Today we tackled another of the top 50 routes from the Lofoten guidebook – Bare Blåbær at Djupfjord. This is a very popular slab and crack climb approached by a beautiful walk.

So popular in fact that we met someone we knew…

Me and Chris

Chris was here doing a lecture for the Norwegian Navy and was taking advantage of willing climbing partners from the Navy.

Djupfjord in the afternoon sun

The sun doesn’t hit the slab until early afternoon, so we did most of the climb in the shade – it was very cold with the arctic breeze.

This is a Norwegian grade 5, and a lovely looking granite slab, so I had hoped to lead a good part of the route, but the cracks demanded serious jamming, which I just can’t seem to master, so I only ended up leading the easiest first pitch.

The grit monsters – Paul and Richard – found it easy, showing how to jam with style. Even Pete jammed with success. And I could hear Chris above calling out, “what fantastic jamming”, and later, “ooooh, my feet hurt.” I had to be satisfied with seconding. I managed a little jam (more like conserve actually) but I simply loved the friction on the slab.

Richard - Grit Monster The Younger

Paul - Grit Monster The Elder

Pete - Grit Monster the Aspirant

Laetitia - No intention on ever being a Grit Monster

As the sun came round, more climbers approached, but we were on the abseil by then.

A justifiably very popular route.