Bush Personal/Instruction/TPP
Date
Trip name/ Location
Group members
Duration of the activity – (4 hrs is a full day. If the logged time is less than 4 hours like a rolling session for instance log it as a session. A session must be at least two hours)
Weather Conditions
Variations in environmental conditions eg snow conditions
Route/River conditions and if they changed over the days(s)
Incidents/Injuries
A short narrative which shares your learning and highlights (you are not required to write long updates, but you can if you like).
TRAMP
17 - 19 Feb 2015
TRAMP
17 - 19 Feb 2015
- Croesus track tramp
- Ariana, Sean, Josh, Lion, Lockie, Hazel, Reuban
- 3 days
- Wx- Hot and fine
- Bush and tops travel on track
Left Blackball and camped on tops near to Ces Clarke hut. Filled all water bottles at Garden gully on the way up as there is not much at the hut or in the tarns. Ariana's ankle quickly became a problem and we strapped it heavily and Josh carried her pack. Nice night on the tops.
Ariana's ankle prevented much travel so the next day was disappointingly short. We summitted Croesus knob and camped in the saddle before point 1216. We left Ariana at camp and the rest of the group went for a walk to a small tarn on the bush edge at point GR BR19 677 203
Walked out to Barrytown the next day. Ariana's ankle showed a marked recovery once she was heading home! Very disappointing.
02 - 05 June 2015
First raft session. Basic strokes and intro to survival swimming.
25 March 2015
Working on stokes and manouvering the raft. Work on throw bagging.
26 March 2015
First time up to Temple Basin, and impressed at how accessable it is and how the tops are so easy to reach.
Great views and a great location.
Day was packed with information and was full on.
04-07 August 2015
Mountaincraft skills course
04 August. Day 1
Great way to kick off mountain week. The track up to the ski area was a running river. The drying room was promptly overloaded on our arrival!
Theory session in afternoon covering anchors and rope skills/belaying.
A climb of a 3 tier bunk was graded at least 14!
Bacon and egg pie for dinner a highlight.
05 August. Day 2
06 August. Day 3
07 August. Day 4
Front held off long enough for us to get our avalanche search asessments done but by the time we were done it was snowing heavily. Walked back down to the vans in blizzard conditions and after digging them out decided to try driving back down to Otira as the road was somehow still open. After the usual problems fitting the chains a white knuckled drive at 5 km/h ensued all the down to Otira. Had the van in a 4 wheel drift below Deaths Corner but all good! Fun times!
SEA KAYAK
Sea Kayak trip
Abel Tasman National Park.
25-31 July 2015
Sam, Demi, Zhane, Katrina, Ariana, Stefan, James, Sean, Ryan O'conner, Mac, Alex, Ariel and myself.
Tutors-Zak Shaw and Rob.
25 July 2015
Wx-Fine
Drove to Marahau and settled in at Old Mcdonalds farm campground. Met Rob who will be one of our tutors for the week and got things organised for the trip.
Key learning- The 6 P's!
26 July 2015
Flat water
8 hours
Wx-Rain with strong N winds
Due to the terrible weather the trip was delayed for a day but we made the most of it by spending some quality time in the boats at Kaiteriteri beach. Went through all the basic stokes and learnt some sea kayak specific stokes. The off edge carve turn being the main one.
Had an intense session dealing with self rescue and assisted rescue techniques. Rolled the sea kayak for the first time.
27 July 2015
Flat water but 1-2 meter swells in exposed sections
6 hours paddling
Wx-Rain with strong N winds
Away at last!
Had a embarrassing morning dealing with the packing of the kayaks but some quality learning. Preparation, preparation, preparation!
Had a great crossing of Sandy bay for a late lunch at Coquille bay in the rain.
From Te Karetu point to Pitt head is known as the 'mad mile' and it lived up to its name. This stretch is exposed to the northerly wind and the swells were between 1 and 2 meters high. To put it mildly, I had a peak experience, to be honest I was scared and did not enjoy it at all. I was paddling a Quality Kayaks Elaho which was nicknamed "Mr tippy" for the rest of the trip.
