Club nights are at Turnbull House, on the first unimpeded Monday of every month. New and prospective members are welcome. Meet for dinner at the Backbencher public bar at 6.30 and on to Turnbull House at 7.30 pm for a catch up. Meetings and talks start at 8.00 pm with club business and tea and coffee afterwards.

Tom on Third pitch, Chiming Bells, Ruapehu

Section trips news

Please send all your fantastic trip reports to newsletter @nzalpine.wellington.net.nz, so everyone can enjoy your stories.

Blast from the past

Thanks to Pete Strang and Otago Section for this timely reminder . . .

The call came when I was fast asleep in the Youth Hostel at Arthurs Pass. It was the middle of winter and August [ early 60's ] and I was helping with a school ski camp. Two senior school boys who were not part of our group had not returned from a climb of Blimit. The weather had been very westerly for the last 24hrs with snow falling up in Temple basin along with lots of wind.

We left before dawn to look for them, one team going with the Coberger boys up the ridge to Cassidy and Graeme Woodfield and I with Don Bell and Peter Charles, Park rangers headed off up Aiken and into the Devils Punchbowl.

The wind had turned to the south, it was very cold and snowing from time to time but with occasional patches of sunshine.

I had never been in the Punchbowl before and quickly decided that it would be a much more pleasant place in summer whereas now it was distinctly claustrophobic with steep slopes loaded with snow vanishing up into cloud and rocky iced up buttresses. It would be around 10am I guess that we stopped for some food and I can remember getting very cold hands trying to handle the tin of pineapple which spilt over everything.

Graeme decided to head back down and I am not sure what the reason was but we did not have radios and I think his task was to tell the Search centre that Don, Peter and I would head a little further into the Punchbowl but that so far we had seen nothing and because of the inclement conditions would be turning around in the next couple of hours. Don, Peter and I headed up the slopes to our left under the bluffs of Cassidy and when a bit higher up decided to put the rope on.

It was decidedly steep and in those days we believed in dynamic belays so kept moving together each carrying some folds of rope. My memory was that the snow slope ran up into bluffs above and we were above a line of bluffs as well with the now very narrow valley below that. It was blowing at the time with snow swirling around and the snow was firm and "squeaky". We were not wearing crampons.

Suddenly there was a loud cracking and hissing sound and I have this very vivid memory of Don and Peter yelling and being carried away on what seemed to be a massive slab of snow which was starting to break up around them. Above you could see where it had broken off in a jagged line snaking across the slope. I was off the moving slope but tied to them of course by the rope. By this time they had lost their footing and also their axes. The rope was snaking out like a dervish and I attempted to do the proverbial dynamic belay around my axe. It didn't work and I can remember being literally plucked from my steps and catapulted on to the slope but on to the part that had been scraped clean.

I tried to do a self arrest and for a time nothing seemed to be happening and then it worked. Of course there was still the rope tied to the other guys and the tension came on. In those days there were no such things as harnesses so I felt as if I was going to lose my bottom section but somehow everything held, the avo went over the bluffs and we three guys lay there on the mountain side panting and not moving for some time, as we watched with an incredulous fascination the avo hitting the bottom of the valley and trying to come up the other side for a distance.

Needless to say that was the end of the search and sadly the boys were found the following day at the bottom of a waterfall which they had been trying to down climb out of the storm. What was the lesson for us. That this was classical windslab, this was a lee slope and the windblown snow had been sifting down on it for the last few days.

It was my first experience of it and I guess if this same situation occurred today we would have been more aware of possibilities, digging a snow pit, had transceivers and so on but in all truth probably we would not have been there. It was just too dangerous. We just know a lot more about snow than we thought we did some 45 years ago.

The other thing to muse on is what would have happened if we had not been roped up. It does not really bear thinking about. Certainly in today’s practice we probably would not have been unless it was being pitched....which it wasn't as we were moving together.

