We added one more guidebook to the growing collection of beautiful climbing spots on the bookshelf - Chulilla was offered the sweet spot this time. Looking for better weather, we went down and south, exploring new areas and new routes outside Catalunya.
Cacti in bloom, Chulilla
Chulilla welcomed us with more of the same though - spring storms and rain not considered by elTiempo.es as relevant enough to warn about. We still managed to climb though despite a couple of storms a day that refreshed the mind and did little damage to the rock.
Algarrobo/Balconcito sectors in the stormy canyon
We stayed at the very well-run refugio El Altico, run by Pedro Pons & co, that was helpful and welcoming to our impromptu venue.
Storm hanging over Nanopark sector
Overall, the climbing is a mix of vertical to slightly overhanging terrain, loooong, with technical moves on usually positive to sometimes slopy holds. It reminded me of the never-ending la Pedrera sector in Collegats, but with harder grades overall.
Overview of Pared de enfrente sector
(Pictures by Jonas)
I enjoyed the Oasis sector very much, going on an onsighting spree there, with an abundance of high quality 7a and 7a+s. The bolting was not always perfect - it seemed as there was a FAist determined to screw up onsight attempts by us mortals by placing a random bolt outside of where the climbing went - but otherwise the climbing was very good. I most liked Plan Z, a beautiful 7a at Oasis, and Diagonal, and incredible 6c at Sex Shop. Definitely worth a visit for the limestone fanatics looking for new places away from the crowds.
New Guidebook for Chulilla, beautiful cover picture by Marieta
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