Where and when?! Somewhere inspiring, challengingly fun yet relaxing so that I could wind down from thinking about work. From previous experience, it took about a month to switch from work-mode to me-mode. Even if it’s going to be a little teeny wee different this time, it’s worth spending the time to reflect and collect my thoughts on the change.
It’s been a week since my last day at work and I was on my first flight out to Alicante for a bit of climbing, work my way up to Valencia then Barcelona.
Three days before at The Castle Climbing Centre…Martina has done an amazing job of teaching the multi pitch skills and techniques, hope I’ll remember them when I’m outdoors. So much information in one day, from setting up anchor to belaying second and what to do for some of the situations that might occur during climbs. All I have to do now is go out and do it!
The trip started with a long weekend of climbing at various crags around Alicante. To do a multi pitch was one of my objectives for this first part of the trip. Thanks to Kevin (photo top left), running through the techniques on an easy route then climbed 3-pitch route with me at Sella, the objective ✅!
I was fortunate to be able to stay a bit longer than the rest of the group. So, I get to climb a couple of new crags including another multi pitch with Lawrence (photo top right), our generous host, and belayed him on his successful 6c climb (yay!!! 🎉🎊).
In that one week of climbing, I’ve developed a strong feeling about getting a van and drive it around different crags to climb for the next couple of years. I’m very tempted to stay and just do that 🤔 but what about the rest of the world??
Kathy: everyone’s leaving…
Me: we’ll still be in touch, I’ll come and camp in your garden
Kathy: and the girls can join you, I’ll watch from the house
Both: 😂
It was perfect timing to meet up with Kathy and her family on my way up to Valencia. The area is just the right place for a rest day with the picturesque El Portet beach and a hill to do some gentle walk, I couldn’t help going down to the cove while I was at it (scrambling involved).
Time with Kathy and her family was pure joy especially with the girls. I was called upon so many times I lost count, ordered by Chloe to bury her then got buried myself, played catch and a game of bat and ball (🤷🏻♀️) . Hats off to all parents…the stamina required to keep up with the kids is no joke!
And with a heavy heart, off to Valencia I go for a couple nights in the city before heading to Montserrat.
Reflect-Action > Reflection 
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