Sunday 8 December 2013

Life's full of changes

Several trips to Armidale in New South Wales have, with help from some local climbers (thanks Di and  Andy), demonstrated to our Strandedclimber, that you only need to be prepared to drive out of Queensland to find great climbing/bouldering on amazing quality rock.

Accommodation is very reasonable in Armidale. We stayed in a lodge at a local caravan park 15 mins drive from a an area boasting several bouldering areas. Di informed me that much of the rock is unclimbed and that while there has been development, because of the small numbers of climbers living there, there's lots of new lines waiting to be sent.

The rock is clean, with good friction in the morning and late afternoon. The boulder is typical of the rock in the picnic table area, with just one problem recorded on it. Plenty of potential. We completed three new problems, two sit starting under the front and another climbing the right arete.



A Great line runs from a sitting start, two hands on the arete to the break. Traverse along the break to a side pull just where the colour of the rock changes then slap back to your right onto the right arete. Use the small side pulls with your left hand and the arete with your right to squeeze your way to the top, feet matching hands.












"Larry the Phoenix' runs up the Gold streak of the riverside boulder pictured on the left. Its a typical problem that my UK climbing buddy Larry (yes the best climbing partner EVER) revels in, requiring you to keep one foot (your left in this case) out wide behind you smearing on the far (left) side of the Gold streak whilst your hands and right foot push and crimp up the right side. A sandy landing awaits if you miss the big stretch from the last decent hold to the top.




Good luck with your climbing renaissance Larry. Make sure your are back to your amazing strong self for May and some 'Secret Woods Bouldering!'

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