Emma climbs: Klara Vappen in Kustavi!

"Asuttekste täällä?" is what the Kustavi local Matti first asked me and Hanna when he passed us at Hopia. "Hehehe, it does seem like we live here."

The Tampere trad chicks had taken over Kustavi again. We were supposed to go to Olhava but we ended up bailing to Kustavi since the probability of dry climbing was better there. Kustavi does not disappoint!

The May Day team spandex.

Talven kuivattama lähetys-kuikka.
A black-throated diver.

It was really cool to see many people out at Hopia on Friday. The Kustavi locals are super friendly. I am very grateful for the gear and beta, thank you!

Liisa working on her project Kylmä hönkä (6+).

Matti working on a project.

I climbed most of the day with Riikka. She devotes most of her time to bouldering. In two weeks she is embarking on a kayaking adventure with our climbing buddy Alan. They are kayaking across Finland.

The only new route I tried was Astronautinto (7-). I gave a surprisingly good onsight burn and hung twice at the bottom. Then I took a whipper on Pasuuna (6), from a perfect hand jam close to the top. Great success!

Riikka seconding Pioneeri (5).

Arno on Dead Ringers eng (7),
Piri on Pasuuna (6). Pic: Hanna

Suvi sending Pioneeri (5+). Pic: Hanna

The flamingos say hello to Alan from Lootholma! Pic: Hanna

Saturday we headed out early because rain was forecast according to Yr.no, Foreca, and Ilmatieteenlaitos. Me and Liisa started at Nostalgia. After the warmups we practiced crucial skills for Norway; climbing fast by alternating between free climbing and french freeing. Read: We came no way near sending, so we had to come up with an excuse for why we where french freeing a classic finger crack.

Soul sisko (6-) is good, Peura (6-) is excellent!

Nostalgia (7-) is very nice. Pic: Hanna

Nostalgia did not go free.

A doughnut from Talouskauppa. Thank you Joonas!

Still no rain so let's continue to Uhrikallio.

Riikka seconding Sähköpaimen (5+), the best hand crack in Kustavi if you ask me.

I have never climbed an offwidth before. Offwidth is for climbers who don't like using holds and who enjoy getting bruised up. Or who want to climb a classic like Freerider (5.12d). Dream big! I managed to climb up the offwidth Kirnu (7-), which was the highlight of my day. Emma's long journey was captured by Piri and Riikka.

Rack for the Kirnu: #5, #6, and a double sling+draw

Ajovirhe! Asetin jousilaitteen liian lähelle reunaa. Hups, ajovirhe! Suomea!

I got stuck many times at the top because my helmet would not fit in. I was suggested to loose the helmet. I thought long and hard about doing it. And then I thought about my mum. Thinking about mum while climbing is the worst! Sorry mum. I decided to stick with the helmet. It is awkward, but doable.

It finally started raining when I was making last moves in Kirnu. I was soaking wet after I got to the top. I tried walking, but the wet moss made the top slippery. I literally crawled 9ft to the nearest tree. Not my proudest moment. I came down to change my clothes and Henna went up to belay Hanna. Hanna was doing great, taken into account that she has never climbed offwidht before either. The rock was still wet so, after giving a good effort, she decided to come down.

Hanna got lowered with the help of Arno, Joonas, and Riikka. Great work team! No harm done to the rope.

I feel you Henna.

Arno shows us how it's done.

Arno is the offwidth machine. We gave him a trad name for it. And yes, we all have trad names, but I'm saving them for later.

Joonas belaying Arnoffari. Pic: Henna

Arnoffari in an Offline-simulator. Pic: Riikka

Piri sending Sähköpaimen (5+).

Piri in Sähköpaimen (5+) and Henna in Kirnu (7-).

Meeri sending Sähköpaimen. It's just so good!

I recommend checking out the beach. Pic: Riikka

Sunday we visited Hooperi, Vartsalan Vanha Koulu (huge doughnuts and cinnamon rolls!) and Pohjavuori.

In Hooperi I climbed Lohikäärmetee (6) and in Pohjavuori I ate a cinnamon roll.