Sunday. The fourth time we walk up, to go climbing. A British couple has bad luck, their climbing gear is stolen. During arrival on our climbing gear hiding place (near the wall close to the route Biographie), our rope bag is open and my climbing shoes and harness is out of the bag. Later we find out that a British couple their climbing gear is stolen, they put it on the same place like we did. Luckily for us their equipment is less used and so a better deal. They had a new rope, two new harnesses and 19 new quickdraws. In f…ck France climbers steel from climbers (you hear this all the time when people go climbing in France).

Derzou is climbing the route La femme blanche (8a+), a classic route first climbed by Patrick Edlinger (this means, as encountered, not to much protection), while suddenly a storm approaches, you can see the clouds and raindrops. Time to take shelte at the overhanging wall. It’s not rain but hail balls falling down! On the next try, Derzou’s leg is stuck behind the rope when falling and comes down with his head first (the first time in more than twenty years of climbing) and hurts his right arm.

Monday. Rest day. Derzou’s arm is already better (not to bad). We meet Paolo (I), lives in Belgium with Sophie (B), with friends from Italy (Diego, Julia & Christina). For dinner we all go to the Chèvrerie, but they’re already closed. The nearby gîte is fully booked, so it’s dinner at Pablo’s van. I’ve to miss the food party because I don’t feel so well.

 
 

Tuesday. Derzou makes bread and pasta (tagliatelle). For lunch we eat tagliatelle with fresh tomato sauce, garlic and olive oil mmm.

Wednesday. Derzou climbs the route Vieille canaille (7B) and tries again La femme blanche.
The climbing days are very short, because the wall is in the shade from 4 PM and you have to walk down 40 minutes (and I don’t like to do it in the dark).

Thursday. Rest day. This morning a note behind the wiper (see photo). Thanks Paolo ;-) (enjoy the moments as a father soon).