Today I went climbing in the mountains the Jurassic Period was named after. Eric and Yuki to me to Falkonflue in the town of Duggingen.

The small Swiss town had a lovely feel to it. Falcons were flying low over us within a few minutes of arriving.

The walk up to the crags was beautiful.

Eric opened the day for us on “konventionelle” (#29) and I then climbed it after him.

It was a great first climb of the season. About a 5.8 but I was clearly out of practice as my arms felt pumped by the end. Mostly a mental problem, I’d say. I think I was gripping way too tight because I was leading and that leads to unnecessary mental shit.

The next climb was a bit harder rated, promises (#31), but I was top roped, removing pretty much all the mental game. I finished feeling great and made lots of moves with weird balance, like a single middle finger in a rock pore or a knee-press instead of a foot-hold. Very satisfying.

It was a beautiful place to be climbing. I really appreciated Yuki organizing most of the gear to make this trip possible. I offered him a place to stay if he comes to BC climbing or ski touring and hope he takes me up on the offer.

For the geo nerds out there, the mountains are all limestone and formed as a result of the continental collision that also created the Alps. As Europe and Asia press into each other the Alps are the main result but the Jura mountains are sort of a pre-krinkle. I am pretty sure that is the technical description. Or else it should be. Anyway, I loved it.

On our way or I even took more photos of the moon, because I know that is why people keep reading…