Melloblocco day 2: projects, pads and pizzoccheri

Projects, pads and pizzoccheri. Day 2 of Melloblocco could easily be summed up with these three words, the first that come to mind when thinking about the truly beautiful day spent up and down Val Masino and Val di Mello.

Yes, because as we walked through the valleys we were struck by the sea of​crash pads, stacked everywhere, on the grass, below the boulders, on people's shoulders, stashed one on top of the other, but also in perpetual movement of being opened, closed, repositioned to brace the countless falls of the thousand and one climbers in the valley. And there were of course projects everywhere, some easy, others much more difficult than expected but nevertheless feasible, while others, well, let's just say they remain projects that have transformed into a bizarre mix of dream and nightmare. While pizzoccheri, the traditional dish here in Valtellina, is another Melloblocco must (along with sciat and taroz) and in recent days these have been eaten in vast, vast quantities.

After the abundant rainfall this spring, the valley was radiant today, with lush green grass, intense blue skies, pure white fast clouds and even faster waterfalls. Down on the boulders there was the usual harmonious chaos that makes this event so unique; a never-ending mix of climbing and relax, of hanging out with old and new friends that only this place, this event, can offer. There were those who had been climbing for 40+ years, as well as those who have started climbing only recently and had heard this Melloblocco was "worth going to." It really is.

While the last rays of sun illuminate the jagged peaks, many down in the square ar San Martino are enjoying their beer while sitting on the pads. The scene is beautiful, believe us. Just like the story of the Englishman who reached the valley yesterday by bike. After cycling through Spain, Portugal and Morocco, he weaved his way up through Italy in search of good bouldering. "A crash pad doesn't fit on my bike" he explained "So I did a search on Google and came here." Well, he certainly got what he was looking for!

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MELLOBLOCCO 2024
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When: 8 - 11 May 2024
Where: Val di Mello / Val Masino (Valtellina, Sondrio, Italy)
What: the world's biggest bouldering meeting
Who: for all those who love bouldering, from across the globe
What for: climb the numerous boulders and valley rock faces
Organisation: Associazione Operatori Val Masino
Info: www.melloblocco.it / Instagram / Facebook