Sweet Dreams (180m 14), Sublime Point, Blue Mountains.

(Andrew and Matthew, April fool's day 2001.)

Up at 5.30, on the road at 6.10. Arrive at Sublime Point at seven - on schedule! Fine view, well-named. Blue Mountains haze, precipitated on the valley floors. Surf the pine needles, squeeze through the hole, arrive at red ledge. Walk along, look for the terror traverse... ah hah, there it is. Eeek. Clip the wire, belay for good measure, and over. Another minute to faint initials and the first pitch. Start up at nine, looking good. First pitch broken and grotty, but fun. (Climb's crux in the first three metres?) First of many bolt belays. Second pitch better, endless jugs - run it out. Comfy belay, good view of awaiting traverse. Debate the traverse line, then start off. Thin moves off the belay, then look for first bolt for about fifteen minutes. Ah, hidden on a ledge. Repeat for second bolt. Third bolt sighted from belay! Stop to pose for photos. Extra cam for good measure, then just about miss fourth bolt. (No worries, it's a cakewalk from here.) Decent belay ledge... starting to get high. Stuff around with ropes, then go. Fourth pitch a doddle. Up and right on more huge jugs and bolts. Step across bottomless chimney, above the void. (Note: try stemming the chimney next time.) Up to alcove for belay. Getting higher, trees a long way down! In the sun now, getting warm too. Sounds of the Jamison just gorgeous. "Choss gully" above, OK-looking. Leave variant finish for another time. A tense moment on lead, then easy, hairy traverse to penultimate belay. Awesome views, top in sight. Final lead a short jug haul on overhung flaky stuff. Cobble together a scrub belay, bring up the second. Done! (Six hours, six pitches, not bad.) Ouch, hot and hurting feet, tevas bring relief. Short bushwhack to the path, and back to car. (Look buff and nonchalant for the tourists. Just don't let them smell us...) Scope out the climb from Katoomba, then join a million Sydneysiders on the GWH. Back in Canberra at ten. Excellent weekend!