Day 223 So Long Australia
Our time here in Oz has come to an end. A month and a half seemed to have flown by. It seems like just yesterday Eric and I were stuck in the Sydney Airport not knowing what our next move was going to be. Now we’re on our way back to the Sydney Airport with tons of memories and a slew of great new friends we’ve met during our stay here.
A lot has happened since our last post from Tassie. Riding the high from the Tote, we said farewell to Carl and headed to the Grampians. We took the train/bus combo to Horsham where we were going to try and hitch in to the Grampians. To our pleasant surprise, our friend Andy (who we met earlier at the Arapiles) had recieved a message I sent him and was there to pick us up. He took us to the Arapiles where we hung out for a day or two. We ended up trading him a rope bag for a ride to the Grampians. After loading up on enough food for two weeks, we finally made it to the Grampians. The major bouldering area at the Grampians is located at Mt. Stapylton. The campsite for Mt. Stapylton is located about 10k from the bouldering. This seemed to be a huge problem considering we had no car. Being true adventurists, Andy helped us find this amazing cave right near all the best bouldering areas. It was an epic hike up to the cave with all our gear, filming equipment, food, and water, but thanks to Andy’s help we made it in almost 1 trip.
For the next two weeks, we lived straight “caveman” style. We even had a couple school groups come through our cave on guided tours. They thought we were either crazy or amazing….i’m still not sure. Funny thing is, one group actually got a group photo with “the cavemen.” The cave living was only half the fun. We were only short walks away from some of the best bouldering in Australia. Just around the corner from us was the Hollow Mountain Cave, which is the home of the thought to be “hardest boulder problem in the world”…The wheel of Life V16?? But that is just the full link up of the cave. There were tons of moderates and hard problems that we could have spent the rest of our lives doing. We spent a little time at most the areas to get a good overall view of Mt. Stapylton and managed to do some cool problems in the process. We had an amazing time at the Grampians and also met some amazing people. Just want to take this time to thank Jay and Claire again for all the help the last couple of days. You guys were too generous. I hope our paths will cross again soon. We’ll be expecting you for a tour of the SouthEast Sandstone in the future. To James, Pete, and Al: good luck on all the projects!
We’re gonna catch a train tonight that will take us from Melbourne into Sydney and then onto a plane to Christchurch, NZ! We’re sad to leave but excited to be arriving at another dream destination. We have tons of people we’re wanting to see again in New Zealand. And to Gordie and Christina: we’ll be looking out for ya at Castle Hill!!
We should have some pics and a short video project up in the next few days from the Grampians, so keep checkin’ in on us. Hope all is well with all our friends and families. We miss ya’ll tons and are sending you much love. Until then, Taker’ Easy.
-Matt
JOSH CONGRATUALTIONS!!!!!
That is amazing and I am so excited for the two of you. I had to post on here because I don’t have your E-mail Maybe Matt can send it to me????
The babies will be beautiful
all my love- Gina
Gina Marie said this on April 25th, 2008 at 9:38 am
Matt and Eric,
You guys continue to amaze and inspire me; keep up the hunger for the unknown, and the ability to give us all an insider’s glimpse from so far away. Some news on the homefront….
I sent Five-O about three weeks ago. Matt you were right–I needed it to get hot. It was almost 75F when I did it.
Even better news….Brandi and I are expecting again!! Keep us in your prayers for success and restoration.
News that tops even that…we had our first ultrasound yesterday, and we’re now having TWINS!! Praise Jesus!!
Take it easy,
Josh
Joshua Reyes said this on April 25th, 2008 at 9:27 am
Matt and Eric, The new video is wonderful.
Great climbing, great footage, great light.
Well played.
Thanks for sharing.
sophie said this on April 22nd, 2008 at 1:51 am
brilliant and beautiful. Thanks boys for sharing your adventures so vividly… it helps color my day dreams for the summer to come with you guys. love love. alana.
Alana said this on April 21st, 2008 at 5:27 pm
Two cavemen, that was an awesome video. You two are truly having a unique, beautiful, and fantastic journey. I can’t wait for our paths to cross. Be safe, have fun, and keep on truckin’. Love you guys.
Benjamin said this on April 21st, 2008 at 10:33 am
Eric and Matt, your latest video on caveman life was just beautiful ! Waking up in the morning must have been magnificent, as Matt said. Thanks for letting all of us have some scenery also. Hugs, Mom and Mike
Claudius Klimt said this on April 21st, 2008 at 7:11 am
Hey “caveman”! I’ve never been so happy to hear about someone living in a cave before in my life! I KNOW you had to think of me when you wrote this. Brad and I have been following you guys. It looks like ya’ll are having a blast. Love ya!
Lindsey and Brad said this on April 19th, 2008 at 6:17 pm
YO Dudes!! It sounds like you two are having an amazing trip. I can’t believe that it is almost May. You two are going to be beasts after wrestling with the polished limestone of New Zealand. You will have a few sorry excuses for climbing partners in South Africa the way are climbing schedule is going, but I can’t wait to see you guys. I love you guys and hope all is well. Have a BLAST! in New Zealand.
Peace,
Ben
Benjamin said this on April 19th, 2008 at 10:39 am
Matt and Eric, Wow is all I can say! What a trip you two are on. I’m very glad ya’ll are treated with such generosity. You have proved “you reap what you sow”. Love and miss you so much!
Mom
matt said this on April 15th, 2008 at 5:19 pm
eric check your e-mail…
miss you matt. Hugs
Gina Marie said this on April 15th, 2008 at 4:51 pm
Haha you should have contacted GEICO to see if they needed any new talent for their caveman commercials (”So easy a caveman could do it”) Also, you guys are going to LOVE New Zealand… I’m so jealous! Keep it up!
Tara KM said this on April 15th, 2008 at 4:44 pm
Nice!!! So glad to hear things are going well…onward ho…enjoy it gentlemen.
Brett Zefting said this on April 15th, 2008 at 7:37 am
Matt and Eric, it is soooooo good to hear from the two of you and have you share yet another adventure with us ! It is wonderful to know you are well and climbing. All is well with the Klimts and we send our love to you both. Hugs, Mom and Mike
Mike Klimt said this on April 15th, 2008 at 7:15 am