Grampians (Pictures)

Lately we spend the days hiking bouldering and climbing. There are amazing boulders hikes and climbs everywhere you look. Simons favorite boulder right now is "Simon says Boulder". He is really busy on that one trying to smooth up a V4 traversed.

Simon trying his strength on a slap - not his style. 

This little lizard really wanted to have lunch with us :)

He sure did love the tuna.

Update Grampians

A few days ago, we had to say goodbye to a friend who has grown close to our hearts. He is a very interesting and amazing person that has inspired Simon and me in many ways. He has taught us quite a lot and shared amazing moments and stories with us. It was hard saying good-bye. - Safe travels Jordan, we will miss you!

Northern Grampians (Pictures)

Northern Grampians, VIC

The grampians are enormous and amazing. Simon and me have been here before, not in this area though. Back then we didn't climb, so we are happy to come back and enjoy the climbing here.
When trying to get here the first day, turned to an adventure. We got lost and ended up 70 km from the actual campground where our friends waited upon us. All the dirt roads where a nightmare with our car. We found out that there are many wholes somewhere in the car so all the dust from the road was coming in. We didn't make it there until the next morning.

A few years ago there was a big fire that burned so much that part of the Northern grampians had to be closed for recreation. You can still see the damage from the fire. Some trees look amazing, the tree stamps all burned and black, but the leave all alive and really green.

So far we have only been bouldering which is a very good training. Since you are not on a rope, you can repeat one section until you finally make it. We had a big rain yesterday evening, everything is still to wet to climb. We are also very sore from the intensive bouldering, so today has turned to be a rest day.

Mt Arapiles, VIC

Currently I am back in Australian and in Mt Arapiles which is about 4h west of Melbourne. Arapiles is a beautiful area where people all around the world gather up together and have an amazing time climbing and sometimes even creating new climbing routs and records. Mt. Arapiles has become a climbing Mecca for many. With over 2,000 climbing routs and many many bouldering problems, it is hard to rest. The Pines is a small campground for climbers at the bottom of Mt Arapiles, where everyday you socialize with other climbers and spend the evening around the fires telling and listening to stories.

Myself, I am not the greatest climber. In the month we have already spend at Arapiles I have gotten to climb quite a lot and am very satisfied with myself and the 17 grades I am climbing. (For expert climbers; Please keep in mind I only just started climbing). Alice Chains is my favorite rout so far, its only of grade 3 which of course I solo. We like doing this route short before the sun sets, we climb up Alice, hike all the way to the highest point of Mt. Arapiles and start walking back towards the campground trough Central Gully.

When climbing every day it is really easy to grind of your fingertips. The skin on your hands start peeling of, you get blisters and have no other choice but to have rest days to recover. Rest Days we try and use when we need to go into town to do some shopping or the laundry. Horsham is a pretty decent size city that provides some activities and entertainment. So far the best spot I have found where to spend a rest day, is in Natimuk, which is the tiny town nearest to Mt Arapiles (10 min away by car). Friday to Sunday the Natimuk Cafe is open where you can enjoy an amazing coffee and meals. Or the Milk bar where every now and then on hot days you can treat yourself with an ice-cream. Natimuk also has a very large green area for Picnics where you can access a power box and free Wifi. As a backpacker living in a van, a power box and free Wifi is sometimes all it takes to be the happiest person around. Arapiles MountaiN shop is a little climbing shop, where you can buy new gear, rent it or even get them to resole your favorite climbing shoes.

The Arapiles community is amazing, everyone is very easy going and willing to help you out. I am enjoying every single day I get to spend there. It has really been an experience for me. Next week we will be heading to the Grampians, sport climbing and bouldering is the "thing to do" there. Until then, I will stay busy trad climbing.

On The Road Again

Hello Again,

I know it has been nearly two years since the last time I posted anything. I guess like people say; "Life got in the way!".
Since the last post, a lot has happened - good and bad. The best part: I get to travel again!

Cuyuac Farm, VIC

When we came back from Thailand, we stayed another week with our favorite Australian family. Thanks again for letting us stay with you. 

Left to right: Liv, Bella, Milly

Family Adventure in Thailand Part 2

An amazing market not to far from Bangkok. All the goods are next to the rail. 

When the train comes they pack up just enough so the train can go past really slow without damaging the goods.

  

Another water market. 

 A temple with monkey everywhere. You have to be really careful or else they will take away your things and climb on you. 

This made my day. A hammock on a Tuktuk :)

Koh Samet, we waited for the sunset but it was too cloudy. Cant complain about the view, though.

Looking very original with our Elephant Adventure clothes. 

Everyone was very fascinated with Leticia (middle), because of her light skin and her dark hair. 

She didn't quite enjoy the attention as much as her admirers though.  

Family Adventure in Thailand