariege bound where I will need to hunt out a physio/osteopath.<br /><br /><p></p><p><br /></p>Chris Craggshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01219522140885875458noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4235184814856943957.post-14397242569062874452023-11-12T19:25:00.006+00:002023-11-12T19:29:44.243+00:00Off We Go Again<p></p><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/AVvXsEivtFdEDe7Er1EpEWRGJ4EfDt4Yo5pB0XfoGrPbiIiU5S8tKlhyphenhyphenRSbRJYZ6fRXzGqNEOi_eaikO2_Te703Mb959vEb985c89SzDWI17RHFRlBmb-_7PT5qXOmDKAT1vkL1D4XRMYfhy5YwX2mSHcHrfSjbW_ke8cJ2dvw6p_6ZdaRB_Z47I3Hng7e5tYAM/s2000/DSC02506.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1333" data-original-width="2000" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivtFdEDe7Er1EpEWRGJ4EfDt4Yo5pB0XfoGrPbiIiU5S8tKlhyphenhyphenRSbRJYZ6fRXzGqNEOi_eaikO2_Te703Mb959vEb985c89SzDWI17RHFRlBmb-_7PT5qXOmDKAT1vkL1D4XRMYfhy5YwX2mSHcHrfSjbW_ke8cJ2dvw6p_6ZdaRB_Z47I3Hng7e5tYAM/s320/DSC02506.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You might guess it is windy around here<br /></td></tr></tbody></table> We are due back at Chez Arran mid-December for a couple of weeks cat-sitting so thought we had better crack on. A week in the mountains above Lourdes was very pleasant though the climbing was limited for a variety of reasons. Then south through the Pyrenees to Morata de Jalon, a place we last visited an amazing 19 years ago. It is a great area with a lot of climbing but for almost two weeks the wind has blown, occasionally roaring and on one occasion ripping tiles of roofs and hurling a big wheelie bin into the side of our car - bugger. At least we have got a fair bit of climbing done - there are very few climbers around - which is always nice. <p></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG83kMkX6sYC2zRC46roeKsp33qZCRSWQGzh96GX9hwqhgClipbJPQBz-aULCFsjEBvWXps-K1ffBwZZkISbJqTPaXRGkm08qp2EdFmZaajQAq8nL3BbDYZckm_gxZQ2BGooICB8P7Eg8tsQFFxgxfrZkq4HMle-x3vq19y2d2QN2NHUf2Y4s5t-HefK8/s2000/DSC07685.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1333" data-original-width="2000" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG83kMkX6sYC2zRC46roeKsp33qZCRSWQGzh96GX9hwqhgClipbJPQBz-aULCFsjEBvWXps-K1ffBwZZkISbJqTPaXRGkm08qp2EdFmZaajQAq8nL3BbDYZckm_gxZQ2BGooICB8P7Eg8tsQFFxgxfrZkq4HMle-x3vq19y2d2QN2NHUf2Y4s5t-HefK8/w200-h133/DSC07685.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The way home<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p>We have decided to head to the Costa Blanca for a month, I have a book to finish and (as ever) it looks very nice down there. As an aside, we have been asked to do another possible cat-sitting in Kalymnos in January - house and car provided - that would be a nice mini-break.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p><br /></p>Chris Craggshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01219522140885875458noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4235184814856943957.post-71482263271361427582023-10-24T07:40:00.003+00:002023-10-24T07:40:24.630+00:00Autumn is Here<p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioTUa14TsOShqLmnIcobkbjsd_xExHs2HHXdHwibv-pTJDhy5UJF217G27gDiExigAAGVcGcl6wHkWyNirhF1HoIcxkqA-hvGXuphEBtlkBSuaTO-yCuFBnRIhJBaTHrgtSt3IfG6elwQiV_7_UtxcgldsiP8nk6anm21iZvLXaTofPP1R52b3sukfE6s/s2000/DSC07227.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1333" data-original-width="2000" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioTUa14TsOShqLmnIcobkbjsd_xExHs2HHXdHwibv-pTJDhy5UJF217G27gDiExigAAGVcGcl6wHkWyNirhF1HoIcxkqA-hvGXuphEBtlkBSuaTO-yCuFBnRIhJBaTHrgtSt3IfG6elwQiV_7_UtxcgldsiP8nk6anm21iZvLXaTofPP1R52b3sukfE6s/w400-h266/DSC07227.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Calames and mackerel sky<br /></td></tr></tbody></table> We climbed with Colin around Briançon for a few days then he was away to Spain with a car load of stuff he was transporting. We stayed a little longer then headed down to Buis le Baronnies, where, once again it was too hot for comfort. There was some confusion about our leaving date, and on the Wednesday morning we had to pack the car in a rush and hit the road. We headed to Chez Arran a day early, luckily they had space for us.</p><p>In the event, John's contract to work in South Sudan was late, so we were only needed for two day's cat sitting - the two week's free accommodation was a bonus.</p><p><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/AVvXsEiUMMBn5v4q3X-kLvLj2pUlZjTSz8oM5jeTgJ8Toe4e1f0fCi9W3OQyOzVCme_JU0nu1I73YbMV55-v1Y_V3CM7SPP9dxmqk94kNUlTw4C50ug9J5EebxFBwgTASJSZMXpUOK2tkjNkDi0T-Lurvl3tyh6u2J6tXaIm2mubrr_zhhiX3N4k7sJLSvvGv4M/s2000/DSC07308.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1333" data-original-width="2000" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUMMBn5v4q3X-kLvLj2pUlZjTSz8oM5jeTgJ8Toe4e1f0fCi9W3OQyOzVCme_JU0nu1I73YbMV55-v1Y_V3CM7SPP9dxmqk94kNUlTw4C50ug9J5EebxFBwgTASJSZMXpUOK2tkjNkDi0T-Lurvl3tyh6u2J6tXaIm2mubrr_zhhiX3N4k7sJLSvvGv4M/s320/DSC07308.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Through the autumnal parks</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table>We got a bit of climbing done but my first ever bout of sciatica put a dampener on things - pretty unpleasant, though manageable through walking and stretching exercises.</p><p>Next we are heading west to check out the Haute Pyrenees, last time we were over that way, last February, everything was snow-bound!</p><br /><br /><p><br /></p>Chris Craggshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01219522140885875458noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4235184814856943957.post-21995572253379654912023-09-21T18:45:00.002+00:002023-09-21T18:46:51.735+00:00The Heat is On/Off<p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiet8SYyn8LvS1v3sVJAZXLOpB-yPJgrEzjV5fpvlGT8LxbtYsCdgQOeRq2gjYRU38qjecO_g-94rKdv3Aq4GIPp_U9IRuIFbWLj2tHtgxNmr56ZtkRkwUXwItJZRvBy71R8l4orxAjX_ef9QF0stE3psQk5yd51ifq-U4VImIx4Sa04Ee7G1848Zyw5_A/s2000/DSC06535.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1333" data-original-width="2000" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiet8SYyn8LvS1v3sVJAZXLOpB-yPJgrEzjV5fpvlGT8LxbtYsCdgQOeRq2gjYRU38qjecO_g-94rKdv3Aq4GIPp_U9IRuIFbWLj2tHtgxNmr56ZtkRkwUXwItJZRvBy71R8l4orxAjX_ef9QF0stE3psQk5yd51ifq-U4VImIx4Sa04Ee7G1848Zyw5_A/s320/DSC06535.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Maurienne - we like it around here<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>We had just over a week in the UK and than it was off again - Sheffield > Portsmouth > St Malo > Avallon. The only fly in the ointment was the emergence of a heat bubble just before we set off - the week we spent near Avallon was 33-35C everyday which way too hot to climb. Basically we hunkered down, made a real effort to keep the bedrooms cool and went for gentle local walks.<p></p><p></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8dulo2Dsk5SfvdgagM8Q_smqVZSH8ZBrySVKGCD1BIPNXcXbo9wj9UT0bArehKWvIrpkaEenBi37lU9Ct0m7kacq6uNuP8KoWjSaKyGpMRaXzVLNaRy6LCQOkj-RlUK9Qv8Xr2lCLy1EBm4wtTfNUzE_-vcWoDCh2GxJ421g-CAd2zAdJ8_G3-SlicWo/s2000/DSC06538.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1333" data-original-width="2000" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8dulo2Dsk5SfvdgagM8Q_smqVZSH8ZBrySVKGCD1BIPNXcXbo9wj9UT0bArehKWvIrpkaEenBi37lU9Ct0m7kacq6uNuP8KoWjSaKyGpMRaXzVLNaRy6LCQOkj-RlUK9Qv8Xr2lCLy1EBm4wtTfNUzE_-vcWoDCh2GxJ421g-CAd2zAdJ8_G3-SlicWo/w200-h133/DSC06538.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our local crag - 120 routes, minutes from the parking<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>Then it was away to the mountains - five hours to the relative coolness of Aussois up at 4,800' and some climbing - at long last! Things cooled down nicely over the next week and Colin arrived (14.5 hours for an 8.5 hour journey!!) so even more climbing - currently on nine days out of the last eleven.