Just arrived back in the Arapiles to grey skies, and lots and lots of rain. It almost looks greener than it did a few weeks ago... Ah its a love hate thing this rain. We can't complain about it as there is a drought and its really a good thing. I just wish it would let up for an hour so that I can pitch my tent.
I think we will have to go to the pub, so...
April 26, 2007
April 24, 2007
Swings and Roundabouts
I seem to be needing a lot of rest days at the moment. I think my body is telling me something. Anyway, with not a whole lot to do on a rest day, making fun seems to be the way forward. Following my final osteopath appointment, we had tea at the scary chef coffee shop. (I am sure it had a proper name - but .... )
We then drove out to Grose Valley in the Blue Mountains where there was a big bush fire at the end of 2006 / start of 2007. Fantastic views.
There is not a huge amount to do in Blackheath, so we bought some fresh bread, fruit & veg and went to the park for a picnic and spent the afternoon playing on the swings and roundabouts and taking lots of funny photographs. Ah, it has to be done once in a while. Back at camp we got the campfire going and barbeque fresh corn. It was so yummy :)
My shoulder does appear to be on the mend. Thanks Julian - folks if you get an injury somewhere in the vacinty of the Blueys I would fully recommend Julian Saunders in Blackheath. It was great going to someone that is also a climber. Not only do they understand the climber attitude (esp being on a trip), but a local climber is great for route recommendations.
I have spent the last 2 weeks camping in Mt York with 3 others, Jules, Rich and Chad. Its funny in the short time that we have all known each other - we have all become good friends. Unnamously we agreed that it is like living in a shared house. We are camped behind what looks like a tin bus shelter. In it is a big wooden table and benches. We have the campfire in front of this so it keeps us nice and warm. Its such a nice atmosphere. Yesterday, we hooked one of the laptops and watched a couple of DVDs, its nuts to think that we were outside.
Unfortunately, motivation today was running low. We went Big Top, met a couple of guys (Bruce and Nathan) at the carpark and ended up chatting to them for an hour. Luckily or unluckily for the guys that we were there. They had a flat battery, so we had to push start the car. We climbed a couple of really nice climbs at the Big Top and ended the day with Burgers and Chips in the local Service Station. Boy were they good (although anything would have tasted good that night - even meat he he :)
The ever changing plan to return to the Arapiles keeps funnily enough changing. Initially we planned to leave last week, but then we were having too much fun, then it was Monday, but then that wouldn't do. We planned to leave on Tuesday, but then the parcel that Rich (whose driving us down) didn't arrive, sooo then the plan was to leave today Wednesday. Chad (who now lives in Blackheath) just got his new house and so kindly offered us the floor to sleep as a pleasant change from camping. As the heavens opened we packed up our tents and headed over to his house. This was good on two counts as not only has it not stopped raining for 2 days and my little one man cheapy aussie disposal tent would not stand up to it. Also a TAFE course with 30 odd 17 year school kids had just arrived at our campsite and camped on top of us. Anyway, now its wednesday and we're still here, watching the rain. The plan is to leave tomorrow.. hmmm I won't hold my breath. But sure what odds ......
Nufff said... take care folks.
We then drove out to Grose Valley in the Blue Mountains where there was a big bush fire at the end of 2006 / start of 2007. Fantastic views.
There is not a huge amount to do in Blackheath, so we bought some fresh bread, fruit & veg and went to the park for a picnic and spent the afternoon playing on the swings and roundabouts and taking lots of funny photographs. Ah, it has to be done once in a while. Back at camp we got the campfire going and barbeque fresh corn. It was so yummy :)
My shoulder does appear to be on the mend. Thanks Julian - folks if you get an injury somewhere in the vacinty of the Blueys I would fully recommend Julian Saunders in Blackheath. It was great going to someone that is also a climber. Not only do they understand the climber attitude (esp being on a trip), but a local climber is great for route recommendations.
I have spent the last 2 weeks camping in Mt York with 3 others, Jules, Rich and Chad. Its funny in the short time that we have all known each other - we have all become good friends. Unnamously we agreed that it is like living in a shared house. We are camped behind what looks like a tin bus shelter. In it is a big wooden table and benches. We have the campfire in front of this so it keeps us nice and warm. Its such a nice atmosphere. Yesterday, we hooked one of the laptops and watched a couple of DVDs, its nuts to think that we were outside.
