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Rod's Euro 2010 - Trip Report 2-Nov-2010 At 6:01:06 AM rod

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Totally agree maxdacat. I'd been saving Verdon for when my climbing actually merited being there; I'm glad I did. Being able to get on some classics without the overwhelming "what if we don't get up this" fearsome reputation problem was really cool. To find some more modern bolting on the last day was a bit of an eye opener. Might even be able to go back with G one day and do a few easy days with her, share the vulture experience (BIG MF's aren't they).

Bleau was equally good in a totally different way, its SO big as a venue and so social. Got on and sent Marie Rose after a 5 goes, pretty hard but its such a classic boulder problem. I don't know what else I got on...dog with 6 dick's syndrome.

Back in CH these last several days to find it all very much late autumnal, daylight hours are reduced and winter's oppressive touch is ever present. Pulled down on rock above the village here in Branson late this arvo, such a contrast to Bleau: granite/gneiss, crimpy and ever overhanging...little finesse, all about power and aggression. Seemed so much easier for me than Bas Cuvier but there were plenty of little improvements in evidence, I even despatched 2 new problems for me in the 6C/7A range on a day that was far too hot/humid, also bagged a crimpy anti-Rod problem at 6C that I've hunted for a couple of seasons now.

So what's next?

I've got 1 month left before the first work contract. A run to the States is not going to happen but otherwise, apart from one trip to London mid November I'm relatively commitment free so I can perhaps do the run to/fro Bleau for another 1 or 2 stints before the dream ends.

I'm very happy to have realised the whole thing starting from May last year. The financial cost has been HIGH but I needed this time during the last 18 months or so to finally accept the loss, bury someone I loved and deal with the transition...its time to move on.