<p></p><p>Then onwards again, over the Galibier Pass (8C and thick fog) to a pad near Briançon for a week - looks like a chance for a bit more rocking.</p><p>Currently booked in for two weeks cat-sitting at Chez Arran in ten days time - but just waiting for the final confirmation.</p><br /><br /><p><br /></p>Chris Craggshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01219522140885875458noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4235184814856943957.post-25424848745579908892023-08-31T08:32:00.003+00:002023-08-31T08:32:16.417+00:00Ready for Off<p><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/AVvXsEgZPRV3Sda_fe6I4wfsULjAGMLk_93RgJYz2QLQCvUg77J_ajWE3DxtmINVJ-3HRt_vek2pdYjw4ti90uZe4bn6xG16xzmWC8jrRtEtlKUTM5rpkt7Wlhskck-fWl6cZ9pUOSCDN4Liu_wjqD1R3VL30hcC-mk9gDCLyaBvQBwqDpx5bqFU7XoyC_NwLVg/s2000/DJI_0585.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1332" data-original-width="2000" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZPRV3Sda_fe6I4wfsULjAGMLk_93RgJYz2QLQCvUg77J_ajWE3DxtmINVJ-3HRt_vek2pdYjw4ti90uZe4bn6xG16xzmWC8jrRtEtlKUTM5rpkt7Wlhskck-fWl6cZ9pUOSCDN4Liu_wjqD1R3VL30hcC-mk9gDCLyaBvQBwqDpx5bqFU7XoyC_NwLVg/s320/DJI_0585.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Last stop in Norway - Thorbjørn's cabin at Riksgransen<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>Norway was great, the weather was kind, things were cheaper than we expected and we got all the photos we needed - the drone was a massive help with that job. I actually managed to crash it for the first time, clipping the tip of tree on the way into land. It was a spectacular tumble through the tree and down a rubble bank. Fortunately damage was pretty minimal - a split blade and a couple of scuffs - though my ego took more of a battering.</p><p>Then it was a three plane hop back to the UK to get ready for our upcoming trip to France and make use of our 180 day visa.</p><p><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/AVvXsEjVgQa7uxHzuuFIvDFgqCdD9JxZyZOmBExGhETC2C4yNAnSj2T873vBgXCkUDypJcIdAPNsEYOI3A9Dz_w_i1HjBh1RwlutbQrYk064-_bUllUE_UNXnNR36m5KlDGXx1NWuIeKWL2KZY2Ys-xFTPcGU1IvnX6RNpITkW1OyD10Qkhqd6mPp1jgDwwFoi0/s2000/DSC06333.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1333" data-original-width="2000" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVgQa7uxHzuuFIvDFgqCdD9JxZyZOmBExGhETC2C4yNAnSj2T873vBgXCkUDypJcIdAPNsEYOI3A9Dz_w_i1HjBh1RwlutbQrYk064-_bUllUE_UNXnNR36m5KlDGXx1NWuIeKWL2KZY2Ys-xFTPcGU1IvnX6RNpITkW1OyD10Qkhqd6mPp1jgDwwFoi0/w200-h133/DSC06333.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Back to the Peak - at least it isn't raining - for now</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table>I actually went climbing with Colin after a break of 67 days which may never have happened in the past 50+ years. Of course it was hard work, but there is still a glow in the embers of enthusiasm - let's see what France brings<br /></p><br /><p><br /></p>Chris Craggshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01219522140885875458noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4235184814856943957.post-24047652128429851302023-08-07T09:43:00.006+00:002023-08-07T13:17:44.263+00:00Back Up North<p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2vxJIMjW0SosvkdRyYN03tKLNYFraux_yTnmzJRS2OJ_tyu-kAjn3TSF1mVW0cU71IIirW_PEiSqSpEovnqhyExvzfedER_P8fJAiKgA8ab0835NlyIvlYs1x_lynwiCvR74n0FJK8H91Aa8nojQIT0Zsug_-U9ikXELUxTdzzt_mgVfCJITw2N98h4g/s2000/DSC02047.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1333" data-original-width="2000" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2vxJIMjW0SosvkdRyYN03tKLNYFraux_yTnmzJRS2OJ_tyu-kAjn3TSF1mVW0cU71IIirW_PEiSqSpEovnqhyExvzfedER_P8fJAiKgA8ab0835NlyIvlYs1x_lynwiCvR74n0FJK8H91Aa8nojQIT0Zsug_-U9ikXELUxTdzzt_mgVfCJITw2N98h4g/w400-h266/DSC02047.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The view from the cabin - northern sunset and cruise liner<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p> After seven weeks in the UK we filnally got back on the road - taxi to Manchester, flight to Stockholm, swap planes - though it was actually the same one - then up to Kiruna in Arctic Sweden. The two days we were there it pretty much rained all the time - but at least we were away! Then it was up through the mountains, over the border and down into Norway - the weather improved all the way and we were soon established in Thorbjørn's superb cabin just west of Narvik. </p><p><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/AVvXsEgU4eY6lxQ7kFB37x8f6D_j7EInBk3jicKlXyFYFWUKfFce2UcpY5xb-C4b5PbQ0UXb_yt3vBZW-01YSR2deixZBlR1jEtDJdiQic2LXHC-c2hwpDL9hb5rsJnUxSbAt453G2AXU2wUk0FUycwTxIQEgxkC90Ttld54xLYXI5DEEK8j0hklUtkIThwqypw/s2000/DSC02066.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1333" data-original-width="2000" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU4eY6lxQ7kFB37x8f6D_j7EInBk3jicKlXyFYFWUKfFce2UcpY5xb-C4b5PbQ0UXb_yt3vBZW-01YSR2deixZBlR1jEtDJdiQic2LXHC-c2hwpDL9hb5rsJnUxSbAt453G2AXU2wUk0FUycwTxIQEgxkC90Ttld54xLYXI5DEEK8j0hklUtkIThwqypw/s320/DSC02066.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The magnificent Eidetind<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>A few days in and we have photoed several of the cliffs in the Narvik area - the current book has been out of print for about six years - and some of the peaks around Eidfjord - all for the next edition of the Lofoten guidebook which we hope to have out in time for next season.<br /></p><br /><br /><br /><p></p>Chris Craggshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01219522140885875458noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4235184814856943957.post-14482987651899695132023-07-26T17:13:00.014+00:002023-08-16T20:33:06.976+00:00Applying for a Six Month French Visa<p>A few folks have asked about the process in applying for a French 180 day visa. It is quite complicated so I have laid it out in detail below. It is worth remembering once your 180 days are up you still have the 90 days in the Schengen Zone to use. Basically all the paperwork in handled by a company called TLS Contact - presumably so that the French Consulate doesn't have to!<br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg236zXKawBCfbhzoE__eXJkVp45iHgV154xLAccOnLtaf5diPsZtnl-cEzZrG8Msg7I-Jn0oHo9qCdnQ0L6fzyznoLxnMnQRFBBo4eMfOL_tW26aSzTdAvblj33G9QtH5P4whALFGBhhBWktXMpVgV27H9WKarTCFZ2FyANp55XioR9Mfif5ZP5kDoAsw/s2268/Man5.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1701" data-original-width="2268" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg236zXKawBCfbhzoE__eXJkVp45iHgV154xLAccOnLtaf5diPsZtnl-cEzZrG8Msg7I-Jn0oHo9qCdnQ0L6fzyznoLxnMnQRFBBo4eMfOL_tW26aSzTdAvblj33G9QtH5P4whALFGBhhBWktXMpVgV27H9WKarTCFZ2FyANp55XioR9Mfif5ZP5kDoAsw/w400-h300/Man5.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Happy bunnies - good to go<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">French 180 day Visa Application</span><br /></p><p><br />STRAND ONE (France Visas)<br /><br />Each applicant needs to:<br /></p><p>1 Register with the French Government Website - https://www.france-visas.gouv.fr/en/<br /></p><p>2 Decide what type of visa you need (Long Stay More than 90 days)<br /></p><p>3 Get your supporting documents together (See below)<br /><br />Cost thus far €99 each</p><p><br />STRAND TWO (TLS Contact)<br /><br />The lead traveller (ONLY) needs to<br /><br />4 Register with TLS Contact and fill in the details for each traveller https://www.tlscontact.com/en/start-your-visa-journey/<br /><br />5 Make an appointment with TLS Contact (London/Manchester/Edinburgh) - usually available in a few days<br /><br />STRAND ONE<br /><br />Return to the French Visa Website and confirm your TLS appointment. They will give you a checklist. You will need to present TLS with the following for each traveller</p><p>i) A travel document, issued less than 10 years ago, containing at least two blank pages, with a period of validity at least 3 months longer than the date on which you intend to leave the Schengen Area or, in the case of a long stay, at least three months longer than the expiry date of the visa requested. You have to have copies any pages containing visas, entry and exit stamps etc.