Slab climbing and hiking near the Grimsel

[stk@mountains.social]

1/2 Yesterday my wife and I flew from the heat into the mountains. We did some climbing and hiking near the Grimsel. Slab climbing on granite. It's challenging for the calf muscles and for the mind as there is just noting to hold on but perfect to train your trust in your feet as well as finding and feeling tiny pockets for placing your feet.

#climbing

[stk@mountains.social]

2/2 After our climb we drove a little bit further direction Guttannen and stopped beneath the famous Gelmerbahn. Howevewr we decided to avoid the touristic crowds and climb the other side of the valley. And indeed after a couple of meters, even before the steep ascend started we met just a few hikers.
It's a nice hike up and you can imagine how rough it had been once when the glaciers up there were taller and covered all the naked rocks up there. After the steep ascend the landscape opens and we found lots of yummie blueberries.

#hiking #guttannen #handegg

[detershenning@eupolicy.social]

@stk wow, that looks challenging. I'm intrigued: Does this "slab climbing" mean you essentially "walked" up the granite slope (while keeping balance etc.)? One of the photos looks like that's what you did, but it's hard to gauge the steepness from a 2d photo, where you can't quite tell the perspective.

[stk@mountains.social]

@DetersHenning The first pitch is really easy (3a rated) if you trust the grip of your shoes. The second pitch (3c) is slightly more difficult and I started to use my hands. At the third pitch (4c) onwards you definitely need your hands.

[stk@mountains.social]

@DetersHenning the third photo is my wife abseiling.

[detershenning@eupolicy.social]

@stk
Oh, I see thanks.