We returned the next day to a different sector of Calanque de Sormiou. This time, our routes were at Le Bec (beak) de Sormiou at the La Momie area. Despite being in the same calanque, the climbing and setting are quite different. The approach was similar to our first day, with the addition of quite a long traverse to reach Le Bec de Sormiou. It was super cool and unlike any other approaches I have done before.
One thing I am so grateful for to climbing, and the ability to still climb is the unique perspectives of a place it offers us.
View from the winding traverse to the route
A short rope up for the approach
Trying to keep the rope dry (Photo: Yves)
That’s Yves in there, somewhere
It was a pleasant surprise to be able to climb French grade 6 off the couch. This is likely because the rock is very featured so there are a lot of hold options for my hands and feet; a great help since I need to do moves/routes less conventionally than other climbers now.
Climbing right by the Mediterranean sea was magical beyond words
A clearer view of le bec (beak)
View of the opening to the calanques from the cushy belay on top of our p2 (I had linked pitches 2 and 3 unintentionally)
Enjoying the relative warmth and sun at the cushy belay spot. Right climbing shoe is off to give my missing big toe (Photo: Yves)
This route combination was a great, though unintended choice, because of the varied nature of the climbing (overhanging, stemming, corners…), and the change in atmosphere: from sunny to cold and windy. I was swearing hard as I transitioned from the sunny part of the climbing to the veritable wind tunnel.
Yves on the last pitch
View from the windy side of the route
I always think I look like Gargamel from the Smurfs in my photos (Photo: Yves)
Gargamel. See what I mean? (Source: http://vignette1.wikia.nocookie.net/smurfsfanon/images/2/26/Gargamel_and_Azrael_Profile_-_Smurfs.jpg/revision/latest?cb=20120418230128)
Back in the sun on top
Chillin’ (I love the clouds in this picture)
View from Col du Lui d’Ai
Ong Strong 
