RIP Ruff (01/09/14 - 06/03/26)

It's with a devastating, deep feeling of sadness that I'm contemplating writing these words. 

Our beautiful Ruff has left us after a long illness. Elaine and I noticed that she didn't seem her normal self, during our last trip to Spain in November and December. She seemed very tired and was walking much slower (which we thought was due to arthritis). Strangely, she was off her food and couldn't control her bladder. Our regular vet took an X-ray and discovered that her lungs weren't normal. He prescribed antibiotics (for a possible lung infection) and some cortisol anti-inflams (for possible cancer).

We were very concerned over the Christmas and New Year period that we were going to lose Ruff as she continued to lose weight. She had a visit from a canine osteopath who discovered that she didn't actually have arthritis. The vet suggested that she should stay on the anti-inflams as a precaution. Meanwhile, Elaine had Googled the anti-inflams and found that they were a palliative care treatment for cancer, which set off the alarm bells. 

However, Ruff improved quickly in early January and our daily routine was soon back to normal, with nice long walks up the hill behind our house, and she was eating again. We assumed that the antibiotics had cleared up a lung infection. 

We had six wonderful weeks together, the three of us, during which Ruff was really happy and seemingly back to her old self. However, sadly, by the end of February though, she had started deteriorating quickly and didn't want to walk much and appeared very sad. An ultrasound examination revealed a very large tumour in her abdomen (possibly in the pancreas) and extensive metastases in her lungs. We were devastated when the vet said that she had a week left and we would probably have to make the difficult decision to put her to sleep. 

We continued to give Ruff all our love and devotion during the last days of her life, although it was heartbreaking to see her deteriorating, initially day by day and then by the hour. We made the difficult decision on Friday 6th March and she passed away very peacefully in our arms. She was only eleven and a half, which was a couple of years premature. 

Our lives are now changed forever and we miss our beautiful Ruff so much, but we know we made the right decision and she's no longer suffering. We're very happy knowing that she had a wonderful life and went everywhere with us. Also, she was very well loved by many in the climbing community. And, of course, we have so many happy memories. 

Dogs really are amazing animals. They don't ask for much and yet, in return, are happy to give you unconditional love every day. We were naturally attracted to the Border Collie breed, back in 1989, being as they are well known for their intelligence, desire for exercise and fun loving character (and so often seen outdoors by climbers in Snowdonia and the Yorkshire Dales). Consequently, we have shared our lives with  4 collies during the last 37 years (Del, Merlin, Scamp and Ruff). But now, I'm totally at a loss (despite having been in this situation before). Ruff's no longer there when I go downstairs in the mornings. She doesn't stretch, or yawn or have a shake before going out for the first walk of the day. Nor does she splash water everywhere when she has a drink or peer into the kitchen, when I'm cooking, in the hope that I'll give her some cheese. She really was such a special, funny, happy and laid back dog. Every minute I miss her love, her joie de vivre and her companionship. 

The emptiness hurts so much. But it's time to heal and move on. Hopefully, we'll feel ready to go out climbing again soon. 

Revisiting Mallorca

My body has been struggling this year, my shoulders are paying the cost for 50+ years of constant climbing, despite daily stretching and regular rotator cuff exercises. After a visit to the hospital for an ultrasound examination, it was obvious that I needed a long rest before it became too late. Luckily, nothing has torn yet, and I really don't want to have surgery again. Hopefully, it won't take too long to recover this time. Besides, it's got unpleasantly hot and sweaty here in the south of France, so climbing is probably out of the question for me this summer. I might as well write something about our last trip in May.

We didn't want to drive far, but wanted to go somewhere new. Then we remembered La Reserva in Mallorca and booked the ferry from Toulon, a mere hour and 40 minutes drive away. We have very fond memories of Mallorca after spending our honeymoon there, way back in 1981, and 2 climbing trips: Sa Gubia in '91 with Jo and Geoff Turner, and Fraguel in '97 with Tim Hatch. It would be lovely to return. 

