Autumn is on the way

Hey Gang,

Well as you've read in Al's post, it has been crazy hot down here. For us city dwellers climbing has been limited. After having most of January off (see Tasmania post) it has been difficult being back at work and only getting the occasional weekend off. Although those few and far between days are basically sweatbox, sauna torture, they have been great fun.

I can finally report on some news I've had since Christmas, although many of you may already know. I have recently joined the Expedition Equipment Team, representing Red Chili, Wild Country and Prana. I'm very excited about this opportunity. If you're on facebook, you probably have already seen the link to their page I sent you. Jump on it, cause you can read news, reports and stay in touch with new gear thats coming in. Otherwise it's here, www.expeditonequipment.com.au

Not much to report in terms of tickage, but I've jumped on a few things of late I've been eyeing off.

Firstly, I jumped on Le Petite Mort, 29ish at the Gallery. Is 'ish' now as an undercling that was used for clipping and initiating the crux sequence was rudely busted off by Hank the Yank some years ago. I worked out a new way of entering the crux, however was thwarted by the tropical conditions and blew a fuse. Sutter is the only one I know who's done it since the hold broke, and agrees it adds some curry.

Secondly, I have worked out all the moves on a project of mine dubbed Afro Warrior at Little Hands. This is a rising traverse that enters the crux of my Substance D, 29 but from the wrong side. Basically a 4 move V6? at the end of a 18m roof traverse. Quick, call an Ambulance cause this thing will be fully sick!

Spent another couple of hot days at Muline with Arnie and some other locals. I didn't do much climbing there because the routes I want to try are in the sun most of the day at this time of year. I did however lug my new camera kit up and did a test shoot of Arnie on Middle Path, 28. This was aimed at getting to know my new kit (7D and Tokina 11-16mm f2.8). This rough cut diamond is just that 'rough' and for good reason. I'll prepared and out of time, shooting it in the 30 mins we should have been already on the road back to Melbourne. Hopefully its the start of more to come, video that is. Lots of ideas - just have to learn how to edit and make things nicer.



Oh, almost forgot. The annual Bayside Boulder Bash was on last weekend. Good to have some new fully rad (long and pumpy) problems in the gym. I had a shitter and without devulging to much information, what happened was a long time coming and my awareness of it now as prompted me to seek professional help. This, while in some ways very difficult for me can only be a good and positive thing for my climbing. That said, there were some really strong performances. The little man from Sheffield, Tom Haigh took out the win with some really impressive flashes. Well done mate.

Anyway, I'm heading up this weekend for a couple days with the intention of filming some routes at Little Hands and of course having a crack at Afro Warrior (watch this space). \

Righteo. Enjoy the weekend peeps

- Grosey.