[Tony Gazley]

Sunset from the lodge April 2022. Hauhungatahi left skyline.

Our lodge has had a reasonable amount of use over summer although there could have been a lot more—and as one passerby said at times it looked a bit forlorn all locked up with no activity. This time of the year there has been some superb weather on the mountain with many calm sunny days as those involved with the working parties can testify.

Due to the deterioration of the base board cement sheeting we recently had a team of hard-working people replacing them with exterior ply panels.

Preparing to replace the base boards on the recent work party

And speaking of work at the lodge, later next month we have the annual clean and food stock weekend. This is the perfect opportunity for members new to the lodge to familiarize themselves with its operation especially during the winter months which involve some extra issues above those in summer. The date for this weekend is to be confirmed in a later forum post. There will be incentives for those who participate.

The lodge committee is expecting a routine year after the last two years of disruption due to the covid situation and hopefully this will all be settled back to a new normal.

After assessing the financial situation with the lodge there is a need for an increase of 15% in fees—which still leaves us competitive with other similar lodges on the mountain. In the last couple of years there has been a modest or no increase in the fees and now it is necessary for a catch up to ensure the long-term sustainability of the lodge.

We are moving forward for winter bookings. To try to cater for everyone we are again providing for those who need to plan well ahead, and for those who are not able to decide when to make bookings until nearer the time.

On the 1st of May bookings will open for members, and the 1st June for non-members. Half the bunks will be released on those dates and the rest will be released progressively as the winter progresses.

School holidays weeks will be available in blocks as per last year to make it easier on the lodge leaders to organize those for these periods.

This information is on the lodge booking page with dates and booking arrangements.

For the lodge the membership status is now frozen meaning that people can join the club during winter but the non-member rates and priority status for the lodge will remain until the end of October. So please do not hassle our booking team with excuses if you are not a current member.

Brian

Lodge convenor.

PS.  For more general info visit the WTMC Lodge Facebook page.

Summer or winter the lodge is a great place to start your adventure.

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