maanantai 27. lokakuuta 2014

Chilly east faces - Val di Nava, Falesia del sole

Mika Huhtamaki 14.46 autumn, climbing, Finale Ligure, Italy, Rock climbing

If you just want to see the photos then click here

Rock climbing during the autumn seems to be excellent as long you stay on the right side of the mountain. Our hunt for the good and solid rock lead us this time to eastern face and the difference is definitely noticeable. Temperature is not cold but the shady eastern face is not the warmest place to be for your fellow belayer.

Today's mission was to continue our adventure from last year by visiting a sequel crag to Falesia del Luna. Falesia del sole is facing to the east and not towards the sun as the name may promise and I bet the crag is very cold during the mid winter months and excellent during the late spring and early autumn.

Routes are about the same height when compared to the twin crag Falesia del Luna but sole is slightly harder crag when it comes to grades. It is still for medium level climbers having total of 19 routes from 5a to 6c majority of routes being 6a+ and 6b grading. Grades are mostly though, except the routes I on-sighted ;)

There are lots of rumors about a bad and polished climbing routes in Finale. It is most probably true but it is definitely not the whole truth. For example both, Falesia del sole and luna are in a good conditions. Of course routes have been climbed but I didn't noticed any serious showstoppers due a polished rock, bad skills stopped me several times instead.

And what did we climbed, few 6a+ routes, one 5b and 6b+ which was my hardest clean ascent in Finale so far. I have to admit that the route was perfect fit for me, strong boulder start moves and then switching to a leaning slab. Excellent day!