Longies around Oz: Old update #7 - Climbing 'The Rock'

The climb is closed a lot these days. It's blamed on winds etc. It's closed when winds @ around 2,500ft are about 30 knots or above - something like that. So - it's gotta be pretty calm for the climb to open.

Also - there's a fairly visible 'Anti-climbing' culture. Cultural site .. bla , bla bla.

Here's an example of one of the many signs asking for no photos at sensitive ( & generally the best) sites.

Of course - there's post cards for sale of these sites. Call me cynical - whatever - but come on !!

So we waited for 3 days (keeping busy on other walks) hoping the climb would open.

And it did - on 9/05/08 - the day before we were due to leave - although we ended up staying an extra day.

Funny part is - it all started to get to me. I started thinking "Am I the only one who still wants to climb this thing - regardless of the latest cultural phenomena ??"

The next funny thing was - when it opened - almost everyone was up there like a 'rat up a drainpipe'.

So......... comforted in the knowledge that I wasn't the only cynical sod out there. off we went.

It's a great climb ay? Very steep to start.

Kids were very excited to say the least.

I think she's happy with herself !

At the top !!!

That's the Olga's behind the girls.

Guess who in 2008?

Guess who at the top in 1977 ! ! !

Isn't he cute ?

This was a very nostalgic thing for me. Having been here and done this with my Mum & Dad in 1977 when I was 11 - It was lovely visiting again with our kids -now 11 & 9.

SOOOO GLAD WE CAME ! ! ! !