It was raining when we drove off the ferry at Alcudia, 16 hours later, armed with the latest Rockfax. Somewhere with a short walk in was needed. Port de Soller looked perfect. The rain stopped and there was plenty to do. However, the routes turned out to be very polished and there were only a few that had new glue-in bolts; most of the other bolts and belays looked badly corroded. I had to redpoint in extremis the classic 6c Blobland, which has a desperate move low down if you're short. The direct 7b version was easier! Phantomas, another 7b coming out of the cave further right, had a desperate sequence and clip on the vertical upper wall. We left the crag muttering about stiff grades and bad bolts, yet feeling optimistic about the rest of the trip. 

The next day we headed to Capdella, as we weren't ready to try La Reserva. La Puta del Pueblo provided a stiff 6a+. Total Pro proved to be very reachy in between the glued on blobs, very polished too and with some more bad bolts, I had to really try hard 2nd go, especially clipping the belay! After that, I thought I might as well try Memento (7c+). However, by the time I'd arrived at the double dyno move I'd had enough and decided that the crag wasn't for me. Nice place and friendly locals, but too slick and reachy for my liking. 

We'd found a really nice place to park up in the mountains above Port de Soller. On a rest day, we went exploring the crags at Gorg Blau, Es Grau des Rucs and La Reserva. Driving along the M10 was a big test of patience and took ages due to all the cyclists, honestly I've never seen so many. We discovered that Gorg Blau looked amazing but is officially banned, so we didn't want to risk it. The descent to Es Grau des Rucs is impossible with a dog (but the crag looks really good). La Reserva is located in a private nature reserve, you have to pay 6€ per person and dogs are strictly forbidden. We were gutted, having gone all that way to find out that we couldn't take Ruff. 

We considered going back home but decided to rent a studio at the excellent Finca Can Sec (in between Alora and Llosetta) owned by lovely French couple, Alex and Gini, with the possibility of leaving Ruff there while we climbed at La Reserva. 

We finally made it to La Reserva. The crags looked awesome and I could hardly wait to get stuck in. However, we were very sad about leaving Ruff behind, she wasn't happy and it didn't feel right without her. Furthermore, it was very difficult identifying the routes, and once again there were lots of old, corroded bolts. Also, Elaine's hand and foot syndrome (a side effect of her treatment) meant that she couldn't manage the long walk in on consecutive days. So, we had lots of rest days.

Stand out routes were:

Family Man, 6c+

Los Ilegales, 7a

Chicken and China, 7a+

Qatar Air, 7a+

Air Berlin, 7b

Copenhague, 7c

Vicios Franceses, 7c

Lux Air, 7c+

Capita Maria, 8a

Antoine Rolle on Capita Maria (thanks for the photo).

7a+ at El Perchero 

Left side of El Perchero at Caimari 

 Sector Xulita at La Reserva 

Our studio at Finca Can Sec 

Access to Es Grau des Rucs 

Gorg Blau 

Friendly locals gave us info for two other unknown crags. Firstly, El Perchero at Caimari was well worth the long uphill walk and, perhaps, the best crag of the trip being unpolished and most of the bolts were fine. El Canto del Santo (7b) and No Saps que Menges (7c+) were my favourite routes of the trip. Secondly, Tossals Verds was very close to where we were staying, so we eventually braved the awful track. New Old School (7a+) and the 50 metre Boixos Nois (7c+) provided the thrills.

We wanted to go to an awesome looking steep tufa covered cave called Museo but had no idea where it was. Unfortunately, my local contact went AWOL when I sent him a message asking for info. It seems that most crags are located on private land so the local climbers are reluctant to share info and jeopardise access. Fair enough. 

To briefly sum up.

Good points:

Beautiful scenery, some amazing crags, some fantastic climbing, very handy access on the ferry from Toulon, friendly locals and quiet crags. 

Not so good points:

Some naff crags, lots of dangerous corroded bolts, too many cyclists everywhere, not a single campsite on the island makes it tricky in a van without toilet and shower, stiff grades, difficult to get info on the newer crags, lots of access problems. 

It was wonderful to return to Mallorca but  we're not in a hurry to go back. However, that could change if  we can find out about Museo. 

Visiting Manikia

The oncologist didn't want to see Elaine for almost 2 months, which gave us a window of 6 weeks until her next scans. So, we decided to go somewhere further away than usual. Initially, it was going to be Granada, but the torrential rain made it necessary to head in the opposite direction. We decided it was about time we went to Manikia, on the island of Evia, in Greece, about 2 hours drive north of Athens. 

