General News
19 November, 2024
Climbing memories relived
From the anger and frustration of the announcement of a ban on climbing to about half of Mount Arapiles come memorable moments and stories shared about what the land means to many, from community members to backpackers who have passed through the region.
The Facebook page: 'Humans of Arapiles' is documenting and sharing the human stories of some of the climbing community.
Here are some of those stories:
'This photo of me was taken by someone who at the time was a complete stranger. I had just sent Final Departure and was experiencing the most profound moment of peace at the chains in my entire climbing career - simply sitting, watching and appreciating this wonderful mount of rock and the memories it has gifted me.' - Ryan Gaskon.
"From 1985-86. Living at the Pines while waiting for a house in Natimuk. Some of the best memories and adventures of my life was being a climber's kid at Arapiles. This is my sister Natalie Jones and I." - KT Jones Jarrod Johnson.
"Our magical first Easter and my son’s first climbing at Bushrangers. We’ve made it a tradition since. Easter egg hunts on the boulders. Drumming circles in the evening at camp. Watching amazing high liners. Listening to singalongs. Kids running free with new friends and sticks. The mountain at dusk and the stars. The camp festive and then completely quiet by 10pm. The stumpy tails, wallabies, red backs on toilet roof, skinks, yellow flowers. Every visit is incredible." - Kara Maree.
"Twenty-five years ago, as a backpacker traveling Australia to climb, I ended up in Natimuk. Upon our arrival, we found a community that welcomed us, gave me a home for three months, advised us on gear and climbs. We made lifelong friends.
"It is that community that introduced me to my future husband, gave me a place to stay for my first Aussie Christmas (the infamous Quamby Lodge backpackers) and I saw the new year 2000 in at Mount Arapiles (no sign of Y2K).
"Being a deaf female at the age of 22 way back then, I felt completely safe and at ease in the climbing community that Natimuk has to offer.
"Since then, my husband and I introduced our daughter to the wonder of rock climbing, we would take her to gymnastics competitions at the fantastic Natimuk club facility and attend the Frinj festivals. Wedding at the lake and many memories of dinners at the pub. I will always have a connection to the mountain, to the community even though we haven’t climbed for a few years.
"Being deaf I often prefer routes with a reasonable line of sight so I can see where to go and communicate with the climber / belayer. From a safety point this is important. These particular routes are essential for disabled climbers to remain connected to the mountain and the community as a whole." - Emma O'Brien.
"Climbing changed my life, and Arapiles has been such an important part of that journey for me. Climbing connected me with my body, and showed me what I’m capable of. Arapiles connected me with nature, and showed me that the outdoors is a place that I belong.
"As the adaptive climbing community has grown, getting to share this place with other climbers with disabilities has been so special. Arapiles is one of the only places in the entire state that has (fairly) easily accessible climbing areas, and probably the only place that couples accessibility with world class climbing that is suitable for all levels.
"I believe disabled people deserve access to outdoor spaces - not just the parts with lookouts, picnic tables and BBQs. And I believe that outdoor climbing is for everybody." - Sarah La.
