Welcome to the Amsterdam Climbers network (Ambers)
Easter bunnies 2010
Once again, the Amber crowd hit the Belgium crags with high ambition.
The biggest climbing event (so far); twelve happy chappies in 3 cars headed south early friday morning with sun streaming through the windscreen.
I left with India, Sasha and Kieran a little later than the rest thanks to a very comfy bed and a minor detour through the center of Antwerp. We arrived at Durnal just after lunch to sunny skies and the rest of the gang (Nieke, Hanneke, Nicole, Michael G, Daniel H, Dave, Richard, Haran)
It was a glorious afternoon, as we reacostomed ourselves to real rock - some making the venture for the first time.
It was only as we headed back to the cars that the rain began (driving Nicole a little mad) and didn't really stop for the next two days.
Friday night saw Masterchef Dave (aka Gordon Ramsey) go to work and knock up some delicious grub which was eagerly eaten and washed down with beer and wine.
Up at the crack of dawn on Saturday we were joined by one man and his dog, Tom (g'day mate) and Mies (sp?).
The grey skies and cold temps left us huddled under Dave (the Crag not the masterchef Dave) for the morning.
The first fall of the day saw Richard with one ankle twice the size of the other, but he braved it out with a smile and sought refuge, in the erm... refuge.
The rest of us found a few more dry routes to entertain ourselves before most of us gave up and headed for some indoor action at the indoor wall in Namur.
Saturday night's grub was provided by Hanneke (and gang) which was the most delicious veggie food to be found ANYWHERE in Belgium which Kieran can confirm.
Saturday night's grub was provided by Hanneke (and gang) which was the most delicious veggie food to be found ANYWHERE in Belgium which Kieran can confirm.
Post dinner entertainment was provided by Sasha who brought "warewolves" a game not to be missed and becoming a tradition on the Belgium trips. What became clear was just how good at deception the Amber crowd are, a positive benefit when recounting stories of grades climbed and projects completed ;->
Sunday saw more rain, but with a determined spirit we descended (slipping and sliding) to the base of Freyr where we were offered some protection by the overhanging nature. This meant the climbers stayed nice and dry whilst belayers took on the appearance of drowned rats.
Still we managed to knock off some good routes. Haran was unfortunately kicked off his 7a project by some lanky Russian who wore plastic bags in his boots (go figure). Next time Haran :-)
With noone in the mood to cook we split into 2 teams for the evening meal, the "Royals" - 6a+ leaders (who ate at an exclusive bistro) and the "commoners" 5+ leaders (who ate in a local hostillary where the vegetatrian option included ham ;>)
Post dinner the teams reunited to the Refuge for beer and cards but with everyone totally shagged out, it was an early night for most.
Monday the weather report delivered by Nicole or sun was grosely exagetrated ;-) but by 10am we were all at a very dry and almost sunny Yvoir.
Some multi-pitching enjoyed by India, Sasha, Kieran, Nicole, Michael G, Daniel H, Richard and myself saw us all 2 or 3 pitches up crowded on the top of the needle preparing to abseil. T
Monday the weather report delivered by Nicole or sun was grosely exagetrated ;-) but by 10am we were all at a very dry and almost sunny Yvoir.
Some multi-pitching enjoyed by India, Sasha, Kieran, Nicole, Michael G, Daniel H, Richard and myself saw us all 2 or 3 pitches up crowded on the top of the needle preparing to abseil. T
Suddenly empowered by the sun we saw some great leads by Daniel H, Haran and Nieke and most probably more that I didn't see.
Overall a great success, 2 new crags visited new friendships made and a bunch of new nicknames for everyone.
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Comment by Nicole on April 8, 2010 at 19:16 -
thanks again for such an awesome weekend!
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