Mountains Life

I am sitting at my desk. Looking out the window of my new home. A big green corrugated iron shed- complete with bathroom, kitchen and tractor room. And a roo has just bounced past. It’s another classic Blackheath day- a day where I wake up to the sound of rain trinkling onto my tin roof. A day where I look out the window and there is no sun to be seen. It seems the sun in Blackheath goes on frequent holiday. Off to a faraway place, and to return when it’s ready. A bit like the local folk I suppose.

My big bed Doug made.

This is my first time moving away from Melbourne. Some say, “You are so lucky! To go on holiday for a year and now live where you can climb as much as you want”. I say- “Luck doesn’t have much to do with it.” It was a very conscious decision, to uphaul my life and move to the unknown. To a place away from all my dearest, dearest friends. Away from my loving family who would do anything in the world for me. Away from my favourite cake and dessert cafes. My favourite bar. The beloved Grampians. The local gyms. My appreciative work places. My comfort zone.

It’s been far from easy. I moved here homeless. Jobless. Friendless. With pretty much ‘less’ of everything, apart from time. And I have come to realise, time can often be one’s worst enemy. Too much time, and one can dwell on life’s most complicated questions. Left with too much time, and no societal norms- one questions their accomplishments in life. Confidence takes a bit of a nose dive.

So why make such a large sacrifice? Most people choose where to live based on where their career can flourish. Or where their family is. Or where the climate is desirable for a year long tan. I chose to live in “Bleakheath”, 1000m above sea level. Away from my family, serious job prospects and good sushi. Oh rockclimbing- how you make me question my life!

But it’s done. And I am starting to like it. I don’t go out partying and dance the night away anymore. I now have dinner parties and drink a glass of wine. I walk down the main street and buy fresh bread (and maybe a piece of cake) from the local Cambodian Bakery. I don’t drive to the other side of Melbourne to catch up with my girlfriends. Instead, as I walk back to my car from the bakery, I bump into them. I miss my friends back home- and if I think about it too much, I am overcome with an overwhelming sense of sadness. Because I know, as hard as I try, I won’t be able to stay friends with all of them. But, it’s the choice I have made, and slowly, I am building some friendships here. Earning the trust, respect and generosity friends deserve.

I feel like I need to play catch up on the classics around the Mountains. I am surrounded by so many talented, strong and motivated people that have such an extensive list of accomplishments in climbing (and life). It is a constant reminder and motivator to get out there and get better. Onsight. Multipitch. Siege. Go cragging.

I feel like I am finally getting into the groove of the style here. Sharp, crimpy cranking. I did my first 31 just before Christmas. Starring at the Sea at Wave Wall. It’s almost my anti-style. I like jugs and steepness. This route has tiny razors and is only slightly overhanging- but classic. I am really psyched to complete a route that felt so utterly desperate, and left me so sore and fatigued the day after. But, as the efficiency came, so did the fitness. And with that, success and a flutter of confidence. Quite a foreign feeling since leaving Europe.

Starring at the Sea (Pic- Doug McConnell)

And it seems with a little confidence and fitness other classics have followed. I had a great day out a few weeks ago, completing Tripe (30), Green Eggs and Ham (28) and Onions (27) in one day. All came down to good conditions :) Other “must do’s” are Don’t Believe the Tripe (29). Tsunami (29). Returnity (28) and Fresh Goats Milk (28).

So please- let this be the start of a long and enjoyable journey. Abundant of challenges and success. And crisp, breezy, sunny days!

Spankin' the Monkey Bars V8

- A Hah