Day two of climbing. We got at 6am so that we could be on the wall by 8. Our hotel host was nice enough to make us an early breakfast, which was much appreciated. We climbed the Arete Nord route, which is a 12 pitch climb in the 5.6 to 5.10 range. We went up as two groups of two, and made really good time. Like yesterday, the surface was very sharp, which brings both pros and cons.
We made great time on the climb, and got to the top after about five hours. In total, it was about 1500 feet of climbing. We had a snack and a selfie at the top and then began our descent. We struggled to find the route down that was described by the guidebook, and after a half hour of faffing about we decided to just go for the longer but more certain option of following a ridge-line until it hit a more popular trail. In all, it took another two hours or so to get down.
We were pretty beat, mostly from the sun and wind, so took showers and rested until dinner.
We’re really enjoying this little village we’re in – it’s got winding alleys and cute animals and friendly people. We’ve been to the bakery in town every day to get cookies, so they’re happy to see us each day.
While four of us were climbing, Kat and Dan drove into Tinghir to rent mountain bikes. They had a bit of an adventure getting ahold of the bike shop owner, but eventually met up with him at his house and got to meet his wife and child, while touring the home. They rode a few miles through the floodplain on the raised walking paths between farms growing corn, cauliflower, cilantro with many families out harvesting olives. The terrain was flat, however there were many points where they had to carry their bikes across ditches, over downed date palms, and through the river. It was a beautiful ride on a beautiful day.
Sorry you had to get up so early after my mistaken call but glad you had a good climbing/biking day.
We really enjoy reading and seeing the pictures of your trip ENJOY B/B