September marks the start of spring and so Rongy came up with the idea of having a winter food farewell feast. One last gorge on all that comfort food that is so welcoming on a cold wintery day, before we supposedly transition to the more healthy options that we are more likely to go for as the weather improves. To be truthful I’m not convinced that happens, but the idea of a gathering was great. This did however mean that my usual partners in crime on rock were all busily preparing dishes for the afternoon/evening event, and so for the first time in many months I did not head out to touch rock:
I was itching all Saturday morning and eventually succumbed to the call of my indoor wall. So it was that I pulled on my trusty shoes that many have ridiculed me for, due to their ever deteriorating state. I must stress here that they were subject to a material fault and Mad Rock had replaced them without question immediately, it was great customer service. The shoes despite their dilapidated state have however served me very well. This was a little foolish, as Rongy also has a wall at his place and a social gathering is also a guise for a boulder session. This works well for the less social folk, like myself, as we can hide away bouldering were the talk is generally climbing related and within my comfort zone:
Now I have to apologise for the state of this next image. One thing about the evening was that despite the house being full of young and old alike, I don’t recall seeing a phone other than when I was guilty of taking a very occasional snap. It was traditional face to face chatter and play, without the need for any technological assistance or stimuluses’ to find new topics, prove facts or share images. It was so refreshing. Alana and Rongy’s house is well set up for do’s like this one. The can kids to run amuck and create an almighty din without disturbing the more adult setting where there is still the ability to have a chat. While those not disposed to lots of conversation can sneak away have a boulder or play pool:
The diehard climbers stuck it out for quite a long time in the shed. Mostly Rongy, Howsie, Craig, Katie and I. Steve did a little bouldering but isn’t climbing fit and has to watch his hand, which like my old shoes feel like they are deteriorating. KC, Josh and various kids and others came and went to briefly see what was holding our attention for so long. While I was a little weary from playing on my wall in the morning I still managed to mostly hold my own. Eventually however hosting duties were beckoning Rongy away, and when the food came out one by one the others were drawn towards the aromas drifting out of the house. Until only Katie and I were left:
When I finally went inside I think most people had eaten, but there was plenty left from every dish. The wide variety of homemade curries, pasta dishes, soups, pies and more filled the room with tempting smells and I tucked into a number of them. After what seemed like an appropriate amount of time of being social Rongy suggested a game of pool, before the desserts came out. Not that we needed it but we then joined the crew to dive into healthy portions of apple flan, chocolate mud cake and cherry ripe crumble with lashings of custard or ice-cream. A grand evening was had by all and the feast was a fitting farewell to winter:
Sandbagged 