The climbing family is a loose and transient group who ebb
and flow like the tide depending on where there is good weather and good
rock. Kalymnos offers both.
Different backgrounds, nationalities, shapes/sizes, ages and
skill levels actually are the thrown together in the cauldron and the result is
usually a rich soup. Week 2 at Kalymnos
and I jump into the pot with the others.
I have been lucky enough to find a climbing site where I have arranged
some contacts in advance. Turns out one of them I have been communicating with
for a month is actually my next door neighbour in the apartment I am in. Hardly a surprise as he was the one who
recommened the place. I thank him for
the recommendation – hardly what I expected for climbing “digs”. Turns out XXX is Polish, remote working as a
developer for a UK software company. The
arrangement works for him and his employer.
He puts in around 10-12 hours each second day, then a half day in the meantime
when he climbs. Good arrangement – if you
can get it!
He is a young and strong climber – climbing around 7a-7b
(around grade 25). He has also teamed up
with Anthony, a young Frenchman who has a small van which is his mobile home
and climbing gear transport. Anthony is
working on an 8a b level. These two
have bodies that look as if they have been chiselled from the very rock they
are climbing.
Terry is a Canadian mountain guide from BC of indeterminate
age (you know the blonde ski bunny and outdoor look who could traverse a few
decades). She climbs strongly and picks
off grades that push her boundaries – good technical climber – taking her time
to work through the moves conserving energy.
Not all are as toned – there’s a mix of climbers at the
various crags – some around my age or older – all very good climbers – and I do
my best to keep up. All are friendly and
I am soon adopted into belaying or sharing climbing time with some of the
groups. Occasionally a goat from the
local herd will happen by to check if any hapless climber has left their bag
open with some lunch in it. The sun bakes
the rock and the climbers in turn. The
view is stunning – a 30 minute walk up to the base of the climbs rewards you
with a beautiful vista.
There are over 2500 routes on the island – a testament that
North Face have their annual competition here.
Most climbs are long (40 or more metres and with additional multi-pitch continuations beyond that it you are in the mood!) and have easier grading than I am used
to from the Ariege in France. I do a
personal best by leading 3 grade 6b+’ (grade 21) – though not sure if the NZ
rock grades would agree (!).
I have to confess that I prefer this to Railay (perhaps the
time of year I went) – climbing in Kalymnos in November is pleasant – not too
hot and without the humidity of Thailand to compete with. That said, there are times in mid-summer here
that it is too hot to climb. Certainly worth a look and try if you are over
this side of the world.
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