I know a number of you are still reading this blog site so here is a letter received from Rion on the 24th December.
I am lying here in the tussock just down from Brewster hut. It is Wednesday the 24th day of our trip 16th December. We are sort of in another intermission stage hiding from the weight of our packs. We have climbed up to Brewster hut to make an ascent of Brewster tomorrow morning.
Leg 2 unravelled like this
Day 1 Richard, Rob and Rion head from Cameron flat to junction flat.
Day 2 Richard turns back to Rabbit pass.
Day 3 Wait for weather to clear on Rabbit pass
Day 4 Drop down Wilkin waterfall face to Top forks hut
day 5 Top forks hut to Siberia hut and meet up with Andy and Richard
Day 6 Rob flies out for perosnal reasons. Siberia hut over Gillispie Pass to Young hut
Day 7 Young hut out to road end via the blue river bridge, camped at Cameron flat, a different one.
Our health, Apart from a few small rashes bumps and cuts we are OK. At times bodies ache in places but we deal with it. Andy has employed a pair of trail shoes and will carry his boots for when he needs them. We are fit now. Today we climbed 1000 metres in 1hr 45 mins, no breaks, average size packs, not bad.
Food the important stuff.
Breakfast, porridge, I dont really enjoy it but I know it is good for me, portions about rightish.
Lunch crackers are good, cheese is keeping. Tararua biscuits are highly nutricious but very heavy. We have been eating them for breakfast on our climbing days to get a quick get away and having porridge for lunch when we return. Probably over portioned them but they are very yum.
Dinner. Home made dehy is amazing. Actually wish we had only dehy meals. Lizzies pastes make them yum too.
Snacks. Scroggin about right. Rob brought in these dehy bananas (ripe bananas sliced long ways, DEVINE)
So we are surviving on the sustinence
LEG 3
We have changed our route for this dramatically. The reason being it is a long way to go up the Landsborough to find out we cant get out under the Scissors. A $900 chopper ride too. So our new route is
Day 1 Walk up the Makaroroa to Makarora hut
Day 2 Cross the low point at the head of Scrubby flat creek, down the creek to Ferguson hut, Hunter valley.
Day 3 Cruise up the Hunter to Forbes Hut
Day 4 Cross the Hunter-Huxley Col to South Huxley Biv
Day 5 Out the Huxley and up the Hopkins to Elcho hut (see alternative)
Day 6 Continue up valley to Richardson Bivvy Rocks
Day 7 Cross Tragedy col to waterfall hut ( We have done some research on this and have the gear to do it safely
Day 8 Up to Barron saddle hut
Day 9 Down the Meuller glacier to Cook village
Day 10, 11 , 12 Spare days
If you had not worked out, I am , we are thoroughly enjoying ourselves and dreading the fact that one of these missions may never happen again.
When you are in the hills you, I, miss little tasks or things I could do but it is becomes so habitual to be in the hills, it might take a little while to readjust back.
There are things I would do differently but the nuts and bolts have worked out. This leg Richard has been amazing in helping us put with transport. What a guy.
There is a another letter on its way talking about climbing Brewster. It gets a big tick, it was awesome, absolutley stuffed though great day.
Merry Christmas to everyone. Rion
Monday, December 28, 2009
Details of Accident
Thought I would update everyone a bit mores specificly on what went on, I intend to back tell a few of the stories as a lot of letters have yet to be posted onine and then Andy and Anton are off for Leg 5 at some point too which will be an adventure in itself.
On the 22nd Andy was troubled by the tendons in his Archillies so we decided that he would rest up on the next day at red hut. As the weather was splendid I decided to go for a climb and headed off for the relativly sedate north ridge of the Dasler Pinnacles. This is a simple rock scramble and the summit was joyously reached offering AMAZING views. On the down climb I must have got a bit off track as I ended up down climbing a vertical section but there had always been heaps of hand holds so no biggy and only seamed about 1m high.
Anyway it was actually higher and it became fractionally overhung and the hand holds got worse. At this point when I thoughT I was secure I slipped and fell. It is unclear whether the rocks (that are somewhat prone to moving) moved or I just slipped.
I fell and then rolled at least once and managed to catch myself with my hands. I managed to bandage myself up with my first aid kit (THATS WHY YOU CARRY ONE) and hobbled 8 hours back to red hut. Andy who was all set to come find me at 4am was very relieved to hear my whistles and yells. I parked up on a bunk and using our Canterbury Mountain Radio we alerted the authorities and a helicopter landed at 6am the next morning. I would like to note here that it would have been plausible for me to be driven out assuming the truck was big good enough to cross the Hopkins river.
Back to Twizel medical centre and a bottle and a half of laughing gas, morphine, chocolate a Dr still in his rowing gear and I had about 40+ stitches putting me back together.
The wound itself had cut through the skin layer and slightly damaged the muscle layer but not very badly. I had a flap of skin like a piece of steak hanging off me. It is located on my quadracept on the outside of the lower left quad and runs down to my knee.
The nurse Libby MacLean at the medical centre happened to be the partner of one of the guys we met at the hut the night before (Callum). Out of the kindness of their heart they invited us back to their house to sort our stuff out. The other bloke who was at the hut, Clifton, was driving to Christchurch that afternoon (christmas eve) so we also managed to get our Mt Cook food box and get a ride with him to my mums cousins. What amazing people!!!!!!!
We also managed to get $60 flights home awesome.
So both of us got home for xmas, though I ended up spending most of it in auckland hospital getting a double dose of I V antibiotics as there were fears of infection.
I am getting better and am permantly parked up on the couch with my leg up in the air. It will be a long time before the wounds heal enough for me to get back into the mountains but I know it could have been so much worse.
If you have any more questions ask away either here or contact me personally.
Im also going to add when I fell I was wearing a helmet, I was carrying enough spare clothes and food with me that I could bivvy the night. Andy knew all that along with my intentions and I knew what Andy would do if I was late back. For what was a simple day walk we were prepared and it paid off.
I have had a great 5 or so weeks in the hills. Big thanks to everyone who helped make it possible and to those who helped get me home safely.
Cheers
Rion & Rhino
ps. If you want I can post wound photos will post some mountain photos shortly too
On the 22nd Andy was troubled by the tendons in his Archillies so we decided that he would rest up on the next day at red hut. As the weather was splendid I decided to go for a climb and headed off for the relativly sedate north ridge of the Dasler Pinnacles. This is a simple rock scramble and the summit was joyously reached offering AMAZING views. On the down climb I must have got a bit off track as I ended up down climbing a vertical section but there had always been heaps of hand holds so no biggy and only seamed about 1m high.
Anyway it was actually higher and it became fractionally overhung and the hand holds got worse. At this point when I thoughT I was secure I slipped and fell. It is unclear whether the rocks (that are somewhat prone to moving) moved or I just slipped.
