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Showing posts from September, 2019

Bans on the natural world spread to Wilpena Pound

Two climbers died rock climbing on the Moonarie walls at Wilpena Pound in the Flinders Ranges a few weeks ago. The two men (architect Michael Hillan, 62, and Fairview Park researcher Dr Simon Bou, 44) were experienced climbers and a gear failure may have contributed to the accident. The Crag describes the area: "Moonarie is one of Australia's most spectacular crags, situated as it is on the rim of Wilpena Pound, surrounded by sweeping deserts views. It is easily South Australia's premier crag, with superb rock and loads of fantastic quality routes. Isolated as it is, it is very much an adventure destination, and a worthy stop on the Australian rock climbing tour." This is only the second accident resulting in a fatality in 40 years of climbing up at Moonarie, according to climber and friend of the deceased and climbing writer Rob Baker ( source ), the other was in 2014 . Vale Michael and Simon.  This accident has brought the usual calls for bans to be institut