Way of Iron

Colin has popped over for a few days (he has been down in Spain helping with some DIY projects) and after more then 3 weeks of sunshine and warm weather, rain (and snow on high ground) was forecast. We though about trying to climb but went for the Via Ferrata at Goulier instead. It was interesting romp with the customary wobby bridge (see left) and a lot of traversing to avoid the easy crest. The rain duly arrived as expected but seeing as we were already halfway up, we kept on going. The upper sections were pretty skiddy and by the time we topped out it was well and truly hammering down. We wandered through the forest and back down the road, happy in the fact that we had made something of the day, the forecast for the rest of Colin's stay is much better - Rock On!

Ariegoise

Left: Sherri explores another castle

Almost three weeks in, no rain to speak of and very few people around either. The snow from the last big fall (which we just missed) has started to melt, at least low down, though the tops are still plastered. We had a ride up to Andorra to replace Sherri's lost camera, and it was -9C which was a shock for us in 'summer' clothes. We have done plenty of climbing and made a good start exploring the area.

Life at ChezArran has eased into a pleasant routine, with climbing, walking and work.

John and Anne are helping hugely with the new guide and it is striding forward, publication this year looks a real possibility.

Right: Yes, that says -5C!

Settling In

Almost a week in Ariege, and we awoke to a damp grey day after five hot blue ones (19C yesterday) - a chance to get sorted. It has been great to unwind after the last six weeks of frantic guide-book related chicanery, do a bit of climbing, explore the area, have a walk in the snow and generally take things a bit easier.


Above: Sherri at 6450' on the Plateau de Beile - with camera still attached.

Sherri has already adopted a couple of local cats, both parties seem more than happy with the arrangements!

The only down-side, Sherri lost her camera up on the slopes a couple of days ago, it dropped off her belt into the snow, we retraced our steps but it had gone - pity. On the plus side, we are only 30 miles from Andorra - apparently electronics (and petrol) are very cheap up there, we will have to go on a shopping trip!

A Change is as Good As...

Saturday; Water cum Jolly with Graham and Dan on a photo-shoot, it was freezing but they were as keen as ever and I managed to get a great set of shots of several of the routes down in the muddy dale. At least some will make it into Peak Limestone.

Left: Dan - happy as pig in plop!

Sunday: a lazy start and we trundled down to Portsmouth to catch the ferry to St Malo, the roads were quiet. As usual Sherri manage to charm an upgrade out of the staff on reception and the crossing was as smooth as silk. A beer in the piano bar then to bed.

Monday: on the road by 8:30 then it was the long haul - nine hours and 530 miles later (I love the French motorway network) we arrived at Chez Arran, amongst the snow plastered mountains. Within 10 minutes Sherri had a found a cat, don't tell Squeek!

Tuesday: hiked through the snow to tick six routes on perfect granite at Auzat - mint!

Wednesday: snow-shoed across the white Hell of the Plateau de Biele - 6,450 feet (we walked in our boots really).

Right: Sherri and White Cat (that's its name!)

Froggatteering

A glorious though cold Sunday saw most of the usual suspects gathered at Froggatt, Dan and Graham ticked some impressive hard routes, me and Steve had lower aspirations but still had a great day, ticking classics in the HS - HVS range.
Bizarrely, despite the magnificent conditions, there were few other climbers around, just lots of boulderers, ramblers and orienteerers there enjoying the bright crisp conditions. A UKC Photo-meet was also in evidence, they kept popping up in the most unexpected of places and cracking shots off - it will be interesting to see some of the results.
A couple of days ago we booked a ferry to St Malo for next weekend, it is time to head off to Ariege for a spring break - lets see what the weather brings, fingers crossed for a smooth crossing and snow-free roads.

Left: Steve on Green Gut

Focus!

10 days in:

Echo
Guadalest
Crag X
Castellets
Toix West
Toix East
Olta
Abdet
Aventador
Bernia
Wild Side
Toix TV

I need a vacation - three months in Ariege should do!


Left: Sherri the Rope Girl at Aventador

Back to the Blanca

A very easy journey and we were back where it all began (Christmas 1987) - the Costa Blanca. It is so easy to forget what a glorious part of the world this is, a stunning climate, superb scenery and of course, great climbing.
The flight down only took 2 hrs 8 minutes (tail-wind) and the car cost the princely sum of £69 for two weeks hire. After a couple of weeks under the grey grizzly skies of the UK, the warm sunshine and blue skies were a tonic (it was worth the cost of the fare just to sit in the sun according to DG - who hasn't climbed outdoors since the end of September!).

Left: Chris on Neu ne Marc (5) Guadalest

We kicked of with a couple of gentle days climbing at Echo and Guadalest - the dozen routes were did were easy (up to 6a) but so much better than just another day down the climbing wall!

Update: Thursday saw a sprinkling of snow on the highest mountains and Friday night the puddles froze around the pad! Still sunny enough to climb on sheltered crags though.

Right: Almond blossom and snow