</p><p>ii) Two recent ID photographs.</p><p>iii) Purpose of travel/stay - we just said Tourism</p><p>iv) Promise not to exercise any professional activity in France, if applicable accompanied by a letter explaining your project.</p><p>v) Proof of your socio-economic situation. We took our P60s which showed we were retired teachers</p><p>vi) Funds - Last 3 months bank statements (UK account/savers) showing your full name and address, as evidence that you have enough funds for the whole duration of the stay. If you are financially sponsored by your spouse/partner : marriage certificate and bank statements of your spouse/partner.</p><p>vii) Accommodation - proof of the first place you will staying<br /></p><p>viii) Proof of residency of the host in France: rental agreement or property tirle or, if applicable, statement signed by the host confirming the establishment in France. </p><p>ix) Travel health insurance. For stays in France up to 6 months : UK-insured reciprocal healthcare entitlement documents (valid EHIC / GHIC). For stays over 6 months : Private Health insurance covering the entire validity of the visa (up to 1 year), except for retirees receiving a British retirement pension who may provide the S1 Form delivered by the NHS. <br /> </p><p>STRAND TWO<br /><br />6 Visit TLS with your passports, passport photos and all the above supporting documentation, to get it checked. Hand it all over, pay and wait - around 10 days. <br /><br />7 Have your biometrics done (iris scan and fingerprints) before you leave the office<br /><br />NOTE 1 do not sign and date the forms until asked at the appointment<br /><br />NOTE 2 there are photo booths inside the office - eight quid a pop!<br /><br /><br />Cost of this section £170 in total.<br /><br />We used the Premium Lounge service at £50 each - judging by the queues in the main office, it was money well spent.<br /><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">** GOOD LUCK WITH YOUR APPLICATION **<br /></p>Chris Craggshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01219522140885875458noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4235184814856943957.post-58057747629741646012023-07-05T20:21:00.004+00:002023-07-09T14:38:46.374+00:00Ticking Over<p></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBCMKoi8JVubl3lmfW31xQCLtqzG8MUyGvHYxnEjHGDP2AeijogrWelro35cvkt5Y2PyuC0A6_Ei24MDTSQJc8K-S3-5GpxiBKYrWgbjR2XjF-HSqPamyRo-98hBGy9t0CJ0m92k7kgEs3IHkGAV01O_3himhgc_jDIOpXpiyfsIPPgYNogP6XVH0YcyM/s2000/DSC01792.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1333" data-original-width="2000" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBCMKoi8JVubl3lmfW31xQCLtqzG8MUyGvHYxnEjHGDP2AeijogrWelro35cvkt5Y2PyuC0A6_Ei24MDTSQJc8K-S3-5GpxiBKYrWgbjR2XjF-HSqPamyRo-98hBGy9t0CJ0m92k7kgEs3IHkGAV01O_3himhgc_jDIOpXpiyfsIPPgYNogP6XVH0YcyM/w200-h133/DSC01792.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Derwent Water - busy<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p> We got back from a hot Kalymnos to find it was just about the same temperature - and a lot more humid - in the UK, not nice. After just a few days we booked a couple of weeks in Penruddock on the northern edge of the Lake District and that was very pleasant once things cooled down a bit. Colin came over and we had a few good days climbing, clipping bolts in a couple of quarries - how times change. Everywhere was pretty busy but I guess that is the UK in summer, even though the schools aren't out yet.</p><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/AVvXsEiUVFBdLihHrw0FVnR6WIahdfcIMv3HBElFf0zJY51xlwNAMicIc7tkH10T5CQF-wcPFncAg4MJButODiYHlzwyZF2wBBDgWR1xpej8fnByV9bVbfRjKke1w0BXwSxnIhcDxRywzrC96l2D0Q7tLfjcDPak1SmM9vKFwT6gXxNMte2OhGaq6oHuyebhSnU/s2000/DSC05359.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1333" data-original-width="2000" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUVFBdLihHrw0FVnR6WIahdfcIMv3HBElFf0zJY51xlwNAMicIc7tkH10T5CQF-wcPFncAg4MJButODiYHlzwyZF2wBBDgWR1xpej8fnByV9bVbfRjKke1w0BXwSxnIhcDxRywzrC96l2D0Q7tLfjcDPak1SmM9vKFwT6gXxNMte2OhGaq6oHuyebhSnU/s320/DSC05359.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Colin on a tough 6a at Bram Crag Quarry<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p>Then back to Sheffield to work on our French 180 days visas - currently we are failing badly. On a much more positive note we have booked remarkably 'cheap' flights and car-hire for Northern Norway for early August to work on Lofoten Rock III - that feels a bit better.<br /></p><p></p><br /><br /><p><br /></p>Chris Craggshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01219522140885875458noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4235184814856943957.post-68849921171910874802023-06-05T06:54:00.007+00:002023-06-05T11:36:54.668+00:00Homeward Bound<p></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiJy9EtxlTGkq8re9aibXCCw_mnHfPWBksKYEGa42Y6cW-r1jm3uidHJHaO7RsZEWKLp61qc3jdaRA4zxbzkq4SRP7rNr-sjvFS7m-OyQRJ_ghCFLawVFEz37oi6pYdN-hLUy4yrOOZhi64NlR-yS2agTtCO_GNWJsT2MrhGbKn-ZzOe8lXFvAaMW0/s2000/DSC04989.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="1333" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiJy9EtxlTGkq8re9aibXCCw_mnHfPWBksKYEGa42Y6cW-r1jm3uidHJHaO7RsZEWKLp61qc3jdaRA4zxbzkq4SRP7rNr-sjvFS7m-OyQRJ_ghCFLawVFEz37oi6pYdN-hLUy4yrOOZhi64NlR-yS2agTtCO_GNWJsT2MrhGbKn-ZzOe8lXFvAaMW0/w266-h400/DSC04989.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Myrties from on the hill<br /></td></tr></tbody></table> I'm not quite sure how we ended up in Kalymnos in June, it just kinda happened. We had a lovely varied five weeks in Turkey, then with Sherri's great organisational skills we got from Bodrum to Pothia, via Kos Town in just two hours. <p></p><p>A couple of weeks on Kaly gave us the chance to wind down, grab a few routes and make onward plans. We had feared it might be red hot and really busy, but in the event it hasn't been too bad. A breeze and occasional clouds have kept it bearable, and although there are plenty of folks around, it isn't like the crazy season.<br /><br />We have a whole heap of jobs to do in the UK including sorting another long-stay French visa and organising a trip up to Lofoten in August, so I don't think we will have a chance to get too bored.</p><p>I am sure we will fit in a few mini-trips away and there is also quite a bit of Western Grit that needs photoing with the drone whilst it is still high summer.<br /></p><script src="moz-extension://29460fe0-7b7f-e941-a4dc-3ac19ab35f3e/injectedPasswordless.js" type="text/javascript"></script>Chris Craggshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01219522140885875458noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4235184814856943957.post-40654841858449523202023-05-11T06:45:00.004+00:002023-05-13T11:45:07.887+00:00Turkey Trotting<p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_Q_OZalOeH0mrhi0kZ9eGmHuHUWH1D5BuydSA8aRw187jzi83PLYLBF4Ng_syDjiIsYW8Ju5hvXdJ_4LH8AUg-p9arFu5DWRwbrYzn2itiX2F7FAKrBEB8CCmcV9BPwyhhnuXJu0cRfbhpc3nJ9NXNH2FXPtvV0o2JmKu_hJU1R2i5qn55TgDrZs9/s2000/DSC04029.