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On my way to Mt. Arapiles, an Australian style traffic jam comes ambling down the road, led by the littlest one, of course. Oz6_161.jpg	Many sheep and two dogs later, the traffic jam is safely past me. Oz6_165.jpg

My destination for the next few days. Despite its unimposing appearance, Mt. Arapiles is world-renowned for its great climbing. The cliffs stretch for several miles across, and are nearly 1000 feet high. Oz6_165_192.jpg	Bart's Buttress is our first destination, for a 5-pitch climb near the center of this face called "Euridyse." Oz6_166.jpg

Part way up, and with a side view of the face, the three-dimensional features become wonderfully obvious! Oz6_168.jpg	My guide, Paul Deacon, in his element on the rocks. Oz6_170.jpg

One pitch short of the top, the view down reveals one of the Arapiles' nicest features - the approach to the cliff is usually just a short walk from your car on the road at the bottom. Oz6_172.jpg	One more pitch to go, and it's up there! Oz6_175.jpg

Just a short traverse across... Oz6_177.jpg	... and a nice jigsaw boulder climb up a little ways... Oz6_178.jpg

... and we're on the top! Wheee! Oz6_179.jpg	The descent takes us past some beautiful overhangs... Oz6_186.jpg

Got to get back down so we can go do another climb! Oz6_189.jpg	The classic roof at the Arapiles, called "Katchoonk" (So named because that's the sound you make if you..., uh..., let's not think about that!) The lip move starts with that left heel hook... Oz6_194.jpg

... then get those hands up, backstep the right foot... Oz6_194_204.jpg	... and voila! That's such fun, let's do it again...! (In case you were wondering, Paul tied me off from the top, then climbed down a nearby face to get these shots.) Oz6_206.jpg

The view from the top of Katchoonk. Oz6_211.jpg	Back at the bottom, this Black Rock Skinx doesn't mind posing for a shot... Oz6_213.jpg

... but this 6-foot Goanna (dead center, running away) wanted nothing to do with posing, and hightails it up the nearest tree. Oz6_215.jpg	The next day we tackle a 3-pitch face, part of it called "Fly Like an Eagle." ('Cause that's what you'd better do if you..., uh..., let's not think about that!) The route goes up just to the right of the lightest water drip line. For scale, check out the climber just out of the shadow on the left near the top. Oz6_218.jpg

Paul, looking very confident before starting up the second pitch. Oz6_220.jpg	Looking for someplace to put a piece... it gets really thin right around here. Oz6_222.jpg

Top of the last pitch with some of the best face climbing I've ever done... Absolutely in heaven! Oz6_225.jpg	Back on the ground, a rare, tiny wild orchid shows its color. Oz6_227.jpg

Another chance to photograph a Goanna, although he's still moving pretty fast. Oz6_230.jpg	This kangaroo is more obliging, and lets me approach to within about 15 feet. Several others passed just behind me. Oz6_236.jpg

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