Tuesday July 21st, 2009
Our last few days have been spent traveling from Sustenpass to Chamonix to Ceuse.
Today is our 5th day in Ceuze, France. The transition from bouldering to rope has been difficult. So far Ben has accomplished his first project (yesterday) called Bourenator, an 8a. I have completed my 6c route but have yet to accomplish my goal of falling on lead. I am having a hard time leading some harder routes due to my fear of falling. It’s really holding me back, so that is why my goal right now is to take a few falls while on lead. Ceuze is the most intimidating sport crag we’ve ever been on.
While here we’ve seen quite a few familiar faces. The Finland crew that we met back in Magic Wood, Sean McColl, Dave Graham, JB Tribout (he showed Ben the rest on Bouranator), and a lot of strong world cuppers. There are a few really strong kids here too…a 12 year old just climbed an 8a the other day. And I even saw a little girl that couldn’t have been more than 8, leading!
The campground is sweet. The owners are so friendly and thoughtful…they have fresh baguettes every morning, refrigerators, free showers, clean washrooms, very cheap laundry, ping pong, and even an indoor climbing wall.
The weather here is mixed. Hot at the campsite, but cold up the mountain. We bring our down jackets up everyday. So far we’ve only been really rained on once.
The one hour hike was brutal our first day. It was hot, no breeze or shade the whole way up. We were also carrying everything…rope, draws, clothes, shoes, food, etc. Since then, we’ve been stashing our gear at the cliff and the hike is much easier. We both actually really enjoy it now!
We’re getting prety excited for Mont Ventoux, the second-last stage of the Tour de France. It’s a gonna be a crazy! We think we’re going to leave on the 23rd and then stay until the 25th (if we can get out!). Then we are either going to return to Ceuze for a few days, go right to Germany or somewhere else.
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