Tony's Thar Hunting Travels

Recently, Tony Gates and Christchurch friend Simon Causer visited the upper Whitcombe valley looking for thar. They had a week of great weather, snow, and ice conditions, and managed to fill the valley with sound on several occasions. However, rifles were not their only tools of the trade. They both soloed Mt Thorndike, which is an easy but seldom climbed West Coast knob. This has probably the best view possible of the north ridge of Mt Evans (the one made famous by John Pascoe), as well as Katzenbach Ridge and the Bracken Snowfield. Great views were also obtained of many peaks of the upper Mathais Whitcombe, Arrowsmiths etc. Tony clambered up some interesting gullies on the Lange Range to look at various trans alpine routes to Ivory Lake. The rifle barrell was sometimes considered as a potentially useful anchor to jam into the ice. There are many seldom visited ex NZ Forest Service Huts in the area... check out www.remotehuts.co.nz Tony Gates LEATHERWOOD LENZ New Zealand Wilderness Photography

Ruapehu Ice

On Saturday 6th August Yibai He, Tom Wilson & Mike Peat (Wgtn Section) and Paul McCullagh (CNI Section) met at Whakapapa for a spot of ice climbing. High freezing levels through most of the winter meant there was little ice (or snow for that matter) below 1900m, however above this conditions were very good albeit thin for the time of year.

Paul and Mike climbed 'Banana Split' while Tom and Yibai got a head start on 'Chiming Bells'. Paul and Mike then followed up 'C.B.' finishing up the trickier left hand ice curtain on the 3rd pitch. After regrouping at the top and a picnic lunch, we all soloed 'Dribble' before calling it a day.

Encouraged by conditions, Paul and Mike returned on Sunday 14th August for an encore performance. But we found new snow during the week had spoiled conditions (climbable but now difficult to protect) and persistent rain made for a rather miserable day. A couple of false starts were had on nice looking lines before tactical retreats were forced by hollow ice. The only bright spot was top-roping a nice man-made route behind the knoll cafe where staff have rigged up a sprinkler system.

Mike Peat

A Momentary Lapse

Paul McCullagh (CNI) and Mike Peat skinned up to Whakapapa Hut in balmy conditions by the light of the full moon on Friday 19th August for a weekend of ice and ski adventures.

Saturday morning was spent on Pink Floyd Buttress climbing the middle (crux) pitch of 'Momentary Lapse of Reason' which was in good nick due to the face being fully shaded all morning. This pitch alone is worth a weekend on the mountain, it has everything from delicate face climbing, crack climbing, ice runnels and even an overhang to finish. The route can be run out at times depending on whether ice build up hides the cracks, but good protection can usually found with blade pitons, wires and small to medium sized cams. Many of the mixed lines in the area were pretty dodgy with the ice inadequately frozen to the rock, and warm weather meant that any route with sunny slopes above was a bomb zone. In the afternoon we ski traversed from the hut west for about an hour to the Barium Enema ice crag which was completely devoid of ice. Exhausted after our energetic traverse where we lost only 15m altitude over several kilometres, we decided to further punish our bodies by skinning back over the west ridge of Pare and most of the way up the Whakapapa Glacier. A glorious run was had back to the hut as the sun was setting over Mt Egmont on the western horizon.

