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Free shipping Australia wide on orders over $99 | Over 400,000 Trees Planted
Free shipping Australia wide on orders over $99 | Over 400,000 Trees Planted
October 07, 2022
I have been trying a climb called “Final Departure” for two seasons now. Each year I come painfully close to sending this notoriously difficult route. In the first season I took a huge whipper and slammed into the rock down low which resulted in a damaged wrist and elbow – ending the climbing trip. Last year I would come painfully close once again on a very cold afternoon. I didn’t warm up very well and did a minor finger injury in the first crux section. This would end my climbing trip once again and take almost 6 months to recover from. I affectionately know this route now as – The Mega Proj.
This season was going to be my triumphant redemption on the route. I was in good shape and psyched to put this old nemesis away for good. However, as fate would have it – I would be struck down once more. This time with serious illness. There was much sickness at the camp this year. Covid was going around as well as at least two variants of cold and flu. Alas, it was bacterial tonsilitis that took me down, and after several days of brutal discomfort and relentless fever – I collapsed in front of my van and was taken to hospital. I spent the next two weeks trying to recover. Too sick to climb, too weak to leave. All my hopes, dreams and aspiration would have to wait till next season... Again…
All in all, the 2022 trip to Mt Arapiles was a great success. I had many memorable adventures with great people, caught up with old crew and made some new friends. We have goals in climbing to keep things progressive and interesting, but I have always enjoyed the adventure as a whole. Rock climbing is not just about climbing rocks. It's about community, love for the natural world and living each day to the fullest. As frustrating as it is being incapacitated by illness, I’ve learned over the years to take the good with the bad on the big trips, and despite not sending my projects – Arapiles is going nowhere, and the mega proj awaits my return…
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April 14, 2025
After the western light had faded I got my camera out and planned on doing a little astro photography. Pleasantly, my first image showed a cheery red and green glow to the south. The Southern Lights were active!
March 26, 2025
This past month, Canberra’s trail running community came together at the Frith Road Substation in O’Connor for an action-packed night of testing, learning, and connecting. The Mont Trail Running Shoe Demo gave runners of all levels the chance to put the latest footwear from La Sportiva, On Running, Altra, and Hoka through their paces on a dedicated 1.2km trail loop that quickly became a Strava segment.
February 11, 2025
At Mont, we believe in supporting events that encourage people to embrace the natural world, challenge themselves, and connect with like-minded adventurers. Mont has been the sole sponsor of Kowen over the 6 years since its humble beginnings, providing flags, bollards, marquees and infrastructure, a market stall to provide the best trail gear, nutrition and mandatory kit. And donating incredible prizes, including Julbo’s newest, top of the line ultra-light glasses – Ultimate Cover Reactive 0-4. The lucky recipient being one of first in the country to own a pair.
