Sunday 20 May 2018

A team ascent of ‘The Ridge’ (Spigolo di Destra)

There’s been some mega ropework going on today as we decided to make a team ascent of ‘The Ridge’ above the village of Cala Gonone where we are staying. It’s the right hand side of the rock ‘amphitheater’ of Serendippo in the photo below.



Multi-pitch climbing and scrambling in a pair requires quite a lot of organisation to keep the ropes running smoothly. A team of three is quite common for guided parties on such terrain and requires even more attention. A team of seven however, was another level! 



We made slow but steady progress up the dragons back edge of rock, where all but one of the belays provided a decent ledge where we could all assemble, chat, de-tangle and take photos. Everyone was excited as we climbed higher and higher. 



After four good pitches, we found a wider area where we could sit round and have lunch. The sun was baking hot and the cheese we had with us to make sandwiches had melted into gloop.



The views were fab though and the team psych sky high. We had intended to do a big abseil descent down the vertical wall, but there were other climbers about abs we didn’t want to dislodge any rocks on them. Instead we made a shorter abseil off the back side. Aled went down first to suss the exit and we all followed quickly down. Triumphantly, we all descended down to Cala Fuili beach to cool off. 



The water was cold but really refreshing. Just what we needed before returning to camp for some more fine dining. 



The selected group of lads provided a pasta starter with Octopus legs! As I’ve been advocating trying new things all week, I had to give them a go! Gross!!




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