Grindelwald WC finals

Kilian Fischhuber finishing finals #1.

The Grindelwald WC is over and tomorrow morning I'm headed to the famous Magic Woods in Averstal, Switz. I can't wait to see all the problems. The semis and finals were impressive to watch. The routesetters really know how to produce a real show for the audience. There was probably around 500 people watching the finals. I'm already looking forward to the Fiera WC in 2 weeks.

Grindelwald World Cup

Akito Matsushima from Japan on problem #3.

I'm in Grindelwald, Switz. and yesterday I competed in my first bouldering world cup. It was great but at the same time nerve wrecking! I was so nervous. The first 3 problems I got to the last move but couldn't top. The last 2 were much harder. But I managed to get all 5 bonus holds which put me in 51th place (out of 65). I learned quite a bit and I am looking forward in seeing the semis and finals later today.
I had a rough start to my trip as my luggage didn't arrive with me which meant I had to drive back to the airport (4:30am from Font) on Thursday to pick them up at the 6am flight from Montreal then turn back and drive 7hrs to Grindelwald. I still got to visit my friend Jo in Font. and eat lots of pain au chocolat (10!). GL

Dover Island

Dave Voltan on Exciter.

Today a group of us made a day trip to Dover Island. The weather was great. My buddy Dave Voltan from Toronto was in town and he came out for the day. He had never climbed here so he was in for a real treat. Quite a few problems have been "removed" by the ocean during storms this past winter. It's amazing to think what the ocean is capable of!

Final preparations...

3 more days before I leave for europe. It has been 3 years since I was over the big pond. There has been a lot of planning to realize this trip and I can't even believe that it's going to actually happen. I fly into Paris Wed. morning then I will drive to Grindelwald, Switz. for Friday's world cup event. I am a little nervous as this is my first time competing in such an event. Switz. is one of my favorite countries I have ever visited so I am looking forward spending time there. I plan on bouldering in Magic woods between the Grindelwald and the Fiera di Primiero WC in Italy. A bigger team Canada will be present at the Primiero WC which will be great. Anyway, I will try to update this blog through out my trip via cell phone and laptop.
zig