Death Traverse!

Dam Cliffs - Dec.2012

Thai Rock Climbing, deep water soloing, caving, this weekend had it all. Organised by Diane and Jason twelve intrepid explorers ventured into the new sport climbing Mecca of the Damcliffs, completely revitalised with new rappel stations and shiny new ring bolts it is now one of the most popular climbing destinations in the Blueys.

There were many outstanding achievements, Ben’s first lead climb and Liam’s jump from the top of the Damcliffs market the birth of a new generation of daredevils. We also managed to get lost in Dagan's Creek and discovered a brand new climbing area in the process. Not bad for a lazy weekend.  Meanwhile Jen, Gordon, Mat and Jason tore through the climbs like a bad bushfire. .

Dagan's Creek	Leo on the crux of Dictator in a Deerstaker	James Bond Mr.Big	Roman on Dictator in a Deerstaker	Ben on Hesitation

It was a busy day at the Dam Cliffs and after polishing off most of the classics at Aonang Wall the various groups split up and pursued their activity of choice. Liam, Roman Junior and Chris were keen to attempt the rope swings and high jumps at the Dam Cliff pool so Louise, Mark, Leo and Roman joined them for some jumps.

Once we got the freefalling out of our system we tried to find Dagan’s Creek as described at the fantastic canyon repository by David Nobel here. Ben Mark, Chris and Liam went for a deep tissue massage (read: barefoot) and with the benefit of hindsight I should probably have done a bit more research, nevertheless we did some excellent exploring and  the young ones were happy to arrive late at Mt.Victoria pub for a scrumptious meal in plush surroundings.  We checked into the YHA in Katoomba that night with our own 12 bed room.
Sunday morning was spent with a leisurely breakfast in Katoomba after which Louise and Roman headed to the Jellybean pool for a cool off. The hardcore climbers: Jen, Ben, Gordon, Jason, Leo, Mark and Mat went to James Bond for some multipitch climbing.
Another great weekend to be continued ….

You can download the updated Dam Cliff guide from The Crag.

The Incredible Jellybean pool

Roman 16 December 2012

Copyright 2005 Dr.Roman Rosenbaum. All Rights Reserved.