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Warrumbungles
Mike Henderson October 2000
"What happens when you put a group of NUMC members in the middle
of the Warrumbungles for a week? Well, you get an awful lot of climbing,
an awful lot of story telling, a bit of hiking, and a few trying
for legendary status one way or another.
When we left the gear shed on Thursday afternoon, we were already
way late - this was exacerbated when someone forgot to check about
where we would be picking up our Maitland Bungles hero (Simon wouldn't
want me to mention his name). Onwards to Pizza Hut at Singleton,
where some of us got the first look at photos of what we were about
to be climbing in the next few days - we were suitably terrified.
Conversation dropped to an all-time low in the car, and we managed
to avoid the mammoth numbers of kangaroos on the last stretch of
road before we pulled into the carpark at about 1am (having strangled
the killer goanna/tree-branch). We loaded up, and started the trek
up the yellow brick road, with some of us stupid enough to be hauling
35kgs+ up the hill, all for the sake of acquiring some sort of legendary
status.
Mike pointed out the imposing shadow of Beloughery Spire, and we
raised our heads long enough to once again be suitably terrified.
We collapsed into camp and were set up and asleep by 4am. Rising
at 7:30am, we felt less than energetic, but the first days climbing
beckoned, and we set off to climb Vertigo. The climbing was great
(just don't step on the outside of the bar-fridge sized block),
and the belay ledges were small. With the first day over, those
of us new to the climbing scene were undecided about the next few
days: we were of course excited about reaching the summit, but at
the same time were....suitably terrified!
That evening Hendo revealed the content of his "legendarily heavy"
pack. Rug, silver goblets, wine, candles & sumptuous foods. A fair
attempt at legend, and with a bit more training will rise to truely
"legendary legend" status. Other legendary comfort efforts include
Mel's offering of two fresh pineapples to the bungles god. Like
offerings made by treker's to climb Everest.
Early the next morning (around 1am?), the second group of NUMCers
arrived, and the next day people split up to climb in different
parts of the Bungles.Ascents were made of Dr. Darks Chimney, Vertigo,
Caucuses Corner (first half - varient finish), Cornerstone Rib,
and the first pitch of Bastion Buttress (Dan was it stay left, or
right??).
Everyone seemed to be climbing fast (no piss-farting around now),
and we made a mockery of Bungles rule 1 - always walk back in the
dark.Bungles rule 2 - don't fall, was strictly adhered to however,and
to my knowledge, no-one fell over the four days of climbing, be
it lead or top rope. Spirits remained high around camp, and as the
climbing got taller, so did the tales - our humble abode felt better
and better to get back to after each day of climbing.
The following day saw ascents of East Face Route, Cornerstone Rib,
Out And Beyond, and a legendary ascent of Lieben by Jason Piper
(lead) & Lisa Cutfield. It can be said though: "Naught raises hobbit
folk, early in the morning, after climbing Lieben!" (to be sung
to the tune of Old Tom Bombadil).
Indeed several colourful presentations from Lord Of The Rings were
made: "I'm a drown-ded mister Frodo!" (parting of the Company),
"Hey dol, merry dol, merry dol my hearties!" (Tom Bombadil's house),
"Sam, you mustn't have tied the rope on!" (Gollum/Eymn Muir).
The last climbing day saw many try to get a morning ascent of Vertigo
in, before everyone split up. A new route was climbed on Vertigo
('The Mel Plant Traverse'), and an epic four pitch climb: up 2 pitches,
set up belay, climb up to the left, climb down, climb up to the
right, climb down, climb down below belay and traverse 20m to right,
set up belay ledge,climb back up, belay other climbers down to newly
established belay ledge, climb down to join them and then climb
the last pitch. "That pitch was brought to you by poor pro & loose
rock!" - Mel.
Everyone split up at different times during the day, and the original
five who came up on Thursday were left to say goodbye to camp on
Tuesday morning. A long awaited shower (especially for the 'stinky
girl') was the last task undertook, before leaving the Warrumbungle
National Park for another year.
Here's a tip - avoid the Sunrise Cafe in Coona. No tables & chairs
and the dirty looks are free. The climbs will still be there next
year though, and nothing will keep the NUMC from embarking on the
12th annual Bungles trip. I don't know how I will stay away for
a whole year? (any chance of an Easter trip as well??). |
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Happy to be in the Bungles |
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