Getting Slack.

So I've been getting slack on blog updates. I apologize. But I haven't been taking many pictures and I didn't feel like boring you all with my ramblings.

The past two weeks or so have been a blast (not much has changed). I made another short video of what life in Australia has been like .... the beach.... and climbing (watch below).

THE CLIMB:

In the video I have some clips from an awesome relaxing multi-pitch climb we did two weeks ago. The route was called "Bunny Bucket Buttress". It was a 270m (~900ft for you non-metric folk) cliff that took about 8 pitches of 5.9 class climbing.
In order to get to the climb we had to ride our bikes 10Km with fully loaded packs (camping/climbing gear). I can't say I enjoyed it, but the journey made for a good/painful story.

The climb however was well worth it. Climbing took about 5 1/2 hours (NOT including the somewhat exciting return, which involved us getting lost). The scenery was outstanding, hopefully you'll get an idea in the video and pictures but it doesn't do the area justice. The exposure and relaxed nature of the climb is what made it so good. There was a nice exposed section on the 6th pitch underneath a roof, and once you make your way up and around the roof you're surprised by an extremely vertical headwall of about 3 pitches (clip in video). It was brilliant.

We're definitely heading back to that area in the blue mountains to climb some more challenging but similar multi-pitch routes. The climbing there is endless. The only draw back is that I forgot to take pictures. So I only have a handful of photos to share with you (and the video). Enjoy.

Video:


Pictures at the top of bunny bucket buttress:

Literally at the last hold and top out of the climb.


Also from the top out.


On the way back. This picture was taken while we were lost... so I couldn't tell you where exactly it was taken. Love you too mom.



Those are the only pictures I have of the climb. Sorry.



I recently shaved my head again. First hair cut in Australia, so I thought I would share this memorable moment with you. Photos courtesy of Stefan.
Yes, I used beard trimmers. Yes, it took forever.

The start.


The end.
As the Aussies would say... I'm really "keen" of my new hair style.


FOOD:
I'm somewhat hungry at the moment (of writing this), so naturally I'm thinking about food. Our apartment had a Sushi night last week, so I am now a sushi expert....kinda. I also made a fresh basil pesto which is the bee's knee's (I'll be eating it once I'm done with this blog update). I've really been enjoying cooking on this trip. I think the fact that my class load is so light is giving me time to experiment.

Party Boat:
Party boat in Sydney harbor Friday night. Not to much else to say about that. It was hectic and fun. Thanks Victoria for the free tickets!

Rugby:
This past weekend I experienced my first game of rugby league. I went to a Newcastle knights game with most of our apartment, and witnessed a victory! It was cool to see it live rather than on T.V. I also attempted to order a Corn dog, which I knew wasn't called a corn dog going into the purchase but I attempted anyways. After some weird looks and hand gestures I figured out that they are called Pluto Pups. So remember kids.... Corn dog = Pluto pup. Beer, vendor food, and rugby ... It was a great way to spend a Sunday afternoon.

Other than that life in Australia has been very relaxed. It's starting to get colder outside, but today was another perfect beach day. I can't believe that winter is coming.

Next week is easter break and I'll be heading to New Zealand with my roommate Stefan to do some exploring. I'll probably get a good taste of winter there. And I promise I'll take Plenty of pictures.


Until next time. I'll return with pictures of Kiwi land.
-Pieter

Here's what I've been up too

This will be a quick blog entry.

I don't have to many pictures to share since I decided to make a little video of our adventure to Hawkesbury River. We decided to try some deep water soloing this past weekend just north of Sydney. Our boat of choice was an inflatable kiddie pool, which was riddled with holes. The constant threat of sinking ,as well as not having a legit paddle, made staying afloat interesting. We ended up jumping off of cliffs and finding some bouldering problems. There is a lot of potential in the area if you have a floating boat. Some of you might have seen the video, but here it is.



We also found a local (20 min bus ride and 15 min hike) climbing spot called Glenn rock. Nothing to spectacular, but some solid routes if nothing else is possible. (No pictures because I'm lazy)


This past Sunday our entire apartment decided to go on a wine tasting tour in hunter valley. A van picked us (10 people) up at our apartment and took us from winery to winery until our heart's (or stomachs) were content. We got to try some "dragons breath" wine, which involved hot peppers and some sweet port and desert wines. Fun stuff. I didn't take pictures and thats all there really is to say about it. I apologize.


Two weekends ago I met up with my parents in Sydney. They are traveling in Australia for two weeks. It was good seeing them and getting some home warming gifts (sleeping in a huge hotel bed where my feet didn't hang off the edge was also a plus). We walked around Sydney and Darling harbor, and also visited the Sydney aquarium. This was my second trip to Sydney and I'm starting to get familiar with the area. I'd like to make a few trips down there since its so accessible (2 1/2 hours by train and about $3.90 one way). My parents also stopped by Newcastle to see where I'm staying and get some lunch. I think they approved.

Here are a few pictures of Sydney harbor at night (These were rare pictures for that night, because shortly after "Earth Hour" began and the majority of the lights in the harbor were turned off).


A memorial to sonic the hedgehog?



They're big Sega fans.



Sydney Harbor Bridge.




Circular Quay Ferry station.



Me Mom.



Me Dad.



Me April fools joke.



( ^ I have to give some credit to Will Wright for starting this idea.)



Well thats all I have for this blog entry.
Sushi night tonight.
Blue Mountains this weekend, with possibly another video.

Later.