Tony Gazley

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Viewing 15 posts - 1 through 15 (of 19 total)
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  • Tony Gazley
    Keymaster

    I had completely forgotten I took this daguerreotype of Westies Hut and sent it to Will. It seems a long time ago now.

    Tony Gazley
    Keymaster

    Hello Harry

    Thanks for pointing out that there may not have been daffodils on The Gladiator. I’m sure I remember them but I’ll ask Aimee and Emily if they saw any and then get back to you. Anyway, with or without daffodils it’s a great place to visit – you can read our story here.

    But remember all photos are to some extent ‘fake’ – they are reality recorded in 2D, cropped, manipulated by the firmware in your DSLR or phone, and often tweaked post production. And fake photography is encouraged – the WTMC and FMC for example have a ‘long exposure’ category in their photo competitions for star trails and the like. You can’t say those represent anything like reality – they clearly have stuff added in that was never there. So who apart from William W should worry if the odd daffodil appears in a photo?

    Tony

    Tony Gazley
    Keymaster

    Actually William we had trouble finding a place for the April photo where there were no daffodils. They were everywhere – ten thousand saw we at a glance stretching in never-ending line.

    Tony

    Tony Gazley
    Keymaster

    It definitely was your aliens back again 👀 I have attached the video I took – I was too frightened to look inside, so I just got the photos and ran away.

    in reply to: Writing a trip report is now as simple as ChatGPT #62811
    Tony Gazley
    Keymaster

    The summit did look different but the Hillary Step was much the same.

    in reply to: Writing a trip report is now as simple as ChatGPT #62807
    Tony Gazley
    Keymaster

    Leaving Base Camp

    On the summit ready to ski down

    Tony Gazley
    Keymaster

    When doors are stuck shut
    Sarah does not wait about-
    kick kick kick kick kick

    Tony Gazley
    Keymaster

    Good morning Lance

    Thank you very much for your haiku entry into the 2023 Tramping Calendar Haiku and Limerick Competition.
    We have been delighted with the high standard of the many entries we have received so far, and yours is no exception.

    However, we do remind you that copies of the 2023 Tramping NZ Calendar are readily available from Bivouac Outdoor in Mercer Street for $20 cash. You may wish to purchase your copies now to avoid disappointment when you fail to win first or second prize in the competition.

    Thanks again

    Tony

    Tony Gazley
    Keymaster

    Ngauruhoe and Red Crater

    Tony Gazley
    Keymaster

    There’s something in her hair that’s quite wrong
    It looks more like that of King Kong
    When asked why it was so
    She said I don’t know
    But I think I’ve been in the bush for too long

    in reply to: Otaki Forks detour #39904
    Tony Gazley
    Keymaster

    Well that’s good news. And it certainly does sound like the same track renegotiated. I will check it out and if so we can reinstate the description on the website later today.

    in reply to: 2021 Tramping NZ Calendar #38123
    Tony Gazley
    Keymaster

    The quickest way to find out would be to rush down to Bivouac Outdoor in Mercer street with $20 and buy a copy of the calendar. The location is given in the photo caption : ))

    in reply to: Powell Hut no longer accessible #30788
    Tony Gazley
    Keymaster

    Powell Hut update 2 May 2019.

    Building work almost complete. The 3 latest photos show:
    1. General east outside view. Scaffolding for plumber to fix roof gutter.
    2. Kitchen and social area painted and ready for cooking benches.
    3. The south 12-bunk bunkroom with the cool sloping ladders to the upper level.

    The builder expects to be off-site in next few weeks but the hut cannot open until it receives final sign-off from the Building Consent Authority. And before this happens a fire alarm system (with its solar power) needs to be installed and a decision made on grey-water disposal. So DOC are saying prob end June opening.

    A couple of unusual features of the building. Having a fire alarm system will be interesting. It certainly will increase occupant safety but may cause unintended problems. And it is a significant extra cost to DOC who must fly a technician to the hut every 6 months to maintain the alarm in compliance with the Building Code.
    Additionally there is a passive ventilation system installed – principally to remove internal condensation from breathing and cooking. This makes sense especially for building maintenance purposes given moisture causes problems with the building structure in the long term. But because it cannot be adjusted it may make for a cold hut in winter even though the hut is fully insulated.

    But regardless it will be a wonderful front-country facility – hopefully it will be well appreciated and visitors will pay their fees to offset the $750,000 price tag.

    And again as usual a big thanks to the guys from McIntyre Contractors for assistance with the photos and the info.

    in reply to: Makara beach to Ophiro Bay #30451
    Tony Gazley
    Keymaster

    Harry’s story with his route description has been updated in the WTMC newsletter with some photos and a short video.

    in reply to: Powell Hut no longer accessible #30198
    Tony Gazley
    Keymaster

    Powell Hut update at 23 March 2019.
    Another misty day but pleasantly calm.
    Six photos show: interior of hut looking in the north door; windows in the east (front) bunkrooms; windows in the east kitchen/ social area; south side; west (rear) side; and the north side.
    All the windows have been installed but some flashings still to be fixed in place.These will essentially complete the outside of the building except for some additional sub-floor bracing.
    The front bunkrooms will have a great view of the sunrise and will likely be the first-choice rooms.
    All the interior wall and ceiling insulation is installed. The woodburner from the old hut will be removed and replaced by a new one of the same model.
    So starting to look like a real hut now – but still plenty of fit-out work required inside before it is finished. The front deck still seems HUUGE.

    [thanks to McIntyre Construction for assistance with photos]

Viewing 15 posts - 1 through 15 (of 19 total)