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Chockstone Forum - General Discussion

General Climbing Discussion

Topic Date User
What got you started? 24-Feb-2011 At 6:25:17 AM pmonks
Message
A very good topic!

First direct exposure to climbing I can remember was a trip with the family to Tibro in about 1983 or so. We wandered up to the base of the cliff somewhere and noticed a pair of shoes sitting on the ground. Out of nowhere a climber appeared, grabbed his shoes and proceeded to solo straight up the cliff. He said it was a very easy and direct way to the top, and offered to take us up it, so off we went (still sans rope, gear etc.). I can remember it being quite easy - lots of small trees (ironwoods?) to grab hold of, etc., but after what seemed like forever (but was probably less than 50m) the exposure started getting to me and we hit a treeless, exposed traverse off to the right.

The climber whizzed straight across and then waited on the other side for us, and while dad was keen to continue, I freaked out and refused to do it. I can still picture what the traverse looked like, and while my memory of it makes it seem obviously easy (low angled slab below an overhanging bulge), I think the rock architecture (particularly the overhanging bulge) and the huge amount of air below it was enough to scare the bejeezuz out of 9yo me.

I've often wondered what that route was - in hindsight it must be a popular ascent / descent route since the base was quite worn and eroded and I recall seeing plenty of signs of wear on the bit we did climb too. There may have even been a sign at the base?

Anyone recognise it from such a vague description? Better yet, anyone know who the climber might have been? I think he may have even been wearing EBs - my memory of that event is so clear I can still picture them 30-odd years later!

[edit] this isn't what got me started - in fact it may have delayed my eventual interest in climbing by scaring the crap out of me early on!

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