I fell and then rolled at least once and managed to catch myself with my hands. I managed to bandage myself up with my first aid kit (THATS WHY YOU CARRY ONE) and hobbled 8 hours back to red hut. Andy who was all set to come find me at 4am was very relieved to hear my whistles and yells. I parked up on a bunk and using our Canterbury Mountain Radio we alerted the authorities and a helicopter landed at 6am the next morning. I would like to note here that it would have been plausible for me to be driven out assuming the truck was big good enough to cross the Hopkins river.
Back to Twizel medical centre and a bottle and a half of laughing gas, morphine, chocolate a Dr still in his rowing gear and I had about 40+ stitches putting me back together.
The wound itself had cut through the skin layer and slightly damaged the muscle layer but not very badly. I had a flap of skin like a piece of steak hanging off me. It is located on my quadracept on the outside of the lower left quad and runs down to my knee.
The nurse Libby MacLean at the medical centre happened to be the partner of one of the guys we met at the hut the night before (Callum). Out of the kindness of their heart they invited us back to their house to sort our stuff out. The other bloke who was at the hut, Clifton, was driving to Christchurch that afternoon (christmas eve) so we also managed to get our Mt Cook food box and get a ride with him to my mums cousins. What amazing people!!!!!!!
We also managed to get $60 flights home awesome.
So both of us got home for xmas, though I ended up spending most of it in auckland hospital getting a double dose of I V antibiotics as there were fears of infection.
I am getting better and am permantly parked up on the couch with my leg up in the air. It will be a long time before the wounds heal enough for me to get back into the mountains but I know it could have been so much worse.
If you have any more questions ask away either here or contact me personally.
Im also going to add when I fell I was wearing a helmet, I was carrying enough spare clothes and food with me that I could bivvy the night. Andy knew all that along with my intentions and I knew what Andy would do if I was late back. For what was a simple day walk we were prepared and it paid off.
I have had a great 5 or so weeks in the hills. Big thanks to everyone who helped make it possible and to those who helped get me home safely.
Cheers
Rion & Rhino
ps. If you want I can post wound photos will post some mountain photos shortly too
Friday, December 25, 2009
Accident ends trip
Hi all
The trip is over or at least my part in it.
I fell off the dasler pinnacles at about 3 on the 23rd of December while climbing back down.
I limped back to red hut and got air lifted to Twizel from there I had my left thigh sewen back together we got a ride back to CHCH and a flight home on christmas day.
It sux but it could have been worse too.
Ill embalash the blog a bit more but essentially I am home for the rest of the summer, Andy is still deciding what he will do but he is back in auckland too.
R
The trip is over or at least my part in it.
I fell off the dasler pinnacles at about 3 on the 23rd of December while climbing back down.
I limped back to red hut and got air lifted to Twizel from there I had my left thigh sewen back together we got a ride back to CHCH and a flight home on christmas day.
It sux but it could have been worse too.
Ill embalash the blog a bit more but essentially I am home for the rest of the summer, Andy is still deciding what he will do but he is back in auckland too.
R
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
23rd December
Richard says that he Rion and Andy had an awesome climb up Mt Brewster on Wednesday 16th Dec. Richard took them back to Makarora before he headed off to Mt Cook Village to drop off the food for the 4th leg. Richard also took all of the climbing gear to Mt Cook as Rion and Andy are not planning any climbs just wandering through the valleys and up the passes.
Andys feet are fine now that he has the accent shoes and just uses the tramping boots for climbing. Rion and Andy will phone on Christmas day and will probably get to Mt Cook sometime between Christmas and New Year. Obviously this part of the tramp does not have many other trampers as there has not been any mail come our way. Maybe they should have carried a few pigeons.
The weather on the first and second leg has been awful but it is looking better for this the third leg.There was a note to Craig about tramping club issues with a small comment about having an exciting crossing of the semi flooded Wilkin. They had to pack float it, Rion wished he had taken his mothers dry bag with him so I guess he got his gear rather wet.
Andys feet are fine now that he has the accent shoes and just uses the tramping boots for climbing. Rion and Andy will phone on Christmas day and will probably get to Mt Cook sometime between Christmas and New Year. Obviously this part of the tramp does not have many other trampers as there has not been any mail come our way. Maybe they should have carried a few pigeons.
The weather on the first and second leg has been awful but it is looking better for this the third leg.There was a note to Craig about tramping club issues with a small comment about having an exciting crossing of the semi flooded Wilkin. They had to pack float it, Rion wished he had taken his mothers dry bag with him so I guess he got his gear rather wet.
Thursday, December 17, 2009
16/12/2009 Email sent by Rion who was in Makarora at 0900hrs
Revised trip for Leg 3
We are heading into the Brewster hut to climb Brewster and then back to the car . The route for leg 3 has changed substantially, will leave details with Richard and will write
1/ Makarora hut
2/ Scrubby hut
3/ Hut on top of Hunter
4/ Hunter Huxley col to South Huxley biv
5/Elcho Hut in the Hopkins
6/Richardson Biv Rocks
7/Tragedy Col to Waterfall hut in the Dobson
8/Barron Saddle Hut
9/Mt Cook Village
If Tragedy not an option then
5/ Red hut
6/Le Crens Hut walking arouns the base of Neumann range
7/ Waterfall hut
Richard is getting a new radio today
Revised trip for Leg 3
We are heading into the Brewster hut to climb Brewster and then back to the car . The route for leg 3 has changed substantially, will leave details with Richard and will write
1/ Makarora hut
2/ Scrubby hut
3/ Hut on top of Hunter
4/ Hunter Huxley col to South Huxley biv
5/Elcho Hut in the Hopkins
6/Richardson Biv Rocks
7/Tragedy Col to Waterfall hut in the Dobson
8/Barron Saddle Hut
9/Mt Cook Village
If Tragedy not an option then
5/ Red hut
6/Le Crens Hut walking arouns the base of Neumann range
7/ Waterfall hut
Richard is getting a new radio today
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
17th December 2009
Second leg day 1. Day 1 was probably the worst weather I have ever experienced. Today day 5, things look equally bad and we are a day behind schedule, had hoped to cross the Wilkin today but this is highly unlikely and will wait for a boat, one is due on Monday, today is Sunday 13th
(A wee note from Rion to Nicholas, I committed sacrilege the other day, I had dragged a can of coke up to Rabbit Pass and I drank it on the morning of day 3, it was not that satisfying, quite a waste of coke)
Day 1 8th December. An exciting wee day, Andy dropped us at the swing bridge as a thunderstrom lashed around us. We wadded through swollen rivers to get to the swing bridge. We plodded up the farmland of the East Matukituki, linking up to cross one piddly side stream. A bridge got us over the Glacier Burn and that is when things got fun. The East Matukituki was swollen and flooded, the track side streams were also large. Our first obstacle was 2 side streams that were quite impassable due to the volume and speed of the water. One hour later we had straddled a log across it and kept on marching with the rain still pouring. The next obstacle was a 3-4metre high plume of water which was made by a waterfall crashing down into a bucket shape rock which forced it up again. A wire ran across the channel between the plume and the waterfall. At this point a not safe was issued and we retreated to a too tiny biv rock, platformed out by adze to drink tea and wait for the rain to ease. Once the rain intensity dropped so did the plume and by 6pm we were moving again. The three wire acros Kitchener was excillarating as the muddy river was clunking with boulders and the water leaped high like little fingers wanting to tear you off. By Junction flat things had settled down in the sky though we had wet gear a plenty. Richard and his wet sleeping bag retreated back to Wanaka the next day. Popes nose east face was awesome.