A full on day which finished with a wet camp at Anchorage.
28 July 2015
Flat water
10 hours paddling
Wx-Fine, moderate NW winds
Weather has vastly improved and a huge day ensues. 10 hours paddling sees us at Mutton cove at the very northern end of the park. Everyone is tired but agreed that it is awesome to be here. Spent the day in the Mission Kayaks double with Ariana. Much rather be in the single. Doubles are real tanks!
29 July 2015
Flat water
5 hours paddling
Wx-Fine
Lazy, lazy morning with the boats not hitting the water untill 1300 hrs and then a perfect run in perfect conditions to Bark bay.
30 July 2015
Flat water
5 hours paddling
Wx-Fine
Another amazing day. A relaxed paddle saw us at Appletree bay by lunchtime after a stunning run around Adele island.
The afternoon was assessment time on self rescue technique and I nailed the re-entry or wet entry roll! First time and smashed it! Amazing feeling of satisfaction and accomplishment. Along with toasted cheese sandwiches was the highlight of the day.
31 July 2015
Flat water
2 hours paddling
Wx-Fine
Frick yeah Friday! Arrgggh! Up at 0425! Hard call being TL for the day but someones got to swing the brew billy. EARLY start and on the water by 0550 for a moonlight paddle back to Kaiteriteri.
An amazing experience with the full moon falling to the horizon and the sunrise in the eastern sky.
Have to be the highlight of the trip.
Personal sea kayaking
06 Sep 2015
Lake Brunner. Moana boat ramp to Iveagh bay
Stefan, Ariana and myself
4 hours
Clearing skys with plenty of blue. Westerly wind blowing about 3-5 knots with a 1 foot swell close to shore. White caps starting to form
No incidents
Main hazard being seriously hung over after last nights toga party!
Followed the coast around to iveagh bay. Nice swell running around Howitt point and the outlet of the crooked river. Lots of swans, geese and scaups to keep us company, great to see so much birdlife.
Paddling with the wind from the side was a bit challanging. The wind would catch the rudder and push the nose of the boat up into the wind. Endless sweep stokes upwind to keep the direction. Could have put the rudder down but wheres the fun?
Great fun.
KAYAK
Arnold River Bomb #2
06 Mar 2015
ROCK CLIMBING
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| Having a break outside Ces Clarke hut |
02 - 05 June 2015
- Newton saddle to Kelly range tramp
- Becks, Hazel, Henry, Reuban, Ryan O'conner, Sean, Ariel and Ray.
- 4 days
Day 1
- Arahura valley carpark to Newton creek hut.
- 10 hours, 14km.
- Wx - Fine, cloud building in afternoon. Rain at night.
- Bush travel on formed track.
- No incidents/injurys.
Left the vans at around 11 o'clock and tried to settle into some kind of rythm. Keeping a steady pace proved impossible today. People steaming ahead or goofing off and falling behind. Lost about 2 hours due to waiting for people and 5 minute breaks turning into 10 minute ones. Got to the hut at 9.00, so three hours in the dark.
Stopped for a look at the Cesspool gorge, I can't believe that people paddle this stuff!
Had a late lunch at Arahura hut and then headed up valley along the pack track. The pace improved but the head torches were on by Tillers Gulch and the last hill before the hut was pretty slow. Glad to get there.
Cooked inside and slept outside under the fly sheet. Had about 4 hours rain during the night.
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| Hazel, Henry and Ray checking the lines in Cesspool gorge. |
Day 2
- Newton creek hut to Dunns hut.
- 11 hours, 5 km.
- Wx - Cloud in morning, becoming fine.
- Off track sub alpine and alpine travel. Lots of boulder hopping and creek bed travel.
- No incidents/injurys.
Not much sleep last night and away at 7.30 hoping to get past Dunns and down into the Taipo. The first hour confirmed that this is a bit ambitious!
