It’s been a few years since I’ve been on the Petzl RocTrip. In fact, it’s been a few years since I’ve really sport climbed at all. This autumn the Petzl RocTrip headed to a string of different locations in Eastern Europe, finishing its happy journey in Turkey.
Turkey sounded very appealing. Perfect limestone, three dimensional climbing, big holds on steep walls, warm and sunny weather and new crags for me. All good ingredients for having a fun trip. The areas of Geyikbayiri, Citdibi and Olympos did not disappoint. It’s all good lines and nice scenery. As usual, the Petzl crew had great spirit, high energy and parties went well all over the place. It was fun to hang out a little bit with friends I don’t get to see that often anymore. If sport climbing does not bring me the same emotions I get in the mountains it still means lots of fun, good internal fights, good people and lots of happiness. It felt really good to move freely on the rock again, try, fall, send, try something harder, and so on. Climbing is magical :)

Special thanks to my good friend Jack for teaming up the last two weeks. It’s been good chats, good laughs and great climbing days. I’ll remember for a long time how Jack warmed up on a 7c+ thinking it was a 6c+ and many more hilarious moments. And above all I’m thankful for his catch on an unexpected fall at a first bolt. Broken holds can happen anywhere. It was a stark reminder the belayer must always be ready. 

Massive thanks Petzl for the great organization and all the good times. You guys rock!