Blog from February, 2010

I've created a Flickr group "Historic Tasmanian Rock Climbs and Climbers" as a repository for all those old images you have that might just clutter up the galleries on this fine site a little too much. Please feel free to join and add your stuff. You should find it at this URL: http://www.flickr.com/groups/1322299@N25/

Due to the recent major bushfire, the Hillwood Crags have been closed by the landowner until further notice. There are many trees and logs still smouldering, many damaged trees that may fall down at any moment, and some routes that have rockfall due to fracturing by the heat. The fire has burnt most of the vegetation in the vicinity of the cliffs. The main gully at Matto Grosso is mostly unaffected except for the northern end near Jugs R Us and Raiden Pump Wall. The fire went along the base of the Chessboard. Rock Of Ages is unaffected and so are Hidden Towers and Citadels. Cave Rock area was totally torched. The landowner requests that climbers respect the closure of the cliffs for safety reasons. He estimates a month before it re-opens. The landowner said that some climbers from Hobart showed up on the weekend, ignored the road closure signs, were rude to fire officers and police and said `we've driven all this way and we're going climbing. Apparently one got hit by a falling branch and was taken off in an ambulance, and another broke holds off the cliff trying to climb a fire damaged route. Their irresponsible behaviour has spoilt the reputation of the climbing community in the eyes of the landowner, a good reputation that has taken many years to build.

I am just starting to get into climbing and putting the feelers out for anyone who is in the same boat. I'm hoping someone out there is keen to partner up, maybe split costs on some gear (yeah, I am tight) and generally be keen to climb a fair bit. I am in Launceston and have heaps of free time and want to make the most of the warm weather before it disappears. I have been climbing with a few more experienced climbers lately but I'd like to climb with someone at the same level, as opposed to making everyone suffer belaying me on routes they can do upside down with their eyes closed. I'm not super knowledgeable yet but I'm working on it, so if you are keen to partner up get in touch with me via email - carney_11@hotmail.com

Cheers.

There has been a fire burning at Hillwood climbing area all weekend, haven't had a chance to check out the damage yet. Tas Fire Service is advising all climbers to stay out of this area until an assessmant of the site can be done. I live at Deviot right opposite the climbing area, at 11pm last night I could clearly see the flames from my place.

1988 Mitsu Magna for Sale. Set up for climbing road trip (stove, dishes, chairs, books.......... etc.) 208,000 km, 10 km/L, clean and well looked after car. Asking $1600.00. REGO good til 7/2010. This car does the road to Whitewater Wall, hill at the Ben and heat of Arapiles. Sweet tested road machine. In Hobart area. Call Alaska Zac at 04 07816537 or email sseseaotters@hotmail.com. Cheers, Zac

A couple of climbers were witness today to employees from the Launceston City Council chopping bolts and anchors from climbs on the shady side of the Cataract Gorge! The employees said they were under instruction to remove all the bolts from the shady side of the gorge to stop climbers accessing these climbs.
Despite the current 'code of conduct for rock climbing within the Cataract Gorge' (published by the council), this has started without any apparent public consultation and is a major issue for climbing access.

What can we do?

We have contacted a member of council who will find out tomorrow where the directive to remove the bolts has come from.
We plan to write letters to the Editor to make the issue public.

Anyone with ideas or experience in dealing with council regarding access or policy, could you please offer suggestions on this forum or get in contact with myself or Anna to discuss a way forward. Also, please contact council or media directly as you feel is appropriate.

Your immediate and public support for this issue is essential to ensure the climbing community can continue to climb in the Gorge.

Cheers
Andrew

Hello,

I am likely to be in Launceston for work from the 5th to the 21st. I would like to get some climbing down whilst I am down there and so am interested in meeting people who might like to climb with me. I will be working almost every day, but on many days wont be starting untill the afternoon.

I lead up to 17 or 18, and have a rack and rope, but would prefer not to try and carry all of that on the plane if possible.

It is likely I will also be in town for this weekend, perhaps I won't have enough time to climb (remains to be seen), but hopefully at least enough time to meet for a drink.

Regards,

phillipivan.

Bryan was a good friend and a good climber. Drinks in his memory at the New Sydney hotel, Friday 26th of February commencing around 6.30 pm.

Is anyone planning a trip to Frenchman's Cap, Tyndals or Queenstown, etc. in February and has space for me and a small pack? One more person to split petrol. I can sort out a way back. Im not looking for climbing partners, just a ride. If you know anyone heading in that direction in next few days, the weather looks awesome! Please call or email...

johnyru at yahoo.com

or 0437440702

cheers!

Hi,

Im over in Tasmania at the moment looking to do some climbing, climbed some of the pipes the other day and had one of the best days yet in Oz. Im staying at a house in Hobart but can meet anywhere near for some sport or trad. I only have shoes and a harness, but will supply lunch from the bakery!
My numbers 0420753824, I look forward to hearing from you!

hi team
if you want to get in touch with me about the shoes for sale, thats awesom but i'm gonna be sitting on a little island away from it all for the next 10days so don't be offended if i don't respond...
cheers
dj

I also have a pair of used (barely) mens anasazi velcro.
euro size 42
they would probably pass as new!
$145
call or txt
0448044885
will post for extra $10
will drop off in hobart area for viewing or purchase
d

womens 5:10 climbing shoes for sale
brand new/unused
anasazi velcro
1 pair each euro size 36 and size 40
$150 each
awesome shoes normally over $200!!

text or call me
0448044885
i can drop off in hobart area for purchase or viewing
will put in mail for extra $10
any lucky takers??
dj

Jake Bresnehan has climbed his project, the arete to the right of Icarus on The Columns. He's called it Freedom and graded "around 30", making it the hardest thing on the Organ Pipes, in one of the best locations.

Check out: http://jakebresnehan.blogspot.com/2010/01/freedom.html

hi! we are two poeple from europe looking for some partners in tasmania. we are on a climbing/surf trip for a year and we have been climbing all the way down on the australian east coast for the last 4 months, just meeting some really friendly aussie climbers. unfortunatly we just have sport s gear... but a van if you need a car to access the crags.

if you are looking for someone just give us a call on 04 06 026 051