Go back to Euro Sampler – Meteora.
Go back to Meteora Part 1.
09/14/08. Sudwestkante (VI-, 6P) on Heiliggeistwachter
![Heiliggeistwachter - Sudwestkante](https://chossclimbers.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/IMG_6973-225x300.jpg)
Sudwestkante.
Unfortunately, the next day we woke up to rain. Rain!? In Greece in Spetember?! WTF – just our Pacific Northwest luck. Did a sightseeing drive tour all the way out west to the Ionian Sea via the scenic towns of Metsovo and Ioannina.
09/16/08. Via Scorpion (V- A0, 2P) on Spindel & Nordostweg (V+, 4P) on Heiliggeistwachter
![Spindel - Via Scorpion](https://chossclimbers.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/DSCN3315-225x300.jpg)
Via Scorpion on Spindel.
More rain next day and so again we took another driving trip, this time SE to the scenic Pelion Peninsula on the Aegean Sea.
Photos
![Meteora](https://chossclimbers.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/DSCN3258-1024x768.jpg)
Heiliggeistwachter. Sudwestkante is on the right and Nordostweg is on the left (Sept. 2008).
![Heiliggeistwachter - Sudwestkante](https://chossclimbers.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/DSCN3217-768x1024.jpg)
Leading pitch 1 or 2 of Sudwestkante on Heiliggeistwachter (Sept. 2008).
![Heiliggeistwachter - Sudwestkante](https://chossclimbers.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/IMG_6954-1024x768.jpg)
Doupianifels from near the base of Sudwestkante on Heiliggeistwachter (Sept. 2008).
![Heiliggeistwachter - Sudwestkante](https://chossclimbers.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/IMG_6965-768x1024.jpg)
Shirley on pitch 2 or 3 of Sudwestkante route (Sept. 2008).
![Heiliggeistwachter - Sudwestkante](https://chossclimbers.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/IMG_6967-1024x768.jpg)
Views of Kastraki village (Sept. 2008).
![Heiliggeistwachter - Sudwestkante](https://chossclimbers.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/DSCN3222-768x1024.jpg)
Leading pitch 4 (Sept. 2008).
![Heiliggeistwachter - Sudwestkante](https://chossclimbers.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/IMG_6973-768x1024.jpg)
Shirley on pitch 4 of Sudwestkante (6 pitch VI-; Sept. 2008).
![Heiliggeistwachter - Sudwestkante](https://chossclimbers.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/IMG_6987-768x1024.jpg)
Arriving at the belay (Sept. 2008).
![Heiliggeistwachter - Sudwestkante](https://chossclimbers.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/DSCN3226-1024x768.jpg)
Starting up pitch 5 (which we combined with 6; Sept. 2008).
![Heiliggeistwachter - Sudwestkante](https://chossclimbers.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/DSCN3228-1024x768.jpg)
Views from Sudwestkante route on Heiliggeistwachter (Sept. 2008).
![Heiliggeistwachter - Sudwestkante](https://chossclimbers.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/DSCN3230-1024x768.jpg)
Leading pitches 5 and 6 to the summit (Sept. 2008).
![Heiliggeistwachter - Sudwestkante](https://chossclimbers.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/IMG_7000-768x1024.jpg)
Shirley on the final pitch (#6 per guidebook; Sept. 2008).
![Heiliggeistwachter - Sudwestkante](https://chossclimbers.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/IMG_7007-1024x768.jpg)
Shirley topping out on Sudwestkante route on Heiliggeistwachter’s summit. Kastraki is below and Holy Ghost formation is on the left (Sept. 2008).
![Heiliggeistwachter - Sudwestkante](https://chossclimbers.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/IMG_7013-768x1024.jpg)
Summit log (Sept. 2008).
![Heiliggeistwachter - Sudwestkante](https://chossclimbers.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/IMG_7016-1024x768.jpg)
Shirley on the summit of Heiliggeistwachter formation after our climb of Sudwestkante route (Sept. 2008).
![Heiliggeistwachter - Sudwestkante](https://chossclimbers.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/IMG_7024-1024x768.jpg)
Views northwest from the summit of Heiliggeistwachter. On the left is The Kelch and another 14th century monastery is at the center (Sept. 2008).
![Heiliggeistwachter - Sudwestkante](https://chossclimbers.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/DSCN3236-768x1024.jpg)
This is the start of the rappels off of Heiliggeistwachter Tower (Sept. 2008).
![Heiliggeistwachter - Sudwestkante](https://chossclimbers.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/IMG_7032-768x1024.jpg)
Climbers at the second belay on Sudwestkante route on Heiliggeistwachter (Sept. 2008).