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1333" data-original-width="2000" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_Q_OZalOeH0mrhi0kZ9eGmHuHUWH1D5BuydSA8aRw187jzi83PLYLBF4Ng_syDjiIsYW8Ju5hvXdJ_4LH8AUg-p9arFu5DWRwbrYzn2itiX2F7FAKrBEB8CCmcV9BPwyhhnuXJu0cRfbhpc3nJ9NXNH2FXPtvV0o2JmKu_hJU1R2i5qn55TgDrZs9/s320/DSC04029.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lake Salda<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>We left Kalymnos in the middle of the afternoon and were in Bodrum by early evening - via two ferry crossings. We spent a couple of days getting sorted and exploring then headed across country to spend a couple of days at Salda with its amazing blue alkaline lake. It was a Bank Holiday and we thought it might be busy, but in the end, everywhere was pretty much deserted.. The town felt a bit like the Wild West, but the people were all super-friendly and the lake was intriguing. <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ2GTDP-8CcMYnKi0uXlyW-m2EhCUJV0dsk68oTbgWA8w_xthjMmMtqX01nsiEhKxPQ_EduXlAHikQdxZsjBVzJyJHK7PdUN6l2dxRQMnfwPNuswuDZoM26eUsZeVUL9wIHw9CltCWByUpaYxIxnVZWpHJ-AafHHaizwMh-u0MmkT_LFZNCeVedVi8/s2000/DSC04225.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="1333" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ2GTDP-8CcMYnKi0uXlyW-m2EhCUJV0dsk68oTbgWA8w_xthjMmMtqX01nsiEhKxPQ_EduXlAHikQdxZsjBVzJyJHK7PdUN6l2dxRQMnfwPNuswuDZoM26eUsZeVUL9wIHw9CltCWByUpaYxIxnVZWpHJ-AafHHaizwMh-u0MmkT_LFZNCeVedVi8/w133-h200/DSC04225.jpg" width="133" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Taurus Mountains<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p>Then it was onwards to our AirBnb in Geyikbayiri above the huge city of Antalya. It is four years since we were last in the area, and thought it might be a bit warm for climbing, but decided to give it a go anyway. </p><p>Again everywhere was really quiet which was a pleasant surprise. The house was very impressive, cool at night and with the added attraction of some semi-feral cats and some very noisy chickens. We got a bit of climbing done, plus a lot of wandering and enjoying the sun.</p><p></p><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/AVvXsEgWpJSwXFU88RJ8XgTSQHh26DtLrJnyBYHzljpAYm3iCXaSR7Al0lek_d1VRN8iTaB2I05aiFNG_tRzuZ4HrTUJvIH1Jglg7UurTFdqJ4oxYLtmdLt5P4v53aftlXvi3dK3WddtPtADEJdFy4PBqOLcf7C_baGJvboxIioe7NgpKJO75VwQdvs4XOJW/s2000/DSC04145-Pano.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1044" data-original-width="2000" height="167" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWpJSwXFU88RJ8XgTSQHh26DtLrJnyBYHzljpAYm3iCXaSR7Al0lek_d1VRN8iTaB2I05aiFNG_tRzuZ4HrTUJvIH1Jglg7UurTFdqJ4oxYLtmdLt5P4v53aftlXvi3dK3WddtPtADEJdFy4PBqOLcf7C_baGJvboxIioe7NgpKJO75VwQdvs4XOJW/s320/DSC04145-Pano.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cool (and damp) at 6000'<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>We figure that we can cope with a couple more weeks before have to contemplate heading back to Kalymnos and on to the UK - we would rather not think about that just yet!<br /><p></p><div data-target="ukc-searchbar.search_absolute" id="search-absolute">
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</div></div></div><p></p><br /><br /><br /><br /><p></p><script src="moz-extension://29460fe0-7b7f-e941-a4dc-3ac19ab35f3e/injectedPasswordless.js" type="text/javascript"></script>Chris Craggshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01219522140885875458noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4235184814856943957.post-45830863982220203622023-04-23T18:20:00.002+00:002023-04-23T18:44:12.372+00:00Kalymnos - same as it Ever Was<p></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioApB7tF2UWc82NjoUTn5oCWu2Mtbizvv-wb9tp05KVOaGO6Ckhf6Fjjg0_f_WQnBYaxtzpqjMvrlWutUQ7uk5BXsXh1Yvx6uj7UojDRl_N5PjkEGENSN2f_e7daQqBTLELwL6i2Sx2sGno0cQV0P_9EkIkhtnPUvUEBs5f9CegfB3B_lGcLvxw2Br/s2000/DSC03735.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1333" data-original-width="2000" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioApB7tF2UWc82NjoUTn5oCWu2Mtbizvv-wb9tp05KVOaGO6Ckhf6Fjjg0_f_WQnBYaxtzpqjMvrlWutUQ7uk5BXsXh1Yvx6uj7UojDRl_N5PjkEGENSN2f_e7daQqBTLELwL6i2Sx2sGno0cQV0P_9EkIkhtnPUvUEBs5f9CegfB3B_lGcLvxw2Br/w200-h133/DSC03735.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kalymnos perfection</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table>There was a time (fifteen years ago) when we had never been to Kalymnos - now I have lost track of how many times we have visited - certainly over twenty and over 2000 climbs done - though many of those ascents are multiple repeats. We always stop at Babis Bar and leave a load of our junk in the cellar so we can just travel with hand luggage, far and away the pleasantest way to go.<br /><p></p><p></p><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/AVvXsEindedJXI3OJwOHmSLV2YUf9blOgbwMWOiPXn54bJqCFDUttaQ4qeK5eoPyr6uRxEJbiIFWI0bbRz32pXlY6L1uwJTMpER9WQmL5Yq_f_zE9NRouUtGKpUkCQNj8baI_mbKsxhvf1twJLThsvTPsXrpz_YBAmnKxrhUf8PapL1qIgt4X5O7h_1VZckD/s2000/DSC03732.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="1333" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEindedJXI3OJwOHmSLV2YUf9blOgbwMWOiPXn54bJqCFDUttaQ4qeK5eoPyr6uRxEJbiIFWI0bbRz32pXlY6L1uwJTMpER9WQmL5Yq_f_zE9NRouUtGKpUkCQNj8baI_mbKsxhvf1twJLThsvTPsXrpz_YBAmnKxrhUf8PapL1qIgt4X5O7h_1VZckD/w133-h200/DSC03732.jpg" width="133" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Climbing - it's what we do<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>When we were here in February the west coast resorts were 100% deserted, now in late April the season is up running, everywhere is open and the place is pretty busy, though nothing like 'peak season'. Of course conditions are pretty much perfect.<br /><p></p><p>We have climbed, hiked eaten good food and generally had a great time. On a sadder note, one of our favourite cats, who always comes in when we are here - Big Boy - suddenly fell really ill one morning and Vasso the Vet diagnosed severe heart failure - with no prospect of recovery we sadly agreed to 'let him go'. We stayed with him to the very end - saddest thing we have ever done, sleep easy gentle boy - we will miss you. <br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwmstciPrfd23KtO4Z7qyue3j6ahJmkr7qItltjXkGkEpYOa6Aa7CP6ios3X0627yjTxt4PsV4VwaBitev_zjA9IEPOTXr2_HxWT3lKhqlSLF_4aFbW27F7jebXgCe1e2t6sSxbSUgkUNfF-vMm2AX9iRaKEJmgm6kWRao9QS9FjYERjOhQFvN3jAu/s2000/BB.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1333" data-original-width="2000" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwmstciPrfd23KtO4Z7qyue3j6ahJmkr7qItltjXkGkEpYOa6Aa7CP6ios3X0627yjTxt4PsV4VwaBitev_zjA9IEPOTXr2_HxWT3lKhqlSLF_4aFbW27F7jebXgCe1e2t6sSxbSUgkUNfF-vMm2AX9iRaKEJmgm6kWRao9QS9FjYERjOhQFvN3jAu/w320-h213/BB.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Big Boy - so sad to see him go<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><br /><p><br /></p>Chris Craggshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01219522140885875458noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4235184814856943957.post-75601597469527790642023-04-01T10:29:00.006+00:002023-04-01T10:51:01.858+00:00UK - YES, YEUK<p></p><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/AVvXsEhTSisDbHeiveJlzispNfSaMuLaVj50K2ym_hH9-fnblRinO1U-TiiwmMEJmpjuxjM2WzVW7Xo-q2jJ5Z94LFo2WeqTuRMFc_bnafyBP2M_Ugomcb602J0yjt95Cd1DEP1SFDyvIxJ-xd0FG_SD_ORY_0-_9kmrLB8Omx7_OZ2VYiyFXK4IN6Qyi5oT/s4035/Motorway.