Day 2, A slow start. A brilliant day was in existence as we marched up the East Matukituki with a promise of fine weather until tomorrow pm. The goal was to camp above the Wilkin waterfall face and descend in the morning. Rob and Rion made slowish time to Ruth flat though this may have been due to our marvelling the Turnball Thompson Falls and Kitchener Cirque. The climb to Rabbit Pass was interesting, the lower slopes were full of Alpine daisies. There was one small patch of snow on a rock scramble and we descended to Rabbit Pass , reaching camp at 2130 exhausted .
Day Three. I was woken to rain at 3am, a bad omen though Canterbury Mountain radio confirmed that the weather was going to be good till the avo- it was not. Light rain was ever present and we headed down to look at Rabbit Pass it appeared not to bad -about 20m of dodgyness. The warnings we had received told us to back off and wait till things got drier, hopefully tomorrow. So snuggled in the tent we are.
Day 4 Upper Wilkin to Top forks hut
So in the tent we stayed while the weather boiled around us. Only emerging to try and use the mountain radio- set now broken, a hilarious sight of 2 men holding an ice axe over his head proping up 2 cables while the other hand nurses the radio set, very statue of libertyish, very bloody cold. We only heard thunderstorms. Then we hardened the F.. up shat ourselves on the waterfall face, got to Top Forks, warm fire . PS tent pole now bent from the wind
(A wee note from Rion to Nicholas, I committed sacrilege the other day, I had dragged a can of coke up to Rabbit Pass and I drank it on the morning of day 3, it was not that satisfying, quite a waste of coke)
Day 1 8th December. An exciting wee day, Andy dropped us at the swing bridge as a thunderstrom lashed around us. We wadded through swollen rivers to get to the swing bridge. We plodded up the farmland of the East Matukituki, linking up to cross one piddly side stream. A bridge got us over the Glacier Burn and that is when things got fun. The East Matukituki was swollen and flooded, the track side streams were also large. Our first obstacle was 2 side streams that were quite impassable due to the volume and speed of the water. One hour later we had straddled a log across it and kept on marching with the rain still pouring. The next obstacle was a 3-4metre high plume of water which was made by a waterfall crashing down into a bucket shape rock which forced it up again. A wire ran across the channel between the plume and the waterfall. At this point a not safe was issued and we retreated to a too tiny biv rock, platformed out by adze to drink tea and wait for the rain to ease. Once the rain intensity dropped so did the plume and by 6pm we were moving again. The three wire acros Kitchener was excillarating as the muddy river was clunking with boulders and the water leaped high like little fingers wanting to tear you off. By Junction flat things had settled down in the sky though we had wet gear a plenty. Richard and his wet sleeping bag retreated back to Wanaka the next day. Popes nose east face was awesome.
Day 2, A slow start. A brilliant day was in existence as we marched up the East Matukituki with a promise of fine weather until tomorrow pm. The goal was to camp above the Wilkin waterfall face and descend in the morning. Rob and Rion made slowish time to Ruth flat though this may have been due to our marvelling the Turnball Thompson Falls and Kitchener Cirque. The climb to Rabbit Pass was interesting, the lower slopes were full of Alpine daisies. There was one small patch of snow on a rock scramble and we descended to Rabbit Pass , reaching camp at 2130 exhausted .
Day Three. I was woken to rain at 3am, a bad omen though Canterbury Mountain radio confirmed that the weather was going to be good till the avo- it was not. Light rain was ever present and we headed down to look at Rabbit Pass it appeared not to bad -about 20m of dodgyness. The warnings we had received told us to back off and wait till things got drier, hopefully tomorrow. So snuggled in the tent we are.
Day 4 Upper Wilkin to Top forks hut
So in the tent we stayed while the weather boiled around us. Only emerging to try and use the mountain radio- set now broken, a hilarious sight of 2 men holding an ice axe over his head proping up 2 cables while the other hand nurses the radio set, very statue of libertyish, very bloody cold. We only heard thunderstorms. Then we hardened the F.. up shat ourselves on the waterfall face, got to Top Forks, warm fire . PS tent pole now bent from the wind
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Pope's Nose - Letter from Andy, 4th December
Dear Family
We've recky'd a fair portion of the West Matukituki Valley of late, and explored a few cool places, but I thought instead I might simply relate a kind of trip report on one of the good days, yesterday in fact, knocking the Pope's Nose on the (his) head.
Diary Entry for Day 12: 4 Dec '09
2am start under clear skies and an amazing full moon. A good freeze this morning so it was good cramponing from right outside the door of French Ridge Hut (1480m) - snow was porridge in the afternoon. We plodded up French Ridge, and threw on the rope about 200m below Quarterdeck Pass to step around a few crevasses. The Quarterdeck Pass (our access to the Bonar Glacier) came quickly and our speed was good. Weren't far off passing a trio of climbers who left the hut some time before us. No headtorches needed in this moonlight, one by one surrounding peaks dropped below us. We were feeling good and kept footing without break across the Bonar Neve.
Unbeatable experience! Magic: The bowl of the Neve has like a huge expanse of icy glass, and reflected the full moon in awesome sparkles. Orange tinge to the East gave clues of a rising sun, still an hour under the horizon. The stars were brilliantly clear, Venus (perhaps!?) glowed bright orange and shooting stars soared throught the sky with unbelievable clarity.
No shit...actual shooting stars!!
Must admit to tripping on the rope a couple of times, so encapsulated by the spectacle we were.
A bit more serious business was involved climbing up the crevassed slopes under Mt Aspiring and Pope's Nose. A few nicely placed snow bridges let us across most big gaps in more or less a straight line. A bit of exitement when Rion lost a leg into a thin deep slot!
We set four pitches up Pope's Nose, mostly to negotiate a small shrund at the base. The steep snow face to reach the summit ridge, was more straightforward with two tools but we kept the rope on anyway, given the freakin gnarly drop over the other side.
