I spent today spent in the wonderful Blue Mountains, just to the west of Sydney, doing a multi-pitch abseil and hike out. And what a wonderful playground to develop a high level of rope handling proficiency.
Over the past two weekends I have concentrated on multi-pitch abseils of at least 250 metres done in sections (pitches) of around 40-50 metres each. And I’ve had my fair share of self-rescues thrown in without warning to ensure I have the necessary skills to do just that, rescue myself, or someone else, with confidence!
I want to achieve an extremely high standard to ensure that when I am in Nepal next year, and eventually on an 8,000 peak, that my rope handling skills are completely second nature and can be done, quickly, safely, and confidently…
Under the watchful eye of the Shane and the fantastic team from the Australian School of Mountaineering I am well on my way to achieving this standard.
In less then two months I will be back in New Zealand for an attempt on the summit of Mt Aspiring, and without wanting to wish my life away – I can’t wait! But the journey can only be made one day at a time, and what a day it was.
There is nothing better than putting yourself in a position where you must simply trust the set-up you have built and locked yourself onto it…
The confidence to do this comes from practice, and the rewards are great. Simply lying back “into thin air” and going over the edge is exhilarating.
The Blue Mountains provides such a wonderful natural backdrop to pursue this activity.
Boar’s Head, a natural rock formation was our abseiling destination of choice today. It is a short walk-in from the main cliff-drive not too far from downtown Katoomba. And the vista at the start of it is spectacular, overlooking Narrow Neck, a prominent plateau that stretches to the south…
The total abseil is around 250 metres and we used two 60 metre ropes to drop to the valley floor in five pitches. The walk-out required some “scrub bashing” to join up with the main Devil’s Hole track, that took us back up to our transport.
The thick undergrowth made for a humid traverse of the gullies, before we started our climb up through Devil’s Hole.
XPLORE - Out & About 
Hey Baz you need to do a bit of editing on the previous blog. I know you like artistic licence and all but………. but it’s not quite a true recollection of just who had bum grapes!
LikeLike
In the interests of clarity I have posted these comments to the actual blog…
“We’ve been cloned – Cookie Cut-outs (Fair Dinkum)”
That’s what six schooners of beer will do to you…alcohol can have that effect on one’s memory.
Hang-on, did we consume four or eight schooners?
Anyway, my mother warned me this would happen if I touched the evil fire-water! So that’s it for me, red cordial is my choice of drink at the Albion going forward…
And for good measure I’m penning a letter to the beer company right now, on behalf of 20 billion people world-wide, to insist they put a warning on the side of each and every can of beer they produce.
“Warning – this can of beer (or multiples of them) is likely to induce selective memory loss, possible fibbing and tall story telling. It may also be a cure for haemorrhoids, but only if drunk in sufficient quantities”
😉
Editor’s note: The details remain far too sketchy; go with your gut feel on this one!
LikeLike
It is a beautiful place for doing that sort of thing. Nice pics! We have just recently moved after spending three years living in the lower Blue mountains. Back on the central coast now.
Good luck to you hey with your quest.
I get dizzy just climbing a ladder.
LikeLike
I was saying good night to our son, TomO, last night. He’s sleeps up top a double bunk bed, and I almost fell off. He told me I can’t come up anymore unless I’m roped up!
LikeLike
Okay, so you confirmed what I suspected. Beautiful!
LikeLike
I’m very jealous right now because I would do anything to be out in those mountains right now; glad you’re having a great time, and working hard:))
LikeLike
Those mountains are food for the soul! Cheers…
LikeLike
I absolutely love the photos your post! That scenery is breathtaking. Kudos to you for taking advantage of the beautiful nature surrounding you!
LikeLike
It is a lovely spot, so close to Sydney, so far from civilisation…We didn’t see one other person all day once we left Katoomba…
LikeLike
Gorgeous photos – what a way to spend the weekend! So wise of you to prepare so carefully, and to take such pleasure in the preparations!
LikeLike
And it is a pleasure, I try not to think of the “big picture” goals and not get too far ahead of myself. Enjoy each day as it comes…!
LikeLike
I would like just half of your life- wow! Kathryn
LikeLike
Well…I try to Get Out and About as much as I can, and have fun! Maybe I could give you the work half… 😉
LikeLike
No I don’t WANT that half : )))) I have that!
LikeLike
amazing…once again thanks for sharing your adventures :]
LikeLike