This is a quick note to say “Thank you” or better yet, “Merci” to the French Alpine Club in Casablanca (Club Alpin Francais de Casablanca) for all the hard work they have put into developing one of Climb Morocco’s favorite climbing locations, Zuhelika. They have invested countless hours of hard work drilling and developing new routes and a good bit of money too into the gear and hardware needed to do a good job. Thank you.
Jeremy and I had the opportunity to guide two excited clients last Monday in Zuhelika. What a fantastic day! Our clients were from Belgium and Germany and were really excited to climb, not only outdoors, but in Morocco! Jeremy and I were excited to show them some of the fun routes Zuhelika has to offer on solid rock in a picturesque village location. Anyway, when we arrived, we noticed a group from the French Alpine Club finishing up a five day trip to Zuhelika in order to development about 10+ new routes in the 5 to 6+ range (French Grade). We had the opportunity to benefit from them immediately as we quickly jumped on a couple of new climbs in the 5 range. I also spent some time meeting the chairman of the French Alpine Club in Casablanca, Jean-Pierre. He was there with a group of experienced route setting friends that had traveled from France in order to continue the development of Zuhelika. They were very friendly and passionate about doing a good job bolting these new lines. We were also thrilled to learn that we both share similar values concerning the climbing locations we enjoy. Jean-Pierre mentioned to me his desire to see Zuhelika remain the beautiful, peaceful, and clean area that it is which reminded me of Climb Morocco’s core values of cultural and environmental sensitivity. We are also committed to caring for not only the location where we climb but also for the people in the nearby villages that have been so hospitable and inviting to us. We are so happy to have finally met some climbers from the club we have heard so much about in Casablanca and are excited to see how we may be able to work together and spread a passion for rock climbing in Morocco in the future.
So, French Alpine Club of Casablanca, thank you for your time, money, and hard work that you have invested in the beautiful climbing area of Zuhelika. We are so grateful for your expertise in route development and commitment to keeping this special climbing area so beautiful and clean. Also, thanks for the fun routes you have put up too! Can’t wait to try out some of the new 6’s!
Jay Parks – Climb Morocco