"Glad you convinced me to carry those extra ice screws" Rion squeaked in mountain otter language as I came up on his second belay. Half driven snow stake equalised on a screw in kinda hard snowish ice...ish (Rion now claims the stake was only a backup). Sweet bro. The traverse East to the Summit was simple enough...slung a couple of rocks on the narrow ridge.
Hi 5's on the summit (2700m). Awesome, look @ the view, have a beer. It's the second highest mo-fo in the region and Aspiring tempts us next door. This has been a good test of our skills though. Conscious of returning across the Bonar before the noon sun smoked the crust, we solo downclimbed the face and enjoyed a glorious dawdle home. Lunch and Clive Cussler on the balcony of FR hut.
......And....thanks Lizzie for the dehy icecream, it was so good, set real nice in the snow outside.
Lookin forward to catchin up the "the lads" Rob and Ric in few days. Hope all is well with friends and folk up North.
Love and hongi's from
Andy, Rion and Rhinocerous
We've recky'd a fair portion of the West Matukituki Valley of late, and explored a few cool places, but I thought instead I might simply relate a kind of trip report on one of the good days, yesterday in fact, knocking the Pope's Nose on the (his) head.
Diary Entry for Day 12: 4 Dec '09
2am start under clear skies and an amazing full moon. A good freeze this morning so it was good cramponing from right outside the door of French Ridge Hut (1480m) - snow was porridge in the afternoon. We plodded up French Ridge, and threw on the rope about 200m below Quarterdeck Pass to step around a few crevasses. The Quarterdeck Pass (our access to the Bonar Glacier) came quickly and our speed was good. Weren't far off passing a trio of climbers who left the hut some time before us. No headtorches needed in this moonlight, one by one surrounding peaks dropped below us. We were feeling good and kept footing without break across the Bonar Neve.
Unbeatable experience! Magic: The bowl of the Neve has like a huge expanse of icy glass, and reflected the full moon in awesome sparkles. Orange tinge to the East gave clues of a rising sun, still an hour under the horizon. The stars were brilliantly clear, Venus (perhaps!?) glowed bright orange and shooting stars soared throught the sky with unbelievable clarity.
No shit...actual shooting stars!!
Must admit to tripping on the rope a couple of times, so encapsulated by the spectacle we were.
A bit more serious business was involved climbing up the crevassed slopes under Mt Aspiring and Pope's Nose. A few nicely placed snow bridges let us across most big gaps in more or less a straight line. A bit of exitement when Rion lost a leg into a thin deep slot!
We set four pitches up Pope's Nose, mostly to negotiate a small shrund at the base. The steep snow face to reach the summit ridge, was more straightforward with two tools but we kept the rope on anyway, given the freakin gnarly drop over the other side.
"Glad you convinced me to carry those extra ice screws" Rion squeaked in mountain otter language as I came up on his second belay. Half driven snow stake equalised on a screw in kinda hard snowish ice...ish (Rion now claims the stake was only a backup). Sweet bro. The traverse East to the Summit was simple enough...slung a couple of rocks on the narrow ridge.
Hi 5's on the summit (2700m). Awesome, look @ the view, have a beer. It's the second highest mo-fo in the region and Aspiring tempts us next door. This has been a good test of our skills though. Conscious of returning across the Bonar before the noon sun smoked the crust, we solo downclimbed the face and enjoyed a glorious dawdle home. Lunch and Clive Cussler on the balcony of FR hut.
......And....thanks Lizzie for the dehy icecream, it was so good, set real nice in the snow outside.
Lookin forward to catchin up the "the lads" Rob and Ric in few days. Hope all is well with friends and folk up North.
Love and hongi's from
Andy, Rion and Rhinocerous
Monday, December 7, 2009
Leg 2: Modified Strategy
Ok as you can imagine things have been changed a little bit over time
The new plan is
Rob Richard and I will head into the East Matukituki as planned and head over Rabbit Pass.
Andy will take a few more days to rest/mend and he will than walk in and we will re unite at Siberia hut.
Rather than climb Pollux we will attempt an ascent of Alba from Siberia hut.
Than we will continue out via Gillespie Pass to the Young catchment.
Once we get to Makarora we will re assess everything and make a call if Andy's ankle is capable of continuing through to Cook.
The new plan is
Rob Richard and I will head into the East Matukituki as planned and head over Rabbit Pass.
Andy will take a few more days to rest/mend and he will than walk in and we will re unite at Siberia hut.
Rather than climb Pollux we will attempt an ascent of Alba from Siberia hut.
Than we will continue out via Gillespie Pass to the Young catchment.
Once we get to Makarora we will re assess everything and make a call if Andy's ankle is capable of continuing through to Cook.
Saturday, December 5, 2009
Leg 1: Actual Route
Day 1: Lake Sylvan Carpark to Rockburn hut
Day 2: Rockburn hut back to Lake Sylvan and up the Routeburn road hitched and walked around to Chinamans bluff than walked to Dayls Flat hut (30km walked that day)
Day 3: Up the Dart to Dart hut
Day 4: Attempted to summit Mt Edward from the Whitbourn Glacier only achieved Mt Troas
Day 5: Watched the thunder and lightening while eating Paddy's (The Dart hut wardens) fresshly baked cookies
Day 6: Crossed the Cascade saddle beside the main tributary of the cascade stream
Day 7: Fought Keas all night and climbed Tyndall in the morning than headed down over the Pylon and to Aspiring hut (The first crossing of the season) - Got Pumpkin soup from karen (the warden) on arrival
Day 8: Headed up to Liverpool Hut
Day 9: After planning to climb Barff in the morning had to abort to go pick up Andy's orthotics (though the weather was average too) so walked to Aspiring Hut
Day 10: Climbed up to French Ridge Hut
Day 11: Average weather at 3am so slept in climbed up to the Quarterdeck to check out route for tomorrow
Day 12: Climbed the Popes Nose --AWESOME--
Day 13: Walked out of french ridge heading to Rock of the Ages biv, Andy's ankle had got progressivly worse so walked out to Raspberry Flat and got a lift to Wanaka with some Whakapapa Ski Patrollers
Day 14: Watched Cricket, did cross words, thought about going out for dinner but ate dehy meals cause they are better
Day 2: Rockburn hut back to Lake Sylvan and up the Routeburn road hitched and walked around to Chinamans bluff than walked to Dayls Flat hut (30km walked that day)
Day 3: Up the Dart to Dart hut
Day 4: Attempted to summit Mt Edward from the Whitbourn Glacier only achieved Mt Troas
Day 5: Watched the thunder and lightening while eating Paddy's (The Dart hut wardens) fresshly baked cookies
Day 6: Crossed the Cascade saddle beside the main tributary of the cascade stream
Day 7: Fought Keas all night and climbed Tyndall in the morning than headed down over the Pylon and to Aspiring hut (The first crossing of the season) - Got Pumpkin soup from karen (the warden) on arrival
Day 8: Headed up to Liverpool Hut
Day 9: After planning to climb Barff in the morning had to abort to go pick up Andy's orthotics (though the weather was average too) so walked to Aspiring Hut
Day 10: Climbed up to French Ridge Hut
Day 11: Average weather at 3am so slept in climbed up to the Quarterdeck to check out route for tomorrow
Day 12: Climbed the Popes Nose --AWESOME--
Day 13: Walked out of french ridge heading to Rock of the Ages biv, Andy's ankle had got progressivly worse so walked out to Raspberry Flat and got a lift to Wanaka with some Whakapapa Ski Patrollers
Day 14: Watched Cricket, did cross words, thought about going out for dinner but ate dehy meals cause they are better
Friday, December 4, 2009
BAIL to WANAKA
Andy's Ankle has got progressivly worse
Thus we have bailed to wanaka to seek medical treatment.
