Off we go
Chapter One:
Camping in Igueldo and Tapas in San Sebastián
Igueldo is probably one of the most expensive camp sites in Spain and unfortunately the only one close to San Sebastián. I apologize in advance for this and all upcoming car rental advertising, but it is the only way we could afford staying here ;).
We brought this guy with us. He survived the entire trip. We called him Wilson.
Either the poles or the horizon needed to be straight – I chose the poles.
Apparently one of the most beautiful city beaches. I barely know any, but this one is really nice with great vibes, especially in the evening.
That’s San Sebastián glowing in the background.
Chapter Two:
Camping Sangüesa, Dipping Embalse de Yesa, Climbing Peñartea and Hiking Lumbier
Swimming here is a bit awkward because the water is pretty warm and smelly due to the hot springs underneath.
Soaking your skin in the mud is supposed to be healthy – not so much our thing though.
The routes felt pretty difficult and a bit scary to me. I got stuck and Chrissi had to save our quickdraws.
Welcome to Vulture Land. They look elegant in the air. On the ground: not so much.
Still wearing the hat she hates. Getting a new one soon.
Super hot meets super cold.
Chapter Three:
Wild Camping close to Larrés, Via Ferrata in Broto, Climbing Torla-Ordesa
Hanging climbing gear onto the laundry line is a great way to meet other climbers. Seriously. It works.
She likes this one. I mean the hat.
Chapter Four:
Climbing Rodellar
Urgently needed gas for our grill – got soaked.
Rodellar is a great climbing area if you can climb above 7a. This sector with 5a–6a is the only “easy” one and the only one we could handle.
We could hear the pros cheering on each other down there.
Chapter Five:
Climbing Montserat
Gliding over the Spanish highways on cruise control is very, very satisfying and makes you hate the German Autobahn forever.
Hippie treatment for our rental.
Conglomerate stone: Tiny footholds, tiny handholds but you feel like a ninja, if you manage to ascend.
One thing that fascinates me about climbing is that you suffer, question why you are doing this, and hate yourself for attempting a too difficult route but decide to do it again immediately once you reach the ground.
Visitors to a strange planet we are.
Rain and thunderstorms kept following us through the Pyrenees. We decided to head for the coast until the bad weather passed.
Chapter Six:
Costa Brava Via Ferrata, Biking and climbing
This is no photoshop trick – the sky is out of focus for real. Felt surreal.
Just love these 80ies style apartments. And out of focus clouds.
This very neat campsite felt a bit stuffy at first but had great laundry facilities, which we needed rather urgently. We ended up staying quite a bit after overcoming our antipathy towards luxury ;).
I am so glad we brought the bikes with us. What a great way to discover places.
Chapter Seven:
Climbing Sadernes
Safety Officer and Climbing Organizer in action.
We spent more time searching for this crag, than climbing it. Being this hidden, the rock was very unused and grippy which was great.
Chapter Eight:
Wild Camping Narbonne Beach
Morning swim with a shower close by while wild camping – doesn’t get much better.
Chapter Nine:
Biking and Climbing around Gigondas
We hadn’t intended to spend much time in France and were blown away by the Provence landscape. Again: Glad we brought the bikes.
Dude – WTF. Wish I saw the inside. Should have asked. Damn.
Last climb. So sad.
Heading Back to Frankfurt with Overnighter close to Lyon