The climb up the creek to Newton saddle is a shocker. Step with lots of big boulders and very slow travel, got to the saddle at about 12.30. The sign at the hut says 2 hours, I'm not sure who could ever achieve that. Even on my own that would be a real push. I suspect the official time has not changed since the days of Forest service mountain men with totara tree legs!
But well worth it, great views from the saddle with some chamois seen on the slopes below Mt Edelweiss. A well deserved lunch break and then the horror continues. If I am never in the upper part of Dunns creek again I will be quite happy. Rubbish travel with steep slippery boulders and slow going. Had to break out the head torches again for the last 30 minutes to the hut which was reached at 6.30. A welcome sight. Sweet chilli sauce the winner after the boys burnt the rice! Camped outside but made use of the facilities for cooking.
 |
| Magic views down into Dunns creek. Travel however, not so fun. |
Day 3
- Dunns creek hut to Kelly range tops via Taipo valley.
- 11 hours, 12 km.
- Wx-Nice and fine.
- Off track creek and river ttavel. On track climb to the tops.
- No incidents/injuries
Another early start. Up at 5.30 to get porridge on and walking by 7.00. Took the Dunns spur track down into Dunns creek which we followed down to the Taipo. Everyone pleased to find easier travel and the group working together much better. Taipo river pretty low so we crossed it below Hunts creek rather than waste time with the cableway, which turned out to be a shrewd move.
Lunch was had in record time at Dillons hut and then the long climb to the Kelly range tops. By the time we got to the bush line poor Hazel was flagging so I carried her pack tied onto mine for the last hour. A pretty heavy load! We were aiming for the large tarn at GR 894228 (old topo 260) which we reached at 6.15. A cup of tea never tasted so good and pre made meatballs a big big winner!
Clear skies and no wind. Such wonderful views of the night sky, but very cold. I wasted no time in getting the cookers going so I could warm myself while cooking. The boys were so tired even climbing into their sleeping bags was an effort. To be honest I was feeling a bit thin myself.
 |
| Large boulders in Dunns creek |
Day 4
- Kelly range tops to Kellys creek carpark.
- 5 hours, 6km
- Wx-Nice and fine
- On track tops and bush travel
- No incidents/injuries
Very cold night, thick layer of frost on the bivvy bag in the morning. Very, very hard to get up at 5.30. In fact I was the only fool up at 6.15 when the rattle of the boiling brew billy got some people moving. Saw the sunrise from the top of the ridge which is always a great way to start the day. Had a break at Carroll hut and then down, down, down to the end of the line at Kellys creek and a pickup from our man Philly J!
Great trip guys and a amazing job down by our tutor Becks. Great job Becks, thanks!
 |
| There had to be one! Kelly range tops on a frosty morning. |
RAFTING
24 March 2015
Lake Brunner/Arnold river
COE 2. Ryan, Sean, Demi, Sam. Instructer-Nathan.
Flat water/Grade 2.
3 hours
Weather-Fine
No incidents
 |
| Zhanae (getting in), Zack, Ariana, Wade, Ryan at back? and Paul E! |
25 March 2015
Arnold river
COE 2. Ryan, Sean, Sam. Instructer-Nathan.
Grade 2.
4 hours
Weather-Overcast.
No incidents.
 |
| How do these things work? Raymond in water. |
26 March 2015
Arnold river
COE 2. Ryan, Sean, Sam. Instructer-Koryn.
Grade 2.
4 hours
Weather-Overcast.
No incidents.
Getting into guide mode. Not that successfully! Ferries, catching eddies, (forwards and backwards) How to handle the raft. Throw bagging.
27 March 2015
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| Mack, (on the guide paddle), Katrina, Alex, Ray, James and Nathan |
27 March 2015
Arnold river
COE 2. Ryan, Sean, Demi, Kit. Instructer-Paul.
Grade 2.
4 hours
Weather-Fine.
No incidents.
Worked on Flipped raft recovery as well as all the usual stuff. Good session, Hard work!
