Frog Buttress

Up at 4 AM to try and get some crack climbing in before the heat gets unbearable. It was so humid even before dawn that I was sweating while packing my climbing gear, not a good sign of things to come.

We left Brisbane for Mt French while it was still dark, the day already hot and humid by the time we arrived at the top of Frog Buttress.

Joe lead 'Piranha' (20) and Tony, Shaoxing and I seconded. The climbing was hard but good, I still struggled at the chimney and a section of crack climbing, but I made the ascent dripping with sweat.

Joe and Tony left to climb a different route while I lead the first pitch of 'Witches Cauldron' (12). A nice easy climb to practice leading on trad. I had climbed that route before, but this was my first time placing my own protection.

That was climbed without any problems, so we decided to end the day on 'Clockwork Orange Climb' (14). I started leading and was going well until the crux, an awkward move up a short crack section. I couldn't commit through this section, so I lowered to the ground in shame while the others easily climbed it.

As penance I lugged all the climbing packs to the top of the cliff, not a very long distance but the combination of the heat, my hike from the previous day, and a bout of insomnia the night before caused it to be a struggle.

We packed up and after a quick stop at Boonah for a cold drink we started back to Brisbane.

It is very frustrating being terrible at crack climbing, hopefully it will click sooner rather than later and I can start to tick off a few more climbs there.

Still, it was a fun, if exhausting day, and placing my own gear felt good. With the onset of cooler weather I'll have no excuse to visit Frog Buttress more often and start climbing better!

More photos here 

Attempting Mt Superbus

I was feeling restless after the previous weekend of doing nothing, so at short notice I decided to head back to the Main Range National Park, the location of my previous adventures to 'The Steamers' rock formations. This time my goal was to hike to the plane wreck of an old Lincoln bomber which crashed on Mt Superbus in the 1950's.

The old forestry trail was in much better condition than the last time I drove the road, the small creek crossing posing no problem due to the recent lack of rain. I had to stop and clear some fallen trees blocking the road but as the wood was very rotten it didn't take too long.

I came to the end of the road and started up the trail. I had some co-ordinates plugged into my GPS, but decided to follow the obvious trail, marked with spray paint and surveyors tape, and began my traverse around the mountain slope.

The ground was so dry that clumps of grass and dirt on the steep slopes would disintegrate beneath my feet, but I kept following the obvious markers across the loose terrain. It wasn't long before I slightly sprained my ankle, but I decided to keep going even though the markers were taking me on a slightly different course than my GPS way-points.

The markers vanished, so I scrambled up the slope to make the summit of the ridge to get my bearings. This took me further away from my path, so as soon as I had reached the summit I had to plunge down into the rain-forest below and back down the slopes.

It was slow going through the dense ferns, vines and soft undergrowth, but I eventually made my way to a small creek running through the forest. I followed this upstream until I could contour back up to where I needed to be.

Three hours after setting off I was finally on the right track! Given that I had spent too much time wandering through the scrub I decided to head back to the car as I didn't want to run out of daylight. The heat and humidity was draining but the path back was well marked and it took me less than an hour to return. As I came out at the end of the track it was obvious where I had made my mistake, I should have turned off the path earlier in the day.

Dirty, sweaty, scratched to pieces and skin tingling from wading through stinging nettles, I returned to my car for a cold drink and a change of clothes. A pair of hikers had earlier returned from the same trek, they had set off very early in the morning and were just leaving when I arrived back to my car.

It was great timing as their car wouldn't start (and we were a long way from help), so I gave them a jump start and set back off home.

I stopped at a nearby stream to sit in the cold water for a while, before heading back over the range at dusk and home. I was exhausted and knowing I had an early start the next morning it wasn't long before I was in bed.

I definitely need to plan a little better next time, but the next trip out there should be a lot more straight forward.

