User Name:	Jonathan Pascoe
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Location:	Christchurch New Zealand
I Climb:	Gym Boulder Top Rope Sport Trad Single Pitch Trad Multi Pitch Aid/Big Wall Ice Real Mountains
Comments:	Although not mentioned in despatches I was fortunate to be the sole New Zealander on the 2nd ascent of Balls Pyramid in 1969.I had been invited by John Davis and Gary Steer to join them after meeting up the season before while climbing in the Mt Cook region in New Zealand. I have lost contact over the last 40 years and did not ever see the film or the DVD of that ascent. I recently read a murder mystery ''Bright Air'' by Sydney author Barry Maitland which was centred around Balls Pyramid. It brought back a lot of memories, and with an internet search I came across Chockstones and the discussions concerning access to the Pyramid. For me the trip was a one off exceptional experience. Although I have continued to climb in NZ, as well as spending time in South America, the Arctic and the Antarctic, Balls Pyramid is right up there.It was a truly great adventure - the total package from flying boat to Lord Howe,the swim from the chartered fishing boat,the sea sickness,getting the food and water ashore,the climbing,the bird life, the 10cm centipede hanging off my lower lip one night,the changing mood of the sea,and the sky,the exposure, and the camaraderie. It would be a great shame if this total stand out experience is denied to others.Sensible guidelines would need to be made, but it is difficult to see how a limited number of climbers would have a detrimental effect on the rock or the wildlife, particularly as the vast majority of the pyramid except the southwest ridge will continue to be inaccessible because of landing difficulties. If there is an available source to obtain a copy of the DVD of the 1969 ascent and to obtain John Davis''s email address to make contact again I would be very appreciative.
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