Sunday dawned fine and even warmer than the previous day, we put the morning to good use climbing on the Moonshine Buttress while the snow softened. A single pitch route called 'Whisky' was climbed in excellent conditions, and would appear to be one of the few waterfall type routes to form properly this year. The ice took screws nicely and good rock anchors can be found suiting wires and small cams. From here we skinned the short distance to the broad saddle at the top of the pinnacle ridge for lunch. The most exquisite spring snow was found as we skied down the north side of the pinnacle ridge, traversing and skiing the steeper faces until we met the floor of the valley about 200m below - highly recommended. There are no tax cuts for the ski-tourer though, our 5 minutes of fun going down amounted to 30 minutes of sweating and puffing, skinning back up a broad gully to regain the ridge. Our ski back to the hut was temporarily derailed when I lost an edge after shooting a gully and found myself sliding down hard ice out of control. Anyone who has had the "falling experience" will vouch for the fact that you seem to have a surprising amount of time to analyse the situation. My equation went something like this; crikey I've slipped over... get feet down hill and try to get the edges in to slow down... too steep and icy - not working... isn't there a groomer track below me... how big do you reckon that drop is... about 3m I think... at this speed it's going to hurt like hell... anytime now... anytime now... (sound of meat being dropped from height onto a hard surface)... feels like I've broken my arse and some ribs too. After lying prone several minutes to recover my breath I found that lady luck was with me, no broken bones, just a tortured body for a few days until the swelling and tenderness subsides.

Mike Peat

Mainland Odyssey

I took leave from work December 04 - June 05, about half of which I spent in the South Island attempting to 'rid myself of the climbing bug'. Naturally I had a tick-list but from the start it tended to contrast with reality. Inevitably it became a case of doing whatever seemed realistic given the conditions, and the experience of whoever I was climbing with. The things that stand out include climbing Malte Brun's West Ridge in a heat wave (daytime temp at bivvy 34 deg!), forest to summit classics like Aspiring and Earnslaw, developing some new rock routes at Sawyer Creek behind Unwin Hut, and making it to Wye Creek for some ice climbing. Payne's Ford was wasn't too bad either. I was able to have some great trips with Wellington section members, to Tasman Saddle with Yibai He, and to the Fairee Queene with Kevin, Mike, Wanda, & Tom. The rest of the time I relied on old university contacts or met up with likemindeds at club lodges.. which worked surprisingly well. The club lodge system is a great asset - get out there and use them! Now I'm back in wage slavedom and planning my next mission. So much for kicking the habit..

Tom Wilson

On Belay Honey! Climbing Sweetie! .... AIC 2005

AIC 2005 has been and gone now, all that remains is the many follow-up
trips and the tall tales. The weather deteriorated through out the course
but it was all good for learning and practicing! Many thanks to all the
instructors and helpers for their enthusiasm and efforts throughout the 4
weekends and 3 evenings. We all look forward to Paul's presentation at the
Short Talks Night in October.

Quote of the Taranaki Weekend goes to Blaz at the debrief session on Sunday
" I'm satisfied "

Seven weeks in Tibet

The six up and coming has-beens, no mere acrobats, in this circus are Stuart Gray (Orc), John Nankervis (Welly), Dave Ellis and Geoff Spearpoint (Chch), Nick Shearer (Oamaru) and John Cocks (Dndn). It is
truly a "nationally representative" team with a medically alarming average age. Based in the Kharta Valley they will acclimatise on the lowest possible slopes of Everest. Then they cross, hopefully by
bridge, the Arun River (in Tibetan, Phungchu) to the east and the mysterious Nyonno Ri. This north/south range, with peaks suspected to be higher than Big E, has been unvisited by western mountaineers since
Shipton, Tilman and our very own Dan Bryant, were there in 1935 and 1938. To date there is no sponsorship for this expedition; so it will not be a virtual experience for family, boy scouts and all others who love adventure ....no website, no hourly satellite phone link-up. Wait for their return to hear highly exaggerated tales of hardship and feats of derring-do!

Ski Touring on the Temperamental Mountain

A few weeks ago Tim Stern, Wilf Dickerson and John Nankervis spent a couple of days, mainly ski touring, on Ruapehu. Highlight was some exquisite runs in ankle deep powder down the Whangaehu Glacier..."as good as it gets", they all said. Last Sunday Tim and John hoped for a repeat but found super hard conditions on the glaciers on all aspects. Helped by the headlights of friendly groomers they skied back to the Turoa road end in the dark, not a little chastened.

