Fred Smithies

[Joel]

I was reading an old post where corvus mentioned a book about Fred called "A Great Tasmanian".
Does anyone know where I could buy this book??
Fred is a bit of a hero of mine.

[flyfisher]

I have a copy of this excellent book which I bought in Hobart a few years back.I will make an enquirey next time I'm in the shop as to it's availability.

FF

[Joel]

Thank's alot flyfisher. I'm looking to get a photo like the one of Fred on the Little Horn Spire this winter.
Although I recently read his description of the climb in "A View to Cradle".

"With arm and knee jammed into the crack, it was just possible to wriggle up until a grip could be obtained of the top edge to assist further progress. The worst moment, however, came when, having arrived at a kneeling position on the limited area on top, with hands on outside edge and head overhanging a descent of about 1200 feet to the lake below, it was necessary to let go with the hands altogether and slowly rise to an upright position. The desire for somethig to hold on to was most noticeable...."

And from his friend ... " I don't mind taking the picture Freddy, but I am not prepared to walk all those miles round to the bottom with a bag and shovel to gather up your remains."

A little discouraging but Fred has proved it can be done.

Has anyone else re-created that photo?

[corvus]

Joel,
You could try Regal Press 70 Elizabeth St Launceston the printer publishers of this great book.
c
looks like you have the book ,premature expectation

[corvus]

Joel you are kidding arn't you
c

[Joel]

Thanks corvus. I'm not kidding. I've been and done some recon on a few occasions and I will use some protection the first time up. Or I will wimp out and not do it! I think technically it should be quite easy, it's just the mental side that would be difficult I think. I think the route up Weindorfers tower, "Flying Skink", would be interesting.

[Joel]

corvus, what do you mean by "looks like you have the book, premature expectation" ???

[corvus]

Joel I thought I was directing you towards the publisher/ printer then upon re reading your post realised that as you obviously have this fine book and that I was a bit premature in my assumptions in directing you to them (pays to really read the posts)
corvus

[kramster]

I think I remember an add campaign for Cradle Mountain Lodge a number of years back with a bloke standing on the Little Horn Spire (clad in all sorts of un-reasonable amounts of climbing paraphenalia) and shouting out the latest specials for accommodation at "The Lodge".

Not very useful, but I remember being impressed by the shot