The two North Face athletes Caroline Ciavaldini and James Pearson manage the first ascent of the "Excalibur" in the Gheralte Mountains in the Tigray region of the North African country of Ethiopia. With them on the expedition their young son Arthur.
The region of Tigray in Ethiopia, looks back on an eventful climbing history and has always offered the opportunity to discover a completely different world. Since as early as the 4th century, priests and believers have climbed the stone towers and cliffs and built churches and places of worship among the rocks that are still in use today.
In search of old routes and new adventures, The North Face athletes Caroline Ciavaldini and James Pearson set out to explore the region last fall. For an added challenge, they brought along a new team member - their young son Arthur. Going on an expedition with a baby brought a whole new set of difficulties - both emotional and logistical. But for Caroline and James, their need to discover new routes was matched by a desire to open up a world of possibilities for Arthur - with the help of the locals!
The first ascent of the Excalibur
Their quest for adventure led them to Excalibur, a near-perfect stone tower in the Gheralta Mountains. The complexity of the route became apparent as the two began to climb. Sand, loose rock and variable protection slowed their pace. The first five meters alone took them two hours. So the first day was all about projecting. After working out and plotting the route on the first day, they returned to the wall to complete it - a unique experience in historic scenery for both of them and a change of perspective for James: "I'm not a religious person, but since the first time I stood on one of those towers and felt the power of the place, I think I can understand why they want to be up there." Caroline Ciavaldini and James Pearson succeed in the first ascent of "Excalibur".
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