Unfortunately, motivation today was running low. We went Big Top, met a couple of guys (Bruce and Nathan) at the carpark and ended up chatting to them for an hour. Luckily or unluckily for the guys that we were there. They had a flat battery, so we had to push start the car. We climbed a couple of really nice climbs at the Big Top and ended the day with Burgers and Chips in the local Service Station. Boy were they good (although anything would have tasted good that night - even meat he he :)
The ever changing plan to return to the Arapiles keeps funnily enough changing. Initially we planned to leave last week, but then we were having too much fun, then it was Monday, but then that wouldn't do. We planned to leave on Tuesday, but then the parcel that Rich (whose driving us down) didn't arrive, sooo then the plan was to leave today Wednesday. Chad (who now lives in Blackheath) just got his new house and so kindly offered us the floor to sleep as a pleasant change from camping. As the heavens opened we packed up our tents and headed over to his house. This was good on two counts as not only has it not stopped raining for 2 days and my little one man cheapy aussie disposal tent would not stand up to it. Also a TAFE course with 30 odd 17 year school kids had just arrived at our campsite and camped on top of us. Anyway, now its wednesday and we're still here, watching the rain. The plan is to leave tomorrow.. hmmm I won't hold my breath. But sure what odds ......
Nufff said... take care folks.
April 18, 2007
Shower and Clean Clothes
Its the little things that really matter. Myself and Jules got a text from a friend last night and it was a simple one - Got a shower sorted for the two of you tomorrow. You should have seen the smile that spread across our faces.
The only catch was that we had to help tidy the house - no problem. So today being a rest days, we got up early and went to the house and SHOWERED.... ah the delights.. long(ish - there's a drought here), hot, water, water, water... my hair is clean again.. a bit knotted but clean - yay yay yay - seriously - its the simple things..
We spend the morning helping the guys clean their house afterwards as they were moving out, had a lovely lunch and now am spending the rest of the day in Katoomba - doing email and generally chilling... ah rest days..
Oh and we are having chocolate cake with smarties on top for desert, the delights :)
The only catch was that we had to help tidy the house - no problem. So today being a rest days, we got up early and went to the house and SHOWERED.... ah the delights.. long(ish - there's a drought here), hot, water, water, water... my hair is clean again.. a bit knotted but clean - yay yay yay - seriously - its the simple things..
We spend the morning helping the guys clean their house afterwards as they were moving out, had a lovely lunch and now am spending the rest of the day in Katoomba - doing email and generally chilling... ah rest days..
Oh and we are having chocolate cake with smarties on top for desert, the delights :)
April 15, 2007
Creepy Crawlies
My list of creepy crawleys is increasing. This a huntsman spider - apparently isn't dangerous... it was about the size of my hand.
In the last few days, we saw a funnel web, and deadly snake.. tis nuts I tell you, this country. Although, the kangaroos make up for it. Seriously whats with the bouncing... someone must have been having a giggle when they decided to make an animal bounce and have ridiculs short stubby arms.
In the last few days, we saw a funnel web, and deadly snake.. tis nuts I tell you, this country. Although, the kangaroos make up for it. Seriously whats with the bouncing... someone must have been having a giggle when they decided to make an animal bounce and have ridiculs short stubby arms.
I did this :(
Oops - and its not even my toe. I was climbing away - in my element - took rather a big fall (6/7 metres). Got back on finished the route, lowered off - when Jules from beneath me in a very calm voice asks if I had my first aid with me...
Turns out when I feel off - she sliced her toe on the rock... NEVER BELAY IN BARE FEET :(
Turns out when I feel off - she sliced her toe on the rock... NEVER BELAY IN BARE FEET :(
April 12, 2007
The rumors are true
I got this email forwarded from a friend of mine - so sad :(
---------- Forwarded message ----------
Friends,
Adam and I have just returned to Tonsai for round two after some lackluster climbing in Malaysia and much to my dismay, it appears the development here is well on its way. The company that has owned the land within Tonsai road to the beach has begun kicking the bars and business out. Teena's - gone. Yum Yum - gone.
---------- Forwarded message ----------
Friends,
Adam and I have just returned to Tonsai for round two after some lackluster climbing in Malaysia and much to my dismay, it appears the development here is well on its way. The company that has owned the land within Tonsai road to the beach has begun kicking the bars and business out. Teena's - gone. Yum Yum - gone.
Leaving Tent City behind and Off to the Blueys
On Tuesday morning, I packed my house up and stuffed into my rucksack, hoped in the van and drove (well was driven by Matt)
to the Blue Mountains. After 13 hours of solid driving we arrived at 4 20 in the afternoon in Blackheath. Yes, we started
driving at 3 30 in the morning, I was very tired :) Met up with Julie-ann (the english girl, I was climbing with earlier
in the Arapilles) and we headed to Mount Victoria, to set up camp.