More photos here

Snorkeling on the Brunswick River

Another weekend by the water, this time heading down to Brunswick Heads in northern New South Wales. It was quite windy and the rain constantly threatened but the snorkeling was fantastic. The water was mild and a little hazy due to the wind, but it was amazing to swim through schools of fish, spotting turtles, stingrays and other wildlife as I casually made my way along the rock walls of the river.

It's great to see such a healthy waterway so close to home, and plenty of people on kayaks and stand up paddle-boards enjoying it! A very enjoyable weekend all round.

More photos here

Double Island Point

Almost a year to the day Naz first took his Pajero up the beach, we were back for another weekend getaway. The forecast for the days ahead was for strong unrelenting winds and a high chance of rain, but wet and windy camping is better than no camping at all!

We left Brisbane on Friday night and had set up camp at our favourite spot by 11 PM. We drove through showers on the trip north but they had abated by the time we arrived so we were able to set up our tents in the dry.

We were enjoying a cold beer on the sand dunes looking out to sea when a short storm rolled through, we retired to our tents to call it a night.

I awoke early on Saturday morning, a stiff onshore breeze was blowing that wouldn't let up the whole weekend. The seas were very rough, as I was walking the dunes another quick squall came through so I returned to my tent to see it through.

Up a short time later when the skies had cleared a little, we decided to put up a tarp for a small amount of protection but as the rain was coming in at 45 degrees it was a token effort at best.

The tide was on the way out so we drove up the beach before cutting across to the northern facing beaches. Here we were protected from the south-easterly winds, Naz went fishing while I went snorkeling / spear fishing. Due to the rough seas visibility was low, but the water temperature was nice which made for a pleasant swim. Naz caught a couple of small fish, no keepers, so we made our way back to camp before the tide encroached too high up the beach.

Back at camp we wandered down to the ocean and spent some time digging up pipis in the hard sand. Naz tried his luck fishing once again, while I struggled to start the fire high on the dunes. It was roaring by dusk, we spent the evening drinking red wine around the flames, eating fresh pipis roasted over the hot coals. When the last of the embers died down we turned in for the night.

With Sunday morning came nicer weather, we packed up the majority of our camp while the tide receded. Once again we drove to the northern facing beaches for another chance at taking home sof fish. The water was clearer due to the easing winds the night before, but I didn't see any fish during my time in the water. Naz caught a few small flathead using soft plastics, and we returned to finish packing up camp while the sun was still out.

The last of the gear had been stowed away when the rain came, and we drove back down the beach to the ferry through intermittent heavy showers. A quick stop at the car wash and we were on our way back to Brisbane,

Another short and sweet camping trip, its always a pleasure to wake to the sounds of the ocean and smell the salt in the air and the time away is always relaxing. I'll continue to return.

More photos here

Climbing Mt Flinders

Another weekend where the weather threatened to disrupt any outdoor activities, to hedge our bets Tony and I decided that our best bet in staying out of the rain (but not dry) would be climbing in a cave somewhere.

We had heard that Mt Flinders had been unofficially re-opened to climbing and has been going through a period of development, so we decided to check it out.

After a short detour around a washed out bridge we arrived at the start of the track, and met with a crew of climbers heading the same way. They have been developing the crag so we followed their lead and soon arrived at an impressive cave on the south-western side.

I was already dripping with sweat from the hike in, the humidity was intense! We decided to attempt 'Grandma Aragog's Boob' (24) as a short warm up, but I couldn't make it past the crux move after the third bolt. It was incredibly steep and no matter how much chalk I used I couldn't keep my hands dry for more than a few seconds. I didn't have it in me to pull through the last section so had to admit defeat.

We decided something easier was in order so we tried 'Never Ask the Moon' (22). My arms were wrecked from the previous climb, and the combo of the heat and humidity was sucking my strength away, not to mention I was dripping with sweat. I dogged my way to the top, lowered down for a much needed drink.

That was enough for the day, I was spent! The hike back down was a little dodgy due to the brief shower while we climbed, just enough to make the rocks and paths slick without bringing any relief from the heat. We made it back to the car, mercifully I had a spare change of dry clothes to change into, slumped in the car and drove back to Brisbane.

