Of Wild and Wonder

Lottie leading a climb (Maddy Whittaker) Party: Lottie Armstrong, Chris Greenan, Maddy Whittaker, Torea Scott Fyfe, Rowan Cox, Jamie Gardner, Luca K This trip had its logistical challenges. Ice climbing at the head of Ailsa Stream involves a 30km approach, and we had seven people, 1 small 4WD (seats two) and only two days. We stacked the 4WD with packs and Luca and Rowan drove, while Lottie, Chris and I biked. Jamie and Torea stoically ran, until all varied modes of transport were abandoned and the plugging began. Lottie and Chris biking (Maddy Whittaker) Plugging (Maddy Whittaker)  Wehooo ice had indeed formed! (Maddy Whittaker)  Arriving at the ice with the whole afternoon ahead of us, Jamie, Luca, Torea and I were stoked to give ice climbing a go for the first time. The first few tries were very uncoordinated but gradually we started to glimpse the rhythm. Oh man, this kind of climbing was something else - immensely satisfying. Chris getting stuck in (...

2/7/2019 Party: Tom Spencer, Tom Hadley Tom Spencer and I had an epic day on Mt Taranaki over the uni break. We were both keen to get out and find a big challenge, so we decided doing 2 laps of Mt Taranaki would be a bit of fun. We started at around 5.30am from the Stratford Plateau and pushed through the first hour or so in cold winds and icy conditions. However, once we got around to Holly hut the day cleared up and we could find a solid rhythm. Going around the side of Phantam’s peak had to be a highlight of the first lap with clear conditions and some stunning views of the summit. We managed to tick off the first lap, getting back to the plateau in 8 hours 45 minutes where we could restock food. Tom striding out under Fantham's Peak (Tom Hadley) Some Ice (Tom Spencer) Setting out on the second loop, we managed a solid pace around to Holly Hut where we had a bit of a laugh as we filled in the hut book for the second time that day. After darkness set in...