Climb To The Top (Part 1)

My good mate Daniel had an idea – ‘Mate, I’m climbing Mt Flinders tomorrow – want to come?’ Flinders Peak is 800 meters high and perhaps I should have read what one climbing website said of it – ‘Class 5 track (Australian Standards)?No signs or markers are provided, except where necessary to minimize environmental damage. ?Trails may range from clearly visible footpads to indistinct, overgrown routes depending on usage levels. ?Muddy section, steep grades and numerous hazards such as fallen trees and rock falls highly likely to be encountered. ?Caution required — no safety fences, bridges or other structures provided. ?Highly developed navigational skills and relevant topographic maps essential. ?High fitness level and extensive off-track walking experience and ankle-supporting footwear essential.’

Oops – now you tell me!

However I said ‘Yes – sure I’m in!’

Now at this point I realize that my brain that answered, thought it was 20 years of age – it should have been my 51 year old body that answered. It would have had more common sense.

So the next day I set off with Daniel and Kim – two friends and brilliant blokes.

It is about a two-hour climb up and then the same distance back down.

At about the 15 minute mark my body showed that it’s cat like reflexes were long gone and were now a figment of my imagination. My foot slipped – I reached out for some support but alas too late! I lost my footing on the rocky slope and I fell and cart wheeled once back down the hill onto sharp rocks.

As the boys raced to pick me the right way up and to check if I was OK my first thoughts turned to a helicopter rescue scenario and a front page newspaper story with my picture on it.

I was winded, couldn’t feel my leg, sick in the stomach due to the shock of the fall and blood over my legs due to the cuts from the rocks.

‘Houston, we have a problem!’

Expect part 2 of the story tomorrow!