I'm definitely looking forward to winter!

Some photos here

Attempting Mt Lindsay

Many times I have driven down to New South Wales, and I always stare in wonder at Mt Lindsay, nestled along the border of Queensland and our southern state. It is such an unusual looking mountain, its tiered summit steeply rising out of the surrounding hills, from certain angles it gives the formation the appearance of a wedding cake.

The rock that makes up the cliffs is loose and easily broken, making it an unsuitable rock climbing destination. But it is possible to hike to the top, so after a week of research Chris and I decided to attempt the summit! Knowing it would be a solid hike we left Brisbane early on Sunday morning to make the most of our day.

It was the beginning of a gorgeous day as we pulled over to the side of the Mt Lindsay Highway in view of our target, no rain clouds in sight. Further south along the road in an adjacent paddock was some sort of bush rave, at 6;45 AM the monotonous electronic "music" was already pumping. Even though the audio conditions were atrocious we decided to continue with our plan.

Our plan didn't involve wandering along random cow trails through grassy paddocks, but after a small amount of back tracking we found the right track and another gate which lead up a very steep ridge through scrubby terrain. We continued along the ridge toward the mountain, scrambling up and around a small rock buttress, then arrived at the base of the lower cliffs and had a quick break. The day was hot and the humidity oppressive, but we made good time once we were on the right path.

Passing over a rocky section we began the traverse around the northern face of Mt Lindsay, which meant plunging down into a cooler rain-forest section. Route finding was tricky, but we eventually found enough tape / track marks to aid in navigation through the undergrowth. We pressed on through vines, spider webs, the occasional stinging nettle  before gaining elevation back up to the south east point on the mountain where a vegetated gully lead to the upper cliffs.

It was midday at this point, and we realized that we would be unable to continue to the top as we needed to be back in Brisbane by the mid-afternoon. We took lunch nearby a plaque affixed to the cliff memorializing the death of an experienced hiker at this spot in 2011, a reminder that the ascent of Mt Lindsay isn't a trivial undertaking.

It would have been great to make the summit on this occasion, but we were happy enough with our first recon of the mountain, and pressed back down into the forest to retrace our steps home. We made better time on the return, and stumbled across another reminder of the dangers inherent to rock climbing and mountaineering. A small cross remains in the forest, the grave of Edwin Lyle Vidler, a rock climber who perished trying to climb a chimney on the northern face of Mt Lindsay in 1929.

We emerged from the rain-forest once again, took in the view, then started back down the steep ridge to the same droning electronic beat we heard three hours ago. The climbing ropes I lugged around the mountain came in handy as we decided to avoid the scramble down by abseiling down past the rocky buttress.

The remaining ridge was still exceptionally steep, and rather than risk a fall on the slippery wet grass we set up some more abseils until we found ourselves back on relatively flat ground. It was a short hike down the remainder of the ridge until we crossed the fence to the paddocks and started towards the road.

We reached the car just before 3:00 PM, tired and sweaty, ready for a cold drink and the drive home. We unloaded our packs, peeled off our boots and socks, it was then I noticed I had a stow away. Below is the least gruesome photo I took.

The little sucker had feasted on my ankle, I had no idea how long it had gorged on me. I couldn't bare to kill it, at this point it was more my blood than leech! I flicked the swollen creature to the ground (dinner for some lucky bird), bandaged my gushing ankle, and started the long drive home.

While it was a disappointment not to reach the top of Mt Lindsay we are in a much better position to make the summit next time. On a cooler day with knowledge of the approach I'm sure we will be standing on the top of the tiers very soon!

More photos here, but those with weak stomachs be warned!

Mt Coolum

The weather was foul on Saturday morning, but luckily I had planned to go climbing with two Chris' at the Mt Coolum.

We were spared exposure to the worst of the weather under the shelter of the enormous cave, but the climbing was overhung and very fatiguing. We spent a few hours in the morning on 'Crazy Horny' (25) and 'Has it got a Chevy Motor?' (24) before calling it a day.

