Wednesday 3 October 2012

Mallorca-ca-ca-ca








The last two weeks of September were spent climbing and chilling out in Mallorca, Spain. On the whole the weather was excellent, with hot sunny weather most days, and warm sea temperatures, which was perfect for swimming and snorkelling and falling into from the cliffs. The climbing in Mallorca is absolutely fantastic, with tons of steep pocketed limestone above aquamarine waters. Steep and juggy is my prefered style of climbing, so I was in my element; totally psyched! The sea cliffs vary between twenty and sixty feet, which is perfect for Deep Water Soloing without ropes. Wicked! The first few days were spent getting used to the place again and repeating a few favourite routes from last year, including; Hercules 6c, and Big XXL 7a at Cala Barques. Then it was off to Cova del Diablo to scare myself silly on the awesome 60 foot cliff, coming away with; Italian Job 6b, and Calamares 6c in the bag, after finding the grades a little hard there. Next up was Porto Colom where, after three splashdowns, I succeeded in climbing the superb Princess of Transilvania 7a, plus a quick onsight of the equally good Baby Nate 7a+. Back at the beautiful Cala Barques I started to work on the independant and bold, but top quality, Transversal 7a. After two splashdowns off the high crux, I finally succeeded on my third attempt. What a result, and what an amazing route! The best spot we found during our visit though was Cala Mitjana in the last few days of the holiday, a beautiful and extremely quiet cove that we had all to ourselves during the whole of our time there. On top of that the climbing was absolutely brilliant too, and it was here that I onsighted my best routes of the trip; Rich Bitch 7a and Balsa Boys 7a+. I felt like all week my climbing was improving and my reward was climbing these amazingly steep routes, on big holds, with big moves, in good style, and staying relaxed and focused throughout. It was an unbelieveable feeling and I was so happy and exhilarated, both in climbing the routes and having achieved them afterwards. Totally stoked! Woohoo! What a perfect end to a perfect trip! 
Two weeks wasn't enough though, so maybe three next year?! ;)