Until I get back outside, I think I genuinely forget how alive I feel frolicking through the woods. I returned to Bleau this year, with low expectations because in the midst of final exams and coursework I forgot I love climbing. I set off with a bunch of strangers and B, my partner in getting the fuck out of London to climb. He taught me all the basic skills and I mostly drove him a bit crazy with my chaoticness but he is a gem. This year was probably the most beautiful weather I’ve ever had on a trip, and while the climbing was mediocre, I finally felt at ease with my mind and body. I saw some fabulous (but deadly to dogs) creatures, including these processionary pine caterpillars… they are an invasive species and still really quite irritating to humans too so watch your fall zones and mats when you shake them out.