Acropolis: The Dolerite Fortress

[Explorer_Sam]

G'day all,

Just published some writing from the Acropolis. Really enjoyed this trip. Please give it a read if you get a spare moment. As always, let me know what you think, and I'd love to hear your stories too!
https://sambochristie.wordpress.com/201 ... -fortress/

Thanks,
Sam.

[GregR]

Thanks Sam,

Enjoyed it as usual. As a "Dad person" I totally understand your old mans decision. Smart move by him and the correct one. It's the journey that counts and the enjoyment of being out there (especially with your kids).

Cheers

Greg

[Explorer_Sam]

Thanks Sam,

Enjoyed it as usual. As a "Dad person" I totally understand your old mans decision. Smart move by him and the correct one. It's the journey that counts and the enjoyment of being out there (especially with your kids).

Cheers

Greg

Thanks Greg!

No doubt the right decision for him. Dad would love hearing that, I'll pass it on. I'm glad you enjoyed the read.

Thanks,
Sam.

[South_Aussie_Hiker]

I get the impression from your writing that as you age, you are beginning to appreciate more and more what your parents have done for you.

That's certainly the way it was for me. I hiked a lot recently with my Dad, and even though I'm heavily goal oriented, just being out there and spending time with him was all the reward I needed - summit or no summit.

And you hut friend is right - your Dad made a wise choice. We see constant stories on bushwalk.com of people who did not make smart decisions. I'd rather regret not climbing a mountain, than regret climbing it.

And wait until you have your own kids - that will further morph and shape your views on your own parents, and forces you to cherish them.

Wow, I'm getting soppy in my old age!

[Explorer_Sam]

I get the impression from your writing that as you age, you are beginning to appreciate more and more what your parents have done for you.

That's certainly the way it was for me. I hiked a lot recently with my Dad, and even though I'm heavily goal oriented, just being out there and spending time with him was all the reward I needed - summit or no summit.

And you hut friend is right - your Dad made a wise choice. We see constant stories on bushwalk.com of people who did not make smart decisions. I'd rather regret not climbing a mountain, than regret climbing it.

And wait until you have your own kids - that will further morph and shape your views on your own parents, and forces you to cherish them.

Wow, I'm getting soppy in my old age!

You are getting soppy!

No, you're right. A couple years back, it all hit me at once. As parents, they have just been incredible, in every sense of the word. I still slip up from time to time, but it's an honour to share these experiences with the old man. My parents gave everything to me, they nurtured me and I'm becoming the man I want to be.

You're right about turning back. As I pointed out, Pelion West was the eye-opener for me in that sense. If you haven't read that one yet, here's the link: https://sambochristie.wordpress.com/2016/02/19/olt3/ (shameless plug).

Thanks for reading!
Sam.

[Genesis]

Great blog,

Went there for the first time in 2015 as part of an 11 day OLT/Pine valley trip, LOVE Pine Valley it is a very special place.

Genesis

[Explorer_Sam]

Great blog,

Went there for the first time in 2015 as part of an 11 day OLT/Pine valley trip, LOVE Pine Valley it is a very special place.

Genesis

Thanks Genesis!

It certainly is. Really mystical and otherworldly. A bit like Fangorn Forest from LOTR.

Thanks,
Sam.

[Singe]

Great write-up Sam, entertaining reading

I attempted the Acropolis back around 2010 or so with my partner; we turned back at the same point (she is quite short and not very comfortable with heights. I'm tall but also don't like heights much and didn't know whether it would get worse further on). I didn't have a good feeling about going ahead solo.

I've always found the PV area a little foreboding, probably because the first time I went there was the day Clare Hutcheson disappeared. But like you say, the mountain is still there... maybe next time.

[Explorer_Sam]

Great write-up Sam, entertaining reading

I attempted the Acropolis back around 2010 or so with my partner; we turned back at the same point (she is quite short and not very comfortable with heights. I'm tall but also don't like heights much and didn't know whether it would get worse further on). I didn't have a good feeling about going ahead solo.

I've always found the PV area a little foreboding, probably because the first time I went there was the day Clare Hutcheson disappeared. But like you say, the mountain is still there... maybe next time.

G'day Singe,

I'm glad you enjoyed!

It sounds fairly common for parties to turn around at that point. I'm sure you made the right decision. If it doesn't feel right, don't do it.

I hadn't actually heard about Clare Hutcheson until now. After doing a bit of reading, that's pretty scary stuff.

Thanks,
Sam.