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2758" data-original-width="4035" height="219" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTSisDbHeiveJlzispNfSaMuLaVj50K2ym_hH9-fnblRinO1U-TiiwmMEJmpjuxjM2WzVW7Xo-q2jJ5Z94LFo2WeqTuRMFc_bnafyBP2M_Ugomcb602J0yjt95Cd1DEP1SFDyvIxJ-xd0FG_SD_ORY_0-_9kmrLB8Omx7_OZ2VYiyFXK4IN6Qyi5oT/w320-h219/Motorway.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cloudy and rainy<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>We had to come back to the UK for a couple of weeks to keep an eye on my mum (95 years young) whilst my sister jetted off to Dubai to celebrate her 70th birthday with on of her youngsters. Coming back to the UK was okay but leaving again could have been problematic as my passport expires in July - so we bit the bullet, shelled out £200 for the 48hr service and picked up my shiny new 'freedom pass' in Durham.<p></p><p></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcodUJK6LCNI_V3X3h3dTFya1OC02NUUGujoDg-T_Hxj4fe0TmAPYNPoz4D0kBwnb25r2RZ0fI2SWzALnieo9866RYnOrMwz_xDM0YVRCSL5IZieAXubg7e1SCjpZ4Z_A9t47u3LlUffOg0Z5AmITR9DKhNGQWHEunc4rWEMPUcsKBKwO-M-aSH_fP/s4032/Path%203.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcodUJK6LCNI_V3X3h3dTFya1OC02NUUGujoDg-T_Hxj4fe0TmAPYNPoz4D0kBwnb25r2RZ0fI2SWzALnieo9866RYnOrMwz_xDM0YVRCSL5IZieAXubg7e1SCjpZ4Z_A9t47u3LlUffOg0Z5AmITR9DKhNGQWHEunc4rWEMPUcsKBKwO-M-aSH_fP/w150-h200/Path%203.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunny and muddy<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>Easter week in the UK incoming, the roads are packed, the weather is shite, everywhere is busy and really expensive, it is really not a lot of fun being back at 'home', even though we did it for years. Currently we have a flight booked back down top Kos (£50) in ten days time, back to Kalymnos and onwards to Turkey - we can't wait!<p></p><p><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/AVvXsEjURFjUGcbY7LwfFMKH4HtUSlb2FBqV2TfH5S_hPa7ixUz9PsTQyjkpSVj2pnF-WydnBkQ8jY-_aXCx7NV43Md8r2SYJiWUthqL23dDSHWtMMLP3cV1dJ14Y7CRH0rC--nuuF-lJi91t0XIo6uKkQhg6rqMdd7-QHJR6thJ81m4HT1VKPs5jBFyW4Zh/s2000/DSC03360.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="1333" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjURFjUGcbY7LwfFMKH4HtUSlb2FBqV2TfH5S_hPa7ixUz9PsTQyjkpSVj2pnF-WydnBkQ8jY-_aXCx7NV43Md8r2SYJiWUthqL23dDSHWtMMLP3cV1dJ14Y7CRH0rC--nuuF-lJi91t0XIo6uKkQhg6rqMdd7-QHJR6thJ81m4HT1VKPs5jBFyW4Zh/w133-h200/DSC03360.jpg" width="133" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wet and muddy</td></tr></tbody></table>A few photos from the last week give a feel for what we have had to put up with. </p><br /><br /><br /><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Chris Craggshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01219522140885875458noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4235184814856943957.post-748553606858800732023-03-09T07:18:00.006+00:002023-03-09T10:22:56.941+00:00Kalymnos out of Season<p><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/AVvXsEimRGsNj2U_4NOa2KTx_ZKDU4hyk6GA2voenbZZErtYDEoiPL1PkmFe86SgMA-0f7nHJMcIgbLlTOiDAdgR5pQoL0w3OU3dh_mRWT4D5iga8zygkXZ5PIbuwogaQkP92OSMwJ93oMWA09OR8Akmrl2hGvh_yTXOmwkD7fOYQMfndNSrEnO0RCnozrnw/s2000/DSC02663.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1333" data-original-width="2000" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimRGsNj2U_4NOa2KTx_ZKDU4hyk6GA2voenbZZErtYDEoiPL1PkmFe86SgMA-0f7nHJMcIgbLlTOiDAdgR5pQoL0w3OU3dh_mRWT4D5iga8zygkXZ5PIbuwogaQkP92OSMwJ93oMWA09OR8Akmrl2hGvh_yTXOmwkD7fOYQMfndNSrEnO0RCnozrnw/s320/DSC02663.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sorting the dustbins from the cellar<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>The three weeks in Cyprus were very pleasant, then it was a double hop, up to Athens and back Kos for the night before an early crossing to Kalymnos as the weather began to get a bit too wild. Ten months since we were last here, and a lengthy six years since Colin was. We often arrive in mid to late March and the place is quiet, but getting here at the end of February saw the whole of the west coast resorts absolutely deserted. Within a week the 'works' had begun with people appearing and the whole of Massouri turning into one big building site - will it be ready for Easter? Probably!</p><p>Of course the climbing has been as great as ever, and combined with pleasant temperatures and deserted cliffs - it is about as nice as it can be. Highlights have been Palionisos Beach crag, Trois Illots and Star Wars wall where we have done a great set of climbs upto 6b and all new to me.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><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/AVvXsEjMHI1Y4LOFI3fRuWVHLEH-ER3DzmiDYC8REpBAZlBUYGIce_EA3teUKwJkl-CMm6i5XY0L_DlrbSwJN6E1VAzA_S-Mp0EwMKNeALZTKxWCsqLWBOPUK-DFwmCUdYUhxGaO5b7glw5eeJp96c_aUhyANij-DDpR_DxlJ9PRrwazGVCatBsM1soRx-U0/s2000/DSC02853.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1333" data-original-width="2000" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMHI1Y4LOFI3fRuWVHLEH-ER3DzmiDYC8REpBAZlBUYGIce_EA3teUKwJkl-CMm6i5XY0L_DlrbSwJN6E1VAzA_S-Mp0EwMKNeALZTKxWCsqLWBOPUK-DFwmCUdYUhxGaO5b7glw5eeJp96c_aUhyANij-DDpR_DxlJ9PRrwazGVCatBsM1soRx-U0/w200-h133/DSC02853.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Classic Kalymnos sunset<br /></td></tr></tbody></table></div><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/AVvXsEgwuplfOhK69TMS9c7MyXSQTncsTFeZSKOob3czM7FM3X-vsrgDjn0O_4nNLcPi7NMPYLYdMPGB2Ro20NC7KEBJjz-yu9HtBQ8aGV5jlD-vokYa6mv3YhpHpHn1GeIqIa7cHNano4RmrYEiTBH5jYn9gsw25aBYBrz1dFs7BgQAsbVh9D9teOd8P_Fe/s2000/DSC02809.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1333" data-original-width="2000" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwuplfOhK69TMS9c7MyXSQTncsTFeZSKOob3czM7FM3X-vsrgDjn0O_4nNLcPi7NMPYLYdMPGB2Ro20NC7KEBJjz-yu9HtBQ8aGV5jlD-vokYa6mv3YhpHpHn1GeIqIa7cHNano4RmrYEiTBH5jYn9gsw25aBYBrz1dFs7BgQAsbVh9D9teOd8P_Fe/w200-h133/DSC02809.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Telendos from above Myrties<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><p><br /></p>Chris Craggshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01219522140885875458noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4235184814856943957.post-41758471998720304252023-02-12T06:11:00.011+00:002023-02-12T13:36:32.858+00:00Back to Cyprus<p></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlPC0m0yloB-O6eLAibJaueK9qf-EMdyQor1EFV6anGHc-LWBZH9n4Qe5L0CXcCyh20PExgGmfwNMcuuh-0kqrk0bxLRYkAHTt07HoaQKNNjThHBTHCD8CSpCbTvqhdBvciSKWEjTja5YW7Aohl3LrPSRzDJiT2umcgenPRUa_AzHI87UNby_FfXhG/s2000/DSC02089.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1333" data-original-width="2000" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlPC0m0yloB-O6eLAibJaueK9qf-EMdyQor1EFV6anGHc-LWBZH9n4Qe5L0CXcCyh20PExgGmfwNMcuuh-0kqrk0bxLRYkAHTt07HoaQKNNjThHBTHCD8CSpCbTvqhdBvciSKWEjTja5YW7Aohl3LrPSRzDJiT2umcgenPRUa_AzHI87UNby_FfXhG/w200-h133/DSC02089.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunset off the balcony<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>The crossing from Santander was flat calm, a pleasant change from last time, and the complimentary upgrade to Club Class was appreciated - as ever. We had a night in a hotel in Portsmouth, the fact that rats broke into the car and stole a lot of our food was the most memorable thing about that. Then it was three days in Sheffield before we were off again!<p></p><p></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK7FBXAaIbL3wor0F5Fz-BhzpV7U66XNFOONQMjYt0h1hENsvHK7PhyVJksiekVEcN6TULsPDk2w1THuOMwBbf9HyaSK4YjmvFCA701Ia0h1-phZHW4OmzbL10su5L5FIdeUcxDzcTwlV1rAi6YS8jrpAz0IQvGYqjbxIAFLOfVLSFz9zmz9Q2-8So/s2000/DSC02177.