Day 25 Bisotun

3:13 pm; 58.5 degrees C in my tent - but (fortunately) only the thermometer (part of my alarm clock) is in the tent and I am outside...the tent is in the sun too. Anyway out climbing today, some scrappy climbing - principally to retreive the ropes from yesterday - but in the event beaten to it by Sophie. Climbed with Simon: first pitch was good, probably VS 4b. Then lots of wandering about, alternate leads - getting to the top in about four pitches. Not worth doing. Took the opportunity on the walk down from the climbing to take in some of the Bisotun archeology - hot work being 44 degrees in the shade, but felt I should make some effort. This is Hercules resting - apparently on a lion skin, and drinking from a bowl. Behind him is an olive tree, a quiver of arrows and a club, all carved and surviving remarkably well. There is an inscription carved in old Greek. According to the signage, dates from 148 BCE and is probably the youngest Seleucid piece of art in Iran.

8:20 pm preparing to leave Bisotun - definitely the most awesome bit of rock I have seen. Just been speaking to a local Iranian - he thinks it is a pity that the Iranian government doesn't do more to encourage tourism here, and in Iran in general. I told him that I felt it was something of a privilege to visit Iran, let alone climb here. The Iranians are incredibly friendly. Finished my climbing here with a nice single pitch way over to the left; nice stemming, flake crack to left hand side, thence thin climbing up slabby stuff. About VS 4b and reminiscent of the English Lake District. Final ice cream.