Tēnā koutou
Now that we’re back at level 2, I’ve enjoyed hearing about many of the trips running again – with many more on the schedule for those who missed out this month or wanting more.
A taster from the trips last weekend:
- Tereza’s changed her Balls Pass trip to the sunny Seaward Kaikoura range given weather conditions. Two managed to get close to the summit of Mt Manakau, turning back 100 from the top having to fight for every metre given snow conditions. The other two enjoyed the day around the Stace saddle, admiring the Kaikoura, ocean and (newly formed) lake views.
- Sarah’s group didn’t quite make it over the pass because of safety reasons yet had a great time with a bit of everything – amazingly clear water in the Sabine river, snow, reflections and beautiful blue colour of Blue Lake, playing under and over trees, waist deep creek crossing, river crossing practice, and a water taxi ride.
- James’ group also enjoyed getting away to Nelson Lakes. Although they didn’t get to see much of Blue Lake due to mist and cloud, the trip up the Sabine River Valley was still worth it. They had a few surprises though, including a ‘glacier’ crossing (a remnant of a winter avalanche) which James led them through.
It’s reassuring to see such a diversity of trips –as well as the focus on good decision making and safety and a willingness to change plans – with a great time still had by all. A special thanks to the leaders for making these trips happen.
Thanks also to our other leaders and co-leaders – including those leading for the first time! The next leadership course is on 10-12 December at Remutaka Forest Park – sign up (on the schedule) closes 24 November. If you want more details or if you want to start of with a co-leader or mentor, contact Anne at . Thanks also to those new leaders
Our mountaineering capability has been building through the club’s scholarship fund, helping build the club’s alpine leadership base as well as technical skills. Herein his own words is what one of our scholarship recipients learnt. More details of the scholarship fund and how to apply are here.
While we’re all disappointed that the Mountain Film Festival won’t be able to run this year due to various covid-19 challenges, we’re optimistic about next year and beyond. The good news is that there’s still funds in the scholarship fund – details of how to apply are here. Most importantly, I want to recognise and thank Megan Sety and the Victoria University Wellington (VUW) Tramping club for all their work year after year to make the festival (and scholarship) happen. Again, there’s been a huge amount of effort by them this year – including in rescheduling from the earlier date.
Some more good news – the Committee is trialling club nights in-person at Covid-19 alert level 2 subject to certain conditions (to comply with current level 2 guidelines). Most notably, everyone will be required to wear a mask, scan or sign in, and maintain a 1 metre distance from those not in your bubble. We’ll be starting next Wednesday (3 Nov, 7.00-8.30pm) with a screening of ‘Fight for the Wild Part 3 at our clubrooms (Tararua Tramping Club, 4 Moncrieff St). Keep an eye out on our website and Facebook page for future events.
We’re also always after speakers and volunteers to help with organising other club events – email Amanda at .
Thanks again to those who provided feedback on the club’s hut inspection and maintenance roles. This has helped the Committee to decide the club should:
- retain the DOC agreement to carry out inspection and ongoing maintenance for the Mountain House Shelter.
- continue supporting maintenance at Maungahuka Hut by working closely with the Tararua and Aorangi and Remutaka Huts Committee (TARHC) who will formally hold the agreement for this hut.
Club members will be encouraged to take part through maintenance trips organised by WTMC and/or TARHC.
Beverley our Treasurer has also been working hard behind the scenes moving the club’s accounts online to Xero (accounting software) along with managing various transactions, including in relation to GST and other IRD obligations. If you ever have any expenses to claim – to make it easier for everyone, details of what you need to provide in what format are here.
The winter season at the club’s Ruapehu Lodge ended a few days ago. A massive thanks to the huge team, from those involved in bookings through to food coordination, and all those on the Lodge Sub-Committee who have kept it viable and running during a second extremely challenging covid-19 year! The Lodge is still open for bookings – now at summer rates – with no shortage of things to do at and around Ruapehu. More details here and in Our Maunga.
The Families group has also been keeping busy since we came back out of lockdown, with a series of overnight trips in September and October, including Atiwhakatu hut, Turere lodge, and the club Ski Lodge at Whakapapa. Now that we are winding down into the Christmas break, the Group is running Junior Bushcraft, a couple of overnight camps, and a series of picnics in the lead up to Christmas. We are still keen for anyone new to the club or Families Group to join future trips and events. Contact to get your name on the list.
Kia noho ora ra, koutou katoa (May you all stay safe and well),
Maj-Britt