We arrived at Mgarr Ix Xinni with Xavier the local guidebook writer and he brought us to a new area of his that he has been developing. We climbed some easier routes and then headed around the corner to an overhanging section where we properly kicked our own butts. Kyle decided to try a 7a+ which included a very difficult crux.
And he worked it hard not quite wanting to give in.
After a little interesting climbing technique which included 4 people he was through the one hard move and finishing the route.
It was a great day of climbing even though I only got a few photos and we headed back into town.
The next day it was time to bring my parents out to the Azure Window and to climbing at the Inland Sea.
I am going to let Shasta post some photos of that because once again I wanted to jump so much I didn't really get any photos! But we had a great time of sightseeing as well.
Then it was off to the room one again.
Everywhere on Malta is history, the ruins of an aqueduct from the Romans, Structures predating the pyramids and Stonehenge, and steps that are possible over 400 years old. Water has slowely flowed over them enough to build small holes in each step.
That night we decided to see The Citadel which is the main fortress in Victoria. It sits high above the city and we figured the sunset would be a great one from its walls. We were not disappointed. Canons still keep a vigilant watch over the city,
With silent walls holding against time.
The sun began to fall into the sea and intensified the color.
The Citadel gives you a good view of most of the island. It would have been quite the feat to try and climb them.
Sending signals between the church and Citadel would not have been to difficult however as they powered their way above the surrounding city.
After a days rest we decided it was time for everyone to finally use their Harnesses and ropes! Our friend Gail had also arrived and we thought she would enjoy some deep water soloing as well. Since we were staying in San Lawerenz and it was a short walk to the Inland Sea we were off once again! Now this was one of my favorite parts of the trip. Kyle, Shasta, and I climbed a route and then we setup the route so that everyone could take a turn. Deep water soloing was a bit out of the question however as the Inland Sea took on a new form! The water roared through the archway at nearly 20ft and ripped out into the bay making the crystal clear water become a proper soup.
Still it was a beautiful day and my mom was the first to climb, I headed up after and took pictures as Elisa Followed. This is Elisas first ever outdoor climb. She flew it and smiled the whole way. At one point she moved so fluid I figured she had been out there for years, then looked at me and said "I LOVE THIS!"
I was very proud of her! She climbed with no falls on the full 30 meter 5.8. Next was my sister who had already surprised me with her climbing and jumping. She cruised the route...in a miniskirt! I must admit its the first time I have seen that!
She was loving it as well.
She asked if I could get a picture of her up there with the surroundings. So you know what that means!
Next up was Gail. She put on my moms harness borrowed some shoes and cruised the route. I urged her to bring her camera and I believe she was not disappointed. I think we have a climbing photographer in the works.
And then came a big surprise to me as I sat waiting for the next pictures. My dads friend Ben had come to Malta with us and now he was roping up for what I can only assume is his first climbing experience or at least the first in a really long time. Here is Ben, at 67 years old climbing in Malta.
Making it look easy!
And loving every minute of it. I think this is the kind of picture you can put on your wall and realize that life is good. He climbed the whole route, no falls.
Next up was my mom, Its not nice to give a ladies ago so I'll just say she was born when Nasa began so America could get a leg up in the Space Race! Here is her determined look.
Taking a minute to look at the surroundings before going down.
Since we were having such a good time Kyle and and I decided to head off into a rather difficult 5.11+ which he cruised.
I had some issues.
At this point my muscles were weak, my wrist no longer holds bodyweight to well and maybe it was time for a few days break!
So we decided to take that break and head off to Portugal! Shasta and I left the next morning headed into town and hopped the ferry back to Malta. When leaving Malta after a rather interesting nights sleep in a dinky hotel we got to the airport. I put my bag on the scanner and sent it through security where they told me to open it. As soon as I did the security man started getting pretty frustrated and saying "What do you need this for? Are you going abseiling on a plane?!" I said I didn't want to pay the utterly ridiculous fee of 35 euros just for the bag and wanted to bring it on the plane. He got more angry and told me "Do you know what someone tried to do in America" I answered as best as I could that I did and I didn't see what climbing gear had to do with it but he got mad anyway and told me I wasn't getting on the plane. I had to pay the fee and finally check in. I was seriously peeved and it wouldn't be the last time. Flying is getting ridiculous, I have never been so frustrated at the airlines in my life then I have on this trip and it only got worst. I'll get to that later though because I feel anyone who is thinking about traveling should know the things we figured out along the way! At least at this point we were off to Portugal.
