Tramp Reflections 827 - Snow Craft

26 September 2009 to 27 September 2009

Participants - Colleen Brimblecombe, Sharon Woodward, Anna Lim, Michael Van Dijk, Don Stover & Kevin Bailey.

A group of 6 left Hamilton in somewhat doubtful weather on Saturday morning. I was the newcomer to the group, as I had never met Anna & Michael or Sharon or Don, but I had met Kevin 2 years earlier on the snowcraft weekend, where he taught me how to use crampons and an ice axe and we practiced the art of "self arrest". That year, the weather closed in and we had to abandon the hope of a climb on the Sunday, but this time it did improve to provide 2 great days.

We walked in to Mangatepopo hut on Saturday afternoon, then up to South crater and back. Sharing the hut that night, were a group of 14 Venturer scouts from Auckland and a family from Taupo with a 3 year old. Sunday was an early start (before 6am) for a brief walk in the fog, then drive to the 'Top of the Bruce', to attempt our ascent on Ruapahu by 7.30am. There had been fresh snow in the last week, but the lower mountain was slushy and walking up through the ski field was hard work. The wind was fresh but the sky clear. After a brief snack sheltered beside the Alpine Club hut, we put on the crampons and headed upwards. The wind was strong in exposed places but I was hot and often felt exhausted as we soldiered on. The views of the mountains and sky were stunning, as we were above the clouds. By the time we reached the craggy ice covered blob of 'Dome Shelter' we were ready for shelter and lunch, as were 4 other snow boarders. The Crater Lake (2672m) looked amazing and it felt wonderful to be at the top - but no, Kevin knew there was more to see.

After a short lunch we proceeded on, right around inside the crater wall to avoid the wind, then zigzag up to the rim, where we passed a large group of skiers/snow boarders sitting above the Turoa Ski field. The next 100m climb to the summit of Tahurangi Peak (2797m), was very treacherous and windy - it was scary but great fun. We felt like we were on 'top of the world'- being on top of the north island. It was so cool!!! Now, we had to turn around and follow our steps back down, which was tricky too. After 9 hours of walking in the snow wind and sunshine, we arrived back to the van. We were all quite tired and very satisfied. THANK YOU so much Kevin, it couldn't have been better.

Written by Colleen Brimblecombe