Part 2 of a bouldering short by Belgian climber Nicolas Mathieu. The cut begins a montage of Olivier Mignon taking it easy at Magic Wood campground, who proceeds to handle Steppenwolf 8b (V13). The full 2 part video (see it at belclimb.be) captures bouldering lines from Magic Wood and Brione.
Two Months Beneath the Alpine Sky, May 5th 2011
Life on the Zurichsee begins upon arrival: the welcome hearty and much to my liking without awkward small talk. We get right down to business. Ours is a mutual recognition of being, or so I think. A week passes. By careful observation and unbiased mindfulness, I make a discovery worthy of a big, fat record scratch.
I fear (“this is no time to fear you big dummy,” I tell myself) the worst is now all too obvious: my affections for this lake and it’s ecosystems are beyond doubt, unrequited.
The forecast today is sunny with a chance of afternoon quandary. Am I some sort of voyeuristic freak for adoring this beautiful lake? And how many people gaze upon it’s innocent waters each day? What does the lake feel with all those eyes bearing heavy? Silly questions, but resignation from the search reveals nothing.
In my estimation, the interaction between person and nature, for now, is sorely lacking mutual admiration. I would make my presence known like a dog marking it’s territory, but sadly public urination is frowned upon. I search out a more discrete means of confrontation: a five day trip to Magic Wood, Switzerland, the legendary bouldering mecca that’s captivated an international audience.
