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Mt Buffalo 2016 Aid Festival w/end of 26-27 Nov. 2-Dec-2016 At 10:40:08 AM TimP

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It was an epic adventure for sure and we made it to about half way up. Great to have slept at Big Grassy and have a go at hauling / leading / cleaning / Jumaring — all the aid gigs, including moving in the dark. It was probably the hardest thing I've ever done.
I've been thinking about aid climbing for years: slowly collecting the gear and practicing the various bits at my home crag, but getting the real experience has given it all perspective.
With the scramble out we must have ascended a total of 450m in two days (with 450m descent too) way more impressive than just going to the top!

So good to have M9's moral support and help with the load on the scramble out. Also for the debrief by the fire at Catani that night.
Great to climb with Dave and Owen — cool heads under duress, hats off to Owen who recovered from an 8m ground fall to lead the first two pitches. And to Dave for his climbing expertise and strength in carrying the haul bag in and out!

A whole lot of factors lead to the bail. For me, my preparation was disrupted so I wasn't physically spot on, the last part of the portaledge came late so I didn't have time to refine it or set up a good carry system, my spectacularly slow lead on the first pitch out of Big Grassy made us late on day 2. I was a bit dehydrated and possibly wobbly in the tummy from combination of rich food and drinking creek water. I think all the elements have to align to support you in this taxing situation.
We where lucky with perfect weather and there where moments of absolute beauty in amongst the fear and hardship — the crystal clear stream and the orange dawn over the mountains with crescent moon. Certainly an adventure I won't forget!