What a year it's been! 2015 started out in New Zealand and our mountain lifestyle has seen us climbing, skiing and surfing right across the world, to finish here in Tenerife. As far as 'cool years' go, going from New Zealand to Fiji, to California, to Scotland, to The Dolomites (twice), to Austria, to Ireland and then to here in the Canary Isles; it's been a year that's going to have to take some beating!
We saw the year out in our typical style of fun and adventure. Starting off with a great snorkelling session after breakfast. There was not a cloud in the sky and the air was very warm. There were a lot of fish in the bay outside the apartment, and (this time in wetsuits) we spent a good while observing the underwater kingdoms and diving as deep as we could.
Somewhat randomly, on route to our last climb of the year, we stopped off at a big outdoor clothing store and had a bit of a spree - bizarrely (given that it's 26 degrees) each purchasing new winter jackets! They were surprising cheap, but then I guess there's not really the market for them around these parts!
We went back to our favourite crag so far (Tabares), and enjoyed the trad climbing jungle vibe once again. However, the solidude of the valley had been replaced by pumping tunes from a house on the hill. Once we adjusted to the lack of peace, it was actually quite fun climbing to the music - like in a climbing wall! Add to that the constant fireworks and bangers that were already being set off, it was all rather exciting!
The routes we chose were beauties! Perfect crack climbs on natural protection. Just what we like; the right level of physical and psychological challenge. We were both buzzing at the tops!
The sun was low again on reaching the top of our final climb of the year. Taking in the view, we were perched on a ledge about 30cm wide, with our legs dangling over the space below. Not wanting to hike the jungle trail back to the car in the dark, we took a few photos then abseiled back to the ground feeling very happy indeed.
Beer and snacks on the balcony back at base, were followed by hot showers and a big end of year feed. There was just time to head out to the beach to see the new year in by the ocean, under the stars at the end of the breakwater. Perfect finish to an unbelievable year and as we walked back into 2016, to moon rise over the horizon to greet us. Magic moments....
Tabares:
- La murcielago VS (5a)** - hand jams!
- Diedro de Yablonsky VS (4c)***
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