31 March 2015
Another great but intense day that covered rescues, pinned raft procedure and rescue swimming. Finished the day off with Granite creek rapid. (Definitly grade 3 plus)
For someone who has avoided rafting all year it was actually quite a fun day. Everyone worked hard on the guide stick and put in plenty of work trying to catch eddies. (Quite unsuccesfully in my case)
Did some throwbag practise and flipped raft drills. I ended up on the guide stick for Pryamid and although i missed the eddie by a country mile i didnt flip the raft which is always a bonus!
Some of the team went back for a second run but myself and Stefan headed for home.
MOUNTAIN
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| Need to work on my selfie skills! |
31 March 2015
Matakitaki river
COE 2. Instructers Korin, Nathan,Tim.
Grade 2-3.
3 hours
Weather-Fine.
No incidents.
Intense session that covered river rescues, river crossing techniques and river swimming.
01 April 2015
Buller river, Granity section
Intense session that covered river rescues, river crossing techniques and river swimming.
01 April 2015
Buller river, Granity section
COE 2. Instructers Korin, Nathan,Tim.
Grade 2-3.
6 hours
Weather-Fine.
No incidents.
Another great but intense day that covered rescues, pinned raft procedure and rescue swimming. Finished the day off with Granite creek rapid. (Definitly grade 3 plus)
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| Ok, now what? |
 |
| Korin either giving out some abuse or sage advice. (Sometimes the same thing!) |
02-03 April 2015
Buller river, Earthquake section. O'Sullivans to Iron bridge.
Buller river, Earthquake section. O'Sullivans to Iron bridge.
COE 2. Instructers Korin, Nathan,Tim.
Grade 2-3.
16 hours
Weather-Fine.
No incidents apart from plenty of flipped rafts and swimmers.
Hazards on river included Ariki falls and plenty of strainers.
2 day trip on the Buller river with an overnight camp at Newton flat. Plenty of action on the rapids with lots of swimmers and flipped rafts providing some great learning. Ran the rafts through Ariki falls and an awesome cliff jump in the gorge. Starting to feel the pace.
SDL RAFTING
Hazards on river included Ariki falls and plenty of strainers.
2 day trip on the Buller river with an overnight camp at Newton flat. Plenty of action on the rapids with lots of swimmers and flipped rafts providing some great learning. Ran the rafts through Ariki falls and an awesome cliff jump in the gorge. Starting to feel the pace.
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| Shorts and bare feet = no sandflys! |
SDL RAFTING
24 September 2015
Arnold river bomb #3
Arnold river
3 rafts full of COE students. Had Ryan M, Tom, Sarah H and Stefan in my raft.
Flat water/Grade 2.
4 hours
Weather-Fine
No incidents
For someone who has avoided rafting all year it was actually quite a fun day. Everyone worked hard on the guide stick and put in plenty of work trying to catch eddies. (Quite unsuccesfully in my case)
Did some throwbag practise and flipped raft drills. I ended up on the guide stick for Pryamid and although i missed the eddie by a country mile i didnt flip the raft which is always a bonus!
Some of the team went back for a second run but myself and Stefan headed for home.
MOUNTAIN
21 July 2015
Avalanche awareness course
Avalanche awareness course
- Temple basin. Arthers Pass NP
- COE 1
- Full day, 8 hours
- Wx - Fine and clear
- 6 inches of new snow over a 2 foot base
- No incidents or accidents
 |
Great views and a great location.
Day was packed with information and was full on.
04-07 August 2015
Mountaincraft skills course
- Temple basin. Arthers Pass NP
- COE 1
- Full day, 8 hours
- Wx - Heavy rain all day and all the way
- No new snow, just rain, rain, rain
- No incidents or accidents
04 August. Day 1
Theory session in afternoon covering anchors and rope skills/belaying.
A climb of a 3 tier bunk was graded at least 14!
Bacon and egg pie for dinner a highlight.
05 August. Day 2
- Temple basin. Arthers Pass NP
- COE 1
- Full day, 8 hours
- Wx - Southerly change and fine, fine, fine
- A dusting of new snow over old 3 foot base
- No incidents or accidents
 |
| Bills basin. Bank on R for snow caving |
Woke up to a blue sky day and made the most of it!