It's a long and tiring journey, which includes a 22-hour ferry from Ancona to Igoumenitsa (or Patras), which takes us 4 days. It's well worth the effort though. 

We established ourselves at Dragonera Cliffs Camping in Vrysi, which is definitely the best place to stay in a van, as the Manikia Project discourages wild camping. The campsite is basic but is great value at 12€ a night for 2 people + van, and Maria is the friendliest host you could possibly imagine. We were very touched by her generous gifts of eggs, cakes, and fruit every few days. The campsite has toilets, showers, drinking water and a kitchen area. 

It's worth mentioning that you can walk to the closest crags, which are located above the campsite in a beautiful valley called Mpougazi. However, it's much nicer to drive up the hill and save yourself 20 minutes, and save your energy for climbing. At peak holiday times, I can imagine the car park gets full quickly, so be aware that walking might be the only option. You'll need a car to get to all the other crags, which are located in the valley between Vrysi and Manikia. 

Another point worth mentioning is that Manikia is nothing like Kalymnos or Leonidio. It's very quiet and peaceful; I would say that it definitely feels off the beaten track, it's wild and unspoilt. It's also pretty clean, you don't see the litter and plastic bottles that you find in other parts of Greece. The place has a rural feel and there are plenty of goats and sheep about. 

There is an excellent shop in Vrysi where you can buy most things, including fresh bread, fruit and vegetables, beer and homemade cakes and savouries, and the topo. There are also 2 excellent places to eat out: The Tavern (below the shop) and the River Café (below the Tavern). Both provide excellent value for money food with great friendly service. There is a supermarket in nearby Konistres, where there is also a climbing shop and a Sunday market. 

When we arrived in early March, it was a bit too hot for climbing but perfect for living in the van. Then it got really cold at night with frost in the mornings (it even snowed), which was perfect for climbing but unpleasant for living in the van, so we moved into a caravan on the campsite. It got way too cold at night in the caravan, so we rented an apartment (The House on the Mountain, in nearby Gaia, opposite the lower valley crags). A constant feature of the weather was the strong wind. The last couple of weeks were a bit unsettled, but the crags stayed dry. However, it was raining and a miserable 7C when we left in early April just before the Easter holidays. 

I like steep climbing on good holds and tufas, so climbed mostly at Dragonera, in Mpougazi and Les larmes de Sisyphe, in the Lower Valley. Other notable crags were Rolling Stone, Ilona Cave, Rainbow, Manikia Kentro and Manikia Paralia. Nick Weicht has equipped Sisyphe Right single handedly, which will become a very popular spot, once it cleans up. 

Amazingly, most of the time we had the crags to ourselves. Most of the crags face south, which means climbing in the afternoon/early evening after a leisurely start to the day. Unfortunately, the north facing crags are banned until the end of June due to nesting birds, so we didn't climb there but, to be honest, it looks like a faff getting there with lots of handlines. Daxi Daxi looks really good for next time. 

Many of the routes at Sisyphe start above an awkward slab accessible by handlines, roughly 10 metres above the ground. I was able to do all of them, belayed by Elaine on the ground, and using long slings on the first few bolts. An 80m rope was long enough to lower back down to the handlines. Ok, there was some rope drag up high, but it was worth it to avoid faffing about, and an uncomfortable hanging belay for her.  Definite to guarantee a full workout for me though. 

In summary: a great adventure, somewhere new, remote, quiet, slower pace of life, excellent climbing, friendly locals, beautiful scenery.

For further information, read Dominic Oughton's excellent 3 part blog:

https://rockaroundtheworld.co.uk/2024/03/02/manikia-mpougazi/

https://rockaroundtheworld.co.uk/2024/02/28/manikia-lower-valley-crags/

https://rockaroundtheworld.co.uk/2024/03/03/manikia-upper-valley/

The Lower Valley crags 

Still half a Greek salad left!

