Easter - Organiser: Ruth Hesselyn
The East of Arthurs Pass trip was cancelled due to heavy snow falls, down to village level. Not the best for river crossing, pass hopping and camping! So, Tony Haddon gallantly volunteered to lead a replacement trip into the Leslie/Karamea. Alice and Dion went on a trip to the Kiwi Saddle area.
On Monday, seven of us did a day trip to Angelus Hut via the Robert Ridge, just to stretch the legs. This brisk walk took us 7.5 hours, with time for photos, nibbles and a lunch break topped with easter eggs. Rumour had it that freshly baked muffins (courtesy of Lindsay), were going to be consumed on David’s Bushline/Mt. Robert circuit and we wondered if we should have joined them! Ice axe and crampons had been advised, but most just used their leki poles, and crampons weren't needed, as a good track had been ploughed through by previous parties. Weatherwise, the TV sunshine was hidden by mists and spindrifts for most of the day, with snow showers on the return journey. Still, it could have been worse. At least visibility wasn't too bad and we weren't actually blown off our feet, just battered.
Ian set the pace, which seemed to increase as the day wore on. In fact, the “brisk” walk turned into a trot, then a run as we neared the car park. I hadn't realised the desire for coffee was so strong! As it eventuated, the scribe missed out on her capuccino due to misplaced car keys. So, while the others supped on their cups at St Arnaud’s coffee shop, she zapped back to the car park and found them near the toilet and fortunately not in it!! Thanks to the crew for an enjoyable trip, though a much shorter one than originally planned. “Them's the breaks”, as Carole would say. Participants: Carole Crocker, Dave Blunt, Ian Pavitt, Mark Stevens, Mike Drake, Roger Bruce, and Ruth Hesselyn.