Page 26 - 2020 AMA Summer

EXPEDITIONNEWS
Jess leading the first pitch of Johnny under Ryan’s expert supervision
The group had proved their metal over the week
problem and after a very polished walk back down we enjoyed a much-needed coffee (beer for those not driving) and cake in the café at the bottom. As we sat sipping our drinks and looking up at the imposing Peñón you couldn’t help but get a real sense of achievement knowing we’d climbed that.
It was with a tinge of sadness that the last day of climbing came around. We’d had 7 days of climbing so far with the majority climbing at their limits and pushing grades. It was little surprise then that everyone was feeling stiff and a bit sore that morning. These aches and pains needed to be pushed aside though as once again we were off for an adventurous climb. This time to the sea cliffs at Toix with another Top 50, Magical Mystery Tour HVS 5, as our goal. This route is not recommended for novice climbers, with an epic 60m fee hanging abseil to the base the only way out is to climb out. The group had proved their metal over the week and especially the day before on the Peñón, so it was with confidence that we made the committing abseil.
Once again, we had the whole group on one route meaning the teams needed to move fast and chase each other up the route. With the sun on our backs and the Mediterranean Sea crashing below, I couldn’t have wished for a better route to finish the trip with. It was almost obligatory for each team member to stop for an Instagram worthy shot as they topped out.
Topping out on Magical Mystery Tour marked the end of the climbing. All that was left now was to clean the villa ready to
hand back and pack for the flight home. Once our admin was squared away, we headed into a local steak house in Calpe for one final meal together as a group. Here we enjoyed cold beer, tasty food and some very good company. As I sat listening to the group laughing and telling stories of adventures, they’d had over the week I couldn’t help but think how well we’d gelled together over the last 8 days. I’d set out to organise the best trip to Spain I possibly could before I left the Army. The reality is that the AMA members that came along made it the best trip I’d either organised or participated in over the last 23 years. My biggest regret in my career is not joining the AMA earlier, however it’s not over and I look forward too many more adventures with the AMA as I start my Reserve career.
Laura and Fletch back stacking the rope at the top of pitch 5. I am keeping a close eye on Laura after her earlier efforts
Arthur working out the crux moves and taking a cheeky breather
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The group enjoying a beer or two and some silly hat fun