Pete’s Post from Antarctica

“Here’s the situation”, said Lonnie, the Winter SAR Leader. “Jack and Jill were walking the Castle Rock Loop, when they had an argument. Jack stormed off in anger, and has checked back into McMurdo Station. Jill hasn’t checked in, and is now two hours overdue. We’ve searched everywhere in town, and it is assumed that she isn’t here. That’s all the information we have”.

The temperature is minus 30 degC and there’s a 20-knot northerly wind. This means serious windchill - the human body will lose heat at the same rate as on a calm day at minus 60 degC. Anyone stuck in the open, or down a crevasse will be in serious trouble.

“Pete, I want you to take command of the team today. Bo and I are both unavailable.”

My heart rate went up a notch or two. Why me? I’d better do a good job - someone’s life might depend on my decision-making. The first step is to send out a hasty team to drive around the Castle Rock Loop to check any shelters. They will concentrate on covering the ground fast, rather than a thorough grid search. Meanwhile, the rest of the team will assemble all our medical and rigging equipment into another vehicle.

“Jay, you’re our primary medic. Can you take a small medical kit and go with Rex and Jack. I’d like you to take a PistenBully vehicle and drive around the Castle Rock Loop from the Arrival Heights end. Stop and check the NASA satellite dome, the two emergency shelters, and anywhere you see open crevasses or footsteps. Just take a climbing rope and your personal gear. Let’s get moving as quickly as possible, and give me a radio check on MacOps frequency when you are mobile. Any questions or suggestions?”

First task accomplished. I’d got the hasty team away.

“Greg, can you please start loading the rest of the medical gear into the Hagglunds. Deborah can help you. We’ll need the Stokes Litter, KED and SKED, as well as the hypo-wrap and normal medical kits. The rest of us will concentrate on loading all the rigging gear and ropes. We’ll take the Arizona Vortex in case we need to rescue Jill from a crevasse. Let’s aim to be away from here in fifteen minutes. Any questions or suggestions?”

What else do we need; have I forgotten anything; have MacOps been informed; is the doctor on standby? Is my personal gear all ready to go; is my own radio on the right channel? Yes, it must be - there’s the test call from the hasty team.

“Hedley, will you drive the Hagglunds. Greg, can you sit up front and use the spotlight to look for footprints, especially when we get near the icefall. I’ll sit in the back seat so I can concentrate on communications and logistics. We’ll drive out to the other end of the Loop, and search the CosRay buildings as we go. We’ll also search the emergency shelter at Silver City, and the toilet building at the skifield. I’d like to stop at Crystal’s Crack where we’ll walk along in front of the Hagglunds for 200 yards with spotlights in case Jill walked off the road and fell in the crevasse. We’ll do the same for the big crevasse across the road up the Kiwi Ski Hill. Now does anyone have any additional ideas, or is there anything I’ve forgotten?”

Once we were under way, my stress levels went down a bit. We searched various buildings, and heard on the radio that the hasty team had done the same. It was reasonably sheltered on our side of the hill, but the hasty team reported very cold conditions with moderate visibility on the windward side of the ridge. We checked the crevassed area known as Crystal’s Crack, but there were no signs of any open crevasses or any human trail. We continued up the hill beside the skifield that Scott Base operates during the summer, and stopped at a well-known crevasse marked with crossed flags.

“There’s something in here”, shouted Deborah, who had quickly roped up and ventured to a collapsed part of the snow bridge right beside the road. “It’s Jill”, she said once she shone the torch down the hole. “She’s on a dodgy snow bridge about ten metres down. I can see the crevasse is much deeper than that – maybe another fifty metres.”

While I contacted the hasty team by radio, I asked Deb and Greg to set up a personal snowstake anchor, and to abseil down to Jill. Their first task would be to secure her from falling any further, and provide reassurance and warmth while we prepared a hauling system to extract her. They would put a cervical collar on Jill to support her neck, and would manoeuvre her into the litter or KED that we would be lowering down once we were ready. Hedley’s job would be to stay at the edge of the crevasse (roped to a personal anchor) to provide a safety overview and a communications relay between the people down the crevasse and the rest of us on the surface.

