This text was read by OCR from a scanned newsletter and has not been proofread yet, so expect odd characters and mistakes.
Paul Aubrey. has. been forcing high grade climbs in Australia recently,. In a letter to the Editor, Paul said he, Neil : Parker (HVTC) and Steve: Rawnsley (NZAC} spent a few days "warming up" ‘at Mt. Vic in the Blue Mountains behind Sydney. ‘Paul and Neil then travelled south to Mt. Arapalies in Victoria ‘for the Easter break. Around 60 to 80 climbers were present at the camping ground which featured firewood, water, and toilet facilities, all supplied by the Aussie Forest Commission.: The climbs. ranged from half pitch routes through to 350 footers with the rock well aged and solid. There are over 650 routes in the area and the guide book has been written three times in the past four years. Paul said most of the top Australian climbers are out of work or on the dole. Some only possess a few clothes and climbing gear, but all of them have been to the United States for a season or more. Neil and Paul spent 10 days in the area and climbed 40 routes in the 17 to 21 grade which is hard very severe to extreme 2 in the British grading system. Paul has applied for the second time for an American visa.... (what's wrong, Paul, those Yanks frightened of a bit of competition....)