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--Free Pies And Vehicle Gymnastics--
In early October Kevin Patterson, Jane Furkert,
Mark Vickers, Paul Clarke, and Sean Kelly travelled to Arthurs
Pass for an attempt on Mt. Rolleston (2275m). Accompanied
by Jenny Henshaw (now living in CHCH) and Sam, the group
travelled from CHCH in Jenny and Sam's cars late on Friday
night. Once Castle Hill had been gained we were treated
to a glorious moonlight sky. There was much drooling over
acres of tasty boulderable rock.
5am on Saturday morning saw Kevin reporting
an encouraging clear-ish sky so we quickly (relatively)
ate breakfast and packed our gear. By 6:15am we were on
our way up through the trees on the Rome Ridge track. Very
high clouds were observed with a ominous looking front to
the north. Despite a five hour sleep and one upset belly
(Mark's baked beans) we were making excellent progress.
Six hours, two buttresses, one exposed ridge,
one pitch and one dropped brand new piece of equipment later
we found ourselves at the top of a very steep notch in the
ridge. Together with weather front and time issues, it was
decided that we would retreat the way we came.
So, nine hours of backwards down-climbing,
two buttresses, piles of soft snow, one 'GPS Assisted' two
hundred meter course correction and a beautiful blue sky
later we found ourselves back at the car (fetched by Kevin).
After much driving around and depositing cars (Sam and Jenny
had piked out and did a 32km run instead) it was 9pm and
a search for food was on. Arthurs Pass closes quite early
it seems. A quick drive to Bealey Pub and we returned with
six free pies (thanks!).
Sunday morning found us in a conference discussing
what the day would entail. Due to sore legs, weather and
flagging enthusiasm we decided on a trip to the Otira viaduct
(exciting I know) and a boulder at Castle Hill on the way
to Pizza Hut in CHCH. Time marched on and despite a very
bad knee and rain it was very difficult to drag Mark away
from the boulders so we could go home. Pizza and more vehicle
gymnastics saw us on the plane and home on time.
Thanks to Kevin for organising the trip, and
special thanks to Jenny and Sam for the use of their cars.
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