Arrived today day 13.
Will update with what we are going to do once we work that out for ourselves.
UPDATE: We intend to get to a Dr or Physio tomorrow or if nothing is available on monday
Apart from that we will be just killing time in Wanaka untill Richard and Rob arrive for leg 2. I will definitly be going with them up the East Matukituki it remains to be seen what Andy does and depend on how quickly the swelling reduces
Thus we have bailed to wanaka to seek medical treatment.
Arrived today day 13.
Will update with what we are going to do once we work that out for ourselves.
UPDATE: We intend to get to a Dr or Physio tomorrow or if nothing is available on monday
Apart from that we will be just killing time in Wanaka untill Richard and Rob arrive for leg 2. I will definitly be going with them up the East Matukituki it remains to be seen what Andy does and depend on how quickly the swelling reduces
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Day 4 26th Nov 2009
Received 4th Dec 2009
We are at Dart hut after a magnificient day climbing Mt Troas above the Whitbourn glacier. We headed out early this morning from Dart hut,(though not as early as we would have liked, we overslept the alarm). We charged up the Whitbourn, then sidled up the western face leading to the western ridge. The weather was magnificient though we were conscious that the forcast was for 90 km winds at 2000 m. Our packs were relatively light. Our actual goal was Mt Edward thanks for the idea David) but we were running 2 hrs late and the overnight freeze was turning to slush. After lunching on the northern side of Troas we attempted to continue sidling along the north side of the ridge. The snow was now quite soft and after noticing a slab avalanche on a similiar aspect of Maoriri, we turned back. The mixed climb of the western face of Troas was solo-ed offering amazing views of a navigatable Whitbourn glacier, the majestic Snow Drift Range and the Earnslaw massiff. It was a very special and awesome day, we only wish we got up at 4.
But you must be asking what we are doing at Dart hut already. Well on day 1 we plodded our way up to Rockburn hut, the weather forecast for the week was quite unsettled, especially for the weekend when we wanted to cross the Olivine via a complicated route. Considering we were struggling with our packs we decided that some marked river walking might be a better idea to help us adapt.
So we backtracked out to the Routeburn Rd and hitched and walked to Chinamans Bluff. At 3 we decided to try and make it to Daleys Flat, or camp beforehand. It was a major struggle and I have never feared a 100m climb more than Sandy Bluff. We made the hut and I collapsed, my feet, calves, hamstrings,back and shoulders refused to operate. Never ever ever have I been so sore after a days tramping. Andy was a bit better so he brought me some food.We did not break camp to get to the Dart hut until 11 am but we were definitely getting stronger despite the rain. We are sitting tight tomorrow as buckets of rain are forecast and 150kph winds too which means we cant get out on the top.
The goal is to cross over Cascade climbing Tyndall on the way. Potentially heading to Colin Todd hut, other options include Marion Plateau.
Anyway Richard, was wondering if you could bring in a decent small and light alarm clock and some size 11-12 jandals for me, though we will probably be in touch before this letter arrives.
Hope the cricket is going well. Andy says Hi to his parents though he misses civilisation as he is still looking for light switches.
Typed in by Marjet who may have misread some of Rion's writing.
There has been some radio messages from Rion and Andy in the past few days. Andy connected with his orthotics. They have stayed at the Liverpool bivvy and also on French ridge.
We are at Dart hut after a magnificient day climbing Mt Troas above the Whitbourn glacier. We headed out early this morning from Dart hut,(though not as early as we would have liked, we overslept the alarm). We charged up the Whitbourn, then sidled up the western face leading to the western ridge. The weather was magnificient though we were conscious that the forcast was for 90 km winds at 2000 m. Our packs were relatively light. Our actual goal was Mt Edward thanks for the idea David) but we were running 2 hrs late and the overnight freeze was turning to slush. After lunching on the northern side of Troas we attempted to continue sidling along the north side of the ridge. The snow was now quite soft and after noticing a slab avalanche on a similiar aspect of Maoriri, we turned back. The mixed climb of the western face of Troas was solo-ed offering amazing views of a navigatable Whitbourn glacier, the majestic Snow Drift Range and the Earnslaw massiff. It was a very special and awesome day, we only wish we got up at 4.
But you must be asking what we are doing at Dart hut already. Well on day 1 we plodded our way up to Rockburn hut, the weather forecast for the week was quite unsettled, especially for the weekend when we wanted to cross the Olivine via a complicated route. Considering we were struggling with our packs we decided that some marked river walking might be a better idea to help us adapt.
So we backtracked out to the Routeburn Rd and hitched and walked to Chinamans Bluff. At 3 we decided to try and make it to Daleys Flat, or camp beforehand. It was a major struggle and I have never feared a 100m climb more than Sandy Bluff. We made the hut and I collapsed, my feet, calves, hamstrings,back and shoulders refused to operate. Never ever ever have I been so sore after a days tramping. Andy was a bit better so he brought me some food.We did not break camp to get to the Dart hut until 11 am but we were definitely getting stronger despite the rain. We are sitting tight tomorrow as buckets of rain are forecast and 150kph winds too which means we cant get out on the top.
The goal is to cross over Cascade climbing Tyndall on the way. Potentially heading to Colin Todd hut, other options include Marion Plateau.
Anyway Richard, was wondering if you could bring in a decent small and light alarm clock and some size 11-12 jandals for me, though we will probably be in touch before this letter arrives.
Hope the cricket is going well. Andy says Hi to his parents though he misses civilisation as he is still looking for light switches.
Typed in by Marjet who may have misread some of Rion's writing.
There has been some radio messages from Rion and Andy in the past few days. Andy connected with his orthotics. They have stayed at the Liverpool bivvy and also on French ridge.
"Foot beds"
Bit of a mission to get Andy's orthotics to him. We had to get them to Wanaka, find someone who did track transport, connect with the boys without knowing exactly where they were or when they would prefer to receive the delivery. We are grateful to all the kind people who couriered and carried and those who heard the story on mountain radio and helped. We hope they do the trick and help with ankle.
