“Do we need snow chains?’ the South Pyrenees had enjoyed their biggest dump of snow for over 30 years with over 9 metres lying on the pistes above Ax-les-Thermes – and we were going climbing!
Base Calames, the gite run by Jon and Debs Stoelker, proved a comfortable and conveniently situated base for the 12 disparate residents and a few van dwellers for the 3 weeks of the meet. http://www.basecalames.com
By Saturday the first cohort had arrived and most of us were out on the dry rock 5 mins. walk away, in my case despite the 30 hour drive down from the Lakes and cold, icy Britain.
We quickly settled into a routine beginning with a leisurely breakfast, boosted by trips to the bakers van, and coffee with croissants, then climbing above the gite until about 5pm in the sunshine. The grades were found to be tough but consistent and folk were enjoying themselves either relaxing on single pitch lower offs, or taking on the more adventurous multi-pitch ‘grand voies’ on the Pilier des Cathares.
Steve Clegg climbing at Le Papy Calames with Zoe Clegg and the photo was taken by Ted Rogers
The main crag at Calames is at about 600m altitude only 50m higher than the gite and was snow free, catching any sun that’s available. The routes range from 10 to 250m and 4+ to 8a, so there is something for everyone.
The weather was generally mixed, like a British summer, and with only one day lost to rain, although the skiers went on the piste, it was well worth the journey to France.
Various parties visited other crags in the area and made extensive use of the ‘new’ Rockfax, although the local guide to Calames is better!
During the second week and on one of the few dry evenings we all enjoyed a tasty and well-stocked barbeque.
More personnel changes heralded week three when the weather improved as Spring arrived and the temperatures finally started to rise above the low teens.
Those who came: Alison and Andy Cairns: Ted and Christine Rogers; Mark Jones and Laura Millichamp: Gordon and Pat Higginson; Steve and Zoe Clegg; Rich Morgan; Roger Chaldecott, Dave and Helen Nicol; Keith and Fiona Sanders; Tim; Howard, Ali and Eve Lancashire; Anne Tweddle and Jeff Wincottf; Nick Wharton; Neil Cooper and the Kendal crew. There may be others, I’m sorry if I have missed you.
