PHOTO: Mandragora, Siurana
I’m just back from a 4 day meeting in Spain, close to Siurana, Margalef, and all those amazing places.
The meeting was with the members of ClimbWeb, which is a community of websites (of which UKClimbing.com are a member). We share information and most importantly have a similar ideal about how we want to report on climbing and work together.
We managed to do quite a few routes in between all the hard work…
This is a photo of me at Siurana, onsighting the classic route Mandragora (F7b+ – I think?). Unfortunately for me, I counted the number of bolts to the lower-off and only carried that amount of quickdraws. The lower-off I spotted was at two-thirds height and only meant for re-threading on the way down, as a normal rope won’t reach. This meant I had some spicy run-outs on the upper wall, as there was no way I was giving up just because I couldn’t clip. Thankfully there was a krab on the top belay otherwise I could have been in a bit of trouble! It would have been more of a Hawaii 100 than a Hawaii 50!
Thanks to everyone who made this trip so special.
The photo is by Alan James, the world’s best boss.
Looks great – we met some guys even older than me last year who said this was very good and quite amenable for the grade – apart from not have enough gear, would you agree…looks a super bit of rock.
J
It’s a great route. Probably more like F7b – but who cares!
No real stopper moves, at an angle that suits the gentleman climber such as ourselves, perfect rock, great position, beautiful view, well bolted (if you clip them all!) and a low crux.
You would love it John!
Such a great place these mountains between Barcelona and Leida. I like all of them. Even the Vilanova de Prades (where we were last day and of which Alan said that its not as good, has its charm)
Anyway was good inspiration to see you climbing and than read these articles.
What does it mean Hawai in climbing slang?
Keep it real
Hi Jiri,
Yes it was a great place. It was really nice to hang out with you guys. I had a fantastic trip.
The slang just means to take a big fall.
Hope to see you again soon – Friedrichshafen?
Jack