This is good, I thought to myself. We’ve got three kiwis here to boss around these ten yanks. We won’t need any big discussions about how to do things. Hedley will keep an eye on the people down the slot and Blake can supervise the building of the belay system and anchors. I’ll supervise the construction of the main hauling system, anchors, and assembling the Arizona Vortex. These Americans are very good at what they do, but sometimes they waste too much time talking about it first.

Building the anchors was quite quick. For each of the two rope systems we dug four T-Slots and equalised them together into a bombproof anchor. We were slightly cramped for space, because I decided to keep everything on the area of snow that is surveyed and marked as a road. This saved us having to probe out the surrounding areas for hidden crevasses. We also used slings connected to hardpoints on the Hagglunds vehicle as a backup anchor.

The hasty team had arrived mid way through the construction phase, and all three of them quickly fitted into the new roles I allocated them.

The Arizona Vortex is a large kitset tripod with a pulley that we use at the edge of the crevasse or rock face we are raising the victim from. It makes the top transition from vertical lifting much easier, as the rope doesn’t bite into the snow at the edge. Because it is quite heavy, we often leave it behind. But it is perfect when we can drive right up to the rescue area.

Within about 50 minutes, Jill and one of her attendants was hauled out on a static rope with a 9:1 pulley system. We’d put her in a KED to support her spine, since space in the crevasse was too limited for a Stokes Litter to be practical. The belay team provided a safety backup on a separate static rope using a tandem prussic belay. The other rescuer had to prussic out of the slot on the same rope she had used to abseil in on.

As soon as Jill was out, we put her on a backboard and placed her in a hypo-wrap to warm her. We loaded her into the Hagglunds ready for transportation to the medical centre. It only took a few minutes to de-rig and clear the site, and we all headed back to McMurdo for a debrief.

“In all the years I’ve been coming here”, said Lonnie, “this has been the smoothest running scenario we’ve ever had. Well done, everybody”.

It was only a scenario, but the stress was real, the darkness was real, and the cold was real. Personal safety was just as important as in a real rescue too.

We haven’t had a “real” callout this season, and I hope we don’t have one. But we’ve got a very competent team, and we take our training very seriously. And we have lots of fun with our American friends.

Pete De Joux

Library News

Don't forget that the Section's library has about 400 books for loan to members. The following are the latest acquisitions:

1. The Andes of Bolivia 1 Alain Mesili (2005). This is a superb climbers guide to all the main peaks of the Cordillera Real in Bolivia, translated from Spanish by Erik Monasterio who has kindly donated this copy to our library.

2. Where the Mountain Casts its Shadow - Maria Coffey (2003). Maria, whose partner, Joe Tasker disappeared on the NE ridge of Everest in 1982, confronts the consequences of high risk mountaineering on those left behind. Through interviews with some of the world's top climbers, or their widows and families, she explores and exposes the personal costs of extreme adventure.

3. Yosemite, Half a Century of Dynamic Rock Climbing - Alex Huber / Heinz Zak (2003). Alex Huber, whose name has become synonomous with today's Yosemite's climbing scene, describes 100 years of Yosemite climbing from the early pioneering epics to today's free climbing feats. It is illustrated using the outstanding photographs by Heinz Zac and provides key accounts of the major climbs by many of the well known Yosemite climbers

Quiz Numbers 20 and 21

The Answer to Quiz Number 20

Because Nigel Roberts turned down an invitation to dinner with President Marie-Nöelle Thémereau in order to chair the July Wellington section-night meeting, his 20th quiz question was thus, 'What is the highest mountain in the independent state of which President Marie-Nöelle Thémereau is a citizen?'

