Many mountains...

Fair enough, it's been a few weeks, but then I've done quite some climbing and haven't had access to internet. After doing the La Contamine (6c) on the South face of the Aiguilles du Midi and a few more great routes with Tom (Sandra!!!) and James (man, where those blueberry pancakes good!) from the UAE, it was time to head for the Ecrin.

No internet there! A small town, La Berarde, at the end of the a long, twisting, dizzying, 30km road was home for the week. My bus took some strain, but after allowing it to cool down again, it was fine! Trusty old thing it is becoming.

Rogier decided last minute to head over from Milan, which was a great b-day surprise! We did a long route in the valley finishing off with the customary beer! That eve, Bas, Saskia and Nurdjana arrived as well. We had a bit of rainy braai (bbq), but most of the week was great weather. Our main objective was the Dibona, which in the end we climbed via the normal route (due to unstable weather) and via the South face the next day. Great stuff and highly recommended for the grandiose scenery and good rock!

After a bunch of other climbs, hanging out by the river and generally enjoying life, I went to pick Niels in Grenoble last Saturday. We are now in Arco just North of Lago di Garda. Great climbing spot, though very hot at the moment. And going in the cool of the morning before that first great cappuchino, is not exactly becoming habit.

What is becoming habit is travelling and after only a month it feels like I've been away for quite a long time. It feels like it should be the end of my holiday, but I still have three months to go. Sometimes, I have to admit, one feels a bit lonely, especially when you get to the more romantic spots (like the lakes here in Italy). But I guess I kind of expected that.

Heading for shady Massino just above the lake, to go climbing this afternoon. Photo's next time, as this machine has no usb connection.