I only just tripped over this thread recently, so sorry for the belated reply. I thought it worth noting our trip since there doesn't seem to be any other hits on the 'net about Balls Pyramid ascents.
Dec 1975
Landed by "Lulawai" skippered by Clive Wilson
Joint trip by two parties:
VIC: Iain Sedgman (aka "Sharkbait"), Kevin Lindorff, Peter Watson
NSW: Kim Carrigan, Ben Maddison, Roark Muhlen, Keith (Noddy) Lockwood (on loan to NSW)
The NSW team climbing as two pairs reached the summit via the South ridge.
The VIC team put up a new route "A Dream of White Pointers" (about 17) on the South-East face. The route joined the South ridge above Winklestein's Steeple, however due to the lack of food and water after several days of climbing, the team did not continue to the summit.
Points of interest: Buzzed by an F-111 piloted by the son of a Lord Howe resident. Severe storms (cyclone?) delayed leaving Balls Pyramid for many days. During the storm Noddy was washed into the ocean during a toilet break and needed to be rescued. Most of both team's gear was lost as Clive Wilson (arriving unexpectedly during a break in the weather) would not hang around to tow it out to the boat, and in the rush to leave it was insecurely tied to the rock. |