New Caledonia is not an "independent state". The independent state of which Ms Thémereau is a citizen is France; and the highest mountain in France is, of course, Mont Blanc. Only one person - Garth London realised this, and despite the fact that his entry noted "only a political scientist could have come up with a question like that", Garth won a bottle of French won for his efforts.

Quiz Number 21

Although Derek Chinn couldn't talk to the Wellington section on Monday night, 1 August, Nigel Roberts' twenty-first quiz question still has an Everest theme. Who, he asked, was the second New Zealander to climb Mt Everest, and when was that?

Email your answers to nr@nzalpine.wellington.net.nz by no later than noon on Sunday, 4 September 2005 with 'Quiz Number 21' in the subject line (otherwise your email will probably be destroyed as spam!). The winner will receive a bottle of New Zealand wine.

Snow Anchors revisited

The following article by Don Bogie has recently been uploaded onto the SunRockIce website. It is a summary of research done on the efficacy of snow anchors.

http://www.sunrockice.com/docs/Snow%20Anchors.pdf

October Section Night

3rd October 2005 - October's Section Night will be another Short Talks. No walk too long, no tale too short, or perhaps a technical demonstration?
If you have anything you'd like to share with the Club (mountaineering related preferably, but hey we're open minded) please contact Garth at gl@nzalpine.wellington.net.nz

DSF Fund

The DSF Administrators have made 2 awards this year, $250 each to Rachael Schmidt and Garth London to assist them in attending the National Alpine Instructors Course in February 2006. Rachael and Garth are both committed AIC instructors and we look forward to them gaining some more alpine skills and passing them onto future climbers in next years AIC.

For Sale/Wanted to buy

Personal Locator Beacon
I have an emergency locater beacon. When I am not using it, which is quite e few weekends, it is essentially a useless lump of plastic. If people want to borrow it for their weekend trips, then thay can borrow it off me. It is hardly going to depreciate with use. Club members might as well get as much use out of it as possible. I just hope that while people carry it, they don't have to "use" it. Know what I mean? Anyway, the offer is there. People can contact me on this e-mail address if they want to borrow it.
Sam - Samuel.Newton@nzpost.co.nz

For Sale: Adjustable 12 point crampons with key in Charlet Moset crampon bag. Good condition. $140.
Contact Chris on 021 307 353.

For Sale:
Koflach Vertical plastic boots UK 9 (the yellow ones) $100.00
Macpac Microlight Tent excellent condition $300
Contact Craig Robinson baldrick001@paradise.net.nz 021894002

For sale:
1.Volkl 190cm Touring Skis (The Volvos of all-mountain boards, great for skifields too) with Diamir touring bindings, exact matching Black Diamond skins and ski crampons -$700 ono
2.Two pairs Rossignol 200 cm skis with excellent bindings for those who don't believe all this shaped ski marketing. All reasonable offers considered.
3.Fairy Down Terra Nova pack with tons of useful life - $200 ono
4.Fairy Down Couloir pack, older style, minimal wear $150 ono

Ring John Nankervis at 04 3850415(H) or 04 4987317 (W)

Wanted to buy: Helmet, general mountaineering iceaxe, adjustable strap-on crampons.
Contact Scott Julian on 021 308 377

Wanted to borrow: Ski Touring Equipment
Looking for anyone who have ski touring equipment they would not mind
lending to club members for the purposes of the ski touring weekend
planned for 27-28 August. In particular skis, touring bindings and
skins. If you think you might be able to help, please contact trip
co-ordinator Mike Judd - mike.judd@fire.org.nz

Wellington Section Trips

Trips are a key part of the section, so if anyone has an idea about a trip, no matter how vague, come and chat to Merewyn Ellis (trips @nzalpine.wellington.net.nz). Trips can be of any length, any level of difficulty, and any size. Simply email us, or approach us at the monthly meeting, and we can help you get going.

