Down by the sea at Biddiriscittai Cave

We had a bit of a false start today, hunting for a crag, up in the hills that we couldn't find. We were certainly close, but the walk in didn't look very appealing and neither did the crag (if indeed it was the right one!)

In the end, we cut our losses and moved onto plan b, which involved driving back down to the coast and walking along to a big cave that has some climbs on its back wall. Walking along the rocky coast line, (which also happens to be a nudist beach - thankfully unfrequented today!), we stopped to look at some of the shallow rock pools which seemed to have ice in them?!

A scientific phenomenon?! Ice on the coast of the Mediterranean?! Amazing! On touching or putting some of the 'ice' on their tongues to cool down, some of the students were surprised/disappointed to find that it was actually evaporated sea salt. We had a good giggle and may even have imparted a bit of a science knowledge as well! Maybe...

The views were better than the actual routes, but it was good for the students to try out a different style of climbing: steeper routes with 'soapy' flowstone holds. The features in the cave are quite cool though, with long horizontal shelves at the top. 

The sector is certainly very well used - the routes are well polished and some of the metal lower-offs were almost worn through! 

Walking back, the sea looked ever so tempting. There were lots of very deep zawns with invitingly clear turquoise waters. I'd definitely take my swimming stuff next time for a cooling plunge!

Back at camp we've been busy sorting kit ready for a monster travel day tomorrow that should hopefully see me back at The Cottage before midnight...