Vegetarian pizza at the River Café

Manikia Paralia 

Marx Attack, 7c, Sisyphe 

Mummy break time, 8a, Ilona Cave (photo by Iris Straatsma)

Iris on Mummy break time 

Iris trying Breaking Dad, 8a+

Get off my cloud, 8a, Rolling Stone (photo by Simon/Louise Nadin)

Ethelontis, 7c, Dragonera (photo by Simon Nadin)

View from Rolling Stone 

View from Rolling Stone 

Looking up the valley towards Manikia 

Rainbow/Ilona carpark 

Team Nadin Owen 

Mpougazi from Dragonera Cliffs Camping 

Buy the topo 

Mortal Kombat

I've not felt like writing much for well over a year. Mostly it's because there has been a major change in our lives. 

We've been happily cruising through life, always climbing, taking good health for granted and blissfully unaware of the passage of time. 

Then Elaine was diagnosed with cancer in June 2023. Long story short: surgery, immunotherapy treatment, anti-angiogenic drugs, so many appointments and finally it's looking like she's in the clear. Luckily, living in France, the care she has received has been incredible. We're sincerely grateful to everyone involved. It's obviously been a very difficult time for both of us. But she's one of the lucky ones. Sadly, we've lost a lot of friends recently to cancer. 

So, there haven't been as many trips away or any real "King Lines" ticked for a long time. Never mind, we'll soon get back to normal. 

However I have been thinking a lot about one particular King Line just recently, well since 16 January as it marked the 20th anniversary of me doing a very special climb down here on the Côte d'Azur. 

Pretty soon after moving here in 1999, I remember an Italian climber doing the full version of the 7c+ I was trying at Castillon (Mortal Kombat). I was instantly inspired, the only problem was that it was given 8c (2 grades above my hardest ever) and, therefore, too hard for me. Then Yuji and Christian Brenna both on-sighted it and gave it 8b+. Hmm, maybe it might be possible, I thought to myself. 

During the next couple of years I had an occasional play on the moves, only to find them desperate and give up each time. Then, during the summer and autumn of 2004 I hit a really good period when I was definitely fitter and doing lots of 8as quickly, with a few really good 8a+s too. I decided to commit myself to really trying to do Mortal Kombat, as soon as it got cold enough to go back to Castillon. By that time the strong locals had downgraded it to a mere 8b, immediately after Muriel Sarkany and Leila Hachem became the first women to succeed, which I thought seemed rather unfair. 

Whatever. Regardless of the grade, it's a truly awesome climb up an amazing overhanging wall. It's the most striking feature when you arrive at the crag, I'm sure everyone has looked up and, for a moment at least, been hooked by it's magic spell and imagined themselves up there on such a compelling line. Axel Franco created a masterpiece, truly one of the best. It is both physically and mentally demanding, very steep and being about 45 metres long, it takes a lot of concentration and effort to stay totally focused for a long time. 

The route breaks down into 3 parts. 

Firstly, a hard 15-metre 7c+, that you have to get well dialled so as not to use up too much energy, to a good but awkward rest. 

Secondly, you're straight into the hard climbing, about 20 metres of tricky moves, including a weird shoulder move on a 2 finger pocket, followed by undercuts and big reaches with poor footholds. Then a massive span up left off a small improved hold hopefully gains the poor tufa. A couple of desperate moves right on the limit then, at last, the chance to get a kneebar and the first rest. Lots of shuffling with kneebars leads to the top of the tufa and the last rest before committing to the last of the hardest sequences, moving up and right to the continuation of the tufa and another kneebar (see Phil Maurel's excellent photo of Axel Franco on the first ascent). One more tricky move leads to a reasonable rest at some big enough undercuts, where you can recover. From the top of the 7c+ to there is probably a good 8a+ in itself. 

Thirdly, the top is probably only 7c, but it's another 10 metres of complicated climbing where the pump really kicks in. You really have to make sure to work out the best way. It's technical and fingery, and it's still possible to fall off and blow it (I know at least one strong local who has come to grief there). You have to concentrate all the way to the chain, otherwise you'll be off and have to try again another day, as you'll be finished for that day. 

So, quite early in the Castillon  season, on Sunday 16 January 2005, all the planets aligned, gravity was weak, and I finally realised my dream. I was 46 at the time and definitely the oldest person to have climbed Mortal Kombat. It was even reported on Phil Maurel's "Nice Climbs" website, under the heading "Le promenade de l'Anglais" (despite me being Welsh) with an accompanying photo. 