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1333" data-original-width="2000" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK7FBXAaIbL3wor0F5Fz-BhzpV7U66XNFOONQMjYt0h1hENsvHK7PhyVJksiekVEcN6TULsPDk2w1THuOMwBbf9HyaSK4YjmvFCA701Ia0h1-phZHW4OmzbL10su5L5FIdeUcxDzcTwlV1rAi6YS8jrpAz0IQvGYqjbxIAFLOfVLSFz9zmz9Q2-8So/w200-h133/DSC02177.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Paphos winter sun</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table>A taxi ride (train strike - how typical is that?) to Manchester, followed by another night in a hotel and an early transfer for the four hour flight to Paphos. A week in and we have had a couple of days climbing, spent a day volunteering at the Tala Cats Sanctuary - mostly cleaning food and litter trays, and done some local walks. <p></p><p>We didn't expect to be back in Cyprus quite so soon - but the winter sun has been a real tonic after all that white stuff. Colin arrives on Wednesday so that will be more climbing on the menu and then it is off to Kalymnos for a month.<br /><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfoLBdDXAvcy4BLp01Zq-kSNHB3qbGTy-bpAw79xyyxhXmG0Dmk8_CrsBmtlkNjQ64rtUfK99pwC5ymMMf9hUizcqibZjZZjA4cF27RNS1GPTekoB8PeZuFy2F5xBh05C2Q1Zb6MHW_2Gl6QrY8TA0zDczOqIguDt9fxGqq_2hd-A6P86Fir3v5fwT/s2000/DSC02134.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1333" data-original-width="2000" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfoLBdDXAvcy4BLp01Zq-kSNHB3qbGTy-bpAw79xyyxhXmG0Dmk8_CrsBmtlkNjQ64rtUfK99pwC5ymMMf9hUizcqibZjZZjA4cF27RNS1GPTekoB8PeZuFy2F5xBh05C2Q1Zb6MHW_2Gl6QrY8TA0zDczOqIguDt9fxGqq_2hd-A6P86Fir3v5fwT/s320/DSC02134.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A couple of scrubbers as Tala Cat Park<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><p></p>Chris Craggshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01219522140885875458noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4235184814856943957.post-5362998940827373962023-01-27T19:03:00.005+00:002023-01-27T19:08:39.392+00:00The Six Month Trip Done and Dusted<p> </p><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/AVvXsEivvMTchP9muy8BTlVi2auo841rTIjPHWx8gZNbpDX2z8gpP8NAUmOUbzTdSsGAjFrYTNBoSDZMjvNx8RaEOM2ohnrq2S21L6hMH1yNtE2gsKmxEY4fnzJZsLgjtKIwFp4cqmAJHls5T7x7BlqWU9TGtIZXT7kF1CRV5nVyEKhFhPCT9Y9x5m-cbC3e/s2000/DSC01522-Pano.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1146" data-original-width="2000" height="183" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivvMTchP9muy8BTlVi2auo841rTIjPHWx8gZNbpDX2z8gpP8NAUmOUbzTdSsGAjFrYTNBoSDZMjvNx8RaEOM2ohnrq2S21L6hMH1yNtE2gsKmxEY4fnzJZsLgjtKIwFp4cqmAJHls5T7x7BlqWU9TGtIZXT7kF1CRV5nVyEKhFhPCT9Y9x5m-cbC3e/s320/DSC01522-Pano.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The spectacular road up to <span class="x193iq5w xeuugli x13faqbe x1vvkbs xlh3980 xvmahel x1n0sxbx x1lliihq x1s928wv xhkezso x1gmr53x x1cpjm7i x1fgarty x1943h6x xudqn12 x3x7a5m x6prxxf xvq8zen xo1l8bm xzsf02u x1yc453h" dir="auto">Luz-Ardiden skiing<br /></span></td></tr></tbody></table>We left Chez Arran and headed west to the Pyrenees south of Lourdes, an area we visited about six years ago for a brief climbing trip. <p></p><p>One of us (that would be me) made a slight miscalculation as the whole area was snow-bound, it is peak skiing season!!! We made the most of being up amongst the white stuff with some great walks in spectacular scenery.<br /></p><p></p><p>The plan had been to head into Spain next but the forecast is cold and unsettled into the foreseeable future so we have decided to cut our losses and head back to the UK via the Santander - Portsmouth ferry.</p><p></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglM637gXIdiWAg7MPYgqcCC7zpxRK8MAapVy6yuHZ1cJ3fdgjR3LERCL7Ts9IXqWYewh83lPXHqG2LIUBRjl8LzW7NDjccy8jeF1eEq9f4Pfh4XPChRtLBFnxfShrww8mCLSAQaf88IqQ_J425eFeg1lpj0rFUT9FfDNc56vJPAoWHinLu6kBxzi47/s2000/DSC01924.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1333" data-original-width="2000" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglM637gXIdiWAg7MPYgqcCC7zpxRK8MAapVy6yuHZ1cJ3fdgjR3LERCL7Ts9IXqWYewh83lPXHqG2LIUBRjl8LzW7NDjccy8jeF1eEq9f4Pfh4XPChRtLBFnxfShrww8mCLSAQaf88IqQ_J425eFeg1lpj0rFUT9FfDNc56vJPAoWHinLu6kBxzi47/s320/DSC01924.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Glorious conditions at <span class="x193iq5w xeuugli x13faqbe x1vvkbs xlh3980 xvmahel x1n0sxbx x1lliihq x1s928wv xhkezso x1gmr53x x1cpjm7i x1fgarty x1943h6x xudqn12 x3x7a5m x6prxxf xvq8zen xo1l8bm xzsf02u x1yc453h" dir="auto">Luz-Ardiden</span></td></tr></tbody></table>On the plus side we have booked flights to Cyprus for next weekend at a very fair price of £50 each. It is currently around 20C - that will be a nice change. It sounds like Colin might be interested in coming along too - there could be a plan forming.<br /><br /><p></p>Chris Craggshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01219522140885875458noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4235184814856943957.post-10483575428551426282023-01-09T08:38:00.007+00:002023-01-09T08:41:50.437+00:00Costa Brava Cruising<p></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHJq0Rm9pezvLFX-5FnXIdtRXEXY08i9zXZtZAaQ7Zs7Iyh1RHUwTgV5QaZrsqwKoTHRn67BqzOtN1KaLyYPgm1CZS9--uwC5mhU2q3dK0QGCqXBPFxZia166Or8w58pB3uFTAZH-9k7Ai5o-ZRxRshn4TdJZ-qoqPYb7020QEUs1Cmi78ENQaAd9Q/s2000/DSC01341.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1333" data-original-width="2000" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHJq0Rm9pezvLFX-5FnXIdtRXEXY08i9zXZtZAaQ7Zs7Iyh1RHUwTgV5QaZrsqwKoTHRn67BqzOtN1KaLyYPgm1CZS9--uwC5mhU2q3dK0QGCqXBPFxZia166Or8w58pB3uFTAZH-9k7Ai5o-ZRxRshn4TdJZ-qoqPYb7020QEUs1Cmi78ENQaAd9Q/s320/DSC01341.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cliff top walks - Costa Brava<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>Chez Arran was full over New Year so we had to move out, plus we have already played the game where the place is full of noisy youths celebrating the end of the year into the wee small hours so we were happy to go.<p></p><p>Originally we thought about westwards towards Lourdes but because of the cool and manky weather we decided to head eastwards and over the border to Spain and the Costa Brava. A great call as it turned out, the weather was gorgeous, up to 20C, there was no one about and we got four days climbing on the granite towers of Solius.</p><p></p><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/AVvXsEgXg9jwo9gSSvCfBHBTR195SDR5Q6vJdLEYhdxTAByh79xnOsS_Ail-JOZQ-DnIe16nSwMkgByY2HbVGREKq04g4khFIP_CBcC2e-E_ZVvtCIE4xfRhIafabf2LWDR-JndJnFHILHwKSYqP5VQ-oJcXqUu9zzm5cFIRRwUKu9Evpe4jx1lTnk72V4JC/s2000/DSC01350.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="1333" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXg9jwo9gSSvCfBHBTR195SDR5Q6vJdLEYhdxTAByh79xnOsS_Ail-JOZQ-DnIe16nSwMkgByY2HbVGREKq04g4khFIP_CBcC2e-E_ZVvtCIE4xfRhIafabf2LWDR-JndJnFHILHwKSYqP5VQ-oJcXqUu9zzm5cFIRRwUKu9Evpe4jx1lTnk72V4JC/w133-h200/DSC01350.jpg" width="133" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunset from our tower block<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimsVqxdofAX2KrB0iscr03rml7JP5zVZPOeOLqjXkXI0lFTjX_CsWIPhZUhWoXNINjng8su3jneaZ78ASjLFy8gbx9F3lHdFq81Gu04R-xBRLJCPWkIzTGwWqWBgwRO-_jnWi3wstHfjFNgX2xItG38s2pJAnCrq1DejCY2El_AUzC2fQflNHDztIN/s2000/DSC09944.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1333" data-original-width="2000" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimsVqxdofAX2KrB0iscr03rml7JP5zVZPOeOLqjXkXI0lFTjX_CsWIPhZUhWoXNINjng8su3jneaZ78ASjLFy8gbx9F3lHdFq81Gu04R-xBRLJCPWkIzTGwWqWBgwRO-_jnWi3wstHfjFNgX2xItG38s2pJAnCrq1DejCY2El_AUzC2fQflNHDztIN/w200-h133/DSC09944.