How many athletes was there too Natalie Bärtschi during the summer months in the South African bouldering paradise of Rocklands. Here is a guest post and the video of Natalie's stay.
A guest post by Natalie Bärtschi
Time flies too quickly in South Africa, and this year was no exception. With a heavy heart we leave this paradise of red-orange rock after a month and are already planning our return. There are countless open projects and the knowledge of all the great new sectors doesn't make saying goodbye any easier. But not only the climbing, also the beautiful sunsets, the Milky Way, the shooting stars, the delicious food and the many great people from all over the world make this place a paradise on earth. I just never get enough and I can't wait for the next time! Here my 3 × 3 from this trip. Below you can find the video of my bouldering trip in the Rocklands.
My top 3 inspections
Macho King (7C +)
I tried this line on our last visit here before 2 years ago. Although I was able to climb to the edge several times, I never dared to squeeze the last move. After I could not overcome myself this year, I had already given up inside. On our last day of climbing I was finally persuaded to give the Boulder one last chance. Suddenly everything felt so light, the fear was blown away and I was able to climb the boulder to the top. At this point a huge thank you to all who believed in me and supported me!
No Late Tenders (7C +)
Due to a finger injury I could not try this boulder the last time. This year he turned out to be a perfect project. On our first day I worked out all the moves and was able to climb it in two parts. At the beginning of the second session, I wanted to briefly check out the beginning and shortly afterwards I was already at the top!
The Stimulator (7C)
My favorite new sector is called "The Section", where this pearl is located. A horizontal roof with many toehooks and a huge swing to the conclusion, I can hardly imagine anything better!
My top 3 projects for the next Rocklands trip
Black Shadow (8A +)
In search of a heavy project, this line was my first thought. Without much expectations, I went for the first time and surprisingly was able to climb all trains except one. I was finally able to work out this move and climb the boulder in three overlapping parts. Unfortunately, more than half of our time was already over and there were so many other things I wanted to try. In the end, I did not have the patience to invest all my time and energy in this one boulder, but I'm looking forward to seeing you again!
Amphitheater (8A)
Although this boulder requires an 45 minute approach, I have not regretted my decision, it was worth every second! It did not lack much at the key point, but after several hours I finally had to admit that I was simply too tired for a walk-through. Unfortunately, I was not there a second time, hopefully it will work next time.
Cape Town
After our arrival we were lucky enough to spend two wonderful days climbing in the Cape Town area. The amount of immaculate white sandstone with sea view was overwhelming, I was certainly not there for the last time!
Top 3 crossings, which I was allowed to witness
Whole in One (7C +)
Shortly after his first 7B Boulder, Nico immediately climbed a 7C + jump, what a performance! Although I could not be there myself, it was a pleasure to be able to experience the whole thing on video.
Black Shadow (8A +)
Only once did we venture into the block in the morning and I quickly realized why it is usually climbed in the evening. In the sun it was much too warm and the conditions were far from ideal. Nevertheless, we made progress and when it really got too hot for me, Ishan wanted to make one last attempt. I could barely believe my eyes as he simply climbed through the keyhole and climbed the Boulder!
Guest List (8B)
On our last day we decided to pay a visit to the sector "Eland". Again, it was quite warm, but fortunately, this boulder was still in the shade. After a short warm-up, Remo worked on all the moves, gave a try from the start and secured the way through. Wow!
Video about Natalie Bärtschis stay in the Rocklands
Enough of the words. Luckily, Natalie recorded her stay with Remo Sommer, Philipp Schädle, Michael Tschannen, Manuel Wacker and other friends in the form of a video.
Advice for the training of Natalie Bärtschi
In her last guest post Natalie revealed what is important for her in terms of training.
Credits: text Natalie Bärtschi - onsight.ch, Title picture Franca Schmid