![Heiliggeistwachter - Sudwestkante](https://chossclimbers.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/IMG_7037-1024x768.jpg)
Shirley hiking out after our climb of Sudwestkante on Heiliggeistwachter Tower. There’s a party at the 2nd belay and a suspicious jackass watching us (Sept. 2008).
![Heiliggeistwachter - Sudwestkante](https://chossclimbers.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/IMG_7034-1024x768.jpg)
Hiking back to the village for some feta, tomatoes, and a liter of table wine (Sept. 2008).
![Meteora](https://chossclimbers.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/DSCN3276-1024x768.jpg)
Monk hermitages on Pixari (Sept. 2008).
![Meteora](https://chossclimbers.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/DSCN3274-1024x768.jpg)
Monk hermitages on Pixari. A functioning monastery built into the rockface is on the right & provides scale (Sept. 2008).
![Meteora](https://chossclimbers.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/DSCN3280-768x1024.jpg)
A closer look at Monk hermitages on Pixari (Sept. 2008).
![Greece](https://chossclimbers.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/DSCN3292-768x1024.jpg)
Another rainy day road trip. This is I think a street in the town of Ioannina in western Greece (Sept. 2008).
![Greece](https://chossclimbers.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/DSCN3285-768x1024.jpg)
One of the key activities we engaged in while in Greece (esp. on rainy days) – drinking many Greek coffees. This I think is on a road trip out wast & the town of Metsovo (Sept. 2008).
![Greece](https://chossclimbers.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/DSCN3286-768x1024.jpg)
A canopy of grape vines above an outdoor coffee shop in Metsovo (Sept. 2008).
![Meteora](https://chossclimbers.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/DSCN3306-1024x768.jpg)
The view of Kastraki village (Sept. 2008).
![Meteora](https://chossclimbers.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/DSCN3240-768x1024.jpg)
Grand Meteora Monastery (Sept. 2008).
![Meteora](https://chossclimbers.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/DSCN3244-1024x768.jpg)
Shirley at the Grand Meteora Monastery & sporting a required skirt (rented out at the entrance; Sept. 2008).
![Meteora](https://chossclimbers.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/DSCN3246-2-1024x768.jpg)
Views form the Grand Meteora Monastery (Sept. 2008).
![Meteora](https://chossclimbers.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/DSCN3248-2-1024x768.jpg)
Doupianifels as seen from the Grand Meteora Monastery (Sept. 2008).
![Meteora](https://chossclimbers.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/DSCN3260-1024x768.jpg)
Shirley & a very friendly kitten at the monastery (Sept. 2008).
![Spindel - Via Scorpion](https://chossclimbers.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/DSCN3315-768x1024.jpg)
Like my knobs? Pitch 1 of Via Scorpion on Spindel Tower….don’t look at my rack – you don’t need any gear (Sept. 2008).
![Spindel - Via Scorpion](https://chossclimbers.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/DSCN0003-768x1024.jpg)
Higher on pitch 1 (Sept. 2008).
![Spindel - Via Scorpion](https://chossclimbers.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/IMG_7042-768x1024.jpg)
Shirley on pitch 1 (Sept. 2008).
![Spindel - Via Scorpion](https://chossclimbers.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/DSCN0006-1024x744.jpg)
Shirley arriving at the first belay on Via Scorpion (Sept. 2008).
![Spindel - Via Scorpion](https://chossclimbers.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/IMG_7054-1024x768.jpg)
Shirley topping out on pitch 1 of Via Scorpion on the Spindel (Sept. 2008).
![Spindel - Via Scorpion](https://chossclimbers.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/DSCN0009-768x1024.jpg)
Leading the pitch 2 bolt ladder (Sept. 2008).
![Spindel - Via Scorpion](https://chossclimbers.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/IMG_7062-768x1024.jpg)
Pitch 2 bolt ladder of Via Scorpion on Spindel Tower (Sept. 2008).
![Spindel - Via Scorpion](https://chossclimbers.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/IMG_7043-1024x768.jpg)
Pretty village of Kastraki framed by Pixari (left) and Spindel from which the photo was taken. Pindos Mountains are on the horizon (Sept. 2008).
![Spindel - Via Scorpion](https://chossclimbers.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/IMG_7086-1024x768.jpg)
Shirley topping out on Via Scorpion’s pitch 2 and the summit of the Spindel (Sept. 2008).
![Spindel - Via Scorpion](https://chossclimbers.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/IMG_7108-1024x768.jpg)
“Is it one or two ‘Ls’ in phallic??” Shirley working feverishly on our summit register entry…..OK, I joke: we adhered to the strict formatting guidelines as called for by the guidebooks when signing these things (Sept. 2008).
