After a last minute trip was organised by Jenny 5.45am, last Sunday morning saw me cycling to uni in the pitch dark to meet my fellow rock people. We ended up at Shipley Upper bright and early, freezing in our boots with no sign of the other four UNSWOC climbers (or anyone else really). Brendon, Luke and Yi started leading some climbs (13 and 17) while I (the most inexperienced climber) followed. Not to be dramatic, but the first few climbs were like climbing a frozen cheese grater - although at least our fingers were comfortably numb.
What it looked like vs. what it felt like, ft. Yi and Brendon.
As the glorious sun slowly advanced down the valley to thaw out the slab and the climbers, the rest of the crew turned up blissfully unaware an hour or so late, surprised to hear we were already on our second or third climbs. The sleep-in crew consisted of Matt, Alex, Joyce and Jenny, who also started leading and climbing in the now beautiful day. The range for most of us was mainly 17 - 19, while Luke and Jenny went full beast mode, heading off to lead the fantastically named Lardy Lady’s Lats (22).
Joyce having just led Pompadour (13).
Despite some mishaps and close calls, we had a perfect slabby day of climbing. Notable mention to Matt, who while cleaning a 13 forgot to clip his safety sling to himself until the last minute and then accidentally left a top rope sling up there for Luke to eventually retrieve. I would also like to apologise to Brendon and Alex who both patiently belayed me as I attempted an 18 probably at least seven times, determinedly and continuously falling off 2 meters above the ground every time. Whooops.
We headed up the hill fully worn out and fingerless just as the sun was setting, but our mission was not over yet. A couple of milestones were reached that day including Luke’s 22, so we organised to meet at the IGA for ice cream as per the sacred and ancient tradition of ye olde climbing lore. Ultimately we ended up loitering outside a grocery store in Blackheath in the freezing cold eating raspberry splits. An end was put to that icy madness as Brendon demanded pizza and we invaded Rene’s in Katoomba where they fed and warmed us despite our gremlin appearance, and Alex independently consumed a family sized pizza in record time. Full of primo Italian cuisine, chalk dust and a sense of accomplishment, we returned sleepy and satisfied to Sydney.
Making the most of the day, ft. Alex and UNSWOC Beanie.
Thanks to Jenny for organising, to Luke for getting us climbing before half the party arrived and to the drivers who weren’t allowed to take naps like the rest of us!
Written by Milly Caley, volunteered by Luke King.