Monkeyfest a great success

 

Thirty climbers were graced by exceptional weather (albeit initially strong winds) and a remarkably low leech count this past weekend in the Watagans National Park at Monkeyfest where they weeded, climbed and camped.  On Saturday morning, climbers were joined by two NPWS rangers. After acknowledging Awabakal and Darkinjung Country and a safety briefing, they headed out for three hours of tackling lantana. Up until six years ago this pervasive weed was well on its way to smothering the cliffs and native rainforest. This was the fifth major bush regeneration effort by climbers in recent years. After dealing with lantana regrowth in previously weeded areas near the climbers track, they tackled “the wall” and made huge inroads in the direction of Gap Creek campground. The areas climbers have previously weeded are looking great with much regrowth of native rainforest plants despite a major bush fire last year. 

Most participants were from the Hunter and central coast, including Newcastle Uni. Forming the basis for a great community event. 

The Pulse-sponsored BBQ lunch provided welcome refuelling before the afternoon climbing. 

Quite a number of people were new to the outdoors and the friendly and welcoming attitude kept everyone safe. 

Many of the old classics were enjoyed. Our youngest participant, Tom W did his hardest trad lead to date with an ascent of 3rd runner. Our oldest participants and event organisers were the only ones to cleanly climb the gnarly finger crack of Profanity-Dave smoothly doing a 5-lap masterclass. The vast majority of the crag has had its fixed protection updated and many anchors added over the past few years, which has helped to stabilise ledge systems and reduce run-off as well as making the area more user-friendly.

 

Profanity, Chutney, Bereska, Centennial, the Smear slabs, Five Finger area, the Ramparts and Stopper saw lots of action as well as some good progress on the Hunter’s first grade 26, Jacobs Ladder, which we are predicting will get its first clean ascent this millennium in the coming weeks. Some climbers new to the outdoors realised that climbing a Pulse 10 doesn’t quite equate to climbing a 26, or even a 22- but we reckon that by next year they will be unstoppable (except maybe by Profanity).

 

A special mention to Anakin who led a conga line of 7 up the two-pitch route, Stopper, including 3 people who had never climbed before, and got them all down safely before dark. 

 

About half the participants stayed on to camp and climb on Sunday with many tall tales around the campfire. 

 

There was a lot of support to make this an annual happening. Many thanks to the NPWS, Pulse gym and the climbers, new and old, who provided such a great vibe for the event. 

 

If you are not a member, please consider joining ACANSW to support sustainable climbing in NSW and hear about similar events early. https://www.acansw.org.au/index.cfm