Monte Cervino

Some time ago Mary and the girls registered for a climbing course with the Dutch Alpine Club at Monte Cervino, near Rotterdam. Obviously Paula couldn't participate, and Dorien's friend Lars was keen to take her place. The weather on the day was perfect, and we turned it into a family outing. Mary, Dorien and Lars left early to follow a day of instructions and practise; Piet and Paula came separately with wheelchair and mountainbike. Monte Cervino is in Bergschenhoek, in a large park where many outdoor activities take place. The park is build on top of an old rubbish dump, creating some artificial relief. There is a challenging mountainbike trail, with steep climbs and descends, and Piet tried a few laps while Paula watched the others. Monte Cervino is a massive, 35 m high structure, with many, many climbing routes. It was extremely busy this day, with ropes and people everywhere. They practiced falls, abseiling and some other techniques that will support them for potential future trips in the Alps. Piet and Paula left them after lunch to look after Beau, the others returned sunburned and satisfied at at the end of the day.

Monte Cervino from the mountainbike trail

Dorien practicing falling techniques

Getting instructions

Busy at the climbing wall: a perfect April day

Mary is stunting on the wall

Paula and Montevideo (III)

Paula is still on her long road to recovery from her broken leg. 2 weeks after surgery her cast was removed and a new flexible plastic cast was put back on, with velcro strips for closure. She can take off this cast, but this is still pretty scary. She will be in a wheelchair until at least end of April, when the next step will be decided. In the mean time she is picking up her study and social life, and gathered a large group around her for support. Living at home again (with your parents) can get a bit boring! Her plan for next year has also taken shape: Paula will finish her Batchelor in the summer and will take a year off to sit on the board of her rowing club Proteus. This is a full time job, and as she hasn't lost any time yet she wants to take the opportunity to gain experience in a completely different area.

Piet made another trip to Montevideo, Uruguay, to have meetings with the government. At the end of a busy day Piet and his colleague borrowed bikes from the hotel, and cycled a long way along the coast, enjoying the sunset. Unfortunately this was most likely his last trip, as the project is being wrapped up.

Paula and Britt at the stable

A beautiful neighbourhood on the edge of Montevideo

Sunset over Montevideo

Piet on the Montevideo sign, just opposite the hotel

Mental relaxing after a busy day

Kite surfing on Playa Malvin