Go back to Brazil II.
Go back to Itatim Day One.
On the morning of our second day in Itatim, we climbed a route called Via Expressa (6 pitch, IVsup) on Morro da Toca. Fun and well protected climbing. Once again, our friends climbed a neighboring route. We all topped out quickly and enjoyed the views. We really wanted to try the classic Arco da Toca (5 pitch VIIa) but the guys were strongly recommending that we wait till it went into the shade at 2pm or so.
We hung out in camp while our friends went out to patch the car. At 2, we hiked back to the formation (5 minute approach) and started up the Arco da Toca route. First pitch is reputed to be very runout and indeed it is. But, the climbing is easy and you do get to place a nest of 2 pieces before starting up the second, steeper half to the belay. Second pitch is easy but scenic as you climb around the belay cave. The crux third pitch has good climbing (in our book anyway) till the last 3 bolts where things become overhung. Some A0 here got me to the belay station which seems weirdly or illogically positioned. The next pitch looked just as awkward and we ended up bailing.
On our final evening, after a dinner in town, we did put a significant dent in the volume of the cachaca we bought in Minas Gerais. Adilio did all the magic turning cachaca into caipirinhas. Our final evening with friends in Brazil. Just like in 2019, we had a great time hanging out and climbing with them. Hopefully we can do another trip with those guys in a few years.
.