28/12/2021

Leo, Madie, Russ, Aimee and Meeeeeeeeeeee

Hey Flynny, want to do something tomorrow. The standard message from Madie

Sure.

Would you rather do K-Main or Danae or both?

Now some people may think she was joking but Leo and Madie had recently completed the 3 in a day, Danae, Kalang and Kanangra Main challenge in a tad over 13hrs car to car. She was serious

Now both canyons are awesome but I’d missed out on some great trips to Danae this year due to other commitments and I ain’t fit enough to do both in a day I so I’m pushing for Danae.

Cool. Leo wants to try the exit over the Spires…..

In the back of my head I recall horror stories of the Spires. Climbing up to abseil down to climb up some more. Getting benighted. destroying souls…

Will I get up the climbing? Ask I

It’s easier than Butterbox. Says Leo. It’s just a walk. (The things Leo says: 1a.)

Anyhoo it’s early but not stupid early when we hit the fire trail and trek in.

During their 3 in a day the Mad Ones had descended Danae in fairly high flow. As we crossed the upper reaches of first, Kanangra brook (Kalang) then Kanangra creek they remarked they were up considerably compared to then. Hmmm.

But Danae is hard to judge. Despite the Kalang and Kanangra crossings being up the top of Danae looked to be down a bit

And once in the slot it water levels were considerable lower than I had expected (Though still highish for me)

Back not that long ago I hadn’t been all that interested in the Kanangra canyons. I’d done Dione Dell and Kalang (dry line) a few times but mainly because of the company. The trips themselves just seemed to be about abseiling beside waterfalls for the sake of abseiling beside waterfalls, which wasn’t a big appeal to me.

But then we did Danae. I’d been told Danae was a bit Blah in low water and a bit Waaa in high water. We got it pretty much perfect for our skill levels at the time and when we got to the waterfall abseil. I was like, Ok. Now I get it.

Looking back the water levels were quite tame, but our skill set has grown a lot since the days of us using double rope throw and go.

Today it was a good level for fun with an experienced crew

And then comes the boulder field

Field is misleading. It’s more a tumble. A steep tumble.

Last time I was here is was fairly dry and hot. In the cool with more water it was a lot more interesting. But I was having a bit of an off day. I just felt a bit unbalanced so I was slow(er than usual) and it and the creek walk below sapped a bit of energy

I was pretty glad to get to the junction with Kanangra creek and stop to stuff some food in

but then it was time to go up.

But still we go up. Still it gets steeper.

And every rock was loose under hand and under foot.

Hey Madie. Say I. I think we are even

What for? asks she

For whatever the fuck it was I did to you to make you hate me so much (Things Flynny says 1.0)

Hey Leo are you sure it’s easier than Butterbox?

It’s nothing like Butterbox. You don’t need a rope (The things Leo says 1.b). It’s just a walk

From the top of the lower Spire we descend down a bit to a narrow saddle/bridge to gain the upper Spire. I can’t say I wasn’t nervous getting to the saddle or crossing it

We get almost to the top of the second Spire and there is a small wall in front of us.

What do the track notes say?

If you get to a spot where you think you need to rope up you are off track, retreat and look for another way.

Well that’s as handy as a handful of dandruff to a bald man. There were spots where Id say a lot of parties would have liked to rope up already. We are on a narrow ridge, left looks shit. Right looks worse. There’s no other way.

This is the most fucked exit I’ve ever done. (Things Flynny says. 2.0)

Madie sends Leo down to check out a ledge to the right..

I like the look of the face. (Things Leo says 2a)

Leo ropes up and climbs the small nose. hey there is a pass on the left if I can get rid of this tree. He proceeds to jump on the fallen tree to dislodge it.

You still have me on belay yeah? (things Leo say 2b)

The pass proves to be another easy scramble.

This seems to be the theme of the Spires. You look up at an imposing face and just around the corner sometimes left, but mostly right is a much easier scramble

Now we are on top of the Second Spire and we are looking at a deep saddle and the imposing face of Spire Head. 3 Abseils are needed to get down to the saddle.

and then it’s up again.

From there it’s a fairly easy walk with Madie leading the way up over Big Misty and out to the car

13.5 hrs car to car at a fairly steady pace.

As I said before I had been a bit off (too much Xmas cheer or sumfink) so it was a big day for me. But an awesome day none-the-less, spent with amazing people.

Now lets never ever mention exiting by the Spires ever again (Things Flynny says 3.0)

TBH the views were amazing and the climb up, while long and expose in spots wasn’t too difficult so I probably would do it again. Just not tomorrow. Or even next week. but maybe one day…

I didn’t tell you it would be easy. Only it would be worth it. Anon

BACK