As I understand it Rion and Andy's movements were:
As I understand it Rion and Andy's movements were:
- Sat 28 Nov - somehwere in Cascade saddle area
- Sun 29 - Planning an attempt on Mt Tyndall (2496m). Not sure if this went ahead as Met Service were forecasting gales at the time.
- Mon 30 - Liverpool Bivvy
- Tues 1 Dec - Back to Aspiring Hut to connect with Orthotics (or foot beds as man from Alpine transport kept calling them)
- Planned to head to French Ridge Hut
Weather has been reported as fine with light winds since then. Mountain radio also told us that Richard collected a field set for his walk in the Arthur's pass area and can talk to the boys before he joins them for the next leg. Its been great to hear a bit of news - we're leaving 'patient Paul' at Mountain Radio alone for a while now
Thompson parents
Sunday, November 29, 2009
First update from those left behind 29/11/2009
Thankyou Rion for the christmas cards which you sent from Queenstown airport on your arrival. The plane had been delayed so you had plenty of time to write them. I am pleased that the cards where actually cards not like the enclosed note which you wrote on on the sick bag (unused of course)
Bronwyn (Andy's Mum) and I (Marjet -Rions Mum) have a bit of an update.
The weather has not been very favourable for Rion and Andy so they had to skip the Olivine Ice Plateau which is a pity but it will be there for next time. Consequently the boys are actually ahead of schedule and tomorrow will be walking past the Aspiring hut. We hope they call in there as Andy's orthotics have managed to find their way to the hut.
On Saturday Bronwyn received a phone call from Andy, via the mountain radio, requesting his orthotics. His ankles were very sore and although he had walked lots without the orthotics and didnt think he needed them, his feet are telling him otherwise. Bronwyn has spent the last two days talking to Paul at mountain radio and the various guides and outdoor transport people to try and find a way to get the orthotics to Andy at Raspberry Flat. She left a message at mountain radio to say that they would be delivered to Raspberry Flat and left behind the toilets for them to collect but after the connection with mountain radio she was informed that the transport into Raspberry Flat was for the hut warden at Aspiring Hut so he will carry them up to Aspiring Hut for the boys. Given so many people out in the outdoors know about the need for the orthotics I am sure that Andy will connect with them tomorrow.
Andy and Rion are enjoying themselves, it is awesome they say, and are at Liverpool bivy tonight.
They are planning to climb Mt Tindell in a few days time, weather dependent.
Richard will be meeting them at the end of this section so they cant actually get ahead of themselves, they will need to take some other routes and do some climbs which they will both enjoy doing.
They both have plans to give letters to trampers who are exiting the areas which will be posted to either Bronwyn or myself and then we will update the blog on their behalf.
Marjet
Bronwyn (Andy's Mum) and I (Marjet -Rions Mum) have a bit of an update.
The weather has not been very favourable for Rion and Andy so they had to skip the Olivine Ice Plateau which is a pity but it will be there for next time. Consequently the boys are actually ahead of schedule and tomorrow will be walking past the Aspiring hut. We hope they call in there as Andy's orthotics have managed to find their way to the hut.
On Saturday Bronwyn received a phone call from Andy, via the mountain radio, requesting his orthotics. His ankles were very sore and although he had walked lots without the orthotics and didnt think he needed them, his feet are telling him otherwise. Bronwyn has spent the last two days talking to Paul at mountain radio and the various guides and outdoor transport people to try and find a way to get the orthotics to Andy at Raspberry Flat. She left a message at mountain radio to say that they would be delivered to Raspberry Flat and left behind the toilets for them to collect but after the connection with mountain radio she was informed that the transport into Raspberry Flat was for the hut warden at Aspiring Hut so he will carry them up to Aspiring Hut for the boys. Given so many people out in the outdoors know about the need for the orthotics I am sure that Andy will connect with them tomorrow.
Andy and Rion are enjoying themselves, it is awesome they say, and are at Liverpool bivy tonight.
They are planning to climb Mt Tindell in a few days time, weather dependent.
Richard will be meeting them at the end of this section so they cant actually get ahead of themselves, they will need to take some other routes and do some climbs which they will both enjoy doing.
They both have plans to give letters to trampers who are exiting the areas which will be posted to either Bronwyn or myself and then we will update the blog on their behalf.
Marjet
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Off to see the Wizard
I'm about to jump on the plane to Qtown and I must admit im S&%$ing myself. My Pack is at 40+kg and so I am a little worried I went for a walk around the block with it so I should be right.
I had a bet with mum a couple of weeks back and she reckoned that I would be under 81kg when I get back. The scales way me at 88.1 this morning so we will see what happens.
Thanks everyone for your support and help, especially Lizzie, Mum and Owen.
Feel free to comment and post away on this page it would be good to see your thoughts when we get back.
Signing off
Rion
ps. I recall Andy's involvement in the trip slightly differently, we were walking up Urchin and I told him what my plans were for the summer and he said "I think I might follow you". Any way Im bloddy pleased he said those words and hopefully the trip goes well.
I had a bet with mum a couple of weeks back and she reckoned that I would be under 81kg when I get back. The scales way me at 88.1 this morning so we will see what happens.
Thanks everyone for your support and help, especially Lizzie, Mum and Owen.
Feel free to comment and post away on this page it would be good to see your thoughts when we get back.
Signing off
Rion
ps. I recall Andy's involvement in the trip slightly differently, we were walking up Urchin and I told him what my plans were for the summer and he said "I think I might follow you". Any way Im bloddy pleased he said those words and hopefully the trip goes well.
Saturday, November 21, 2009
Hello and farewell all
Hi all,
I thought I should actually take the time to sit down and post something on this blogsite before we head off. Rions written something about his motivation for doing this epic. Mine is fairly more simple, Rion asked me if I wanted to go for a walk so I said yeah OK sounds cool, why not walk up the south island. And I like climbing, so why not go up the Southern Alps. And then told work I wouldn't be starting until March.
I have just arrived in Queenstown and there is heaps of snow on the peaks. I have found myself a sweet new flappy sun hat lest the sun tarnish my fair skin and can't wait to get into it. Looks like the weather will be calm and sunny to start off with which is nice. The pack is a little scary, the final packing will be done tonight and I don't really want to know, but at least when it's on my back I won't be able to see how heavy it is.
Cheers for all the help we've had in the preparations and to all those that are dropping off or bringing us food in the coming months. Hopefully all goes to plan.
I thought I should actually take the time to sit down and post something on this blogsite before we head off. Rions written something about his motivation for doing this epic. Mine is fairly more simple, Rion asked me if I wanted to go for a walk so I said yeah OK sounds cool, why not walk up the south island. And I like climbing, so why not go up the Southern Alps. And then told work I wouldn't be starting until March.
