Another early morning session today: this time at Iannis. We warmed up on Fence Guest (6b+): good, but sharp. Then on to Zagori (6c), a beautiful a long route which Chloe and I both flashed. Finally, it was the main event (for me): trying to on sight Tufa King Pumped (7b+). Despite not having much time to properly warm up and only being able to get three routes in at a time, Chloe and I have been in probably the best climbing shape we have ever been in. It has been disheartening for both of us over the past five years because we had been stuck more or less at the same level. It's no doubt partially due to a lack of adequate training. This year we did not do any kind of rigorous training, but we did a lot of bouldering, then some gym route climbing and then some routes in Monetier. Somehow it all came together for us and we have been doing really well. I know another part of it is of course due to the soft grades on the island, but even on the same routes as the last trip I feel way stronger. BAck to the climb, which would be a significant milestone for me. I scoped it out well, hopped on, tried to rest on the bottom section, had to reverse moves a few times at the crux, but eventually made it up and over the bulge, hyperventilating, arms pumped to hell, and barely keeping it together mentally. I wedged myself in between tufas, shook out for what seemed like fifteen minutes, then carefully made my way up the final bit. So, so very happy about that one. Probably my proudest climb ever. I know the grade is not that impressive, but it felt great to know that I'm getting stronger. And what a beautiful route: there just aren't routes like that anywhere else that I have climbed. Wonderful. Chloe seconded it and did very well on it. Like I said, she is at her strongest. What a shame that we can't climb more and take advantage.
After climbing, we got back early as promised and we all headed to Therma, near Pothia for swimming. Not my favorite of the beaches, but the food was fine and Alex enjoyed throwing rocks in to the water
I stopped on the way back to the Studio for provisions (pasta, baklava etc). The ladies that worked in the supermarket turned out to be Aussies! Yesterday we had run into some Aussies at the Grande Grotta, and I reported back to Christine about it, who asked where in OZ… and I had to lamely respond "Australia?". Today I was sure to ask where in Australia (Sydney).
Later it was girls night out, so the kids and I made sun prints, I cooked some pesto with the Basil that they grow at the studio, and James and I drank Mythos and Chivas on the porch.
Also, I had to return my beloved scooter.
