Chockstone Forum

      Sponsored By
      ROCK
   HARDWARE

Chockstone Photography

Australian Landscape Prints

Chockstone Forum - Trip Reports

Tells Us About Your Latest Trip!

Topic Date User

You're GORGEous 12-Jun-2003 At 4:18:56 PM GG

Message

With the dampness of winter approaching it was quite a suprise to end up with such a sunny day on the Queens Birthday Holiday. We'd heard about Werribee Gorge and thought it would be a fun day out. Another suprise that when we finally got arrived at falcons (i hate walking to climbs) there was only two other climbers! Where were all the topropes I'd been promised!

We set up at the base of of Big Ears (16) which Peter and I both led. I think a hold has broken low down and there is a mid sized piece of rock just waiting to drop on the belayer.......

Next up was Rusty Nails (17). I tried to onsight but stopped once at the 2nd bold. mmmm stiff move. Hard 17 but then I always whinge about the grades. In fact I don't think I've ever agreed with the grade with any climb I have done (figure that one out?). Jevon had a try at the lead and also failed at the crux after the second bolt.

We then set up a TOP ROPE on Snatch And Grab (20). Will try and lead this next time. A lot of fun except for the grease and chalk on all the holds. Something that is a feature of the climbs there.

Finally down to Cicero (14) - 27m. Jevon lead the climb then Peter. I cleaned the route. There is a fairly stiff move about 6m off the deck. Up over an overhang. Tip: look left for extra holds. Also when belaying wear a helmet. There is a heap of loose shi@ up top and I was treated to a gravel shower!

The sun went down and it was dark halfway back to the car.....

...an accident waiting to happen.....
It says that somewhere on this website. I saw someone testing their toprope setup by standing on the edge of the cliff (not tied in) and pulling back on the rope. mmmmmm. How does that work?

A guy next to us was about 10cm short of landing on his ar@e from 5m up (saved only by barbeque shapes. When he fell the belayer (up top) was not holding the rope. Fortunately the belayer had quick reflexes. Sadly he now has rope burns.

Also good to see three wedged cams!!!!!!!

There are some good looking climbs (if you're that way inclined). I think we'll go back again sometime.

- Gareth