Trips for the Calendar for the rest of 2005…

Check out the proposed and planned new list for 2005. We need trip organisers to put their hands up for what are bound to be outstanding adventures. There's something for everyone in here with a mix of snow, rock and even a spot of ski touring.

Ski Tour Whakapapa
Type: Ski Touring
Beginner
A 'have a go' weekend for people who have always wanted to try ski
touring. So, beg, steal, borrow some gear and come along. Experienced
tourers also very welcome. Based from the HVTM lodge on Whakapapa.
Places still available
Organiser: Mike Judd mike.judd@fire.org.nz
27-28 August 05

Tongariro Crossing
Type: Alpine
All levels
The best one day walk in NZ in winter conditions.
Organiser: Garth London garth.london@forman.co.nz
17/18 September

Ruapehu
Type: AIC Follow-up trip
Beginner/Intermediate
Consolidate your new skills. Based at the NZAC Ruapehu hut at Delta
Corner. Objectives are Pinnacle Ridge, Summit Plateau and others.
Organiser: Caroline Duggan cd@nzalpine.wellington.net.nz and Sinead
Daly Sinead.Daly@acc.co.nz
1-2 October 05

Gidlestone/Ruapehu
Intermediate
Ruapehu's classic summit, as seen in the latest issue of "Climber" Magazine!
Limited places
Organiser: Tom Wilson Tom.Wilson@mfat.govt.nz
8/9 October 05

Taranaki/North Egmont
Type: Alpine/AIC follow up
Beginner/Intermediate
Another chance to try for the summit. Based at Tahurangi Lodge.
Organiser: Craig Wadsworth wadsworthc@paradise.net.nz
15/16 October 05

Mt Arapiles (Australia)
Type: Rock climbing
All levels
In association with the new Australian section, who will be helping to
co-ordinate transport from Melbourne, central cooking tent etc. A great
chance to visit an amazing climbing area and meet our Aussie club members.
Places still available, book cheap flights now!
Organiser: Judy Reid - while Judy is overseas, contact
trips@nzalpine.wellington.net.nz
12-20 November 05

National Climbing Camp 2006

The 2006 NZAC National Climbing Camp will be held in the Rees Valley from Saturday 31 December 2005 until Saturday 7 January 2006. The Climbing camp is being hosted by the Otago Section of the NZAC which is celebrating its 75th anniversary in 2006.

The climbing camp is an opportunity for climbers to get together to climb mountains, socialise, explore and enjoy the great outdoors. Non climbing family members are welcome at the camp. Members of overseas alpine clubs are especially welcome to attend. A base camp will be established that will function as an information and safety centre. Some people will choose to use the camp as a base for day walks while others will venture into the surrounding mountains for multi-day adventures.

On the first night of the camp a complementary Bar-B-Q will be provided around 6pm. You will need to bring your own liquid refreshments.

The fee for NZAC members attending the camp is $40 for an individual and $60 for a family. A family consists of a couple and all their children under 18 years old. Non members can attend the camp if they are friends of a member attending the camp, but will be required to pay an additional $20. Members of overseas Climbing Clubs can attend at member rates. Late registrations after the 1st of Dec will cost an additional $10.

A registration form can be down loaded from the NZAC web site www.alpineclub.org.nz or you can have one posted to you by contacting the NZAC Office at ph (03) 3777598.

International Climbing Gathering

Dear climbers from arount the world,

In this message we kindly invite you to particpate in the International Climbing Gathering 2005 that will be held on Sept 24 - 27, 2005 in Yogyakarta, Indonesia (the birth place of Agung Etti Hendrawati - 2nd ICC Rank Women Speed 2005 after Daone). The organizer will provide transportation from the airport to the location, and accomodation during the event.

Hope you could participate and see you in the rock.
Kind regards,

Maman Hermansyah
General Secretary of the Indonesian Climbing Federation (FPTI)
President of the Southeast Asian Climbing Federation (SEACF)

Contact Richard Wesley at National Office for more details.

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