Crisp winter morning air greeted the weary travelers early Sunday morning as they bustled into the tiny Suggarloaf Bakery, keen for freshly baked Boonah treats. Steak and Mushroom Pie was my morning fix. Mmmmm breakfast is served. Onward to Mt French, the carpark is full, its a popular spot. Packs on our back some of us excited, some just barely awake, we trudge off to the crag. Tristan, Cam and I have our climbs picked out, even before we have descended the scree slope, I think I was dreaming about it last night. We pass some earlybirds, already on their first routes. They look cold, it is cold. Tristan and Cam peel off, keen for some harder routes. Finaly we arrive.

First for the warm-up, "Devils Wart"... a great climb, but still too early to actually warm up. The rock is cold on my hands, no need for chalk, and half way up, my feet go numb, then at the crux my joints are stiff and sore, just when I need them. (Ryan can have his ice climbing to himself!!) Damo and Nat both struggle with my first piece of gear, so lose their seat for the return trip  ;-) They have no problem secconding the rest of the way, the cave is fun, and coming out of it and through the crux, even more fun!!

Next, "Neon Philharmonic". If I was going to do it, it was now or never. It was a little warmer, but not roasting, and I was still full of energy. With Damo still spagetiing the rope, and Nat scrambiling for the perfect picture spot, I launch into a 15 metre layback... after only 3 meters I'm completely flogged and rest on my first bit of gear (its always a little scary hanging on a wire youve just jammed in a crack.... but it was BOMMER). After flopping about for a bit, and thinking about backing out (easier to back out 3 meters off the deck than at 15meters) I finaly find my rythm. With my ass jammed on one side, and my feet on the other, I shuffle up the narrowing chimney throwing gear in as I go, this aint so bad!! Now for the crux, throw a sling around a wombat sized boulder, lean out over the void below, and scramble up... ohh crap, that wasnt the crux... legs elvising and hand grasping for friction on a shitty block, I held alot the mighty Camalot, and thrust her deep into a deep and cavernous crack... its good.... I'm not going to die!! So I grunt and yell at my foot "STICK DAMN YOU" and pull up through the slopy crappyness and through to a glorious ledge!! Nat, the traveling cheer squad, is quite impressed, and screaming and shouting at this point. I'm just happy I didnt spew!! I'm only half way. 20 meters down, 20 meters to go. Onward to the top, through some enjoyable scrambling, to the best god damn view Ive had in a long time. 180degrees of panoramic mountains and farmlands. Marvelous. Nat and Damo joined me at the top soon after and we sit and enjoy the warm and toasty sunlight.

I've had my dose. I'm full of Warm Fuzzy Frog Feelings. Have you had yours??

Cam, Tristan, and Alan have equally exiting stories of their Sunday Frog Adventures. Pester them for a story or two next time you see them. Why not pester them to take you on the next trip. You'll be glad you did.

Cheers,

Cameron Sear