Blog from October, 2006

What sort of condition is your harness in?  A friend of mine in Canada forwarded me a news article of the tragic death of Todd Skinner, who has died due to the belay loop on his harness failing while abseiling from Leaning Tower in Yosemite.

Here's the article: Todd Skinner dies due to harness failure

It's scary to think that

• such an experienced climber could go this way
• the strain on a harness is so much less when abseiling than from taking a winger

Please replace your harness if it shows signs of wear or, at the very least, replace your belay/abseil loop.

Regards,

Doug 

Hi Garry,

couldn't send you an e-mail to the old adress "hangdogging@hotmail.com". Wanna tell you some news from germany, so just send me an e-mail to

joern.hube@arcor.de 

your old buddy, climbing partner and "cab driver" in Europe/ Germany

Jörn 

From http://www.tahunemtbmarathon.com.au/ Set in the beautiful region of the Huon Valley, the Tahnue Forest Airwalk Mtb Marathon is a one lap 90km loop, that will encompass many elements that make mountain biking one of the most rewarding sports in the country. There is also a half distance challenge for those wishing to experience the pleasures of mountain biking on an inspiring course, without punishing themselves by riding the full race distance.

The Marathon starts and finishes at the Tahune Forest AirWalk, a 597m walk amongst the trees which is 20m above the ground. The highlight of the walk is the cantilever that sits 48m above the river level, providing fantastic views of the forests and the junction of the Picton and Huon Rivers.

The course travels through some of the most stunning sections of the Southern Forests. As well as crossing the historic Arve River the course follows the sweeping lines of the majestic Huon River , providing a true wilderness experience. The course is very unforgiving and in the true nature of mountain biking, sealed road sections are virtually non-existent.

Included in the marathon are some of the best sections of the Tasmanian Trail - a trail for Bushwalkers, Mountain Bike and Horse Riders. This adventurous trail stretches from Devonport in the North to Dover in the South.