Climbin', whippin' and twistin'

2/17
Another day in paradise. Robyn and I woke up later than usual but in time to catch breakfast at our favorite spot, “My Way”. We had a wonderful dish of eggs, vegetables and bread. There we met up with a Canadian friend, Kelsey, from our travels and made plans to head off to a climb site know as the Cave. Robyn and I have been there once before and had a few more climbs we wanted to do. After downing our coffee and finishing our breakfast we took off on our motorbikes through the town and up to the neighborhood where we would park our rides.

After parking, Robyn, Kelsey, and I walked up through the home that gave us access to the trail that led to the climbing crag. Once there, we hopped on a 6a+ called “Love Handles” which went smooth for all of us. After that we bumped over to “Sheltered Nook” a 6b which I led first. All went well until the last moves to the anchor. I miss the obvious holds right of the bolt line and tried to use the crimps that were in line with the bolts and anchors. After a few good falls, I finally found the holds on the right and made my way successfully to anchors before lowering. Robyn decided after the first climb that it would be better to rest today and giver her body a much needed break from climbing. 

Kelsey cruised the 6b and decided she wanted to climb on the other side of the cave and do some routes that I had already done on our last visit. She started off on the 6b called “Breakout” named because the much needed holds at the bottom how now broken off. At fist she started off fine but as she moved from the second to third bolt landed on a bad hold causing her to fall. “FALLING” she yelled, as she slipped off the wall down past the second and then first bolt. Hearing this I took in as much rope as I could before being slammed into the wall and jerked off the ground. In a flash we were both floating in mid air, her close to a boulder she almost decked on and me dangling while managing to hold tight to the rope in the belay device. We sorted things out quickly and back on the route she went. She moved through the climb smoothly after this and was able to complete it without any other issues. 

We finished our time at the cave with a fun 6a called “Sling Swing” which involves big moves on good jugs through Tufa and stalactites. Kelsey and I cruised through the climb but in the end came in to trouble as we tried to pull the rope. Our rope which is on its last leg has been creating issues ever since we arrived in Southeast Asia. This time she decided to twist uncontrollably and create a tangle that took all three of us and around 20 minutes time to sort out. Eventually we were able to get the rope to behave and coil it up before heading back down the hill and through a locals house back to our bikes.

Being past lunch, Robyn and I decided to go back to town, drop off our climbing stuff, and get some grub. Once done with our rice plates we headed out to the national park for a hike that leads to a peak overlooking most of the islands mountains. We arrived with only an hour before they close. At first we were told it was too late but after a short conversation we convinced them that we were capable of getting up and down the mountain within the hour. We payed and quickly headed out. A fast pace led us up the trail and to the top within twenty minutes. We took a few minutes to take video and pictures before heading back down. We cruised and were able to make it back to our bike before 5pm which is when the park closed. 

Leaving the park, we headed back to town where we ended up taking a random left turn which took us through a neighborhood and ended at a spot we thought was a temple or shrine. As we headed up the path we quickly realized we were in fact in a cemetery. Unlike the ones in the states Vietnamese either build terraced plots which are divided by generations or beautiful temple like structures to honor their dead ancestors. We walked around a bit and enjoyed the views that over looked the city of Cat Ba. After a bit, we got spooked being surrounded by deceased  people so we headed back down through the neighborhood waving to the locals. We soon were back in town where we grabbed some snacks and beverages from the market and headed to our balcony.

We are now enjoying a nice rum and coke before grabbing dinner. Off to Butterfly Valley tomorrow for one last day of climbing. We both have a few more projects we want to accomplish tomorrow before leaving the island. Wish us luck! 

Thailand is our next stop where we will be visiting three different spots to climb up north as well as exploring mountains, villages, and cities. Almost half way done but more adventures to come.  So far our favorites from Vietnam are the coffee, dried ginger, and friendly people. And we are most looking forward to being back in the land of amazing curry and being just a few weeks closer to being in NEPAL!!!