President’s Desk
Hi all,
Feeling a chill in the air? Maybe you’ve noticed the first dustings on the summit? So it’s sending season for the unfinished summer rock projects and time to run the file over the crampons you dumped in the bottom of the wardrobe after slush summit!
The instruction team will be gearing up for the snow craft 1 and 2 courses this month and will release details on the club face book page when finalised. For snow craft 1 it will be a case of first in first served. So keep an eye out for confirmation of dates and contact the Club Captain if you start getting nervous. Spaces usually fill up rapidly.
We will be running a slightly different system for snow craft 2 this year, where we’ll be taking expressions of interest and asking for applicants to demonstrate that you have progressed since snow craft 1. We’re not trying to be elitist but after a minor injury last year to a participant that probably could have done with a bit more experience in the white stuff before taking the course, we need to be sure that people can manage. Nothing too heavy, but we will expect applicants to have progressed on the slopes in your own time since snow craft 1; to have all your basic rope work learnt from the past climbing season; good confidence on moderately steep snow and ice; and your own (properly fitted) crampons, boots and axe. So work up a resume and talk to the instruction team about the course ASAP.
This should get out to the members in time to put out a final notice that the rock instruction/ social climbing weekend at Kawakawa Bay, near Kinloch is all go. One of NZs best rock climbing venues with plenty of range for any level of climber. Not to mention a pretty lush bush walk or mountain bike ride in as well. Again, contact Club Captain for further details and car pooling options.
Sophie Tucker has stepped down as trips organizer this year and has handed that role over to Ange Hampton. Ange is working up trip dates for the coming season, including the Tongariro/ Ruapehu trip now so please contact Ange at committee4@outlook.com for any Club trip related queries.
This month’s club night will be the annual catch up with DOC to discuss happenings in the park. So here’s your opportunity to ask questions and give feedback to our partners on the mountain. This will be held at our usual venue, the Blind Foundation on Vivian St.
Don’t forget that the Lodge birthday is Monday 3 June Queens Birthday Weekend. The lodge will be booked for members on the night of the 2nd June. Cake cutting is at noon Monday.
Subscriptions renewal forms should now be in your mailbox, thanks to everyone for paying promptly.
Should be great month to get amongst it, hope to see you out there!
Ivan Bruce
President