Petzl RocTrip on the road: relive the adventure via comic strip!

Only a few months ago, the Petzl RocTrip caravan was busy rambling along the roads of Eastern Europe in search of new climbing areas to explore. One participant, Marie Plasse, sent us a comic strip that she drew during the trip. She retraces her adventures from one base camp to another, all the way to Meteora. We thank her for sharing her talent and invite you to share your very own impressions of the 2014 Petzl RocTrip. Over the course of one week, discover a new comic strip every day!

A word from the illustrator

"The story is drawn chronologically, climbing area by climbing area, with a new character each time so that participants can identify themselves. The comic strip stops in Meteora, Greece, the place where we said goodbye to the caravan. But we'll be back, and look forward to seeing the same faces as well as new ones at the next Petzl RocTrip to continue the adventure. A heartfelt thank you to everyone!" Marie Plasse

Ready for an adventure!

Baile Herculane

Vratsa

Karlukovo

Rila

Prilep

Meteora

An interview with Marie Plasse, the illustrator

My profession, my passion:

A biologist by training, and an amateur illustrator, I combine my two passions by drawing comic strips about the environment in my spare time.

My other passions::

I also have other passions. I really like monkeys, and maybe I started climbing in the first place in an attempt to imitate them! I also really like to travel. Florent and I have been lucky enough to be able to climb all around the world these past few years.

Reasons for participating in the Petzl RocTrip:

We had dreamed of participating in the Petzl RocTrip since we first saw videos of the event in 2011. The spirit of the Petzl RocTrip, the climbing and the lifestyle, rock climbing just how we like it! It’s an opportunity to discover other countries, their cultures, new climbing areas, to party, to meet other people who love to climb, pros and amateurs, from the four corners of the planet.

What convinced me to participate in the Petzl Roctrip:

Since we were in France this year and the Petzl RocTrip was going to take place close to home, it was the perfect opportunity to take part in a new adventure. We had first thought about traveling to the event in a cart pulled by our young Alaskan Malamute, but since we were also going with a friend who would help to enhance our jam sessions, we opted for a good old 1983 Renault Pilote. Off to Eastern Europe we went! !

My impressions:

The Petzl RocTrip was even better than we could have ever imagined. The Petzl team uncovered the most amazing climbing areas. At each stop, participants shared their passion with each other, and we all amassed so many amazing new experiences. Everyone felt welcome and a part of the Petzl Family, with organizers and participants of all nationalities. We have even met up with a few of them post trip to try out new climbing areas not too far from home. It was a trip that will not soon be forgotten, especially since a future climber, who we will welcome into the world in June, was conceived during the adventure, and will of course be there for the next Petzl RocTrip! Nothing but joy and happiness!

Inspiration for my comic strip:

It was easy to find inspiration for my comic strip, all I had to do was observe the daily goings-on during the RocTrip and put the proverbial pen to paper. With such an incredible atmosphere, I was never short of ideas!