I don't know if you guys are familiar with the term via ferrata. The were born in Europe and the longest ones are in Dolomitas (Italy).
I found out a little bit of info (in English) and you can see it
HERE.
Long story short... since we are climbers we didn't see much of a challenge in this kind of routes so we just decided to do the hardest, longest most exposed most demanding route in Spain. The search was over when we found out the route called
Regina. It wasn't that bad and we had a really good time. Anyone not afraid of heights and reasonable fit (vertical and overhanging terrain does pump your forearms) can do them. Some rope/carabinner handling experience is always wellcome though.
If you don't find men in thights sexy... please... stay away!
The beginning of the route. It was divided into three long different sections so if after climbing one you didn't feel like doing the rest of them... you could always walk out (not easy).
Things are about to get interesting.
We usually do it the other way arround... My partner Iñaki, who is heavier than me, crosses first... so if he screws up or the bridge doesn't hold.. I can always back out and call for help. If I cross first and he screws up... I would be stranded! Nah... the brige was in great shape. We found out a few frayed sections of steel cable, probably due to rock falls (may post some pics later).
We started climbing with base layer, fleece and even windproof gear.. we ended up in base layer and sunburnt. Those clouds didn't last long.
Ok guys... don't worry! I'll translate it for you:
VERY HARD SECTION
ARE YOU READY?
NO CHILDREN!---> You are about to found why out in a sec...
If you drop something... it tends to stay dropped.
I guess that if you have short legs (children) or you are just so stiff (no kidding...) that you can't spread that much (girls usually don't have trouble with this...)... you may end up doing the jump of your life here.
Overhangs? Oh boy...
B-b-b-b-b bird... About to end the route.
Descent was not a piece of cake... Don't trip Iñaki! Otherwise I will have to pick you up by the car...
We did another one two days after that but didn't like it as much as we liked this one. We are planning to go to Dolomitas or the Alps to do a few of these anytime soon. If you chose your climbs carefully you can even do them in winter (east/south faces).
Just a quick reminder: SAFETY FIRST! Don't be a foul and spend a few $ in a nice shock absorber and special carabinners (K rated). It is not worth risking your back using just a static sling. Wear a helmet. This kind of routes are equipped in less than perfect rock (don't you wonder why there isn't any climbing routes there?). Rocks may (and do) fall. Stay away from your partner. If he falls he may end up hitting you and breaking your neck (we only got that close for picture taking purposes).
Mikel
