Blog from July, 2019

John passed away last week . Originally from Victoria, he was one of the “young “uns” of the 1960-70s, who climbed many new hard routes on the Organ Pipes and other Tasmanian cliffs as well as at Mt.  Arapiles and across Victoria.

Climbing with Reg Williams, Phillip Stranger, Chris Baxter, Chris Dewhirst, John Ewbank, Bob Bull  and many others, his legacy includes such classics on the Pipes as Ophthalmia, Nefertiti, Faust, Bismarck and the lovely Digitalis. Further afield he pioneered wilderness classics such as The Geryon Skyline Traverse (South to North), the massive Prometheus on Geryon East Face, and other stunning lines on the Guardians and the Acropolis. Next time you climb the immaculate Skink on the RH Watchtower Face at Araps, think of John, out there in 1966. 

Later in life he turned his considerable talents to documentary film making, with a passion for social and historical justice, particularly in regard to indigenous issues.

Our sincere condolences to his family, and to all his many friends.  

An invite to join the Climbers Affinity Group

of Extinction Rebellion Tasmania

We are all aware of the dangers facing the planet from global heating. The best science is warning us we are rapidly approaching tipping points and of the urgent need to drastically reduce CO2 emissions.

 You have also probably heard of Extinction Rebellion (XR), which uses nonviolent, high publicity events in the UK, Australia and around the world to nudge governments into action.

 XR is not affiliated to any political party or to any environmental movement – we just care deeply for our planet and are concerned at the complete lack of government response to this existential threat.

 Our main aims are really very simple:

• Governments, tell us the truth about the current situation, and
• Create forums for the wider community to be involved in policy and decision making.
• Enact legislation urgently to reduce carbon emissions to zero by 2025.

 The “Climbers Affinity Group” of XR is made up of Tasmanian climbers looking to carry out similar very visible but non-violent actions to raise public awareness. Our very first action was a banner on the southern outlet last week.

 Our next one will be at the Parliament House lawn at midday Thursday, 8 of August when our declaration of intent will be delivered very publicly to our State Parliamentarians.

 Come and join us then or, even better, join our group! We are looking for more members from around the State. We  urge you to sign up here.

Need more info? Either call or email: 

Jim Duff   0427468899

yachtdingo@gmail.com

Need more convincing? Here is a video from one of the founders of XR in the UK

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b2VkC4SnwY0&t=871s

Cheers

Tony McKenny

0448693630

Hi tassie climbers

it has been a while since I’ve been in tassie climbing and I now have a 4 year old. Strangely I never really focused on suitable areas for climbing with a 4 year old in tow. Can anyone recommend anything? I’m planning on the hobart to north north east area. Prefer trad but beggars can’t be choosers season anything will do.

Thanks in advance! Erika

Check out the cover for Adventures at the Edge of the world - the history of Tasmanian climbing. We go to print next week, and copies will be available in late October. Hope the climbing community can make it to the book launch at the Duke of Wellington hotel on Friday 25th October with special guest speaker, Kim Carrigan.

Cover pic.jpg