Albarracin send fest (new levels reached)

water puddle reflection

After Cassie hurt her finger we figured her time in Albarracin would be spent recovering from the injury. After a full week or so of recovery (rest assisted by significant rainfall) she began to pull on her fingers and found that it was feeling much better. So, it seems it wasn't a full tear, but probably only a strain. Yesterday she hopped on a great line called Karma which goes at 7a+ or v6/7. She sent it in a few tries, which was a great effort. This is Cassie's first v7 and it proves she has gotten quite strong bouldering over the last few months. The crux move involves a long reach and she had to really lock off on her right arm and really stretch to get it.  Pictures coming later for this one. Today we head back to a huge roof that Cassie is psyched to try. It's another 7a+ and should make for some very cool photos.



Palpant v8 - small but stout

 Later that day as it cooled off we headed to my project called Palpant. It's a beautiful roof/bulge that involves difficult compression moves and a big throw, on top of that two full cut loose moves. I sent it on my second try on my third day of effort. I nearly fell at the top and really struggled to stay on for the finish so it was a true full value send. It goes at 7b+ which is v8/9. That makes my first true v8 boulder problem and I was incredibly happy to send. We have video of the send that we will post when we get back to the States.



setting up for the second crux throw



catching the sloper and holding the swing. just barely.

 Thanksgiving isn't celebrated outside of the USA but our friends from England wouldn't allow us to pass up an opportunity for a feast. The entrance to the bouldering has a small park which includes a bbq shelter. We've done what is now known as Burger Monday a few times and so we decided that a bird must be on the menu for thanksgiving. We had 8 people chip in 4 euros each and we were able to get three whole chickens, four bottles of wine, and potatoes. We started the fire early and everyone was nervous about grilling that amount of chicken considering we were doing it with firewood. I've gotten a reputation as the chief firebuilder in camp so it was up to me to get some coals going. We threw the first batch of chicken on at about 7:30 and began basting them with Cassie's homemade bbq sauce. Mouths were watering as the sound and smell of bbq chicken came from the grill. Considering most of us climbers are living on quite small budgets such a feast was kind of mind boggling. The result was grilling perfection as everyone began tearing into the chicken in what can only be called a feeding frenzy. Dirty hands or not chicken was eaten and washed down with good (seriously) cheap $1.25 bottles of wine. Batch after batch of chicken was put onto the grill with everyone getting their fill. Afterwords we all sat down next to the fire rubbing our bellies. People had quizzed us about the traditions of the holiday so someone started the "i'm thankful for" and everyone else had to repeat all previous thanks and add their own. Much hillarity resulted from things like "showers", "nice smelling girls" "garlic mayonaise" and a little reflection was allowed as well. We were indeed thankful and happy. Definitely one of the best thanksgivings ever.

As we write this post I can barely comprehend that we are leaving sometime between monday and wednesday for southern Spain and Morocco. Time has indeed passed quickly here at Albarracin and it will be three weeks of climbing when all is said and done. Hopefully a few more projects will fall before we head out. Much love to all our friends and family over this Thanksgiving holiday. Being so far away sure makes it tough and we miss all of you a ton. Can't wait to see you soon.