A slightly belated post, but I’ve since moved halfway across the world, and unfortunately we just didn’t take that many photos.

Just before moving over to Oxford, where there is no climbing whatsoever, Claire and I managed to fit in a great trip to the Blue Mountains, NSW’s international climbing destination. We had originally planned to go to the Grampians, but as they were literally on fire as I drove past, we drove for an extra day to set up camp at the Blueys.

Even though I say this about every place I visit, I swear that the Blue Mountains is a must-visit destination if you’re a climber, and you’re in Australia. Every style of climbing is catered for. Single- and multi-pitch sport and trad, with every grade covered, in a beautiful setting, with free camping and great bakeries to boot!

It’s been a while since the trip, but the climb which stands out the most in my memory was on the last day, before we started the long drive back to Victoria (and then back to Adelaide for me). After some discussion, we decided to attempt Clockwork Orange, a classic 2-3 pitch trad climb at the Shipley Lower crag.

After some initial hesitation at the dubious rock quality, Claire breezed up the first pitch, a lovely grade 18. Then I linked the top two pitches, the first an amazing grade 20 which made its way up an overhanging corner crack. Loads of gear, and loads of good holds, it was my kind of climb. The top pitch provided a sting in the tail however. Given grade 15 in the guide book, we both found it incredibly stiff. I swear that there were a few moves at grade 18-19, well above my last piece of gear.

So even though we didn’t take many photos, and the ones we took were a bit rubbish, this was a trip that I’ll remember for a long time.