Started with some basic crampon and ice axe work with self arrest practice and after lunch we packed up and headed off to Bills Basin above the ski field for our overnight snow cave. Conditions were great and Stefan, James and Eigill made an awesome team. Our snow cave became a bit of a snow labyrinth with more twists and turns than a bobsled run but surprisingly comfortable!
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| Nice tea shades! |
06 August. Day 3
- Temple basin. Arthers Pass NP
- COE 1
- Full day, 8 hours
- Wx - Southerly front coming in but fine most of the day
- A dusting of new snow over old 3 foot base
- No incidents or accidents
 |
| Great views over Bills basin |
- Temple basin. Arthers Pass NP
- COE 1
- Full day, 8 hours
- Wx - Southerly storm in full force
- Lots of new snow
- No incidents or accidents (amazingly!)
 |
| Pretty good driving conditions |
SEA KAYAK
Abel Tasman National Park.
25-31 July 2015
Sam, Demi, Zhane, Katrina, Ariana, Stefan, James, Sean, Ryan O'conner, Mac, Alex, Ariel and myself.
Tutors-Zak Shaw and Rob.
25 July 2015
Wx-Fine
Drove to Marahau and settled in at Old Mcdonalds farm campground. Met Rob who will be one of our tutors for the week and got things organised for the trip.
Key learning- The 6 P's!
26 July 2015
Flat water
8 hours
Wx-Rain with strong N winds
Due to the terrible weather the trip was delayed for a day but we made the most of it by spending some quality time in the boats at Kaiteriteri beach. Went through all the basic stokes and learnt some sea kayak specific stokes. The off edge carve turn being the main one.
Had an intense session dealing with self rescue and assisted rescue techniques. Rolled the sea kayak for the first time.
27 July 2015
Flat water but 1-2 meter swells in exposed sections
6 hours paddling
Wx-Rain with strong N winds
Away at last!
Had a embarrassing morning dealing with the packing of the kayaks but some quality learning. Preparation, preparation, preparation!
Had a great crossing of Sandy bay for a late lunch at Coquille bay in the rain.
From Te Karetu point to Pitt head is known as the 'mad mile' and it lived up to its name. This stretch is exposed to the northerly wind and the swells were between 1 and 2 meters high. To put it mildly, I had a peak experience, to be honest I was scared and did not enjoy it at all. I was paddling a Quality Kayaks Elaho which was nicknamed "Mr tippy" for the rest of the trip.
A full on day which finished with a wet camp at Anchorage.
 |
| TPP Guru, Mr Zak Shaw |
 |
| Calm before the storm |
28 July 2015
Flat water
10 hours paddling
Wx-Fine, moderate NW winds
Weather has vastly improved and a huge day ensues. 10 hours paddling sees us at Mutton cove at the very northern end of the park. Everyone is tired but agreed that it is awesome to be here. Spent the day in the Mission Kayaks double with Ariana. Much rather be in the single. Doubles are real tanks!
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| Mosquito bay |
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| Ahhhhh, paradise. Campsite at Mutton cove |
29 July 2015
Flat water
5 hours paddling
Wx-Fine
Lazy, lazy morning with the boats not hitting the water untill 1300 hrs and then a perfect run in perfect conditions to Bark bay.
30 July 2015
Flat water
5 hours paddling
Wx-Fine
Another amazing day. A relaxed paddle saw us at Appletree bay by lunchtime after a stunning run around Adele island.
The afternoon was assessment time on self rescue technique and I nailed the re-entry or wet entry roll! First time and smashed it! Amazing feeling of satisfaction and accomplishment. Along with toasted cheese sandwiches was the highlight of the day.
 |
| Swandri boys |
 |
| Apple tree camp |
 |
| View to Adele island from Appletree |
Flat water
2 hours paddling
Wx-Fine
Frick yeah Friday! Arrgggh! Up at 0425! Hard call being TL for the day but someones got to swing the brew billy. EARLY start and on the water by 0550 for a moonlight paddle back to Kaiteriteri.
An amazing experience with the full moon falling to the horizon and the sunrise in the eastern sky.
