Mmmmm wine!!!! Emilie and I just spent the day sampling southern French wine in la cité Carcasonne (as opposed to the city of Carcassone in that la cité is the largest medieval forification in Europe and the city is the city that grew around it (and fought with it at times until about the 19th century. Fascinating history dating back to the 1st century.)) I think we made a fine show wandering around the cité with our wine glasses strung around our necks.
Flash back three days: We met up with Thomas Ribierre, a friend from www.rockclimbing.com on wednesday night. After dinnering with a couple friends of his we went climbing at a local limestone crag (local to Montalimar) the following day. The climbing was quite nice but the sprinkling rain and tight schedule (Thomas had to be back in Montalimar early) forced us to bail off a 4 pitch climb we started. Ah well, too much rock to climb all of it.
Thursday found us driving further south to find better weather. Though cloudy, the area we climbed in was quite nice. We ended up doing 5 climbs between 5a and 6a (5.7 and 5.10a). Emilie led all the climbs but unfortunately retreated from the last, a 6a which featured multiple stretches of tough moves between large jugs. It turned out to be quite reachy, but she was able to do it after I led it and left a top rope for her.
Thursday night we drove along narrow mountain roads in the dark. It was scary; Lucy is no sports car.
Friday found us back north in the Gorge de Jontes. A magnificent gorge with 300 - 400 foot limestone cliffs. Emilie and I climb a route called Biotone a four pitch climb on fascenatingly sharp limestone with plenty of jugs. Except on the 6a+ pitch. Few jugs on that one. Emilie and I were both surprised by the sun and now sport fancy burns. The scenary was gorgeous as we watched the vultures float amongst the up drafts below us. A good time was had but we both needed a break.
So that brings us to Carcassone. Very nice medieval town. We are spending the night in a nice little hotel with a shower and a bed. Life is good.
Tomorrow we leave for Nimes, Avignon and the Verdun gorge! Good times will be had.
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4 comments:
oh it all sounds so nice! I am so very glad. Here it is raining again, probalby my fault since I wished I did not need to water the garden. I'll have to be more careful.
Check your email by Tuesday. Bon Voyage
M
I am totally livin vicariously through you right now. The Taz you were hanging out with, is she Booger off RC.com? She sent me chocolates when I was in the hospital, very awesome.
Yeah holidays! Keep having a blast, guys!
Hey Rebecca! Yes, the Taz we hung out with was booger from rc.com. She is a really cool chick. I recommended hanging out with her if you come to Europe.
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