The Greek rock climber

Submitted: Tuesday, May 13, 2008 at 20:29
ThreadID: 57581 Views:1801 Replies:2 FollowUps:1
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Back in my slightly younger days the Brother in law and I where mad keen on rock climbing. One of the areas we occasionally visited was the Camels Hump at the back of Mt Macedon.

The routes up there are pretty easy, with the exception of one that requires a mad leap of faith to start the climb, and this is what had us coming back.

On the walk down we decided to have a look at the main climbing area first and have a bit of lunch amongst the bracken.

Hadn't been there all that long when we heard a call for help. As some of you will know it can take a bit of time in the bush to figure out where a call is coming from.

We eventually sighted him on the cliff face and climbed up to see what the fuss was about. On the way up I was thinking there must have been an accident.

He was standing on a ledge with a climbing rope but nothing else. Totally alone and didn't have a clue what he was doing.

After a bit of time he was on safe ground, then given a terse lecture on safe climbing. Must say I took a bit of pity on the poor buggar and invited to join us on a weekend climb up in the Grampians to learn what it was all about...... big mistake.

Murphy's Law kicked in that weekend and the wife and I didn't arrive at the camp site until early afternoon (rather than early morning).

It was stinking hot, around 40c. We rightly assumed the fella's had gone off for a climb. However by 4pm I was starting to get a bit concerned they hadn't returned and said to the missus 'I'll take my climbing gear, water and head up there'.

Its a fair walk up to the base of the cliff and I'd have to say I was getting a bit worried about their safety at this stage. Eventually came across them walking down the track hanging on to a bloodied Greek.

Apparently these so called experience idiot climbers had allowed the Greek to 'lead' the third pitch an he came off, inverted during the fall and miraculously survived a head first dive on to a ledge.

To say I was spitting chips at this stage is an understatement. I felt like thrashing the be Jesus out of the brother in law (not to mention the other clown). Once we arrived at the camp site the missus gave them a fair mouth full also.

To cut a long story short, he suffered a bit of concussion, but was ok in the end with medical help.

Having said all that, rock climbing is a great pass time, and I'm prepared to give all my gear free of charge to a kid interested in taking up the sport providing the parent is supportive.

The gear has a bit of age, but chocks, wedges, slings and climbing ropes haven't changed all that much over time. Harnesses, such as the 'Williams Nugget Compactors' have thankfully gone. LOL.

So if you want the gear for your kid, give me a call on (03) 97055467 during business hours.

Regards

Kim













Regards

Kim McFarland
Phone/fax (03) 97821702
Mobile 0409213403
e-mail kimmc@satlink.com.au
Bus Phone 97055467
Bus e-mail kmcfarland@casey.vic.gov.au
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Reply By: Rock Crawler - Wednesday, May 14, 2008 at 07:57

Wednesday, May 14, 2008 at 07:57
After a bit of time he was on safe ground, then given a terse lecture on safe climbing. Must say I took a bit of pity on the poor buggar and invited to join us on a weekend climb up in the Grampians to learn what it was all about...... big mistake.


It was stinking hot, around 40c. We rightly assumed the fella's had gone off for a climb. However by 4pm I was starting to get a bit concerned they hadn't returned and said to the missus 'I'll take my climbing gear, water and head up there'.

Let me get this right , you find someone who is in need of help , realise he dosnt know how to climb , invite him along I asume to teach him and then let him off on his own ? is this right?


hmmm more than one person that 2 chops short of a barby here
AnswerID: 303707

Follow Up By: Member - Kim M (VIC) - Wednesday, May 14, 2008 at 17:55

Wednesday, May 14, 2008 at 17:55
No.

Both my Brother In Law and another regular climbing partner (both experienced) arrived there before us, and took him on the climb.

I can't remember the grade of climb, but you don't allow a novice to lead a pitch on his first climb. Hence my anger at their stupidity.

Regards

Kim
0
FollowupID: 569907

Reply By: Redback - Wednesday, May 14, 2008 at 10:25

Wednesday, May 14, 2008 at 10:25
It's all Greek too me!!!

Baz.
AnswerID: 303721

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