Arriving in Porto, Portugal we met up with Rentauto and got our rental car. We decided that 3 full days was just not enough time to spend in a country and it was even less to ride a bus or train all day! So we took our shiny new car that we nicknamed Silver Bullet and headed off south toward Lisbon. We drove on through the night as I got used to roundabouts and we ended up on a small spit in the Atlantic near the city of Estarreja. We found a place that said park but seemed more like random dirt roads into trees and we found a nice place to sleep in the car. It was a cold night since we had no blankets and only my Jalaba which covered one person, of course I couldn't rightfully watch Shasta shiver so I gave her the Jalaba as the temperatures slowly dropped to 0 Celsius. The next morning we awoke and started the car, we continued along the spit and found some beautiful fishing villages. The fisherman were all preparing for a day at sea with few idle boats.
They were beautifully colored and had a high bow and stern.
It was a great site to wake to and we continued our drive toward Lisbon. We decided on the toll roads to save time, we quickly decided it may not be such a good idea! We were quickly spending money on tolls and pulled off toward Figueira da Foz which had been recommended to us. The town seemed nice, nothing great but nice. We walked through something which seemed like a center and looked for internet without much luck. As we were getting a bit to eat I saw a poster on the wall that showed a long sandy beach with the city as a backdrop. I looked out the winder and saw the rocky shore of a harbour and thought “Now where is that?!” Surely enough the picture said Figueira da Foz and it only compounded our confusion. Jumping back in the car with a mission we set out to find this beach. Soon we rounded a corner and both said “Ohhhh” Not only was there a beach but there was an internet shop that allowed us to book a room in Lisbon and save another cold night!
The beach was huge and the sand seemed to go on forever.
Sure enough it was just as we had seen in the picture. We spent some time watching the water and playing in the sand before heading back to the car and off to Lisbon. We said one last goodbye.
Driving on further we finally make our way to Lisbon and after a hectic drive through the city reach our hostel called Next Hostel. It is a nice place and close enough to the metro so we decided to use the rest of the day and head off to the Oceanarium. It was a magnificent trip through the city and really changed my view of Lisbon! The Metro is very nice and clean as well as very open. It was quick and the Oceanarium was quite the site!
Walking in we find a tank of several million gallons and some very large fish. Here is the Sunfish which can grow to 10ft.
At every step we were excited and bounced through all the areas. Shasta took many pictures as well and it was a proper date!
One of the best exhibitions for photos were the jellyfish. They are something serene to watch.
As well as the anemones.
We finally had to go and walked out of a wonderful experience.
The rest of the area is quite amazing as well. Lisbon has created a wonderful portion of the city down there by the water.
The next morning we checked out of Hostel and decided to go climbing at an area called Sintra which is below a Moorish Castle. So we took the map and got lost in the hills.
After driving a ways we found ourselves at the Palacio de Pena, one of the more unique castles I have seen in Europe. Rather then the usual design or the design of a Catholic church this one was built Moorish and was a real pleasure! We were still trying to find the climbing area but allowed ourselves to be lured into the magical palace.
The surrounding gardens are incredible! Would you believe that they have both Redwoods and Sequoia ? And they are huge trees!
We approached the gates and allowed them to pull is closer. I felt like the castle was more inviting then most I had been to. Rather then blocky dark dungeons it was well lit circular cielings.
And all the hallways seemed mysterious.
The building seemed to ring with shapes and colors.
And what could be the coolest looking statue ever.
The castle was built right into the rock.
And had an amazing view.
Walking through the building I often felt I had left and went back to Morocco.
It was stunning and I would recommend it to anyone who visits the area! For us it was time to go climbing however, most the morning had been spent at the temple and with rain so we decided not to climb at Sintra but instead see if we could find the sea cliffs that are supposed to face the sun and be out of the wind!
After our morning at Sintra we headed to a climbing area on the ocean that we figured would be easier to get to and it was out of the wind! We finally found where we were looking for and walked down some stairs to the water searching for the climbing area.
And found that the routes were everywhere! They were not tall routes but were long enough to be a great amount of fun. Also it was in the sun with the Atlantic at our Backs we were really excited to be there. Route finding was as easy as it could be.
Shasta loved taking this picture, this climb was a bunch of great underclings.
I found a route that I knew had to get some photos of and flew up to the anchor with Shasta following, happy to be in the sun.
