This is Debbie Buck the Assistant Chief Guide, filling in for Mike, who is off mountaineering in Alaska. This makes me think of two short and sweet topics to write about whilst I fill in for him this month: navigation and enjoying the cold outdoors.
1) Navigation
There are a few day and weekend navigation trips on the Winter schedule and so far they have been popular. I encourage you to make the most of these.
At this time of year, a drizzly misty day or two (or even a calm and fine day) in the Tararuas with a compass and map and a few friendly trampers is perfect for improving your locational awareness and your general comfort with tramping over rough terrain. Concentrating on where you are and where you are going, you become oblivious to the inclement weather.
Navigation trips tend to be fairly collaborative so everyone gets a chance to contribute to getting somewhere. On a recent day navigation trip near Reeves, we took turns to lead and advise the leader and were all responsible for scenic detours and estimating where we were.
By the time Spring comes along, you’ll have better navigation skills, be more confident at tramping over untracked terrain, and know a few locationally-aware trampers. You’ll be well equipped to make the most of the longer days and better weather for tramping.
2) Enjoying the cold outdoors
In addition to tramping, the Winter programme offers other opportunities to enjoy the cold outdoors and develop some new skills.
The Snowcraft course in August will give you the skills to participate in ALP1 alpine tramping trips: using ice axes, walking in crampons, self-arresting, avalanche awareness.
The WTMC lodge at Mt Ruapehu is the perfect base from which to do some alpine tramping and practice snow sports such as skiing and snowboarding.
The club is running a Leader’s skills day on the weekend of 3-4 August. If you’ve been on a few tramps and would like to lead tramps yourself, then this day will give you useful tips and inspiration for leading tramps.
Finally, the WTMC website provides a useful gear list for winter adventures. https://www.wtmc.org.nz/sites/default/files/checklist-what-to-take-on-a-trip.pdf
And if in doubt, your trip leader will be able to advise you about suitable gear.