Finnish climbing 2008

Of course it's no surprise to hear that we were climbing throughout the year in Finland. December has been a bit grim, but otherwise Tony had been climbing in Finland during every other month. Anni joined on many of these trips. Highlights included two trips to Olhava, one trip to Kustavi and many to Revetenvuori and more local crags. We made a few first ascents. The first by Anni and Tony being the rather easy Heinähanko (F4+ PG) in Haukkakallio. Tony also made first ascents Mastodontti (F6b) and the rather surprisingly Tutu hard (F5 ), both at Haukkakallio and the latter done on his stagnight in a tutu. Unfortunately we're not publishing the photos here! We also repeated some great routes, Anni did fantastically well to climb Ruotsalaisten reitti and Salama (both long F6a routes at Olhava). Other favourite routes of the year included Urkkupilli at Revetenvouri, Sledgehammer at Falkberget and Leppakomiehenfriendi at Kvarnby. Several of the photos here are from Toby's blog and complete accounts of the various trips can be found on his blog at http://lightfromthenorth.blogspot.com/ by clicking on the rockclimbing label.

Winter camping near Valkeala with Toby

On the crux of Mastadontti - the crack flares making jams feel insecure

Anni in action on Constant Gardener at Haukkakallio

Simon climbing Urkkupilli at Revetenvuori

February climbing in Rollarit

Spring flowers in Kvarnby

Olhava - a tranquil place to climb

Many of the climbs are accessible only by boat

Salama follows the obvious crack system running up the face with two traverses to the right. Ruotsalaisten Reitti starts behind the island and follows a rising traverse out of the frame.