![Spindel - Via Scorpion](https://chossclimbers.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/IMG_7104-1024x768.jpg)
Summit register atop the Spindel. Multi-language and with descriptions of established routes on the formation as well as the rappels and a highly structured entry form for signing in…typical of Meteora summits (Sept. 2008).
![Spindel - Via Scorpion](https://chossclimbers.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/DSCN3328-1024x768.jpg)
Sourloti from the summit of the Spindel (Sept. 2008).
![Spindel - Via Scorpion](https://chossclimbers.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/IMG_7121-768x1024.jpg)
Shirley getting ready to rap off the Spindel (Sept. 2008).
![Spindel - Via Scorpion](https://chossclimbers.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/IMG_7124-768x1024.jpg)
Another view of Shirley on the summit (Sept. 2008).
![Spindel - Via Scorpion](https://chossclimbers.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/IMG_7122-768x1024.jpg)
A wider angle view with Sourloti in the background (Sept. 2008).
![Spindel - Via Scorpion](https://chossclimbers.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/IMG_7146-1024x768.jpg)
Spindel and Sourloti (and Shirley rapping off; Sept. 2008).
![Spindel - Via Scorpion](https://chossclimbers.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/DSCN3334-1024x768.jpg)
The southeast aspect of Sourloti formation (Sept. 2008).
![Meteora](https://chossclimbers.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/DSCN3343-1024x768.jpg)
The gorgeous Sourloti from Kastraki (Sept. 2008).
![Spindel - Via Scorpion](https://chossclimbers.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/DSCN3339-1-1024x768.jpg)
Shirley back hiking through the village of Kastraki (Sept. 2008).
![Meteora](https://chossclimbers.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/DSCN3270-768x1024.jpg)
Unknown climbers on pitch 2 of Nordostweg on Heiliggeistwachter (Sept. 2008).
![Heiliggeistwachter - Nordostweg](https://chossclimbers.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/DSCN3354-768x1024.jpg)
Starting the lead of pitch 1 of Nordostweg (4 pitch, V+ route) Heiliggeistwachter formation. We were reminded of some Columbia Gorge climbs back home (but on much more solid rock of course; Sept. 2008).
![Heiliggeistwachter - Nordostweg](https://chossclimbers.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/IMG_7162-768x1024.jpg)
Shirley arriving at the first belay (Sept. 2008).
![Heiliggeistwachter - Nordostweg](https://chossclimbers.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/DSCN3357-768x1024.jpg)
Leading pitch 2 of Nordostweg (Sept. 2008).
![Heiliggeistwachter - Nordostweg](https://chossclimbers.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/IMG_7184-1024x768.jpg)
Shirley on pitch 3 (Sept. 2008).
![Heiliggeistwachter - Nordostweg](https://chossclimbers.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/IMG_7197-768x1024.jpg)
Shirley topping out on pitch 3 of Nordostweg route (Sept. 2008).
![Heiliggeistwachter - Nordostweg](https://chossclimbers.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/DSCN3370-1024x768.jpg)
Starting the lead of the 4th (& final) pitch of Nordostweg route (Sept. 2008).
![Heiliggeistwachter - Nordostweg](https://chossclimbers.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/IMG_7201-1024x768.jpg)
Shirley atop the pitch 3 belay on Nordostweg route (Sept. 2008).
![Heiliggeistwachter - Nordostweg](https://chossclimbers.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/IMG_7202-1024x768.jpg)
Shirley topping out on the Nordostweg route (pitch 4) on Heiliggeistwachter’s summit (Sept. 2008).
![Heiliggeistwachter - Nordostweg](https://chossclimbers.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/IMG_7205-768x1024.jpg)
Shirley hiking down a mossy gully after our climb & descent off of the summit of Heiliggeistwachter (Sept. 2008).
![Greece](https://chossclimbers.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/DSCN3404-1024x768.jpg)
Driving through the scenic Pelion Peninsula on the Aegean Sea (east coast of Greece) with an unconcerned village resident taking a nap in the middle of the highway (Sept. 2008).
![Greece](https://chossclimbers.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/DSCN3388-1024x768.jpg)
Shirley in an olive orchard somewhere on the Pelion Peninsula on the east coast of Greece (Sept. 2008).
![Greece](https://chossclimbers.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/DSCN3380-1024x768.jpg)
Olives (Sept. 2008).
![Greece](https://chossclimbers.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/DSCN3400-1024x768.jpg)
Pelion Peninsula on the Aegean Sea (Sept. 2008).
![Greece](https://chossclimbers.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/DSCN3298-1024x768.jpg)
Pelion Peninsula on the Aegean Sea (Sept. 2008).
![Greece](https://chossclimbers.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/DSCN3373-1024x768.jpg)
A tiger killing time in some coffee shop (Sept. 2008).
Go to Meteora Part 3.
Go back to Euro Sampler – Meteora.