Last week my brother Giovanni and I boarded a plane for Paris, France for his first European climbing adventure. Having spent a lot of time expanding my global perspective over the last few years, I was eager to guide my younger brother down the same path. He’s also ridiculously strong and seems to only be limited by the dwindling selection of available boulders near Santa Rosa, CA. It was time to get him out into the world!
We spent the past week in the forest of Fontainebleau, France along with Clark Shelk, owner of Revolution and Pusher, and some Austrian and German friends. It rained a lot and even snowed a little, but we managed to sneak in a few days of climbing. The forest continued to teach me things about my climbing and I enjoyed watching my brother’s wide eyed amazement at the bouldering playground that is Fontainebleau. Having traveled so extensively in the past few year, it really puts things into perspective when I bring someone new to these enchanted areas. They are magical environments and I am lucky to be able to enjoy them more frequently than most. Here are some photos from our days in France:
G and Clark…Best buds.
Holding down the corner.
?
Clark Shelk!
The Crew… Flo, G, Clark, and Peter
Making the Chateau look good!
European Ashtray
Cigarette Ashtray…Loved and Forgotten.
G doing work on Atresie 8A
Representing for the short people on The Big Island 8C
Carlo, I don’t really like to point out other peoples bad choises and ethics. I actually hate doing that like most people do.
However, this is Fontainebleau afterall… Enchanted and magical as you put it.
In my opinion, climbing on the old historic châteaux and posting pictures of it is definitely not a wise move from your part as a pro Carlo. Especially if you consider some of the acces issues we’ve seen in Fontainebleau lately.
When we go to Fontainebleau we are guests. We have to remember that and behave as suchs (this also goes for non-climbers of course). The acces is not granted and we all share the responsibility to keep it intact.
This is in no way an attack on you Carlo.
Claus,
Thank you for the well worded comment. I completely understand where you are coming from. It was my brother who was momentarily climbing on the chateaux and he was told to get down very soon after the photos were taken. I was just snapping shots from a distance and certainly don’t condone the action. While I don’t think the photos will necessarily encourage others to builder on historical monuments, I will happily take the photos off for the reasons you listed above. I treat the areas that we are allowed to climb in with complete respect and encourage others to do so.
Thanks,
Carlo