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Camels Hump 29/12: Was it REALLY that hot today?

alrob

29-Dec-2003
9:00:23 PM

In a last ditch effort to escape the heat of the proposed 35 degree Monday, plans were made to head for the hills.......and non other then the good old Camels Hump thrust its hand up and begged "me! me! pick me!". Somewhat sympathetically, the destination was chosen over other strong candidates for the day.......melton creek, richmond bridge......and in the car jumped Paul and I. (note: the very rare grammatically correct last phrase....and they say this is a climbing forum! Ha!)

Our first assignment was to pick up Andrea Hah, one of the not-so-junior members of the Nunnawading Junior Climbing Squad (go figure......?). Perhaps more remarkable then Pauls 98.6 ENTER score, was his inability to navigate me directly into Footscray to pick Andrea up, without requiring numerous "legal" U-Turns, and his ability to state that, while at a set of lights to turn onto the Calder, in the far left lane, we should be in the far right hand lane! Oh boy, this was going to be a long day!

After a quick stop at the Macedon General for a salad roll and vanilla slice, we pulled into the carpark, remarkably without requiring (or asking is another way to put it) directions from Paul. The wind had picked up, and dragged much of the heat away.could be a good day after all.

First on the list for the day was Wishful Thinking (16). Fantastic little climb to start the day off with, complete with off-route venturing and sunscreen-slick hands causing havoc. I lead it easily, leaving all the gear on for Paul and Andrea to follow up on. I was again up first go as draw monkey on Boogie Till You Puke (21). Having already done this climb a few times, it still amazes me with its stunning line, that always makes the palms sweat, legs quiver and forearms cry in agony. Paul lead it smoothly again, mutant boys static style on the jugs enough to make up for his earlier failures as a navigator. Andrea then tied in, slightly hesitantly at first, but the ex-gymnast used all manner of leg contortions hidden up her sleave to climb cleanly to the 4th bolt. Not long after, she had reached the anchors with a cheer of delight.....or was it relief.....??

It was then straight to Bloodline (22) i marched Paul. His previous efforts last trip resulted in faint cries of fright, distress and humour. The humour part coming from those, or more specifically ME on the ground. This is a guy who can make 25's in the gym look easy. Not this time though. Today, there was no cries of fright and minimal distress. Humour at his expense was still readily available though. Second shot of the day saw him victorious. Andrea then had a crack, and although her 90degree+ leg positioning saw her strangely succeed on some of the moves, some big falls saw her return to solid ground.

It was now up to me to fullfill my quota for the day - Broomstick (24). Last trip, i gave it a quick go and found the opening moves very doable. The route was prepped, holds brushed and chalked, shirt whipped off (revealing a perfectly sculptered and tanned Fabio body. What, you didn't know?) and a quick wave to the punters saw a successful ascent, 2nd shot. Wat a brilliant climb that is. However, as usual, Paul quickly tied in, and after figuring out the initial moves, utterly demoralisingly, sent the route in fine style on his first shot. I was feeling quite confident in my abilities still at this stage though, and so as Paul lowered off Broomstick, he chucked another couple of draws on Bewitched (24) beside it. Pumped for the flash, start moves went easy enough, before the proverbial hit the fan at the 4th draw, coming unstuck while looking for holds in the rock under all the moss and dirt. Never the less, I finished it off, and lowered to the ground, mumbling rainman-like "it'll go, for sure. yeah it'll go. it'll go for sure. yeah" In an attempt to be polite and not show my frustration, i offered the sharp end to Paul, who promptly proceeded the FLASH THE BLOODY THING!!! I began wondering how i would dispose of the body, the tip maybe? or just dump it in the bush perhaps, and wait for a family of possums to devour the evidence. Strong Boy had polished off a 21, 22, 24 first shot, and another 24, flash! Swallowing the scraps of pride i had left, in the knowledge that Paul did infact, seriously smell, and i infact did not, i roped up again, for another bash. Again, i was stopped dead in my tracks at the 4th clip, and upon return the forgiving nature of flat ground, vowed i would be back to bite the head off this particular chicken.

Only one thing that could soothe the anguish occuring in my head. Gelati. After a quick vote in the car 3-0, it was agreed that Gelati was indeed required. So, as forseen, we went, we ate, we complained of integestion, we conquered.

On a serious note: a toprope/emergency rap setup was found on top of Omega Block. If anyone knows who's this is, or it is infact yours, drop us an email with a correct description of the gear, it will be returned as soon as possible. and we may see you later in the showcase. (Applause)

joemor

2-Jan-2004
5:43:51 PM

Ah young jedi ....... its seems gelati, you learnt, to eat well.

Great report... looks like kent has a contender for best report of the year......!!

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