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Granite climbing - Solius<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>We last visited the area an amazing 16 years ago, back in March 2006 and it was certainly good to be back. We stopped on the seventh (top) floor of a tower block, which meant great views and complete peace in our island in the sky. After eleven lovely days we headed back to Chez Arran and back to typical mountain weather, cold, grey and damp.<br /><br /> <p></p>Chris Craggshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01219522140885875458noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4235184814856943957.post-55334405786478265372022-12-13T14:54:00.005+00:002022-12-18T08:05:37.204+00:00Back to the Ariege - sixteen months on<p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZFkwm_RFzh-05ng1iG3ejllFcZmkkT7wUomTzuMlO2PJQAKDgoa_22Ml2MaRib0foqPRPggjRJQRqE_l2tFe4Tb-liZ8fkrd2Eg9YO4TD5bfsiZMDoRvCjDx8WKAv7MDdVqchJhNz9JKPXz4O5TFyebdrr1lahtYIbQ3GltWa-Uh59uuUkvCr1fn6/s2800/DSC09549-Pano.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1659" data-original-width="2800" height="190" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZFkwm_RFzh-05ng1iG3ejllFcZmkkT7wUomTzuMlO2PJQAKDgoa_22Ml2MaRib0foqPRPggjRJQRqE_l2tFe4Tb-liZ8fkrd2Eg9YO4TD5bfsiZMDoRvCjDx8WKAv7MDdVqchJhNz9JKPXz4O5TFyebdrr1lahtYIbQ3GltWa-Uh59uuUkvCr1fn6/s320/DSC09549-Pano.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Roquefixade Castle - one of the nicer days <br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table>Three and a bit months after leaving the UK we rolled back into the Pyrenees, almost a year and a half since we last passed through on our way to Croatia. It is always good to be back as it is great area with loads to do and usually - except in the skiing season - really quiet. The two surviving cats (Tiger and Zen) we pleased to see us - or at least the lady who controls 'the white box' and were happy to be inside during the unseasonably weather that greeted us.<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/AVvXsEjBQipJ-Ng_SYOmKGckEK7X92SgVwfRA7QIe87in9Jt64dd2_oGD0crXo-smD9lsxNtKgacZD1-olBlBt48FQSAf79A6or5P0qncCTCfpxor8V9cO-xJRgw2bRcpjEALzwgeZwsgdCzhhVh3mg5GSmFsXeIC2z7wEn92Q1t3FsNa4yzKC9cq7GMG7N4/s2800/DSC01097.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1867" data-original-width="2800" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBQipJ-Ng_SYOmKGckEK7X92SgVwfRA7QIe87in9Jt64dd2_oGD0crXo-smD9lsxNtKgacZD1-olBlBt48FQSAf79A6or5P0qncCTCfpxor8V9cO-xJRgw2bRcpjEALzwgeZwsgdCzhhVh3mg5GSmFsXeIC2z7wEn92Q1t3FsNa4yzKC9cq7GMG7N4/w200-h133/DSC01097.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Snow plodding at Col du Puymorens<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p></p><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/AVvXsEi5wofZ9HyLJYYTJCQMXLkVGIm2k8VBfvfkjCExQrmkTP85QZRbBc-_l4f9w-G3YROCPsqcNduZ5-gjG9uGA0fq3Tu3w5h0xFS_CEbu1T20AoOf_KiHndQJEfdEuLuqI_3SeZpfh5TitfUG9n06_EV4Nwj18WGJGigjQ97Aw3__Mk-aRQSCA7iiTWuT/s1800/DSC09443.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1800" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5wofZ9HyLJYYTJCQMXLkVGIm2k8VBfvfkjCExQrmkTP85QZRbBc-_l4f9w-G3YROCPsqcNduZ5-gjG9uGA0fq3Tu3w5h0xFS_CEbu1T20AoOf_KiHndQJEfdEuLuqI_3SeZpfh5TitfUG9n06_EV4Nwj18WGJGigjQ97Aw3__Mk-aRQSCA7iiTWuT/w200-h133/DSC09443.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sun Rock at Genat<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p>We have arrived in a cold and unsettles spell as happens in the mountains, with occasional frosts interspersed with rainy spells - usually at night, which is leaving the crags a bit damp and manky. I am four routes short of 500 for the year, it would be nice to tick those last few before the year is out! </p><p>New Year is approaching soon - we need to find somewhere to go that won't be full of noisy revellers - I actually slept in the car one year!<br /><br /></p><p></p><br /><br /><p></p>Chris Craggshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01219522140885875458noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4235184814856943957.post-5742528233650350272022-11-17T13:57:00.002+00:002022-11-17T13:59:36.562+00:00Back in the Groove<p></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdNYPgQjYDi2qN3zDh2Q8ruX7nRjTRi4xgjUPSOR43v5Ba0p1KuWXKBgl6VHIH0sjUlKOTAQ1cY_v_Jq-JC74Wjcg0mG9WLxxN222JDpJngV_gklkfdCiEOfs2OGwtSyfVcdTpTRtsmNtRi09bN7zXNXIu4JhgD-dPXqZ3tVvrHauPAK_fd8Qa_-KI/s1800/DSC00633.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1800" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdNYPgQjYDi2qN3zDh2Q8ruX7nRjTRi4xgjUPSOR43v5Ba0p1KuWXKBgl6VHIH0sjUlKOTAQ1cY_v_Jq-JC74Wjcg0mG9WLxxN222JDpJngV_gklkfdCiEOfs2OGwtSyfVcdTpTRtsmNtRi09bN7zXNXIu4JhgD-dPXqZ3tVvrHauPAK_fd8Qa_-KI/s320/DSC00633.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our house - back left - catching a bit of sun<br /></td></tr></tbody></table> Colin had almost four weeks climbing with us, we got a heap of stuff done despite some mixed weather, but soon enough his time was up and we packed him off north with a car load of food and a following wind.<p></p><p>We spent a few more days at Avrieux getting use to the peace and quiet (did I mention Colin had a horrendous hacking, every few minutes for the whole of his month-long stay) and doing a few routes to keep ticking over. </p><p>Then we move around to the opposite side of the Ecrins to Venosc in the deep-incised valley running up to La Berarde. It is a stunning part of the world, amongst the high peaks but the valley doesn't get much sun in the winter and the climbing turned out to be a bit random. We enjoyed our stay there but were happy to move on again to the Vercors. </p><p></p><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/AVvXsEhyvYyNgOrJvbT0f85T8JArEEB5HdmfxjKBvuiTvY4Y0m_TX7WGEq2yuIfPJs8EHv5OoN-mojBerpU45eQTvn4UurnNb-QnHruNCzqmGhWN26lHnYa1sMHjwFYyQBh85Z8kMsBzmj5KZBrJarBz7Z6MlF01eMzrqwxD2NMs1vUhdH26s08fiE7un8tz/s1800/DSC00612-Pano.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1548" data-original-width="1800" height="172" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyvYyNgOrJvbT0f85T8JArEEB5HdmfxjKBvuiTvY4Y0m_TX7WGEq2yuIfPJs8EHv5OoN-mojBerpU45eQTvn4UurnNb-QnHruNCzqmGhWN26lHnYa1sMHjwFYyQBh85Z8kMsBzmj5KZBrJarBz7Z6MlF01eMzrqwxD2NMs1vUhdH26s08fiE7un8tz/w200-h172/DSC00612-Pano.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">St Christophe</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table>The next stop was in the hills above Grenoble, a nice pad and some pleasant routes on a clutch of minor crags, then it was on to Buis-les-Baronnies in Provence. It is a few years since we have been here (and c40 since my first visit). It was 5C warmer down in the lowlands and the climbing in the area is great, I think we may be here for a while.<br /><br /><br /><p></p><br />Chris Craggshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01219522140885875458noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4235184814856943957.post-43855191691431164612022-10-17T07:46:00.006+00:002022-10-17T07:48:46.271+00:00Cruising with Mr Blow<p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH9sdmts_XinKFMZ2OzEqZuTJkStEJv8MRtwLoVmI2-18Nzb7epmqPjXSmJmSLIsTnh58QRgN0jepzzGSLys0egvkQJUi0EQx2Pubek3uGY5FhHKPxJO_Z5gyuNtrXmh2RC-ljw4e-BK02zVjyVk--VKIF-H3hU2IbEkxv8dhpIyk9tobwWD8Ppkje/s2000/DSC08551.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1333" data-original-width="2000" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH9sdmts_XinKFMZ2OzEqZuTJkStEJv8MRtwLoVmI2-18Nzb7epmqPjXSmJmSLIsTnh58QRgN0jepzzGSLys0egvkQJUi0EQx2Pubek3uGY5FhHKPxJO_Z5gyuNtrXmh2RC-ljw4e-BK02zVjyVk--VKIF-H3hU2IbEkxv8dhpIyk9tobwWD8Ppkje/w400-h266/DSC08551.