You can take a trad climber out of Scotland… Managing to find a grotty jam crack amongst all the perfect limestone on Las gordas no dan resaca (6b). Photo credit: Ric Hines
Ric on the superb Laguna Betiko (6b) at Poza de la Mona, just about to tackle the crux layback.
Shaun approaching the hanging off-width crack on Ras Cubano (6a) – a stiff proposition for the grade!
Ric on the pocketed slab of Sin Mantenimiento (6a) at Buena Sombra. Balancy moves between spaced bolts makes of engaging climbing.
Shaun on the crux slab moves of Debora Cuerpos (6b) at Buena Sombra. This route has a tough fingery boulder problem to start, a beautiful slab in the middle and steep jugs to finish – top stuff! Photo credit: Ric Hines
An unnecessary no-hands rest at the crux on Debora Cuerpos. Photo Credit: Shaun Hogan
Contrasting scenes – the view from a cool Buena Sombra to the sun-baked plains and depleted reservoir north of Desplomilandia
Ric on the bulging technical wall of Menasatrua (6a+) at Buena Sombra. Above the bulge, unrelenting pockets build the pump all the way to the chains.
Ric reaches the chains on the first proper pitch of Amptrax as the sun hits us – it’s gonna be hot one! Photo credit: Shaun Hogan
Ric beginning the first of the 6a pitches – steep, polished and slopey, but thankfully short! Photo credit: Shaun Hogan
Halfway across the 20m traverse on pitch 5 of Amptrax – a spectacular section with plenty of exposure and lots of hidden holds. Photo credit: Shaun Hogan
Enjoying the exposure on the superb traverse pitch of Amptrax
Ric on the tricky mid-height bulge on Yocare (6b) at La Vida Misma. This whopper of a pitch packs in a lot of styles in its 35m length, while never feeling particularly hard.
A climber on the impressive line of Sandokan (7c) at La Vida Misma
Shaun pulling out of the groove on the classic Wifi (6a+) at La Vida Misma. This route had plenty of tricky climbing above slightly spaced bolts, making it feel like a bit of a sandbag! Photo credit: Ric Hines
Gorgeous evening hues and shadows spreading across the plains and olive groves north of Desplomilandia. Having most days end in this fashion wasn’t exactly a hardship!
The cliffs of Frontales bathed in evening light. If only they weren’t such a furnace during the day…
The entrance to the gorge near El Chorro. The remnants of the famous Caminito del Rey can be seen at the entrance, along with the modern tourist-compatible walkway.
