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Fall at Mt. Arapiles 14 October 17-Oct-2010 At 10:27:23 PM danmac

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Hi Guys,

I was leading Eskimo Nell and had just arrived on Oasis ledge as Michelle had started her lead. She probably fell about 8 metres onto some rocks and her first cam was all that stopped her going over the edge. I'm glad it held, because I wasn't quite so sure about the belay...

Full credit to Simey and the ARG guys for how the rescue went, it was very quick and professional. Also great to see all the climbers come from the pines to help carry her out (seems like everyone who wasn't climbing came to help).

I visited Michelle the next day in Horsham intensive care, it turns out that she has fractured 3 vertibrae (T12, L1, L2) in her fall, however there is no spinal cord injury, and she is expected to make a 100% recovery. Her head is fine, although all who saw the state of the helmet would agree that if she wasn't wearing it, this would be a very different thread!

Michelle and Rogerio have asked me to extend their most sincere thanks to Simon, ARG, and all the climbers who assisted in the rescue. I believe she will be moved to Melbourne for 5 weeks then will probably fly back to Ireland.

cheers,

Dan

p.s. my next gear purchase will be a climbing helmet, and I will be an advocate of wearing them from this day on!!