A much closer view, from L to R is Belougerie Spire (260m high) Crater Bluff (200m high) behind the ridge, and the obvious Breadknife (65m high on this side, over 100m high on the other side!.
A view from the other direction, taken from the summit of Crater Bluff. Belougerie Spire on the R, the Breadknife on the L.
*** Flight of the Phoenix 300m 18 (OS)
Well what can I say, I knew it was a classic but even so, this climb well and truly exceeded my expectations. Surely one of the best routes in the country. All I can say is get on it as soon as you can, it rules!!
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Glen Donoghue finishing seconding pitch 2 (look for the green shirt just below the ledge, belayer is wearing a white shirt). The awesome line of pitch 3 is obvious, heading up and R under the obvious orange 'wing'.
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And here's me on the magnificent third pitch, the famous rising traverse. It's bloody excellent!
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And here's half of Peter at the third belay, looking back at the 'wing', with the magnificent Bastion Buttress (13) on the skyline. Dodgy shot I know, but we couldn't exactly go back later to pose for another!
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Peter on the second last pitch (pitch 6). Another dodgy shot - but I put it in because it clearly shows the exit "gully" (directly above Peter), to help your route finding. Also, memorise that big nose/overhang at top right - it becomes visible at the 4th belay, about 80m up and slightly L. Use it to keep your bearings on pitch 5 (obviously you need to end up where this photo is taken from!).
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Another photo that's not ideal, but it gives you the idea anwyay! This is the mighty Bastion Buttress (240m 13). This is also a useful photo in that this is where the access to Bluff Mountain (from Dows campsite) takes you so if you see this view, you're in the right place! By the way, those black "turtle shell" walls on the left look bloody awesome (though rather broken up high).
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And here's me about to hit the crux on the magnificent third pitch.
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A view down the route from near the very top, with Victorians swarming all over it!
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Vintage Rib (159m 15), as viewed from the 3rd belay of Cornerstone Rib.
Peter poses on top. Note the obvious spire of Tonduron in the background.
This is what Green Glacier looks like - which is rather important for getting down!
And a view from near Balor, with Vertigo (80m 10) heading up from the halfway ledge, left of the deep gully.
© 2002 Will