Been a while since the last Urban Crag write up. Here are some memorable highlights since then:

• Fraser takes a whipper while leading Kiwi. At the crux, before Fraser could warn Shane (his belayer), he slipped and fell an impressive 4 metres. Meanwhile, Shane although caught off guard with no warning of the fall was flung forward towards the cliff. He found himself upside down 2 metres off the ground still holding Fraser’s life line.
• The next week, with memories of the whipper still fresh in Fraser’s mind he lead Juice. At the last bolt nerves got the better off him and he bailed. Faz took the challenge and successfully cleaned the climb.
• I’m sure there was something funny Nicole said at the cliffs but all I can remember is that I should put it on the blog. Does anyone recall what was said?

This week saw the biggest turn out: Nicole, Faz, Fraser, Shane, Brock, Frank, Karin, Pete, Cara, Trav and me. We had top ropes over Snake in the Grass and Olos. Fraser lead Surrender and Faz lead Brickies Butt Crack to setup top ropes over these.

Three weeks since the whipper, Fraser seemed to lead well. Best not to think about it says Fraser.

Faz’s lead Brickies saw him zig zag the last section where one of his pro’s popped out of the bolt runner. Unfazed, Faz cleaned the climb for others to top rope on.

I attempted Snake’s mantle, albeit unsuccessfully. Seems the trash talking has come back. I also tried the Olos variant but ran out of juice on both the final push through and the wall itself. My finger hurts today.

Brock cleaned Olos nicely but Surrender proved challenging. Snake was cleaned too. I think its time Brock learnt the dark art of Leading. You must be certifiably crazy to lead…you fit that bill.

Shane, despite his height could not get the thank god reach on Surrender but did overcome the crux. Shane took a different and more difficult path on Snake and cleaned it nicely too.

Trav’s Biggest Loser corporate challenge seems to be paying dividends. He climbed Snake well and despite cleaning the crux of Surrender did have some challenging moments near the top.

Nicole was pretending to be a mountain goat and ate some grass on one of ledges of Snake. Note to all: Grass tastes like crap. Am pretty sure this isn’t the first time she ate grass. During the night Nicole helped with belay duties and offered assistance to Cara and Karin.

Despite Cara’s fear of heights and her first time rockclimbing, she made it 3/4′s the way up Snake and to the crux of Brickies. On Brickies we never saw her grab the bolt runner to traverse the deadly ledge of death. Like Nicole, she likes to slap the cliff in defiance. Am sure the adrenalin junkie will be back for more!

Pete’s return back to climbing was successful despite his harness "shrinking" and an initial issue with a foot cramp, before even putting the climbing shoe on!

Frank also has returned to the cliffs after a couple years absence, but the Enigma climbs like he hasn’t left at all. His attempt at the Olos variant also proved challenging.

Karin ventured up Snake and zig zagged her way to the overhang. At Brickies, Karin made it to the challenging crux. In both climbs the crew never saw her use her knees…she must have an extra foot located where a knee usually is

Thanks to everyone who set up the ropes, belayed and for being there!