Cuevas del Mar

Well, we have been keeping occupied before our rock climbing module starts on Wed. Over the course of the last few days we have been taking advantage of a ford fiesta and climbing everything in sight. Recently we made a trip up to Cuevas del Mar near Nueva on the northern coast of Spain. Imagine a little beach with tons of bolted limestone routes on each side and crystal blue water. Life is tough. Even climbed my first 6c overhanging route, though it is sport climbing. During our stay at the beach we ran into three british guys of questionable origin who had been volunteering in the nearby village. Evidently the guy they were working for bought an abandoned village in the mountains for the coming apocalypse and recruited volunteers to help him get it sorted. It sounded strange, so we all uncomfortably crammed into the fiesta and loaded up on beer. The road to the village was epic but we had a good night and made some friends. The next few days will be concentrated on relaxing in the house, and staying out of the oppressing sun. Unfortunately I didn't get any pictures of the Cuevas del Mar, but here is a like to another blog that has them http://escaladaenllanes.blogspot.com/2010/03/cuevas-del-mar.html

vendejo climbing area

vendejo climbing area

ghost town

Siestas are pretty ok.

Spain is a pretty all right place. The last few weeks have been a slow introduction to the massive mounds of paperwork we need to finish for our WEA certifications. We even all became Leave No Trace Trainers in the process.

            Most of our days consist of classes in the morning followed by a siesta and then a trip down to the local crag (rocas negras) or the rock gym. All of us, except maybe Jono, have been slowly getting our finger and arm strength back. Alfredo, a local guide and one of our instructors, took us all out for a canyoneering trip down the Nevado River a few days back which helped break up the monotony. Haha we also all started watching Dexter, some crazy TV series that Jono had on his computer. Life is strange.

            Turns out we have about a week off before the rock module starts so we decided to hire an old Defender from a British ex-pat and go gallivant. Most likely we will end up climbing and surfing at the beach drinking cheap wine and cheese. We may do some exploring up some canyons and limestone walls; there is even one sport climb that takes place totally inside a cave (headlamps needed). Should be a pretty good time. Oh, and we decided on what we are doing for our independent climbing trip. We figured since we will be in South America it makes sense to just climb there, so we are going to do San Lorenzo and Cerro Castillo. Two smaller trips with multiple objectives on each.

La casa

Our village

Rocas Negras

gym

Rio Nevado

Excess baggage fees

Well, I finally made it to Santander with all my bags too. Air Alaska forgot to charge me for my bags on the flight out of Anchorage, thought I was home free until my connection with Air France righted the wrong. That being said I am now a poorer man. My last flight to Santander was delayed by a few hours due to a massive thunder storm in Madrid, but I was able to get into town and to the hostal right when the owner was closing for the night. Other than a severe case of jet lag everything is gravy prawns.