From Marie Henderson – Gear Custodian These are useful, and sometimes critical, shelters. Like all gear they can take a bit of a battering. They do better when used the right way and shown some respect. So it seemed a good topic to review. A double skin tent is one like the club alpine tents … Read more
I’d softened. After basking in the Australian sun for the last two years and next to no opportunity to climb hills, I was a tad anxious about my ability to cope with a fashion statement involving boots, let alone for a whole weekend. As part of my easing back into the back-country life, I had … Read more
Whenever I sign up for a trip like this it is because I have absolutely no idea what the trip is apart from there will be some glaciers and ice plateaus and so “yes please” pops out well before my rational side can pipe in with “Hmmm well that must also mean crossing some potentially … Read more
Wellington Anniversary Weekend meant an opportunity to have a slightly longer trip in the Tararuas than the usual weekend, and we used it to visit the middle part of the main range, beginning from Otaki Forks and ending at Poads Road near Levin. The forecast leading up to the weekend was uninspiring, suggesting several large … Read more
Holy shit! I am so knackered. I am lying on one of the top bunks of a small mountain hut in Arthur’s Pass national park. It is cramped. There are barely nine inches between my nose and the slope of the ceiling. It doesn’t matter, though, because I am too tired to sit up. I … Read more
with Aunty Rata It’s February already. Doesn’t time fly when you’re having fun? Speaking of which, Jackie Foster is running a “Best Tramping Bum” competition and your Aunty Rata has been lucky enough to have a sneak peek at some of the entries. She reckons this one is definitely the front runner… But don’t worry … Read more
For those who are just wandering back after a long festive break…. Welcome back! Were you at club on the 3rd of Feb, for Dave’s talk on his times in Antarctica? Amazing photos and entertaining commentary…. Thanks Dave! Here are a few of the up coming events to put in your diary. 17.02.10 New Members Night. 24.02.10 … Read more
Welcome back! I hope you all had a great summer break, whether you went tramping or not. I know the weather was not great for some of the groups that went to the South Island over Christmas and New Year, but from the reports I have heard, they still managed to do what they had … Read more
We all finally met in the vehicle line-up at the ferry car park. The trip leader had waited the previous half hour sunbathing and enjoying the perfect still evening air, watching the ironing board flat sea and the growing number of various shades of pink in the sky. An idyllic ferry crossing passed with pleasant … Read more
A special THANKS to everyone who has helped us out in the Chief Guide arena. Your time and support has made this year one of the best. Our two vans have clocked up some impressive mileage moving happy trampers all over NZ. Book your diaries now for next year. New Members Night Wednesday 17 Feb … Read more