After unloading fishing rods and surfboards, Chris and I went to explore a nearby crag on Mt Ninderry. After a steep, sweaty hike we arrived to the mosquito infested walls, and began our search for something to start the afternoon off with.
We settled on 'Neo Nasi Goreng' (19) a great climb up an exposed edge rock. A really fun climb to start and it had great views to Coolum once we got some height.
Feeling good but conscious of the time we decided to check another wall on the mountain where 'Three Stroke Scree Slope' (18) caught our eye. It was bolted on a really interesting looking rock formation, with plenty of bizarre looking but solid holds.
I topped out as the golden afternoon sun started to filter through the canopy so after getting back to solid ground we made our way back home feeling like we had a successful afternoon.
We returned the next morning, not looking forward to the steep, sweaty hike but anticipating getting back on the rock. We started up under a nice short overhung wall, and climbed 'Hangover Overhang' (18) as a warm up. The steep climb was a very run out after the second bolt, but after committing to pulling over the crux it was only a short distance to the anchors.
'Have Another Home Brew' (19) was a different story. It took quite a few tries before was able to find the sequence up and over the crux, my forearms were burning by the time I successfully finished the climb. It felt great to finish the route, but I'll need to work on my climbing stamina before I'll be able to finish that climb without resting.
Temporarily having our fill of overhanging walls we made our way to the 'Sunset Butress' to find some more routes. I started up 'Leo's Slab' (19) and made it to the third bolt before getting stuck. I'm almost certain a crucial hand hold had been recently pulled off, and in the process of searching for another hold I pulled loose another piece of rock. Not wanting to give up I decided to veer left, bypassing the next bolt and rejoining to line shortly before the top. I finally reached the anchors and we greeted by a stunning vista of the surrounding areas while I was tucked into a small exposed cave.
I set up a top-rope and belayed Chris up so we could rest in the cave and take in the view. An absolutely stunning end to the climb!
We abseiled down and decided to finish the day with one last climb. We climbed the first pitch of 'Fletcher in the Sky' (18) before calling it quits for another day.
Tired, sore and sweaty we made it back down the mountain, and headed back to Coolum for some well earned beers.
A phenomenal long weekend, I can't wait to return!
More photos here