I have just arrived in Queenstown and there is heaps of snow on the peaks. I have found myself a sweet new flappy sun hat lest the sun tarnish my fair skin and can't wait to get into it. Looks like the weather will be calm and sunny to start off with which is nice. The pack is a little scary, the final packing will be done tonight and I don't really want to know, but at least when it's on my back I won't be able to see how heavy it is.
Cheers for all the help we've had in the preparations and to all those that are dropping off or bringing us food in the coming months. Hopefully all goes to plan.
Friday, November 20, 2009
Shortcut on Leg 1
To try and save time we have opted for an alternative start to section 1.
Day 1 (The monday): Walk into Rockburn hut
Day 2: Head up the beans burn to the bivvy rock
Day 3: Cross Fohn Saddle and down onto the Olivine Ledge staying at the bivvy rock there
Day 4: Drop into Olivine Flats and up to the Bivvy Rock below forgotten river confluence
Alternatively weather permitting we may try and cross over Irvine Peak via the Merki Glacier and down into Forgotten River flats
This is to avoid having to cross the forgotten river.
This option will bring previous dates forward two days as we are walking in one day earlier and we are saving one day by avoiding the hollyford
Day 1 (The monday): Walk into Rockburn hut
Day 2: Head up the beans burn to the bivvy rock
Day 3: Cross Fohn Saddle and down onto the Olivine Ledge staying at the bivvy rock there
Day 4: Drop into Olivine Flats and up to the Bivvy Rock below forgotten river confluence
Alternatively weather permitting we may try and cross over Irvine Peak via the Merki Glacier and down into Forgotten River flats
This is to avoid having to cross the forgotten river.
This option will bring previous dates forward two days as we are walking in one day earlier and we are saving one day by avoiding the hollyford
Eric L has pulled out
After health complications at Taranaki this week Eric has decided he is not up for the trip.
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
The Team
The core of our team is Andy Thompson and Myself (Rion Gulley)
We also have joining us for sections
Eric Lalot (Leg 1)
Richard Greatrex (leg 2)
Anton Gulley (Leg 5)
Erik Tomsen (Leg 6)
We are all AUTC (Auckland University Tramping Club) members and all Auckland uni students.
Richard Andy and myself are all final year Civil Engineering Students.
Anton is a Stage two physics student.
Eric L another Civil Engineer is an exchange student from france
and Erik T is an Alaskian Geography Student.
We also have joining us for sections
Eric Lalot (Leg 1)
Richard Greatrex (leg 2)
Anton Gulley (Leg 5)
Erik Tomsen (Leg 6)
We are all AUTC (Auckland University Tramping Club) members and all Auckland uni students.
Richard Andy and myself are all final year Civil Engineering Students.
Anton is a Stage two physics student.
Eric L another Civil Engineer is an exchange student from france
and Erik T is an Alaskian Geography Student.
Friday, November 6, 2009
LEG 6: Glenfalloch to Arthurs Pass
Jan 21-31
Day 1: Cross the Rakaia and head up Louper Stream and over Whitcombe Pass to Neave Hut
Day 2: Travel down the Whitcombe to Price Flat
Day 3: Keep traveling to the Frew Ck confluence and Frew Hut
Day 4: Cross Frew and Steadman Saddles intoo the Mungo River and Poet hut
Day 5: Via Mungo hut cross the Hokitika Saddle and down the Griffiths Ck and to Urqharts hut
Day 6: Cross White Col via Burnett Stream to Barker Hut
Day 7: Summit Mt Murchison
Day 8: Drop into the Waimakariri and climb up to Waimakariri falls hut
Days 9&10: Rest/Bad Weather Days
Day 11: Climb out via the summit of Rolleston in Arthurs Pass township
Day 1: Cross the Rakaia and head up Louper Stream and over Whitcombe Pass to Neave Hut
Day 2: Travel down the Whitcombe to Price Flat
Day 3: Keep traveling to the Frew Ck confluence and Frew Hut
Day 4: Cross Frew and Steadman Saddles intoo the Mungo River and Poet hut
Day 5: Via Mungo hut cross the Hokitika Saddle and down the Griffiths Ck and to Urqharts hut
Day 6: Cross White Col via Burnett Stream to Barker Hut
Day 7: Summit Mt Murchison
Day 8: Drop into the Waimakariri and climb up to Waimakariri falls hut
Days 9&10: Rest/Bad Weather Days
Day 11: Climb out via the summit of Rolleston in Arthurs Pass township
Leg 5: Whataroa to Glenfalloch Station
January 12 to January 20
Day 1: From the road end head up the Perth into Barlow Flats
Day 2: Head up the Barlow River, climb over the Great Unknown to camp at the head of adverse creek
Days 3&4: Cross & explore the Gardens of Eden & Allah reaching Lambert Col
Day 5: Head to Lyell hut via Rangitata Col, McCoy Col and the Lyell Glacier
Day 6: Cross Meins Knob to Reischek Hut.
Day 7 & 8: Rest/Bad Weather Days
Day 9: Pick up food drop from Glenfalloch Station and return to reischk hut
Day 1: From the road end head up the Perth into Barlow Flats
Day 2: Head up the Barlow River, climb over the Great Unknown to camp at the head of adverse creek
Days 3&4: Cross & explore the Gardens of Eden & Allah reaching Lambert Col
Day 5: Head to Lyell hut via Rangitata Col, McCoy Col and the Lyell Glacier
Day 6: Cross Meins Knob to Reischek Hut.
Day 7 & 8: Rest/Bad Weather Days
Day 9: Pick up food drop from Glenfalloch Station and return to reischk hut
Leg 4: Mt Cook Village to Whataroa
January 3rd - 11th
Days 1&2: Village to Tasman Saddle Hut up the glacier (this is VERY conservative)
Day 3: Elie de Beaumont summit and back to the hut
Day 4: Over the Classen and Whataroa Saddle (the longest but what appears to be the most open) in to Whymper hut in the Whataroa valley.
Day 5: Head down to Butler Junction
Days 6, 7 & 8: Poor weather days
Day 9: Out to Whataroa Road end
Days 1&2: Village to Tasman Saddle Hut up the glacier (this is VERY conservative)
Day 3: Elie de Beaumont summit and back to the hut
Day 4: Over the Classen and Whataroa Saddle (the longest but what appears to be the most open) in to Whymper hut in the Whataroa valley.