On this climb you enter a small tunnel and continue inside the limestone.
Shasta looking a little confused about where to go next.
Emerging from the tunnel she gets a glimpse of the ocean that surrounds us.
The sun went down and it was time to finish our climbing and head back to the car. We drove off to Porto and slept in the car once again on the way back toward Porto.
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www.morffed.com
It truly is!
And you're no slacker either
We arrived at Mgarr Ix Xinni with Xavier the local guidebook writer and he brought us to a new area of his that he has been developing. We climbed some easier routes and then headed around the corner to an overhanging section where we properly kicked our own butts. Kyle decided to try a 7a+ which included a very difficult crux.
And he worked it hard not quite wanting to give in.
After a little interesting climbing technique which included 4 people he was through the one hard move and finishing the route.
It was a great day of climbing even though I only got a few photos and we headed back into town.
The next day it was time to bring my parents out to the Azure Window and to climbing at the Inland Sea.
I am going to let Shasta post some photos of that because once again I wanted to jump so much I didn't really get any photos! But we had a great time of sightseeing as well.
Then it was off to the room one again.
Everywhere on Malta is history, the ruins of an aqueduct from the Romans, Structures predating the pyramids and Stonehenge, and steps that are possible over 400 years old. Water has slowely flowed over them enough to build small holes in each step.
That night we decided to see The Citadel which is the main fortress in Victoria. It sits high above the city and we figured the sunset would be a great one from its walls. We were not disappointed. Canons still keep a vigilant watch over the city,
With silent walls holding against time.
The sun began to fall into the sea and intensified the color.
The Citadel gives you a good view of most of the island. It would have been quite the feat to try and climb them.
Sending signals between the church and Citadel would not have been to difficult however as they powered their way above the surrounding city.
After a days rest we decided it was time for everyone to finally use their Harnesses and ropes! Our friend Gail had also arrived and we thought she would enjoy some deep water soloing as well. Since we were staying in San Lawerenz and it was a short walk to the Inland Sea we were off once again! Now this was one of my favorite parts of the trip. Kyle, Shasta, and I climbed a route and then we setup the route so that everyone could take a turn. Deep water soloing was a bit out of the question however as the Inland Sea took on a new form! The water roared through the archway at nearly 20ft and ripped out into the bay making the crystal clear water become a proper soup.
Still it was a beautiful day and my mom was the first to climb, I headed up after and took pictures as Elisa Followed. This is Elisas first ever outdoor climb. She flew it and smiled the whole way. At one point she moved so fluid I figured she had been out there for years, then looked at me and said "I LOVE THIS!"
I was very proud of her! She climbed with no falls on the full 30 meter 5.8. Next was my sister who had already surprised me with her climbing and jumping. She cruised the route...in a miniskirt! I must admit its the first time I have seen that!
She was loving it as well.
She asked if I could get a picture of her up there with the surroundings. So you know what that means!
Next up was Gail. She put on my moms harness borrowed some shoes and cruised the route. I urged her to bring her camera and I believe she was not disappointed. I think we have a climbing photographer in the works.
And then came a big surprise to me as I sat waiting for the next pictures. My dads friend Ben had come to Malta with us and now he was roping up for what I can only assume is his first climbing experience or at least the first in a really long time. Here is Ben, at 67 years old climbing in Malta.
Making it look easy!
And loving every minute of it. I think this is the kind of picture you can put on your wall and realize that life is good. He climbed the whole route, no falls.
Next up was my mom, Its not nice to give a ladies ago so I'll just say she was born when Nasa began so America could get a leg up in the Space Race! Here is her determined look.
Taking a minute to look at the surroundings before going down.
Since we were having such a good time Kyle and and I decided to head off into a rather difficult 5.11+ which he cruised.
I had some issues.
At this point my muscles were weak, my wrist no longer holds bodyweight to well and maybe it was time for a few days break!
So we decided to take that break and head off to Portugal! Shasta and I left the next morning headed into town and hopped the ferry back to Malta. When leaving Malta after a rather interesting nights sleep in a dinky hotel we got to the airport. I put my bag on the scanner and sent it through security where they told me to open it. As soon as I did the security man started getting pretty frustrated and saying "What do you need this for? Are you going abseiling on a plane?!" I said I didn't want to pay the utterly ridiculous fee of 35 euros just for the bag and wanted to bring it on the plane. He got more angry and told me "Do you know what someone tried to do in America" I answered as best as I could that I did and I didn't see what climbing gear had to do with it but he got mad anyway and told me I wasn't getting on the plane. I had to pay the fee and finally check in. I was seriously peeved and it wouldn't be the last time. Flying is getting ridiculous, I have never been so frustrated at the airlines in my life then I have on this trip and it only got worst. I'll get to that later though because I feel anyone who is thinking about traveling should know the things we figured out along the way! At least at this point we were off to Portugal.
