In the Mount Arapiles-Tooan State Park (5060 hectares) there are these rocks that just jut out of the ground....there are many, and they offer rock climbers over 2000 different climbs-some of the best climbing in Australia. (I have done 4-the easiest ones :) )
To get there I go through a small country town; "Natimuk"...which is Aboriginal for "Little Creek". I think the population is around the 500 mark, but obviously gets it's fair share of climbing-sightseeing tourists.
The old jail lock up, Natimuk.
"Why ? Why, why, why do I do this ???" — Chuck PrattI don't know why it is, but I just love to climb...I don't even particularly like heights, it isn't really about the height...it's something in the climb and the quiet...
"I think you love rocks so much that they've replaced your brain." — Rex Pieper
Your legs can actually feel on fire and all air goes from the lungs..
"I have never turned back in my life ; I shall not do so today". Emile Rey
"The best climber in the world is the one who's having the most fun." ...Alex Lowe.
"Come live with me, and be my love, And we will all the pleasures prove, That valleys, groves, hills, and fields, Woods, or steepy mountains yields".-- Christopher Marlowe
Aaaah some sheep of undetermined intelligence :)
Look what someone (no, not me!) has written on bottom right hand corner rock...
Each time I come here I see something different in the rock sculptures...today this looked like a foot-toes poking up through the ground..
A face with no eyes or nose, just an open mouth?
This climb winds around and up through undergrowth first, then gets more difficult..."They say miracles are past; and we have our philosophical persons, to make modern and familiar, things supernatural and causeless. Hence is it that we make trifles of terrors, ensconcing ourselves into seeming knowledge, when we should submit ourselves to an unknown fear '. -- William Shakespeare All's Well that Ends Well, Act II Scene III
Is it just my mind, or does actually look a little vulva-rish?..........."Rocks make no compromise for sex... rock climbing is not like some sports, where it is made easier for women; or sports like, say, softball, which is only baseball for soft people. On a rock, everything is equal."
Beverly Johnson
"Every moment of light and dark is a miracle." Walt Whitman.
"Unusual travel suggestions are dancing lessons from God". Kurt Vonnegut
As high as I could get..."If you're ever killed mountain climbing, then all that you've worked for is gone." Jim Whittaker
The backpack got left under the old dead tree....was getting pretty steep and needing balance by this time....camera strap in between teeth with camera tucked down front of shirt.
"Many years ago, I climbed the mountains, even though it is forbidden. Things are not as they teach us; the world is hollow, and I have touched the sky". from Startrek
Camp site....at the base among pine trees birds and animals.."Short is the little time which remains to thee of life. Live as on a mountain". Marcus Aurelius, Meditations
"Mountains viewed from a distance seem to be unscalable, but they can be climbed. The slopes that seem so steep seem to level off as we near them."-- Anonymous
*Climb the mountains and get their good tidings. Nature's peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees. The winds will blow their own freshness into you, and the storms their energy, while cares will drop off like autumn leaves.."John Muir.
19 comments:
Beautiful photos Pam, with lovely quotes for us to enjoy as well.
I don't like heights so I am glad to experience the photos instead of the reality.
When I see rocks like this, I always wish I was a geologist. I think they are so interesting and have such stories to tell.
regards
jmb
Oh, my legs are shaking just like those autumn leaves! How lovely! Tremble. Tremble.
Donnetta
Ok that's it - I'm going to come and live with you. This scenery is stupendous! I love those jagged mountains, the trees, the rock formations....
You really took a lot of effort with the quotes which complemented the photos beautifully and were great to chew on for a bit. Loved this post Pam.
Oh these are so beautiful, I am jealous. I do not think I would climb those rocks, but the visions you have captured sure makes me want to. There is wisdom up there Pam.
I did not see a foot, but I saw and indian face in that rock and where you saw an opened mouth, I saw a tub filled with popcorn....does that mean I am a hungry Indian. Well, I am part Native American.
Thank you taking these photographs and sharing them Pam. These are sites that many would not get to see had you not.
Tara
To hell with Iran and their oil, i think we ought to invade OZ and make it our 51st state, then you foreigners can have Puerto Rico as your safe haven.
How would one hitchhike to OZ?
thinking...thinking...thinking
Nope can't do it guess I'll just have to go there by plane and declare myself as the sovereign ruler of the new land of Markalia.
That's the ticket, get ready Pam your new sovereign is saving his money for a coach seat to those hills.
No need to bow.
Peace
mark king of Markalia
you rock me with your photos
thanks for sharing
Pam, what a lovely post. I can see it's spring in Australia now, and it's fall here.
It's wonderful that you are sharing your beautiful country with us. I may never get to go there, but I'm getting to know it through your photographs. I really had no idea it was so beautiful.
Cheers,
Josie
The photos are nothing short of breathtaking.
As far as I know, you have nothng more than a digital camera!
It is brought to my mind how slow geological time is and how short human history.
In a cowboy movie, I am sometimes more interested in the rocks, hoodoos and mesas than the action.
Ivan
Wonderful, great pictures always, Pam. No, it's not just you. That rock does resemble a vulva.
I love the way you give us a complete travelogue. It's almost like being there.
I could easily fall in love with Australia. It's so beautiful, varied and interesting. And you're a great guide. Thank you for sharing these.
Again I love the photos and the quotes that accompany them.
I have a very good friend coming "down under" next month and I am just wondering how to hitch a ride.....
Very Cool.
"I do not fear falling as I mount a...er..mountain. It's the sudden impact after reaching terminal velocity (195 km/h or 120 mph or 54 m/s) that freaks me out."
Homo Escapeons
They don't call it 'Terminal' for nuthin'!
I always think of Homer Simpson rebounding off of every possible inch on his way down to the canyon floor.
"D'oh!
D'oh!
OW!
D'oh!
SON OF A
D'oh!"
Lovely vista and panoramic view of the Sheep that I regret insulting because I can tell that you will never-ever-ever let me forget it.
My Ba-a-a-ad!
I'll add my voice to the chorus. Beautiful photos! I love the last one and its accompanying quote the best. I need to head your way soon.
Kathryn
It's so beautiful, and retains the veneer of being unspoiled. Even the park grass looks unworn. Thank you for the inspiring photo tour.
Just linked you to my blog!
More and more you tempt me. Gorgeous photos and I'm so envious that you can climb those mountains. I think I'd need to hitch a ride in a helicopter and just join you up there. :D
Those rocks are awesome! And to think I'm fascinated by the puny ones I see off the road in the Allegheny Mountain foothills...
Beautiful pics. I'd love to see your country.
Just stopping by to say hi...
Pam, Pam, where've you been? Awfully quiet here for a while. I hope all is well with you and you are just busy with the shearing or somesuch.
regards
jmb
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