The year so far...

So the new year didn't exactly start as planned! After the best part of 5 months off climbing over the summer I was really psyched to be getting some fitness back before the christmas break. It felt good to have projects again and get out climbing at every opportunity; especially as the weather was so good. And I was very keen to keep the momentum going after a short break and feasting in the UK...

Casa Mauri - home over New Year.

Santa Engracia.

View south from Santa Engracia with the usual morning cloud inversion.

The new year trip to Santa Engracia in the pre-Pyrenees started well, with a visit to Collegats sector Cine (like a mini Riglos). After this we had a day at Vilanova de Meia, which didn't quite go as planned. The aim was to get on 'Fase Terminal' - a classic 250m 7b - but to cut a long story short we got a bit lost, thought we were on the wrong route, abbed off, did a different route, only to find out we'd been on the right route in the first place. Oh well, one to go back for.

'Musical Expres' - consolation prize after getting lost on plan A.

View from the top.

The next few days were spent getting beasted at Les Bruixes.

Before a snowy rest day up in the Aiguestortes National Park.

Estany Gran d'Amitges - frozen (hopefully).

Then disaster struck - back at Bruixes I managed to dislocate my shoulder.
Lots of drugs, a general anaesthetic, and 9 hours in hospital saw my arm back in its socket!

The usual 3 week immobilization in sling was prescribed (followed by months of rehab!). And with the christmas heatwave continuing it was a good time for beer and sunbathing.

Training one-armers. In Tash's fetching purple buffalo ;-)

PROGRESS SINCE THEN HAS BEEN:-

- 5 days after dislocation - first unassisted shower!

- 7 days after dislocation - arm came out of the sling, apart from when walking.

- 10 days after dislocation - arm out of sling permanently.

- 20 days after dislocation - FIRST CLIMB!! Top-roped a 6c+ at Masriudoms a few times and then led it. Was very tempted to continue up the 7c extension but was told in no uncertain terms that I was being ridiculous. Still, considering the arm's supposed to be in a sling I'm pretty happy with the progress so far. Rotator cuff strengthening here we go...