It was a very special day, not just for me: Boule did La Niaque and Thierry did his first 8a (Trace Direct). Jean was there, too, he'd recently done his first 7c at the tender age of 67!

Happy memories indeed. In fact, at some point during most days, I find myself remembering that day. You'll know when, just look for the dreamy, faraway look and the big smile on my face. 

Where did those 20 years go?

Big thanks to Axel for equipping such a fantastic climb and to Elaine for all the encouragement and patient belays. 

La Reina de las Columnas

Sometimes photos can really inspire you. Such was the case when I saw the photo of Mariona Marti on La Reina de las Columnas (an 8a at Llaberia in Spain) in the 1st edition of Tarragona Climbs, nine years ago. I was captivated and had to try it. I did try it pretty soon afterwards. 

The photo of Mariona Marti that inspired me

Firstly, I failed miserably on a 7c+ called Los Gabachos and then did exactly the same on La Reina de las Columnas. Unfortunately, it was a damp and misty day, and I wasn't fit enough for either at the time. The years have passed (far too quickly) and I've not had the chance for a rematch. Until recently.

Elaine and I set off with a plan for a short 12 days in the Cali. We managed to avoid getting lost on the approach to the crag this time, despite it being misty again. Unfortunately, the black tufas at the start of La Reina were very wet so I needed to try something else.

I decided to try Los Gabachos again. As I sat on the rope, dogging the moves, I remembered that it was hard and the tufas were slopey and wondered to myself what was I thinking; what was I doing, why was I trying again? It seemed totally desperate, so there were no expectations as I set off on my next attempt (I've always called this 2nd go or 1st redpoint). I arrived at the crux section and rested at the kneebar, feeling relaxed and under no pressure, expecting to fall off pretty soon to be honest. However, I just climbed and, move after move, everything just went smoothly (although I was puffing away like an old steam train). Eventually, after lots of rounded tufas,  plenty of kneebars and a total body pump, I was clipping the belay. Flipping heck, that was totally unexpected and a big surprise. The buzz you get from climbing like that is amazing and so addictive, it usually lasts for several days.

Our trip continued with me climbing outdoors for 2 days, whilst Elaine climbed indoors (at Monobloc in Reus) on my rest days. 

Elaine looking strong at Monobloc

Next day, I managed El Conchito (7c/+) 2nd go before having a play on King of Bongo (8a), which I was able to do after my next rest day. A couple of really good 7cs were next in the bag, 3eme Millénaire and Combustion Spontanée.

Combustion Spontanée (7c), Eddie belaying

Eventually, La Reina de las Columnas dried out and I decided to take a look. It took a long time to work out the beta, which needed lots of fine tuning during 3 days of effort, patiently belayed by Elaine, Eddie and Ewan, much appreciated and big thanks guys.

So, the last day of our trip arrived, we had to go home the next day, no chance of staying any longer. Patience is very important in climbing, and it's good to keep your mind clear, stay calm and avoid putting yourself under any pressure. After all, it's only climbing, it's not that serious. Or is it? If it wasn't going to work out that day, there'd always be another time. It ended up being another of those zen moments when everything went perfectly (again there was lots of puffing like an old steam train). Amazingly I had realised my dream and it felt so good. I'm still enjoying that high, 3 days later. 

The start is hard

Long reach to gain the thin tufa

Trying really hard

Almost there

At the kneebar above the crux

I'm 65 years young and still climbing 8a. How the flipping heck is that possible? I don't know how, but I do know that I'm still hopelessly addicted to this crazy fun waste of time pursuit climbing up rocks. And long may it continue.

Ewan climbing Rififi au Tour de France (7b)

Ewan and Woody chillin

Great to catch up with Dave and Rhian Cross, Eddie Martinez and Ewan McCallum during our time in Spain. All outdoor climbing photos taken by Elaine Owen (big thanks kiddo).

Also: please be aware that the climbing at Llaberia is restricted from 10 January until 31 July. This is to encourage the expansion in the population of the rare Bonelli's Eagle.