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Valley Girls 20-May-2003 At 11:31:35 AM GG

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As if our last effort wasn't enough Peter and I headed back to the Grampians thursday 15 for another run at the Summerday Valley climbs. Again we stayed at the Troopers arms/Chinamans Lodge and again we got well hammered, this time it was before a foot even touched rock.

Up at 8:00 and off to the Valley. The carpark at Summerday seems to resemble my local Coles Supermarket!

Suprisingly though all the "regular" climbs were free and so Pete decided to lead the Flake of Fear 15 for a warm up. After that we moved over to the back wall? I lead Overkill 17 and was pleased with the onsight. However i have to say my ropework is absolute shite to say the least. I created an almost purfect zig zag in the rope (slings...what are they?). The amazing rope drag really bedded my placements in and Peter had to destroy some of the nuts just to get them out...
Then round the back to the main wall. Pete decided to have a run at Rats Tail 16. The guide says pumpy. Pete got a sudden rush of nerves and I have concluded from this that it is possible to get Elvis Legs without actually getting on a climb. After several ups and downs resting on the gear Pete conceded defeat. Oh no here comes that pride thing again. Forrtunately for me Peter had placed the first three pieces so it was a little easier for me. I managed to onsight it but I found it harder than Overkill. Quite sustained at the start with not overly large holds. That was it for the day - Wimps.....

That night Jevon turned up and again we indulged a litttle too much. By the morning it was apparent that that Peter had overdone it and was quite crook.

Jevon led Waxman (his second ever lead). Silly bugger forgot to take up a belay device. after 15min I shouted to him "are you off belay". "Not really" was the reply. Peter went round the back and climbed up to Jevon who was sitting, not tied in staring like a Bunny Rabbit in the spotlight! I think he must of had a bit of rush and went all stupid! I must add however that Jevon is a ridiculously strong indoor climber and regularly shames us.

Pete led Flake AGAIN. I set up a top rope on a 21 (can't remember name).Then I set up a top rope on 19 on the wall of fools (can't remember the name) very short climb. Jevon killed them. I was pathetic.

That was it. Hey does anyone know what the best cleaner is to shine your rack?

Gareth