Fontainebleau

We had a yarn with the Belgian lads last night and got pointed towards a climbing area in the west of the forest.  I don't think they understand how we had no map of the area, a guidebook or any firm idea of where we were heading next... We're internationally confusing!

Their English was outstanding and their ability to hold a conversation in a foreign tongue embarrassingly good.  In return we provided bad jokes! It really must run in Niven blood...

We had a lazy morning after a freezing cold night and got underway after 10.  A quick stop in town for supplies and we were off towards the boulders.  With no map and part-remembered directions we surprisingly got there without a problem! I was pretty excited to be at the Mecca of bouldering in Europe!

Happy after my first problem at Font

I can't remember the name of the area but it's apparently famous and sounds like 'fenchund and the artistes' if anyone fancies some research...

We climbed and gawped for a few hours in the sun then dozed on a comfy rock, before heading back to town for retail therapy.

I couldn't finish it :(

Fontainebleau town is great, clean and bustling. It was a pity we couldn't spend some time there as tourists and look inside the castle. 

The closest we got to the chateau!

I have to say i was pretty frustrated bouldering without a crashpad and a guidebook. However it made me even more keen to return, so if anyone would like to come please get on touch!

Back to the bivvy site for dinner before it got dark. Our plan tomorrow is to head for Nemours and the Loire valley to the south. With luck this weather will hold all the way!

Ruff & Jemimah