Come and join the VCC and Cliffcare for this long weekend. As well as the climbing, Cliffcare is also holding a Working Bee for the launch of the Pick My Project – Upper Central Gully Walking Track Repair Project. For the Working Bee we need bodies to help move some rocks down the track so that stonemason extraordinaire Walter Braun, can work his magic. All you need is an hour or so to spare, some closed toe shoes and that’s it.

If you can help for an hour or two on Saturday morning, please let Tracey know so that we can estimate numbers: cliffcare@vicclimb.org.au

We will meet at the top of Central Gully at 9.30am  for some launch festivities and then onto a little rock transportation.

And now for the climbing side of things …….

Mt Arapiles can provide some stunning, sunny climbing days in winter. When you look eastwards and see The Grampians covered in cloud, you really do get to appreciate Arapiles at its best. And the excellent friction in winter makes the famous Araps quartzite easier to smear on!

Enjoy climbing in full sun on some of the longer multi-pitch routes, single pitch outings on Central Gully Left or on the sunny side of Mitre Rock. Get up (reasonably) early and catch the warming rays on the nearby classics and well-worn trade routes in the Organ Pipes.  Maybe explore some new areas in The Northern Group. The famous walls and prominent buttresses of Arapiles really come into their own at this time of the year. In fine weather the longer climbs on the Watchtower Faces are a great day out.

We will be camping in The Pines, close to the action. There is no better rock to fondle than the hard quartzite of Arapiles, so contact your Trip Leader, Peter Upton, to register your interest.

This Queens Birthday Weekend trip is intended for all levels of climbers, however Beginner spaces will be limited by the number of experienced leaders who come along. It is recommended that Beginners contact the Trip Leader as soon as possible.

All intending participants must contact the trip leader prior to the trip. Please send through some details about your experience and climbing gear and hopefully we’ll see you there.

Photos: Trip Leader Peter Upton and the Organ Pipes at sunrise.