4. January 2009 10:46
by Rene Pallesen
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Saturday morning we drove out to the Blue mountains to spend the day there climbing (Unfortunately Andy couldn't go on an overnight trip).
When we got up there it was cold, covered in clouds and drizzling. We decided to have a coffee and breakfast to check if it would clear up...and fortunately it did.
We were planning to go to Shipley, but after studying the guide we decided to go to Bardens Lookout instead.
It was completely dry and it turned out to be a day with a perfect temperature and we did some really nice and varied climbs (I would tell you the climbs but someone stole/took my guide book during the day). We started on a grade 16 (Karinya I think) for warmup, and then moved to a very pleasant grade 18 (Jolly Good Fellow). I then had a go at a grade 20 (Dr Do Little) with a very reachy and balancy move up the top which almost made me fall off (Andy had a hard time on this move).
We then did a grade 19 (Little Triggers) and by this time my strength was gone so I only just managed to lead it (almost came off clipping the top anchor as I was drained). The climbs are fairly long at Bardens Lookout and I don't have a lot of endurance because the climbs in the gyms are too short.
Phil had a go at a grade 21 (Hang on to Yourself) and was really struggling on it and came off 4-6 times one of which was captured on video and once he came off upside down. Eventually he got through it and I toptoped and cleaned it (With a lot of grunt and swearing).
Download video of Andy Climbing 1
Download video of Andy Climbing 2
Download video of Andy being Lowered
Download video of Phil Falling
1. January 2009 10:31
by Rene Pallesen
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As tradition dictates we played golf with Sasha on new years day. And he had booked a time at Brighton Golf Club (Moorebank) at a civilised hour (1.30pm).
Kim and I hadn't played for about 10 months as we had been too busy with all the other things in 2008 (see the rest of the blog postings).
I think we played a fairly decent game considering the time since we'd last played but both Kim and I were fairly tired after the 18 holes. It was a hot day with temperatures in the mid thirties and the course was fairly hot...so we drank lots of water as we went.
At karate Aiden is sometimes asked to teach the newbies. It is great to see how it gives him confidence.
Aiden went to a birthday party with a Virtual Reality experience...a bit scary for him.
The local corner shop was refitted for a TV show.
Easter egg loot.
What do the boys get up to in their room sometimes???
Family photo at QVB
Having desserts in the city
A seal resting on the rocks at the opera house.
20. April 2022 14:04
by Rene Pallesen
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While at Warilla Beach we one day did a walk at the Macquarie Pass National park. This was an easy walk with the reward of a waterfall at the end of the walk.
20. April 2022 13:04
by Rene Pallesen
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One one of our trips down south we visited the Nan Tien temple south of Sydney.
It is a Chinese Buddhist temple that is worth a relaxing visit for anyone with some time.
20. April 2022 13:04
by Rene Pallesen
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During the Christmas holidays we rented a place at Warilla Beach a couple of hours south of Sydney.
We discovered that the beach has pipies in the sand, so every day we made sure that we harvested a plate full of them for dinner.
We brought Aidens new guitar, so that he was able to practice his music while enjoying the scenery.
The kids also attended online drawing lessons.
It was a beautiful spot to sit on the balcony, enjoy the view and have some great food (including fresh pipies).
One day we also visited the Jambaroo Water park. This was a disappointment with long queues at every ride and Aiden was too scared to do any rides so it was a bit of a miserable day.
13. April 2022 10:04
by Rene Pallesen
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Last weekend it was Ethans 21st Birthday. He had a bit party with the whole family and his friends.
They had arranged for catering with lots of Cambodian, Laotian and other asian foods.
5. April 2022 19:04
by Rene Pallesen
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It has been three years since I last spent time with my dad. This is due to Australia closing its borders for two years due to the Covid pandemic.
As soon as they announced opening the borders again in February my dad booked his ticket to come a visit.
It was really nice to have him here and different from when he has been here previously. For starters, he was here by himself which was a different dynamic and also Aiden and Lucas have grown older and really enjoyed bonding with 'Bedstefar'. Especially Aiden and my dad found that they had music in common and Aiden took great prise in being able to play some of the pieces on piano that my dad was able to sing.
I really enjoyed having a few beers (and other good stuff) with him while he was here.
A couple of years ago I bough a machine to transfer my dads and grandads old 8mm film to digital. Because of the pandemic I was never able to try it out. My dad brought one of his films to do a trial transfer. It worked really well and he'd now brought it back to Denmark with him to transfer the rest.
One afternoon dad and I went up to the Barrenjoey lighthouse. My dad is still able to do it although he is a bit slower and not as strong as he used to be.
5. April 2022 19:04
by Rene Pallesen
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Kims dad passed away 92 years old. He will be greatly missed by his daughters, grandchildren, grandsons and friends.
It was a beautiful funeral following chinese traditions with wearing white clothes to celebrate a long life.
Aiden played a beautiful song on the piano in front of everyone and we had put together slides showing his life.
Day after we did the traditional cleaning of the tomb stone and also the burning of paper clothes and money (theory is that it will then go to the afterlife for him to wear).
I hope that the boys are old enough to remember their time with him.
Even though his old body was failing him, his mind was still sharp enough to play Mahjong and other games with us. These photos are from our last trip with him down to Bowral.
5. April 2022 15:04
by Rene Pallesen
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Lucas is part of the schools chess club.
The other day he was very proud that he'd received this award.