In the above panorama, Bob Fick gazes upon the spires from Siding Springs observatory.  Typically we would leave Brisbane late in the evening and drive all night, either by the New England route (Warwick, Tenterfield, Glen Innes, Armidale, Tamworth, Gunnedah) or the more bleak inland route (Inglewood, Goondiwindi, Moree, Narrabri).  Coonabarabran was the common destination and the last bastion of civilization.

During the 1960's, Bryden Allen and John Ewbank (both expatriates from England) were huge influences on the Australian climbing scene by their accomplishments and writings.  Bryden was somewhat reticent but his routes spoke volumes through his classic 1963 guidebook (with Russell Kippax) “The Rock-Climbs of N.S.W.”.  John was more voluble and contributed seminal articles in Thrutch, the first Australasian climbing magazine, that was published sporadically under the auspices of members of the Sydney Rockclimbing Club.  Lieben 17 and Heartstopper 18 in the Warrumbungles were the ultimate hard routes to aspire to!  Major developments on the mighty face of BLUFF MOUNTAIN and TONDURON SPIRE were awaiting the next decade and the boldness and vision of Keith Bell and others.