Track Talk – October 2010

My recent trip to Tasmania was costly in gear terms. And I’m not talking about what I bought or repaired to prepare for the trip; that’s just normal wear-and-tearing updating. I’m talking about mistakes made due to tiredness, distraction or sheer stupidity. It started on day one when I lost my sunglasses. While I am … Read more

Track Talk – September 2009

At the end of July I spent four days tramping in Lewis Pass with a friend who relocated to Christchurch a couple of years ago. Previously a member of the WTMC, Laurayne was telling me how things are done by clubs down there. They don’t do communal dinners – instead everyone brings along their own … Read more

Track Talk – August 2010

With Amanda Wells – Chief Guide Lately I’ve been thinking about relative risk. We might assume that our perception of danger is based on objective assessments of quantifiable facts, but experience generally teaches otherwise. I participated in Snowcraft 2006, which concluded with a lengthy descent from a snowcave through gale winds and poor visibility. “Worst … Read more

Track Talk – July 2010

With Amanda Wells, Chief Guide It’s already time to start thinking about the Spring schedule, which runs from September to the end of January. This time, we’re going to do the planning slightly differently. At the moment, we’re looking for ideas of road ends. You don’t have to specify the trip(s), just a road end … Read more

Track Talk – May/June 2010

In March I did a Mountain Safety Council river-crossing course, where we threw ourselves into some Hutt River rapids and attempted to exit using a combination of pack floating and limb thrashing. It was one of those courses where your confidence is strengthened through knowing that you’re already doing basically the right things. Rivers are … Read more

Track Talk – April 2010

It’s always a challenge starting something new and figuring out how everything fits together. When I started tramping with the club almost exactly five years ago, the last thing I would have imagined was becoming chief guide. Just going along to club nights and heading out into the hills with strangers was challenging enough! But … Read more

Topographical Turpitude – March 2010

Greetings All, Committee Member Profile: Paul Jeffries 1. Place of birth: Blenheim 2. Occupation: Chief Guide 3. Been a WTMC member for: 5 years. 4. How I have benefitted (from being a member): Made good friends & been on some awesome tramps 5. Best WTMC Alpine trip: Lake Angelus Nelson Lakes 6. Best NAV trip: … Read more

Topographical Turpitude – February 2010

Day Walk leaders required for all the keen walkers from the new members night to the end of March Kilometres please text Gareth or me the speedo reading for each trip, thanks drivers. Please return the gear clean and dry. Important Dates Monday 8th March 6.30-8.30pm Trip Planning Meeting at Clubrooms Bushcraft 12-14 March … Read more

Topographical Turpitude – December 2009

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

Topographical Turpitude – November 2009

Greetings All Tips for Leaders can be found on https://wtmc.org.nz/for-trip-leaders Leaders, please let Gareth know the Speedo Reading of Van you have used by text or email Club Personal Locator Beacons (PLB) are now available for use by club members. They are kept in the gear room. Looking for leaders for the Summer Schedule … Read more