Have to be the highlight of the trip.
Personal sea kayaking
06 Sep 2015
Lake Brunner. Moana boat ramp to Iveagh bay
Stefan, Ariana and myself
4 hours
Clearing skys with plenty of blue. Westerly wind blowing about 3-5 knots with a 1 foot swell close to shore. White caps starting to form
No incidents
Main hazard being seriously hung over after last nights toga party!
Followed the coast around to iveagh bay. Nice swell running around Howitt point and the outlet of the crooked river. Lots of swans, geese and scaups to keep us company, great to see so much birdlife.Paddling with the wind from the side was a bit challanging. The wind would catch the rudder and push the nose of the boat up into the wind. Endless sweep stokes upwind to keep the direction. Could have put the rudder down but wheres the fun?
Great fun.
KAYAK
21 March 2015
Arnold river. Put in at gravel pit.
COE 1&2. Paired up with James and Red.
River level 45 cumecs. Grade 2
1.5 hours.
Weather-Fine. Light rain in morning.
First kayak SDL trip. Actually had quite a good time. Did lots of S turns, Ferry gliding and catching eddys. Rolls felt good. Had good surfing on Buffer rock and a fun run down Pryamid rapid.
Did a tow rescue for Red after he peeled on Buffer rock.
22 March 2015
25 April 2015
Arnold River Bomb #1
02 May 2015
03 May 2015
Taramakau river
Kumara bridge rapid
Myself
Grade 2-3 High volume fast water
1 hour
Weather-Fine
No incidents. No observerd hazards. Rapid nice and clean at this flow.
Late afternoon session on the Kumara training run. River noticibly higher than last time. Hole not as large but current faster and wave train larger.
Practised using the trough in front of the waves to help ferry across the current. If you get it nailed it fires you across the river with little effort but hard to get the entrance and speed right.
Practised both left and right hand rolls in the wave train. Some grade 2 roll training. Some rolls a bit shakey and a few fails that took a couple of attempts but no swimming! River is getting cold! Neoprene gloves essential wear for next few months.
09 May 2015
Day started well with some good action at the put in. A swim at the first big hole was not so bad but a second swim at the start of the gorge 20 minutes later destroyed all confidence. Emotions were: angry, frustrated, disappointed and a bit scared as well. Decided to call it quits and walk out through the bush with the kayak rather than continue and swim again. Don't know what happened to my roll.
Felt like a stupid old fool trying too hard to be 18 again. Took about 20minutes to get from the gorge up to the road.
Back to basics again damn it!
Very disappointed in myself.
02 August 2015
Flat water session. Kapitea reservoir.
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| Good to go |
 |
| Showing some style on Buffer rock |
22 March 2015
Grey River. Taylorville. Flat water.
Myself and Hazel.
River level 104 cumecs. Grade 1.
2 hours.
Weather-Overcast and showers. Light rain in morning.
Flat water session at Taylorville, good roll session, all rolls felt great and in control. BE GENTLE working. Stokes feeling good. Some great seal launches off the rocks, great fun spot.
28 March 2015
Flat water session at Taylorville, good roll session, all rolls felt great and in control. BE GENTLE working. Stokes feeling good. Some great seal launches off the rocks, great fun spot.
28 March 2015
Arnold river. Put in at gravel pit.
Myself, James, Alex, Ariana, Zhanae.
River level 38 cumecs. Grade 2
3 hours.
Weather-Overcast, showers, heavy rain in afternoon.
No incidents
More strainers visible at low river levels.
Another good run, starting to feel more confident on the water. All aspects working well. Good throw bag session. BE GENTLE, thanks Jo!
06 April 2015
No incidents
More strainers visible at low river levels.
 |
| Great day on the water! |
06 April 2015
Flat water session. Kapitea reservoir.
Just me
Flat water
1 hour.
Weather-Overcast, showers.
No incidents or hazards.
Quick session to practise stokes and rolls. Kapitea great spot for flat water practice.
