Paul Pritchard has established his first new route in 21 years since his accident on the Totem Pole off the coast of Tasmania in 1998. Paul was a highly accomplished climber and mountaineer with first ascents on the Torre Central del Paine and the West Face of Mount Asgard to his name before the accident changed the course of his life. While beginning an ascent of the iconic sea-stack, Paul's rope dislodged a block, which impacted his head and resulted in hemiplegia - paralysis of one side of the body - as well as speech and memory difficulties.
'Once at the belay I looked over my shoulder and saw two seals frolicking around. My boy, Eli, followed the climb, so it was the first new route we have done together.'
Very touched by the line "nowadays I don't climb for difficulty - just walking down the street is difficult.". I'm glad that you did not include the grade of the climb, not relivant at all, just the fun and joy of climbing for someone who obviously still gets lots of pleasure from it. Amazing stuff Paul.
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