Bathing in the sun

Afternoon sun comes flooding into the sunbath at Medlow bath, reflecting off the scorched orange rock. Surprisingly popular despite the steep walk-in, the crag offers some quality climbing and stylish potential. After fighting for a fleeting and elusive dyno, the sun retreated down into the valley leaving shade on the wall, a cool breeze of sendage and affording the opportunity to practice some precarious alpine photography.  

'Anchor Management'

 

In search of the lost boulder

Typical Mountains weather once again forced our party of two, us band of brothers, into exile once more - found in the form and figure of a hidden valley. Abundant in rock and crowded with dense green vegetation, the shangri-la of mid-mountains bouldering has seen little traffic and remains greatly unexplored. An afternoon with one boulder pad, chalk and brush quickly evolved into an Australia day to remember.  

Centennial Challenges

Centennial Glen, Main wall, late afternoon sun

An afternoon of adventure at the Glen with the usual suspects. 

A quick warmup lap on Hairy Horrace - 23, followed by a few hard yards before ticking Iona - 24.

Gene gave the fight of his life on Padington - 25, with some impressive crimping and refined face climbing. The remaining glimpses of sunlight were spent working the moves of Padington and Horrace Herod, with inspiring fights and good progress. 

A late walkout was lit by the supernal glow of dense mountains mist, accompanied by the ethereal chorus of black cockatoos.

Paul gliding effortlessly through some small holds as a flurry of chalk is cast into the air

A favourite chance photo of Gene rehearsing the crux whilst surveying the inspiring line 

Zig-Zag-Crag-Brag

The Bad Moon Rising, 23 - Zig Zag

Paul on his epic fight up an engaging and committing trad line 

The summer sufferfest continues, temperatures soaring high as some familiar faces seek solace and shade beneath the lustrous orange cliffline.

Kubrick's monolith

Kubrick Crack - 18, Big top, Blackheath

Like ultimate fighting with a rock, an offwidth challenge with an inspired line that tests the mind and body. When you see a line like the Kubrick crack it's hard to know what to expect or to anticipate any moves. But once you are shoulder jamming and working your body into the wall it all starts to come together in a beautiful way you could never imagine.

Jason placing some wires on a classic bolted crack

9 wire placements and quiver of quickdraws for a 10m climb;  Standard.

Attentive belayer

Sparkle of Porters

Sparkle motion

     

                                                              'Honnolding'

There's always time in life for a coffee with friends

Photo credit: Hannan Lewsley

Lapis

I worry on days I spend more time brushing holds than brushing my teeth

Bell Supercrag

First wall of the crag

An abandoned rope with a severed sheath