Tuesday 30 November 2010

Testimonial from Olli

I've just received this email from Olli who I took out for 2 days sport climbing in El Chorro.

I went out for a couple of days instruction with Rory during my stay in El Chorro. Coming from a bouldering background I had experience on rock but had never climbed routes. Within a couple of days Rory taught me the basics of sport climbing and built my confidence level up enough to get me on lead. He was very good at judging my skill level and with his laid back friendly attitude I never felt out of control or pressured. I tapped into his huge wealth of technical knowledge which he was always happy to share clearly and concisely. He also made efforts to introduce me to other climbers and potential partners in the area, which I really appreciated. I would highly recommend Rory to new or seasoned climbers alike.

Winter in Snowdonia

Whilst I'm spending my last few days out in El Chorro (in the rain) Jen has been making the most of the early winter in Snowdonia. She got out at the weekend with some friends and completed the Snowdon Horseshoe. The photos look amazing! Very Jealous. I've have now added a winter skills page to my website so if you want to make the most of the winter check it out and book on a course!


View along a snowy Crib Goch


The Snowdon Horseshoe in winter condition - looks amazing!!!

Monday 29 November 2010

More El Chorro Photos

Well its a wet day here in El Chorro so heres a few more photos from the past few days.


Thanksgiving dinner at the Olive Branch


A good spread!


View to the cliffs of Frontales and the Poema Roca cave.


Awesome climbing on the Navigador Pillar

Saturday 27 November 2010

Its Snowy back in North Wales


The view from my pad to Moel Elio and snowdon. Taken this evening!

Whilst I'm sat in the rain in El Chorro the weather back home in Snowdonia has turned baltic! Snow is down to 100m and the temperature is set to be well below zero on the tops for the next week. I will be running winter skills courses in Snowdonia so if your keen to get out into the snow and enjoy our winter wonderland check out my winter course page.

Monday 22 November 2010

Olli's intro to Sport Climbing

On Saturday I took out Olli for his first taste of sport climbing. Being a proficient boulderer already meant that for the morning we focused on the basics of tying in, belaying and seconding. We then progressed on to thinking about the leading process. Olli quickly picked up how to clip the rope into quickdraws and thread the anchors at the top of the climb. In the afternoon I lead up a couple of long routes to give Olli a chance to work on his stamina!


Olli climbing a 5 in Sector Castrojo


Practicing clipping into quickdraws - a vital skill for lead climbing

Sunday 21 November 2010

Gary takes on the Camino del Rey









In 1901 it became obvious that workers at the hydroelectric power plants at Chorro Falls and Gaitanejo Falls needed a walkway to cross between the falls, to provide for transport of materials, and for the inspection and maintenance of the channel. Construction of the walkway took four years and it was finished in 1905.

In 1921 King Alfonso XIII crossed the walkway for the inauguration of the dam Conde del Guadalhorce and it became known by its present name.

The walkway is one meter (3 feet and 3 inches) in width, and rises over 100 meters (350 feet) above the river below. It is currently in a highly deteriorated state and there are numerous sections where part of or the entire concrete top has collapsed away. The result is large open air gaps that are bridged only by narrow steel beams or other support fixtures. Very few of the original handrails exist but a Via ferrata safety-wire runs the length of the path.

More El Chorro Action


Craig climbing Arabesque 7a at Escalera Arabe


The wilds of El Chorro


The view through the gorge - climber on the classic Zepplin


Mel and Garry of the Olive Branch on the Camino del Rey


Garry struggling to come to grips with the exposure on the Camino del Rey

Saturday 6 November 2010

Desplomilandia


View from the crag


Martin Seconding Liron Carete 7c

Its been pretty hot here the past few days so we have been seeking the shade! Yesterday I headed up to Desplomilandia - which is about 20 minutes from the Olive Branch - with Silvia, Martin and a few other guests. This was my first full days climbing since arriving so it was good to get stuck into a few routes. There's lots to go at here from 6a to 8a - and all good quality climbing. I got warmed up then managed to onsight two 7b's, which I was pretty chuffed at, then had a play on a severely overhanging 7c which gave me a good beating! Hopefully I'll get back on it tomorrow and get it done!

Wednesday 3 November 2010

El Chorro sunshine!!!

I've been out at the Olive Branch in El Chorro for 3 days of sunshine and climbing. I have been taking some of Silvia clients - The Rock Climbing Company - for an Intro climbing course.

Today I took Mark and John on the Camino del Rey to Los Cotos where we did 3 climbs. We then made the long walk back to the Olive Branch for cold beer and swimming. Awesome day!


Walking to the start of the Camino del Rey


Mark balancing along a tricky section


View back down the El Chorro gorge


Crossing the river en route to Los Cotos


Nice slab climbing at Los Cotos


Finishing the day with a swim and cold beer