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 … Read more
Having never served on the committee before I must admit the job of being chief guide is a little daunting. Luckily the good job that Amanda has done over the last three years includes a great handover. I hope I can keep up the efficient work. The main thing I have inherited from Amanda is … Read more
Want to lead a trip but that little voice of doubt is putting you off? Our one-day leadership course gives you all the tools you need to lead a trip, and the confidence to get out there and give it a go. Leading lets you give back to the club – and is also much … Read more
Three years ago I became chief guide, and I’m pleased to be on the verge of relinquishing this title to Mike Phethean. Not pleased because I’m sick of it or have stopped enjoyed it, but because I believe that roles need to turn over in clubs like ours to avoid institutionalism. New eyes tackle things … Read more
For the past couple of months, Richard, Sharron and I, along with some expert helpers, have been formulating a PLB policy for the club. After the first activation of a club PLB over Christmas (see Jenny’s account), we realised that it would be useful to set out assumptions and guidelines around PLBs, particularly as committee … Read more
In 2013, the club developed a policy for use of PLBs, including using PLBs on WTMC trips and using WTMC PLBs on personal trips. Visit the club’s website for the latest version of this policy.
Having just received a text asking where this column is, it will of necessity be brief! I hope you’ve managed to enjoy some tramps during this holiday season, though to describe it as “summer” has not always seemed accurate. Christmas Day excepted, the weather has been more notable for wind and rain than sunburn. As … Read more
At the last minute, the Summer schedule came together and far exceeded my expectations. A big thanks to all our trip leaders! As an experiment, we’d included January again (after making it part of the Spring schedule) to see if we could get some more leaders. This worked, with a better array of trips now … Read more
The fact that I seem to have written the last newsletter column only five minutes ago clearly indicates we’re on the downhill slope towards Christmas. But before then we need to get another trip schedule planned, lead and published! It’s not too late to get your road end ideas to me – email chiefguide@wtmc.org.nz before … Read more
Amanda Wells, Chief Guide Daylight saving has arrived, along with Spring’s patchy weather. It signals the time to start thinking about your summer ambitions, as well as any training needed to achieve them! I am trying to write this column quickly so that I can go out for a run and practise my own advice. … Read more