Climbed at Mount York yesterday, but grrrrr my shoulder is just not right and not at all happy. I finally gave in and rang
an asteopath (recommended by a few in the area) to see if I could get something done about it. Apparently I have
a SLAP lesion (Torn Cartlidge) - but the good news is that he reckons 2 / 3 sessions with him should put me right and the
even better news, is he wants me to keep climbing. Naturally, if its hurts stop and readjust, but definitely not
to stop climbing, yay :) Although he did say possibly not to push myself to much for a while. But, at least
I might be fixed soon :) :)
Back in Action
Finally, after 5 out of 6 days rest, I decided to get back on the rock, and to my joy I survived the day. Starting nice and easily, I onsighted a 15, then 2 17's and ended the day on a beautiful 10. Sensibly at that point, I thought I should quit while I was ahead and so headed back to camp. A thoroughly enjoyable day and very little shoulder twing. Happy Carole.
The following day was just as good and feeling confident I hoped on a route called Tanin. A 19 that I had my eye on for some time. I absolutely stitched it with gear and it by the time I reached the top, it really felt like I was hauling up a dead cow. But I flashed it, so was an extremely happy camper. I then top roped the 21/22 to the right of it (The Raft) - a great route, hanging on by fingernails.
For the last few days, I've been climbing with a couple living in Perth, Gill and Matt and an american guy, Mark. This was really Gill introduction to trad climbing, so with Matt soloing up beside her and me belaying we saw her lead her first trad climb, conifure crack. Nice Job :). That afternoon, myself and Gill went off to conquer her 2nd trad lead and then I finished the day on a route called Kestrel. A sweet grad 13, but boy was it long. 55m in one pitch. And a nightime abseil. Following a great day - we decided dinner in the pub was in order - out of dust ville for a few hours.
The masses started to arrive on Thursday for Easter and gradually the campsite filled up. The Pines went from just a handful of tents to tents every couple of feet. Scary place. We bailed on Sunday and fled to the Grampians for the day. We went to a place called summer day valley, a beautiful spot, sandstone again, like the Arapiles, but softer, I believe. Basically, same same but different :). Unfortunately as the day progressed my shoulder started giving me trouble again, but I begrudingly stopped climbing at lunch time, and resorted to being snap happy with my camera.
The following day was just as good and feeling confident I hoped on a route called Tanin. A 19 that I had my eye on for some time. I absolutely stitched it with gear and it by the time I reached the top, it really felt like I was hauling up a dead cow. But I flashed it, so was an extremely happy camper. I then top roped the 21/22 to the right of it (The Raft) - a great route, hanging on by fingernails.
For the last few days, I've been climbing with a couple living in Perth, Gill and Matt and an american guy, Mark. This was really Gill introduction to trad climbing, so with Matt soloing up beside her and me belaying we saw her lead her first trad climb, conifure crack. Nice Job :). That afternoon, myself and Gill went off to conquer her 2nd trad lead and then I finished the day on a route called Kestrel. A sweet grad 13, but boy was it long. 55m in one pitch. And a nightime abseil. Following a great day - we decided dinner in the pub was in order - out of dust ville for a few hours.
The masses started to arrive on Thursday for Easter and gradually the campsite filled up. The Pines went from just a handful of tents to tents every couple of feet. Scary place. We bailed on Sunday and fled to the Grampians for the day. We went to a place called summer day valley, a beautiful spot, sandstone again, like the Arapiles, but softer, I believe. Basically, same same but different :). Unfortunately as the day progressed my shoulder started giving me trouble again, but I begrudingly stopped climbing at lunch time, and resorted to being snap happy with my camera.
April 3, 2007
Morning Mist
As the sun rises nice and early in Arapilles, its worth getting up and watching the sun rise and the mist rise from the fields.....
Shoulder is getting better, fingers crossed when I test it out tomorrow, I will be a happy camper. Its funny having a campsite full of people to diagnose it. The latest is I pulled the interior deltoid. I think I prefer that diagnosis as it seems less serious and a quicker recovery.
Roll on tomorrow, yay I will be climbing. I need to dig into my ticklist.
Shoulder is getting better, fingers crossed when I test it out tomorrow, I will be a happy camper. Its funny having a campsite full of people to diagnose it. The latest is I pulled the interior deltoid. I think I prefer that diagnosis as it seems less serious and a quicker recovery.
Roll on tomorrow, yay I will be climbing. I need to dig into my ticklist.
April 1, 2007
Arapilles Life
Life in Arapilles was plodding along just nicely. The climbs are fantastics. The area is beautiful. The kangaroos are bouncing. That is, until till I hurt my shoulder. I have no idea how or what I have done, but due to general concensous, it would appear I have damaged my rotator cuff in my shoulder, I don't know, but its damn sore. With lots of anti-inflamatories and very little use, it does appear to be getting a wee bit better. Hopefully after a few rest days I will be as right as rain, or very bored. Not much to do here other than climb, read a book and take photos.
I've uploaded a few photos - at least I can take photos :)
I've uploaded a few photos - at least I can take photos :)
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