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Autumn in the Briançonaise - gorgeous<br /></td></tr></tbody></table> Colin duly arrive after a 15 hour epic drive from the Channel, though heavy rain most of the way, finally grounding his car by dropping it off a hidden a kerb in Briançon, a couple of miles from the pad. We went out to find him, the recovery truck was already in the act of lifting the car back onto the road - and relieving Colin of €150! <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt0Fq4UqzzqwnPL8iSGyhAeJGKNBGG87E8xpUuFvtzgqFWPSXY_v1oAq0rHasENxNr_GzGaEVPgBDZ-VKO5U9KX39qtrELOA4scxd9bakVzB58wcYSreWqQwtZFFuVuq_xnC_6xzYHSsmm0eZP9BgdHkzVVtG00eWr0CSJhluf9Z_wETSrcSLBysg0/s2000/DSC08375.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="1333" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt0Fq4UqzzqwnPL8iSGyhAeJGKNBGG87E8xpUuFvtzgqFWPSXY_v1oAq0rHasENxNr_GzGaEVPgBDZ-VKO5U9KX39qtrELOA4scxd9bakVzB58wcYSreWqQwtZFFuVuq_xnC_6xzYHSsmm0eZP9BgdHkzVVtG00eWr0CSJhluf9Z_wETSrcSLBysg0/w133-h200/DSC08375.jpg" width="133" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ailefroide granite</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p>It rained for the first couple of days - how inevitable is that - we managed to squeeze in a damp trip up the Via Ferrata at the Rocher de Bez? </p><p>Then things perked up nicely and we have since climbed on a whole variety of crags, in great conditions with very few people about. </p><p>Just one week to go and the peace and quiet will descend again and we will have to make plans.<br /><br /><br /></p>Chris Craggshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01219522140885875458noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4235184814856943957.post-57607332394443829702022-09-22T18:53:00.003+00:002022-09-22T18:53:27.903+00:00Back to Brianç0n<p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkcR9xeNrEJxfteJRfPulmdxJgd_RWrQFBvpDQaHRQYVxM4_AUMI4ewLLHiH-fnBCWfT_4gvg6JalBMaveXCxkIOkea-zNCkV0gI8Kj5SC9hjsSMImPgs1cQi5cAiSDGY57QcHQdMB0qM7CoaZpl3F2lFTybH7YyHdIDXZX_vzfA49LH6TukT1wrXo/s2000/DSC00067.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1027" data-original-width="2000" height="205" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkcR9xeNrEJxfteJRfPulmdxJgd_RWrQFBvpDQaHRQYVxM4_AUMI4ewLLHiH-fnBCWfT_4gvg6JalBMaveXCxkIOkea-zNCkV0gI8Kj5SC9hjsSMImPgs1cQi5cAiSDGY57QcHQdMB0qM7CoaZpl3F2lFTybH7YyHdIDXZX_vzfA49LH6TukT1wrXo/w400-h205/DSC00067.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mont Blanc from 60 miles away<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>After two weeks in Austria we crossed into Italy (via the Stevio Pass - that's another story) for a few days on the granite of Mello, then over the border again to the Maurienne Valley in France for a couple of weeks. It is an area we like a lot, quite high, so cool, some decent climbing and always so quiet.</p><p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4muzbCGY85Lgdgtz_nRCp3yZQbzYLu0-QFC41rVbx6YJ-5K5VxeXg33pPZoyD6p-zBT0hoy-byXSKxjtni3NrZ-eFzrIoSxx5BXueaXFVUiExQejszOKUZxtLyW9VmeIAdADK15L1zABstPd6FtEqVDbfwez_Z0hhLU1OCrWEBNObWFHOEboWlSLy/s2000/DSC00024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1333" data-original-width="2000" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4muzbCGY85Lgdgtz_nRCp3yZQbzYLu0-QFC41rVbx6YJ-5K5VxeXg33pPZoyD6p-zBT0hoy-byXSKxjtni3NrZ-eFzrIoSxx5BXueaXFVUiExQejszOKUZxtLyW9VmeIAdADK15L1zABstPd6FtEqVDbfwez_Z0hhLU1OCrWEBNObWFHOEboWlSLy/s320/DSC00024.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Maurienne, nice round here<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>There is lots going on in the area with road closures and works associated with the 58km tunnel under the area which is going to link Lyon and Turin in about 10 years - they have only been on with it since 2002!<br /></p>Then it was time to head over the Galibier Pass - great views - and down to Briançon, another area we really like. Colin is coming out from the UK next week so climbing will be done - 50+ years since we first climbed together at Brimham rocks.<br /><br /><p><br /></p>Chris Craggshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01219522140885875458noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4235184814856943957.post-60388750707181464842022-08-29T06:52:00.004+00:002022-08-29T06:57:05.501+00:00Austria almost Autumn<p></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCp1tCWgNNs5vGv3hEQZw8RxzFQcTKF9il_srvUL3tpllHgSNNqOCC3ji2Q7Y9g71X9F-k6WqHT9t8T4tBlWT1YFUVXFR-BLryqDXVTiPdFtqle0ov7fUmEDrS6rS5xs79i49DcONwOOnDUWP-MKU8jun1KoPxp9Fxb7LDcXVkJr0hI0RG-rgB8b3u/s5335/DSC07575.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5335" data-original-width="3557" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCp1tCWgNNs5vGv3hEQZw8RxzFQcTKF9il_srvUL3tpllHgSNNqOCC3ji2Q7Y9g71X9F-k6WqHT9t8T4tBlWT1YFUVXFR-BLryqDXVTiPdFtqle0ov7fUmEDrS6rS5xs79i49DcONwOOnDUWP-MKU8jun1KoPxp9Fxb7LDcXVkJr0hI0RG-rgB8b3u/s320/DSC07575.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Climbing at Oberried - nice<br /></td></tr></tbody></table> The drive from Rotterdam to Austria was as unpleasant as expected with horrendous traffic and pouring rain, but we made it after two days on the road. Ten days in and it has been as pleasant as we were hoping. We are stopping in the small hamlet of Burgstein on a jutting shoulder above the main Öetztal valley. The place is a busy working farm with lots of cattle (and kids) so a bit smelly and occasionally noisy but otherwise very pleasant.<p></p><p>Most places are still very warm but up at 4,500' the days have been warm (low/mid 20s) and the nights have been superbly cool at 10/12C - perfect sleeping conditions. Everywhere is still very busy - hopefully the start of September will see a change as Europeans push off back to work<br /></p><p>We have climbed, hiked, explored and chilled - all in all, a great start to our extended trip. Another week here then onwards towards France and the autumn.</p><br /><p><br /></p>Chris Craggshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01219522140885875458noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4235184814856943957.post-65345628708842017842022-08-17T11:33:00.003+00:002022-08-17T11:33:55.898+00:00In the Starting Blocks<p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBhRW6YHmR2f2BEML3w-ydlozq6AS2HDHKzlHq2xpjlSzy2LRxtin7EK3ItgXSEw2J0iOawMOyFbg1FreVTvMV_M8Wy-WvplHPFoPIOjn9gEbi_M9FSFK334h4vQ8pHQq3fE-V-UI5v8RN6zea9tFbbORJVNls_v1aMQh9ERdX-QXzJS_En3j168uE/s1980/Friday.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1688" data-original-width="1980" height="273" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBhRW6YHmR2f2BEML3w-ydlozq6AS2HDHKzlHq2xpjlSzy2LRxtin7EK3ItgXSEw2J0iOawMOyFbg1FreVTvMV_M8Wy-WvplHPFoPIOjn9gEbi_M9FSFK334h4vQ8pHQq3fE-V-UI5v8RN6zea9tFbbORJVNls_v1aMQh9ERdX-QXzJS_En3j168uE/s320/Friday.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mucky weather across Europe</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table>It in nine weeks since we got back from Croatia and it has definitely felt like kicking out heels waiting for the autumn to come. We have had three trips away, a couple of weeks in the Yorkshire Dales, ten days at Rhyl on the North Wales coast and six days above Holmfirth, just sixteen miles from home. All were very pleasant, but it made us realise that the flat in Sheffield is certainly a quiet place to be - no tractors, seagulls, cows or sheep waking us at the crack of dawn.</p><p> Anyway it is mid-August and we decided it is time to go - ferry Hull to Rotterdam this evening and onwards to Germany and then Austria. The forecast looks pretty poor for our travelling days but much better beyond </p><p>Then we have our 180 day French Visa to look forward to - bring it on :-)<br /></p><p><br /></p>Chris Craggshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01219522140885875458noreply@blogger.com0