On 16 September 2012, 35 super-psyched climbers from around the world met at Ceresole Reale in Italy's Valle Dell'Orco for the second International Trad Meet. Dave Rudkin reports.

The meet was simply an awesome week of amazing climbing, non-stop 
laughter and lifelong friendships were built.

Representing the UK were Pete Whittaker, Andi Turner and myself.

During the days we climbed with people from all corners of the globe, 
surrounded by the fantastic landscape, enjoying the battle of some of 
Italy's finest crack climbs. 

In the evening we reveled in the local restaurants and bars, telling tales of the day and sampling the local cuisine.  A few of Italy's top climbers shared their love for climbing 
with some slideshows too.

The local climbers have developed this area well and opened some inspiring climbs at all grades, from single pitch to big mountain routes, and they strive to keep a traditional approach to protecting these climbs, minimizing bolts where they are not needed.

Between us we repeated many of the classic routes in the valley, including Rattlesnake, Legoland, Cannabis, Sitting Bull (Pete even managed a second lap of Greenspit) to name just a few.  Pete also opened a new route, an amazingly steep finger/hand crack.

The meet ended with a "lively" party and fantastic banquet, and we all left with satisfying cuts and aches, and the feeling that we had just been part of a truly special week.

I must recommend the Valle Dell'Orco for anyone who enjoys climbing.

Thanks must go to Mauro and Claudio the event co-ordinators, the Club Alpino Accademico and the BMC for giving us this great opportunity. Read the organisers' report on the meet here.

All photos by Dave Rudkin

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