Grimper dans la terre Sainte.

A typical village in Provence (south of France)

While the south of France can certainly be considered by most to be the holy land (or Mecca if will), of climbing, it was also the centre of Roman Catholocism for a brief period in the 1300's (to the dismay of Italians). I'll save you the history lesson, as you can google "Avignon pope" on your own time.

The "other" Vatican; Palais du Pape, Avignon, France

The south of France (Provence, Cote d'Azur) suits every stereotype and legend that you've heard. It's picturesque in its age. Filled with vinyards, castles, and cliffs it is a land in which caused one of Jakob's friend's to comment, "France has an over production of wine." Perhaps it is just the rest of the world who has an under consumption. I'm doing my best to remedy this.

More south of France scenery

So, I digress - this past weekend 5 of us headed 2.5hr south of Grenoble to Seynes, France. About 45 minutes n/w of Avignon. The climbing here, like the rest of France is incredible (save for the crappy slabby/thin technical climbing which I suck at) In Seynes, the rock is much more tropical with tufas and stalactites. Technical, and athletic. Super fun, and aethstetic.

Falaise de Seynes (mur nouveau monde) (au-dessus et au-dessous)

Une voie s'appelle "the dinosaur." 5.12d. Click to enlarge photo, check out the top part. Wild.

We stayed in a beauitful gite (b&b) in a town with about 20 residents, and "celebrated" St.Patty's day with a delicious french meal and wine at the local restaurant.

The mgmt of our gite.

Now my body is sore, and I need some rest. It's cooling down here in Grenoble, which is good, seeing as I am going skiing this weekend, and it would be great if there was some snow. So far the weather gods have been with me. God, don't fail me now...

A bientot...

D