A 1927 film titled The Unknown was almost lost forever, but was restored several years back. Considered one of the premier works of the silent film era. A period that commenced approx. 35 years before it started to wane, when technology enabled sound to be incorporated. An ability that crept into the scene in same year of 1927. For various reasons most of silent films have been lost. Worldwide over three quarters will never be seen again. Some countries such as Japan, lost nearly all of their productions. This morning I was stepping into the unknown:
Today was not however something to fear. A term often synonymous with the thought of stepping into the unknown. As it can conjure up thoughts of uncertainty and unfamiliar circumstances, which may heightening anxiety and concern. On this full moon morning I was heading out for a solo mission on rock. The word on the local climbing chat group was the conditions would be glistening this weekend. Suggested due to the general forecast indicting a chance of a wee sprinkle, on both days. I was however to prepared to risk the uncertainty:
The film is recognized for its dark tones and high drama, and as I walked into my chosen crag to play on, despite first light having arriving, the sky continued to display dark foreboding tones. But after Howsie and my first opportunity to explore the many crags, previously unknown to us but now detailed for all to enjoy in the Stirling Ranges guidebook, there was no risk of high drama today. It was back to our relatively small single pitch crags with solid rock on the more well-trodden climbs, plus this dark morning I had the added safety of a rope above me:
What was a little unknown was how I would feel today. My legs had certainly felt the big hikes, with a heavy pack, from last weekend. Walking in, it seemed they may have fully recovered. But once on the wall they complained a bit each time I had to make a high step. My arms also seemed a little noodley today, something that was a little unexpected. The good news, despite the clouds threatening to make the rock glisten, was that there was not a hint of any shining, sparkling, or gleaming surfaces today. While I felt a little out of condition, the rock was the opposite:
With my somewhat weak feeling arms and occasionally complaining legs, it was a bit of an unknown as to how many routes I might manage. Especially seeing there were very few easier lines here, most are that bit steeper and sustained. I pushed those thoughts to the dark recesses of my mind. And at precisely the same time that Lisa would be stepping into the ocean for her weekend bob, which I imagined would feel cold today, I started up my first lap on the first route. Managing to struggle my way upwards and beating the expected pump:
Back at home Lisa said it had been very cold. But the Peppy Plungers are determined and stayed in for close to twenty minutes by which time their extremities were turning blue. I too was determined picking of six fun lines. Only once taking on the role of main character of The Unknown, when I used the rope like a circus performer. Topping out for the last time the sun broke through, dispelling any uncertainty of today’s conditions. Aptly the last route was an unclaimed line so is credited to Unknown, which started this whole theme. You can blame Peter for that:
Sandbagged 