We last climbed together in Turkey, where the rock is relatively soft, with big holds, and lots of roofs to climb. It's a very different picture to Australia. In Perth, where it is oh-so flat, the only option is climb granite quarries. The rock is hard and angular with small friction holds and normally a positive gradient. The rock in Turkey was exhausting, the rock in Perth unnerving, requiring a delicate touch.

It was a pleasure introducing Berty to this new rock-scape and watching her make the same adjustments that I once did. She stepped up the plate and learn to love the slab!