Critters of Italy

With the warmer weather we seen an explosion of bugs and wildlife in the meadows and woodland where we've been staying.

I've been running around like a slightly crazy lady attempting to take as many photos of them as I can - thought I'd post some of the more interesting I've managed to capture - those in focus that is!

A Aesculapian Snake - Non venomous fortunately

A Juvenal Grass Snake

Tiny tiny fluff bug!

Spot the camouflaged bug... 

Here's what he looks like off the rock!  (not that pretty)

Fluffy flower

This thing was the size of my knee!

Saint Gottardo pass

{Sorry we've been a bit lazy with updates lately - three new posts below...}

After a fleeting visit to the UK we flew back to Italy and collected Juan from the airport parking.  He was fine, but very warm after spending a week at 30C!  The weather was still very warm, so we decided to climb at the Saint Gottardo pass.  The pass is at 2100m above sea level, not far from Chironico in Switzerland.  We arrived to in Saint Gottardo to be greeted by cooler temps and a warm welcome from Paul and Kay.  

Apart from the main road going over the pass, it was relatively peaceful and quite wild.  The days were generally sunny, but a cool wind kept the temps to the mid-teens, making it ideal for climbing.  My wrist was starting to feel better and my broken toe was now allowing me to squeeze into a slightly tighter shoe – albeit for a short period of time each day.  I hadn't climbed much for 2 months, so thought it wise to try some 8a’s!  Silly really since I wasn't that climbing fit, but the lines were so awesome I just couldn't resist.  I made surprisingly good progress on a few problems, but didn't have the strength or fitness to send any.  Claire was climbing well – she climbed quite a few 6’s and made quick work of a 6C (video to come).

It was Claire’s Birthday whilst in Gottardo – She turned thirty something!  We had a lovely walk in the mountains and Kay cooked some amazing cup cakes.

{Working Trieste Gottardo...}

{Cute Marmot}

After Saint Gottardo we made our way to Magic Wood…

Jon and Helen’s Wedding

After Val di Daone we drove to Milan, (reluctantly) left Juan in airport parking and flew back to Bristol for Jon and Helen’s wedding.  As soon as we arrived in Bristol we headed straight to café and had an awesome full English breakfast!  The things you miss when in Europe!  We spent a few days in Bristol then went to Shropshire for Jon and Helen’s wedding.  We caught up with lots of friends and were lucky enough to get some glorious weather.  The wedding was fantastic – the ceremony was at Ludlow castle and the reception was at a beautiful cottage in the countryside.  Jon and Helen had organised the perfect summer party…   Cream teas, a BBQ, games in a field, real ale, great company, perfect weather and campfires in the evening.  It was a fabulous day and an amazing wedding.

(The insurance company had just settled for my camera claim, so I had a great new camera to play with!)

Val di Daone

{en route to Daone}

I’ve not been having much luck with injuries and thieves lately… Just as my broken toe was starting to improve I hurt my wrist whilst working a problem in Bagni di Masino.  It didn’t feel too serious at the time, but seemed to worsen over the next few days.  I think I partially tore a ligament, but that’s only a guess.  It was still very warm in Val Masino, so we decided to explore another climbing area at higher altitude – Val di Daone.

Although Val di Daone was relatively close to Val Masino the drive took many hours as it involved many mountain pass.  We weren’t in any hurry, so took our time and watched the beautiful scenery go by – I watched the road too!  Val di Daone is a lesser known area in Northern Italy, sporting hundreds of boulder problems at altitudes from 800m to 1600m (with a few problems even higher).  There weren’t many really hard problems, but quite a few quality problems in the 6’s and 7’s.  I didn’t really climb as my wrist was recovering, however, Claire climbed a good selection of cool lines. We spent one day hiking up in the mountains, which were particularly stunning.  We also spent some great evenings around the campfire with Kay, Paul and many cows/horses!