Bull Crag

Back climbing after too long of a break!

I picked up Cherry and Byron from Leura, from there we decided to check out a 'winter crag' that is in full sun all day. We drove out to Bells Line of Road and parked at the side of the road where we met with some friends. From there we hiked down a long fire trail until we arrived at the cliff edge, after a short scramble down we arrived at Bull Crag.

It was glorious climbing weather, with clear sunny skies and protection from the frigid wind. No frozen fingers today!

There were only six climbs at this area, the main wall was a bit further back, but with three 'teams' of people there was always something available to climb and we managed to do all but one of the routes.

All of the climbs were 25m plus, fairly sustained and involved different styles of climbing on a single route which keeps things interesting.

I finished the day on 'Bulls Eye' (20), a climb with thin delicate start, a strenuous roof section and some nice jugs to the end of the route. Great fun!

By this stage the sun had left the valley and it was getting cold, so we hiked back and arrived to the cars just as the last of the light disappeared. Perfect timing!

All that remained was to head to a cosy pub in Katoomba for a hot meal and a (single) cold beer. The perfect way to end a great day.

More photos here

Termeil Point camping

After too many recent rainy weekends I was starting to go a little crazy in my tiny studio apartment in Sydney. I needed a change of scenery!

Friday night rolled around and I set off after dark down south, heading to a small camp site at Termeil Point, an hour past Jervis Bay. I was beginning to second guess my intent while I drove through some torrential rain, but by the time I reached camp the skies had cleared.

I woke to a gorgeous winter morning so I took a chair down to the deserted beach and had one of the best breakfasts in recent memory. With nothing else to do I spent the day exploring the surrounding area, reading, and psyching myself up for a swim.

The water was brisk but the snorkeling through the crystal clear ocean was invigorating. Paddling over the shallow rocky reefs, watching the ebb and flow of the seaweed under the pulsing waves, I emerged from the water numb but feeling vibrant!

The night was passed reading in my sleeping bag, listening to the wind whip through the trees and smelling the smoke from the nearby camp fires.

The next day was more of the same, colder than the previous and a larger swell rolling into the beach, but crisp clear skies and more wind. Once again I relaxed on the beach after breakfast, and spent some more time in the water.

Around lunch I packed up camp and drove back to Sydney, relaxed and refreshed for the first time in weeks. A weekend well spent.

More photos here

Bluebell Crag

While I'm definitely not sick of the Blue Mountains it was nice to climb somewhere a bit closer to my temporary home, not to mention a bit warmer.

I drove out to Heathcote to visit Bluebell crag, the sun was out making for a glorious winter's day. We parked at the end of a suburban cul-de-sac and walked around the back of the some houses and down a short easy gully to the rock face.

The routes were only short, but there was enough to keep us busy for the day. Another couple came down to top-rope a hard project, they offered me a shot and I gladly jumped on it. It was great to try something harder, and after a few goes at the crux I made it to the top which felt pretty great. I then attempted the 'best grade 21 in Sydney' which I didn't really enjoy, but made it to the top eventually.

All in all a fun day! A few more photos here