Climbing guides? The lowest form of human life

They just want your money and an easy day

Today, tried to go climbing with local guy. Turned into farce. Met 8 am to go to prime crag at Socaire, but bus wasn´t running, so adjourn for breakfast. Talk of a second, rubbishy location at village of Tocanao. Bus at 10 am. Soon turned out he was guide and wanted - shock horror - payment!! - US$60, mucho gaspo!!. Was news to me. Have never paid guide to take me climbing in my life, ever ever ever, and have all kit, so what am I paying for exactly? (huff huff)...

Anyways, push comes to shove, am willing (reluctantly, huff huff) to pay for first location, but not the second. Bus goes on Fridays and Saturdays...

Postscript Sunday 15th April
Socaire (apparently good rock, but difficult access from San Pedro)
http://www.rockclimbing.com/routes/listArea.php?AreaID=1716

Tocanau (rubbish rock but relatively easy access from San Pedro)
http://www.rockclimbing.com/routes/listArea.php?AreaID=2440
Soloed a couple of easy rotes today, but then I was desperate.

American woman joined brekkie picnic in town square and acts as interpreter. Our acquantance, it turned out, has had an interesting life. Colombian, he fought in sorta Sandinista guerrilla force (or possibly armed drug gang) until had to flee about 12 years ago. After 10 years in exile in Chile he returned. Was back home for mere 2 days before Government special police turned up to whack him (tipico tactico: wade in, shoot suspects, leave bodies in situ). Legs it out of back door of Mum´s house while police zoning in on the front door. Now has political asylum in Chile.



Have signed up for this minor hump in a couple of days´ time.