Day 9 Antalya

Windy last night - some rain too, but now as usual a hot day. Eggy toast, two big mugs earl Grey tea. Climbing: lots of people (just) it about - but I'm still - at least at the moment - on climbing. I wonder if it will dissipate / wear off - suspect not. I've noticed that there's a lot of crap about grades. It seems that most people claim to lead upwards of 7a, yet I think only one (Danny) does; for me I can do 5c / 6a - but did fail on two 6as today. If I cannot do it on sight then I cannot realistically climb at that grade. Noticed that the longer routes seem easier for a given grade. Anyway, today saw me do: Geyik - hot in the sun, okay earlier on, but by 11:30 am sun full on! 5a 5b; 5c 5c; i.e. a couple of two pitch routes. Given VI- or 5.9 USA or HVS 5a UK - stacks up in my mind. Failed on two 6a routes. The day improved with a 5c+ (this is about 5.10a).

Cups of tea, a couple of tomatoes for lunch: apparently not allowed [Hot Rock] tea bags [at lunch time], but had one of my own. Thence Turkish Standard area. 5a, 5c+ and a 6a (VI+ or 5.10b). Last route seemed a lot easier than UK 5c. I like the cliff - overlooking the Jo Si To campsite.

Now back at truck. Still think lots of crap re. climbing - comments like 'my belayer shouldn't be tied down - since it's harder to pay out slack(!)'. In general the group dynamics are interesting. I'd recommend Hot Rock to a psychologist or perhaps an alienist.