Well it's been a while since I last posted. My main concerns over a month ago was that my injured ankle healed up in time for our trip to Mallorca. As it turned out I didn't have too much trouble climbing on the islands sharp and steep limestone, in fact after a couple of days my ankle seemed to stop swelling up and actually benefited from all the activity!
The climbing is mainly bolted which means you can push your grades a bit more without the added element in traditional climbing,of placing gear. Get to bolt or quickdraw in my case, clip in and your away.
Pretty satisfying and very pleasurable with the sun on your back.
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| My first ever 6a+. John did an amazing job on the lead and Gillean I had a go on a very tight top rope. Definitely needed in my case !! |
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| El Fumat |
Mallorca is a most beautiful island. It's mountains,crags,beaches and hidden coves are stunning. All this with it's Mediterranean climate and mostly sunny, warm weather adds up to a place that feels pretty idyllic indeed.
We spent a week or so climbing, swimming and cycling enjoying the warm weather and stunning scenery.
Being such a total contrast to the wet,cold and general inclement weather at home here in Scotland at this time of year, makes me childishly wish I could live in sunny climes full time. No such luck !
I definitely would need to be away for a few weeks before I could fit in some drawing and painting. The things that I just loved looking at were the amazingly diverse range of unfamiliar plants. Along with the intensity of the sunlight, the lushness and variety of colours was a lovely thing to exerience. I have a real urge to pick up a brush and explore, especially the huge and beautifully formed cacti in particular.
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| Amazingly these flowers curl up each night and unfurl again in the morning! |
It's interesting to think about countries with warm climates and how warm temperatures,bright clear sunshiny days affect people socially and culturally. I'm always struck about how laid back things feel,yes I know I'm experiencing this whilst on holiday but this feeling seems to infiltrate all aspects of life.
I certainly felt a sense of well being the minute I felt the sun's warmth and airy blue brightness of the sea and sky.
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| Scary 300m exposed drops on the Cavall Bernat Ridge |
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| The covey bit....my first ever snorkeling experience. Amazing! |
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| Track to Hairpin Wall crag..beautiful evening light casting intense and rich shadows |
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| Mediterranean heaven |
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| Gillean enjoying the climbing |
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| I obviously don't know my botanics but I think this one is responsible for the bad pongs ?? |
Perhaps it cliched to say Mallorcan people are more relaxed and family orientated but I definitely felt a warmness and openness which is often absent at home, especially through the dark winter months.
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| Cala San Vincente in the distance |
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| Sharp, holey limestone |
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| More unusual (to me) plants in the mountains |
Great to get away, great memories and a feeling of well being should hopefully help set us up for the winter months ahead. Moving on now it's time to head back into the studio and get working.
Long sleeved t shirt, fleece ,duck down gilet and woolly socks, what a contrast to last week but what's the point in complaining ?
Our journey back from Newcastle airport to the Borders was a positive reminder of why I find where we live so inspiring (despite the weather)...nothing beats the onset of winter with the beautiful autumnal colours and the wonderfully bleak and dramatic big Northumberland skies.