I Live at http://www.alaskamountainforum.com
Sorry to hear about your encounter with idiotic security checkpoints.
Cuong
They were beautifully colored and had a high bow and stern.
It was a great site to wake to and we continued our drive toward Lisbon. We decided on the toll roads to save time, we quickly decided it may not be such a good idea! We were quickly spending money on tolls and pulled off toward Figueira da Foz which had been recommended to us. The town seemed nice, nothing great but nice. We walked through something which seemed like a center and looked for internet without much luck. As we were getting a bit to eat I saw a poster on the wall that showed a long sandy beach with the city as a backdrop. I looked out the winder and saw the rocky shore of a harbour and thought “Now where is that?!” Surely enough the picture said Figueira da Foz and it only compounded our confusion. Jumping back in the car with a mission we set out to find this beach. Soon we rounded a corner and both said “Ohhhh” Not only was there a beach but there was an internet shop that allowed us to book a room in Lisbon and save another cold night!
The beach was huge and the sand seemed to go on forever.
Sure enough it was just as we had seen in the picture. We spent some time watching the water and playing in the sand before heading back to the car and off to Lisbon. We said one last goodbye.
Driving on further we finally make our way to Lisbon and after a hectic drive through the city reach our hostel called Next Hostel. It is a nice place and close enough to the metro so we decided to use the rest of the day and head off to the Oceanarium. It was a magnificent trip through the city and really changed my view of Lisbon! The Metro is very nice and clean as well as very open. It was quick and the Oceanarium was quite the site!
I Live at http://www.alaskamountainforum.com
At every step we were excited and bounced through all the areas. Shasta took many pictures as well and it was a proper date!
One of the best exhibitions for photos were the jellyfish. They are something serene to watch.
As well as the anemones.
We finally had to go and walked out of a wonderful experience.
The rest of the area is quite amazing as well. Lisbon has created a wonderful portion of the city down there by the water.
The next morning we checked out of Hostel and decided to go climbing at an area called Sintra which is below a Moorish Castle. So we took the map and got lost in the hills.
After driving a ways we found ourselves at the Palacio de Pena, one of the more unique castles I have seen in Europe. Rather then the usual design or the design of a Catholic church this one was built Moorish and was a real pleasure! We were still trying to find the climbing area but allowed ourselves to be lured into the magical palace.
The surrounding gardens are incredible! Would you believe that they have both Redwoods and Sequoia ? And they are huge trees!
We approached the gates and allowed them to pull is closer. I felt like the castle was more inviting then most I had been to. Rather then blocky dark dungeons it was well lit circular cielings.
And all the hallways seemed mysterious.
The building seemed to ring with shapes and colors.
And what could be the coolest looking statue ever.
The castle was built right into the rock.
And had an amazing view.
Walking through the building I often felt I had left and went back to Morocco.
It was stunning and I would recommend it to anyone who visits the area! For us it was time to go climbing however, most the morning had been spent at the temple and with rain so we decided not to climb at Sintra but instead see if we could find the sea cliffs that are supposed to face the sun and be out of the wind!
I Live at http://www.alaskamountainforum.com
After our morning at Sintra we headed to a climbing area on the ocean that we figured would be easier to get to and it was out of the wind! We finally found where we were looking for and walked down some stairs to the water searching for the climbing area.
And found that the routes were everywhere! They were not tall routes but were long enough to be a great amount of fun. Also it was in the sun with the Atlantic at our Backs we were really excited to be there. Route finding was as easy as it could be.
Shasta loved taking this picture, this climb was a bunch of great underclings.
I found a route that I knew had to get some photos of and flew up to the anchor with Shasta following, happy to be in the sun.
On this climb you enter a small tunnel and continue inside the limestone.
Shasta looking a little confused about where to go next.
Emerging from the tunnel she gets a glimpse of the ocean that surrounds us.
The sun went down and it was time to finish our climbing and head back to the car. We drove off to Porto and slept in the car once again on the way back toward Porto.
I Live at http://www.alaskamountainforum.com