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Grampians March 20/21 2004

..::- Chris -::..

22-Mar-2004
10:26:37 AM

Hey guys,
I've been around haven't posted much in a while (new job and they've got me working!!) however just though I'd share my trip and give my hand shake to Neil and anyone else who helped develop Sentinel and areas around...

Sat 20th Drove up to the Grampians with the Mrs. and headed for a walk / look / climb of sentinel Cave and a few climbs around the area, With Color print out of Neils PDF in hand we progressed towards the cave ....I was really impressed with the bolting / quality of these routes and just the area in general, it was a Sunny day did a couple of the easier ones with-in the cave, had lunch sitting out looking at Araps and great views, in the distance just enjoying the Aussie Weather, Great crag, Excellent climbing had a ball !!!

Sunday went to Summer day valley, was disappointed when I took my Mrs. (who is fairly new to climbing) and not up for anything too hard yet, to do a bunch of easy routes and there was **Fixed Ropes** All day on Everything from the little cave where you can walk through to WaXman, on every major route all the way down to the creek, Flake of Fear and the 19 to the left, and two ropes down Step in Sowetto and sowetto .... and kids absolutely everywhere ..... Not peaceful at all and far far far too many of them ....

Still I know they have to learn somewhere, but they pretty much took over the crag !!!
We did Wax Man and did some walking had a look at hollow mountain etc, but it is a shame when you can't do a route all day cause someone has a fixed rope on it .....
They weren't using every rope either, usually around 3-4 ropes at a time, but didn't take any down at any stage, they were up at 10am (the time we arrive) and they were still there at 4pm......We still had a great day and made the most of the great weather...

I'm inspired to get training again to try some of those harder routes in the cave they look awesome, and so close to the camp ground (Which is becoming more and more appealing to me as I get older !!)......

Anyways thanks again...
Chris...

joemor

22-Mar-2004
10:40:31 AM

Shame about summerday... tho i guess thems the brakes! perhaps the ampetheter would have provided a better option?

..::- Chris -::..

22-Mar-2004
10:47:14 AM

Yeah I didn't have my guide with me, but what would you recommend up to say Max 13-14 in the Stap Amp ??, I've only climbed on Spillway and a few routes on Taipan and Spurt wall is there some easier single pitch stuff around ideal for a beginer ?? Anyways we still had fun, I should have realized when i saw the two school buses were parked in the car park that summerday was not a goer ...... hehehehe We live and learn, although i should have learnt by now.... ; )

Chris...

phil_nev

22-Mar-2004
11:12:04 AM

Aparently Trident (14) is a really great route. Ive also heard good things about Threadneedle (10).

shiltz

22-Mar-2004
3:49:02 PM

There are some easy routes on the wall to the left of flat rock as well. I can't remember the exact name of the area but as you walk up flat rock it appears on the left. Only about 10-15 metres heigh with lots of easier routes. Check it out in Kieran's guide.

JamesMc

27-Mar-2004
8:57:42 PM

If Summerday Valley is too busy, it's good to head around to the Flying Blind area. It doesn't seem to get the kids, the climbing is just as good, (though there aren't as many routes), and it's just as close to the car.

JamesMc

Rich

28-Mar-2004
12:13:39 PM

On 22/03/2004 shiltz wrote:
>There are some easy routes on the wall to the left of flat rock as well.
>I can't remember the exact name of the area but as you walk up flat rock
>it appears on the left. Only about 10-15 metres heigh with lots of easier
>routes. Check it out in Kieran's guide.
i think its called Bark Wall. Just be careful i knocked off a tv sized block from a climb there almost onto my belayer... ouch. all good fortunately, just its not a well travelled area but definitely some nice easy stuff there.

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