I managed to get back to Brisbane in time to see 'Seas of Valoria' and 'Clowns' tear it up at the 4zzz car park gig.

All of my favourite things! More photos here

Also, belaying can be exciting!

Frog Buttress

It isn't Frog Buttress climbing season quite yet, but we decided to head down very early in the morning to make the most of the day before the sun made it too hot to climb.

I went with two guys who between them have about 80 years of climbing experience, and have even been the first ascentionists on some of the climbs there back in the late 70's / early 80's.

Needless to say they blew me about of the water when it came to the climbs, but I was happy to sweat, curse and struggle up the crack climbing classics while they patiently waited for me to finish.

It was a hot and humid day, and by lunch the sun was beating down on the rock so we called it a day. Crack climbing is not my forte, but the abundance of classic climbs down this way are a reason to work on my jamming technique and get better.

It isn't a style you can learn in the gym, guess I'll have to keep coming down...

More photos here

Camping at Northern NSW

Heading out on Boxing day full of xmas cheer, Chris and I headed south-west into New South Wales for a few days of camping, hiking and kayaking.

We arrived at Urbenville just after lunch and decided to hike to a new climbing spot that afternoon while the weather was fine. The route descriptions were pretty good and we followed faint motorcycle tracks before a step, ferny section lead steeply up to the rock wall. Kicking away the leeches that had attached themselves to Chris' shoes, we checked out the routes and rested before heading back down the hill.

Once back at the car we decided to go for a swim at Tooloom Falls, and wash away the sweat and grime. We scrambled down the rock cliff and had a great swim in and around the falls. Noting the the adjacent camp site was full, we drove in to town to have dinner at the local pub, and watched the day turn to night.

That night, we decided to explore Yabbra State Forest a little more, to try and find a suitable place to camp for the night. We drove past 'Battery Hill' a small section of rock we planned to climb the next day. Soon the narrow track became overgrown, and before long I was driving through metre high grass unsure of where the track continued. Sticking to the mountain we found the track again, following it all the way around to where we started from! Feeling tired and not seeing any other suitable sights during the day, we parked on the other side of the waterfall on an old rocky road and set our tents up as best we could.

No sooner had we finished then the rain kicked it. We hastily climbed into our tents, tried to get comfy on the rocky ground, and fell asleep to the rain getting heavier. It continued through the night, by morning it had stopped but it was clear that we wouldn't be climbing that day.

Plan B involved driving a little further south to a place called Paddys Flat, nestled on the banks of the upper Clarence River. It was the site of many previous camping adventures, and an epic winter kayak trip earlier in the year.

After an early lunch and setting up camp to dry a few things out, Chris and I set off down the Clarence River. The recent rain had stirred up the water, but it was pleasant paddling downstream. We navigated the small rapids without issue, but as we got further downstream the skies darkened.

Keeping in mind we would need to paddle all the way upstream back to camp, we turned around after a few hours and started back. Soon after, the skies opened up. Lightly at first, but the rain soon grew heavy. The river swelled a little, and it was noticeably harder paddling against the extra current.

The rain eased as we arrived back to camp, we set about starting a fire and drying things as best we could. At least our tents were properly pitched so our bedding was dry. The fire was soon blazing, and we say around in the light drizzle enjoying a beer and a hot dinner. Night came and with it more rain, so we retired to our tents for the night, a lot more comfortable on a bed of thick grass beneath.

It was hot and humid the next morning as we packed up camp, still no climbing to be done due to the rain, so as we started back to Brisbane we made a slight detour for one last hike. We stopped at Mt Maroon (the site of many great adventures) and started up the steep summit track. We made good time and arrived at the top after lunch, drenched under the hot sun. It was very windy at the top, so after a moment to enjoy the vista and a short rest we started back down.

A few hours later we were back home, another great trip away. It was a shame that we couldn't get any climbing in, but we more than made up for it with some great hiking and kayaking. A trip to be repeated soon.

More photos here