"Not your average car-stealing hoobles"   Over a period of about six months, during the course of development of the two new aid routes Agitator and Cuddles on the upper overhangs on Mt Beerwah, 330m of rope, 10-12 biners, a few pitons, bolt plates, and cordalette were stolen off the routes.    In the course of establishing such long and demanding routes, it was necessary to leave fixed ropes and gear on the routes to facilitate the climbers being able to quickly jug back up to their high point each time. To try to avoid this, the climbers (Darrin Carter, Gareth Llewellin and Scotty Lawrence) wrapped the bottom of the ropes around the tops of trees, then downclimbed the trees. No luck - the thieves climbed the trees and got the ropes, jugging up two pitches (!!) to unattach the ropes, steal any gear they could on the way, and rap off. After this happened the first time, the guys decided to tie the ropes about 10-15m up off the deck attached to a piton. Again, the thieves either managed to solo, or did some aiding themselves to reach the ropes and repeat the procedure. (con't...)	(...con't) Now, these obviously aren't your average car-stealing hoobles. These thieves are climbers with climbing gear and the ability to jug and set up raps on a wall, and the commitment to do the walk up Beerwah with the pure intent of stealing other climbers gear. I thought the climbing community was pretty close-knit, and I still think it is, but we've got to be on the lookout for these kind of wankers (and if found, beat them severely with a #11 hex).    If people screw around with the guys that are putting up new routes, they're tempering any desire these guys have to put up routes for you to enjoy. Has anyone heard of some climbers mysteriously acquiring a bunch of rope or gear? If anyone has any information, please forward it to me at lee@qurank.com.   --LS
Get Lost! Local hardman Duncan Steel and visiting Blue Mountains climber, Julian Bell recently repeated the epic Lost Boys on Mt. Warning's Wollumbin Shield. The route was originally climbed by Tim Balla, with various partners including the legendary Malcolm Matheson (HB).  Steel and Bell's is is allegedly only the second ascent of this 568m climb, and the first ground up ascent. The route is 15 pitches long, most in the 20-24 range with widely-spaced carrot bolts giving fearsome runouts. Duncan and Julian completed the climb in two days despite strong winds and lichen-covered holds. Congratulations guys. --Originally reported by Lorna Hepburn (BRC) at http://www.geocities.com/Yosemite/Gorge/6530/ newsletter.html	Viewpoint Tree Strangling Some well-intentioned climbers (not the usual Darrin Carter) have placed a number of Save-The-Tree anchors above some routes on Viewpoint Buttress at Mt Maroon. However, they are so tight that the trees have no room to grow, and the D-shackles are literally being pulled apart, and unfortunately, will have to be removed and replaced.  Climbers wishing to place these types of anchors are cautioned to leave at least 300-400mm slack in the chain, to care for the tree, and ensure the safety and longevity of the anchor. --LS
North Queensland's Hardest Problem? On July 21 2000 on his first and only day to the area, Brisbane-based climber Aaron Jones established what is potentially North Queensland's hardest boulder problem at Harvey's Marbles north of Townsville. Weighing in at V6, Mike Delta X-Ray begins with a huge dyno off the ground to the sloping lip of a smooth, overhung boulder, which then must be mantled to top out. Committing, uncontrived and very classy.  The problem that previously held the 'hardest' title was Doug Hockly's technical slab Reeven V5/6 (pictured on the cover of qurank #5). --LS	Above: Aaron Jones on Mike Delta X-Ray V6
Frog Roadblock On Friday the 8th of September, Frog Buttress was closed due to extreme fire danger. To enforce the closure, the road was blocked, presumably by Park officials. Too bad for the carloads of people who made the trip out on Friday night and Saturday.  Some (like Jason Selman and Troy Coleman) went home, some (like Steve Parker, Aaron Jones and myself) continued on to Girraween, and some (like Phil Box and Pat Simon) went to Mt Maroon, and then in desperation, Mt Barney only to find both shut as well. --LS	qurank T-shirts If available, would you be interested in buying a qurank T-shirt? No, I don't buy climbing T-shirts I buy climbing T-shirts, but I wouldn't buy a qurank one I'd be interested in buying one Great idea - I'd be very keen to get one Current Results

The Darrin Files

Over the last few months, Darrin Carter has done so much crag and route maintenance that I figured I'd group it all together, categorised by location.