Andrew’s thoughts about me

I think we first met at a busy bee at Child Side School. I had not long moved to Bunbury and not long left the SES (State Emergency Services) where I developed my passion for rope work and playing in the vertical environment on cliffs.

When you found out that I was keen to try real trad climbing rather than the rope climbing and abseiling I did in SES, you invited me to join you and Craig at Wilyabrup. I remember that it was my birthday but wouldn’t be able to tell you the year. Still one of the best birthday presents I have ever received.

We continued to climb regularly, more often at the PCYC than outdoors, but I tried to get out with you as often as possible. You would pick me up on the way through to the PCYC every week and sometimes twice a week for quite a while there. When PCYC closed down the wall, we worked together to petition them and get the wall back up and running. You will likely recall those details more clearly than me.

My most memorable trip was the trip to West Cape Howe and Albany via Mt Frankland. That cemented my passion and our friendship. I know we drifted apart for a while there, and I truly appreciate your compassion and support through some pretty tough times. I am also now reminded of the time just after I got the $700 speeding fine that I unleashed on you… again truly sorry LOL.

When I think about you and climbing with you, what jumps to mind first and foremost is your ability to push me and probably everyone you climb with to their limits and then past them. You don’t let us give up. Some may say that is just you sandbagging them, but I think it is your unique speciality. Secondly I am just envious of your incredible memory with regards to routes and days spent out climbing, when you can remember climbs that we did together where you remember my moves on the wall not just your own.

My memory has never been great for those sorts of details, however I remember feelings and you always leave me with positive feelings. I’m getting a little emotional just writing this.