Day 5: Head down to Butler Junction
Days 6, 7 & 8: Poor weather days
Day 9: Out to Whataroa Road end
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
LEG 3: Makarora to Mt Cook Village
20 December to 2nd The FESTIVE LEG
Day 1: Hitch to Wills trackend and head into Wills Hut
Day 2: Summit Brewster returning back to Wills Hut
Day 3: Cross the Wilson Pass into the Hunter Valley and West Branch Hut
Day 4: Cross the studhomme pass into the Landsbourgh and Harper Flat
Day 5: Head up the landsbourgh to Fraser hut on Creswicke flat
Day 6: Keeping going to the Zora Ck confluence
Day 7: Than further to Rubicon Biv
Day 8: Cross underneath Mt Scissors to Barron Saddle Hut
Days 9, 10 & 11: Foul weather days
Day 12: Down the Mueller to Mt Cook Village
Day 13: Restock and up to Sefton Biv
Day 14: Summit Footstool and return to the Village
Day 1: Hitch to Wills trackend and head into Wills Hut
Day 2: Summit Brewster returning back to Wills Hut
Day 3: Cross the Wilson Pass into the Hunter Valley and West Branch Hut
Day 4: Cross the studhomme pass into the Landsbourgh and Harper Flat
Day 5: Head up the landsbourgh to Fraser hut on Creswicke flat
Day 6: Keeping going to the Zora Ck confluence
Day 7: Than further to Rubicon Biv
Day 8: Cross underneath Mt Scissors to Barron Saddle Hut
Days 9, 10 & 11: Foul weather days
Day 12: Down the Mueller to Mt Cook Village
Day 13: Restock and up to Sefton Biv
Day 14: Summit Footstool and return to the Village
Leg 2: Cameron Flat to Makarora
December 10 to december 19
Day 1: Cameron flat to Ruth flat up the east matukituki
Day 2: Ruth flat to Waterfall flat over rabbit pass, we have an alternative route plan involving the albert burn if rabbit pass aint a go-er
Day 3: Waterfall flat to Top Forks Hut
Days 4 & 5. A summiting of the Pollux
Day 6: Through to Siberia Hut
Day 7: Onto Young Hut
Day 8: Out to Makaroara
Days 9&10: Emergency Days
This is probably the easiest section. Tracks are followed the whole time with the exception of the Pollux ascent.
Day 1: Cameron flat to Ruth flat up the east matukituki
Day 2: Ruth flat to Waterfall flat over rabbit pass, we have an alternative route plan involving the albert burn if rabbit pass aint a go-er
Day 3: Waterfall flat to Top Forks Hut
Days 4 & 5. A summiting of the Pollux
Day 6: Through to Siberia Hut
Day 7: Onto Young Hut
Day 8: Out to Makaroara
Days 9&10: Emergency Days
This is probably the easiest section. Tracks are followed the whole time with the exception of the Pollux ascent.
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
LEG 1-Greenstone Carpark to Cameron Flat
24-November to 10 December
Day 1: Shuttle to Greenstone Carpark from Glenorchy than head up river to McKellar Hut
Day 2: On to the routeburn and down Park Burn track than head up the hollyford to Alabaster Hut
Day 3: Along Hollyford Track to Olivine Hut
Day 4: Round Olivine Waterfall to Olivine Flats
Day 5: Around the forgotten river gorge and up onto Forgotten River Col
Days 6 & 7: Explore Olivine Ice Plateau exiting via Climax Col and than Glacier Col
Day 8: Head down the Margaret Glacier to Daleys Flat Hut in the Dart River
Day 9: Up the Dart track to Dart Hut
Days 10& 11: Cross Cascade Saddle to Aspiring Hut including a side trip up Liverpool Dome
Days 12, 13 & 14: Spare days for inclement weather.
Day 15: Collect food drop from Road end and head up to French Ridge Hut.
Day 16: Summit Popes Nose
Day 17: Walk out the Matukituki to Cameron Flat
Day 1: Shuttle to Greenstone Carpark from Glenorchy than head up river to McKellar Hut
Day 2: On to the routeburn and down Park Burn track than head up the hollyford to Alabaster Hut
Day 3: Along Hollyford Track to Olivine Hut
Day 4: Round Olivine Waterfall to Olivine Flats
Day 5: Around the forgotten river gorge and up onto Forgotten River Col
Days 6 & 7: Explore Olivine Ice Plateau exiting via Climax Col and than Glacier Col
Day 8: Head down the Margaret Glacier to Daleys Flat Hut in the Dart River
Day 9: Up the Dart track to Dart Hut
Days 10& 11: Cross Cascade Saddle to Aspiring Hut including a side trip up Liverpool Dome
Days 12, 13 & 14: Spare days for inclement weather.
Day 15: Collect food drop from Road end and head up to French Ridge Hut.
Day 16: Summit Popes Nose
Day 17: Walk out the Matukituki to Cameron Flat
The inspiration
Why?
This is a common question I am asked when I tell people about the trip.
Well, the inspiration came when I was sitting in the Upper Caples hut taking it easy after knocking out the Routeburn the previous day.
Te Araroa the trail of NZ had recently been released. I had examined the route with great disappointment, noting that the "cool stuff" around the southern lakes has been excluded, in particular the popular traverse from makarora township to the divide via the wilkin, east matuktuki, dart and routeburn.
So in early 2006 sitting in the caples valley with a NZ falcon over looking us it was a great pleasure to learn that there had been a competing venture. The hut warden, Chris Gulley my third cousin whom I have never met and another bloke had completed a three month multi sport journey of Aotearoa combining Kayaking, Cycling and Tramping. This route took the more adventurous route including the copland pass and paddling Te Anau. This occured at approximatly the same time as Te Araroa but Greg Chappels walk recieved prominance because the trio's route was considered too hard by eminent outdoorsman like Bob Harvey.
Since that moment I have dreamed of a tremendous tramping trip to mark the end of my studies. It was initially planned to be from Farewell Spit to west cape but time got in the way and I was told that I should start work by febuary.
This is a common question I am asked when I tell people about the trip.
Well, the inspiration came when I was sitting in the Upper Caples hut taking it easy after knocking out the Routeburn the previous day.
Te Araroa the trail of NZ had recently been released. I had examined the route with great disappointment, noting that the "cool stuff" around the southern lakes has been excluded, in particular the popular traverse from makarora township to the divide via the wilkin, east matuktuki, dart and routeburn.
So in early 2006 sitting in the caples valley with a NZ falcon over looking us it was a great pleasure to learn that there had been a competing venture. The hut warden, Chris Gulley my third cousin whom I have never met and another bloke had completed a three month multi sport journey of Aotearoa combining Kayaking, Cycling and Tramping. This route took the more adventurous route including the copland pass and paddling Te Anau. This occured at approximatly the same time as Te Araroa but Greg Chappels walk recieved prominance because the trio's route was considered too hard by eminent outdoorsman like Bob Harvey.
Since that moment I have dreamed of a tremendous tramping trip to mark the end of my studies. It was initially planned to be from Farewell Spit to west cape but time got in the way and I was told that I should start work by febuary.
Monday, November 2, 2009
Initiation
I have set this blog up as a way for andy and I to communicate with the rest of the world while we are doing our traverse from the head of the wakitipu up the spine of the south island. The plan will be that we will post letters off when we get to food drops and people will post it up on this blog for us.
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