Sunday, 1 January 2017

New Years Day 2017

Happy New Year Mountain Lifestyle People!



What a way to start off 2017 - sport climbing on sunny cliffs by the sea, followed by a swim in a secluded bay!
We've had a blast today, back at the upper cliffs of Ghar Lapsi (Twin Caves Area to be precise). There are a handful of routes here, all on super rock, all deserved of stars, all in the sun and all with a stunning sea vista. What more could we ask of a New Years Day!?

 

There were even some crazily steep 'tufa' climbs at amenable grades. This one almost had Clare stuck in it and proved to be a lot of fun.


We climbed overhanging routes, slab routes and finished on an arete that was made from razor sharp limestone. I think the only reason I didn't fall off, was that my hands were literally stuck like velcro to the face. Topping out signalled the end of the days climbing - may hand couldn't take any more! Happy and sore, we walked along the cliff tops looking for a place to swim.

 

And found the perfect sheltered spot.

 

With water this colour, it was impossible to resist taking a new year dip!

 

And today was more than warm enough to dry out in the sun afterwards. To celebrate the new year, we stopped at the rooftop cafe at the car park for a sunset drink on the way back to the car.

 

Then as we drove away, the skies got brighter and brighter. We tried to get a photo, but this doesn't really do it justice! It was a good moment.

 

A totally brilliant start to the year and after a little detour to wander the streets of Zurruiq, the nearby town, where the church and town square was all illuminated, we returned to base for a late dinner and the remainder of last nights sparklers! Cheers!



Ghar Lapsi (Twin Caves):
- Chicanery, 5b**
- Alex, 5c+***
- 12012, 6a**
- Scoop and Arete, 6b**

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