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Chockstone Forum - General Discussion
General Climbing Discussion
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22-Mar-2019 9:09:04 AM
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I received a phone call from Peter Watling that Mike Stone died on Wednesday. Those of a certain age will have used the Green Arapiles guide that he co-authored with Ian Speedie. Talking with him one day after Noddy's guide was published he stated; "All the good routes are in the green guide, I know because I did them." Routes like Agamemnon, Panzer, Yo-Yo and in the Grampians the climbs he did are many and varied. Another pioneer of Victorian climbing has gone.
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22-Mar-2019 8:08:11 PM
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One of the pleasures in life was not just to climb with Mike Stone, which I was privileged to do, but to sit around the campfire in the evening listening as Mike recounted tales of climbs and people. From significant ascents in the Alps with people like John Fantini, to many first ascents in the Grampians and Arapiles with just about anyone who was anyone in the early days. Mike's self-deprecating chuckle as he told tales of epics, his own and others, will live on in my memory.
Mike, and Jan and the "Pebbles" (Peter, Catherine and Jen) always welcomed us, but then, he always welcomed everybody. It's just the sort of person he was. He wasn't just a climber I wanted to emulate, he was a *person* I wanted to emulate.
My last climbing memory of Mike (in the late 90's) was the evening I'd taken a beginner up on the Bluffs late in the day and got myself benighted at the top of Ali's. I was hesitant to push on down in the dark with a beginner but it was a busy weekend so I knew someone would come looking for us. Sure enough, Mike came by and called up. I said that we were good, we just needed a torch. A few minutes later Mike appeared just below us. He'd soloed up Ali's in runners with a torch in his mouth to light the way!
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22-Mar-2019 8:20:13 PM
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Mike was a real pioneer.
He was friendly, kind, fun to be around and free with his knowledge of climbs and cliffs.
He climbed with the best (and some say the worst as well!) and in passing leaves many good friends and awestruck seconds.
BA is correct to point out the quality and variety of climbs that Mike put up at Arapiles and in the Grampians but perhaps even more significant may be his part in the first ascent of the North Wall at Buffalo (Emperor) and the uber classics Monarch and Caligula. He climbed with ease, grace, humour, spirit and style.
Victorian climbers in particular will always remain in his debt. Certain rapscallions that he imprisoned in his capacity as a Victorian magistrate may not feel that way.
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23-Mar-2019 3:24:37 PM
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Sorry to hear of this, and I give my condolences to his family and friends.
>Mike was a real pioneer.
I didn’t know the bloke personally, however I’ve enjoyed a fair number of the routes he was involved in putting up, and also enjoyed reading details about those often adventurous first ascents.
Climb the hereafter routes in peace bro, - without fear of retros and access issues, as us who remain for a bit have to contend with.
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23-Mar-2019 4:06:44 PM
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I too am sorry to hear of this and also offer my condolences to his family and friends.
It may come across as trite (being second to express the same thoughts), but I largely echo Duang Daunk’s sentiments.
I wish I had the opportunity of meeting him along the way in earlier days as he sounds like a grand character and a real gentleman, ... an opportunity now lost sadly...
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24-Mar-2019 7:19:53 PM
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Well said DD
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There are 6 messages in this topic.
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