18 Aptil 2015
Taramakau river
Kumara bridge rapid
Myself
Grade 2-3 High volume fast water
2 hours
Weather-Fine
No incidents. No observed hazards. Rapid nice and clean at this flow.
Practise session on bigger water. Could be good surfing waves at lower flows. Big hole at top of rapid. Great spot for S turns. Compex, boily eddy lines. Great place for challanging rolls.
No incidents or hazards.
Quick session to practise stokes and rolls. Kapitea great spot for flat water practice.
18 Aptil 2015
Taramakau river
Kumara bridge rapid
Myself
Grade 2-3 High volume fast water
2 hours
Weather-Fine
No incidents. No observed hazards. Rapid nice and clean at this flow.
Practise session on bigger water. Could be good surfing waves at lower flows. Big hole at top of rapid. Great spot for S turns. Compex, boily eddy lines. Great place for challanging rolls.
25 April 2015
Lake Brunner
COE students
Flat water
1.5 hours
Weather-Fine
Weather-Fine
No incidents/Injuries
Flat water session at Moana for most of the class. Lots of rolling practise. Started working on off-side roll which seems to be working.
Arnold River Bomb #1
Arnold river
COE students
52 cumecs
Grade 2
2 hours
Weather-Fine. Rain building over the ranges.
No incidents/Injuries
No new hazards |
| Loving it. Photo thanks to Stefan Rolfe. |
River running higher than normal due to lots of water coming down the power station tail race. Current much stronger so willows on side a bit more of an issue. Eddy lines much stronger.
Great Arnold run. Had one of the rafts on the trip for people starting to get raft SDL. River running higher and faster than normal. Went to the bottom take out with the raft. Willow strainer rapid no problem. Am I the first COE student this year to kayak it? We all think so.
I actually think I'm getting better!
Great Arnold run. Had one of the rafts on the trip for people starting to get raft SDL. River running higher and faster than normal. Went to the bottom take out with the raft. Willow strainer rapid no problem. Am I the first COE student this year to kayak it? We all think so.
I actually think I'm getting better!
02 May 2015
Kapitea reservoir.
Myself and Hazel Mcallister.
Flat water
1 hour.
Weather-Overcast, cold.
Weather-Overcast, cold.
No incidents/Injuries.
No hazards
Short flat water session at the end of the day. Off side rolls feeling good. Tried out the Kendo. Very unstable combined to the Max, but soon got used to it, so easy to roll! The Max is like a tank in comparison.
No hazards
Short flat water session at the end of the day. Off side rolls feeling good. Tried out the Kendo. Very unstable combined to the Max, but soon got used to it, so easy to roll! The Max is like a tank in comparison.
03 May 2015
Taramakau river
Kumara bridge rapid
Myself
Grade 2-3 High volume fast water
1 hour
Weather-Fine
No incidents. No observerd hazards. Rapid nice and clean at this flow.
Late afternoon session on the Kumara training run. River noticibly higher than last time. Hole not as large but current faster and wave train larger.Practised using the trough in front of the waves to help ferry across the current. If you get it nailed it fires you across the river with little effort but hard to get the entrance and speed right.
Practised both left and right hand rolls in the wave train. Some grade 2 roll training. Some rolls a bit shakey and a few fails that took a couple of attempts but no swimming! River is getting cold! Neoprene gloves essential wear for next few months.09 May 2015
Crooked river
COE 1 plus DOIG (18 in total)
Cumecs unknown but river up a bit but still clear.
Grade 2-3
1 hour
Overcast, rain at the end of run
No injurys, Incidents see below
River slightly flooded but bottom still visible. Excellent level to run. No hazards on the first section.
River slightly flooded but bottom still visible. Excellent level to run. No hazards on the first section.
 |
| Crooked river bomb |
 |
| Before it all went spectacularly wrong |
Felt like a stupid old fool trying too hard to be 18 again. Took about 20minutes to get from the gorge up to the road.
Back to basics again damn it!
Very disappointed in myself.
02 August 2015
Flat water session. Kapitea reservoir.
Just me
Flat water
2.5 hours.
Weather-Cloud, rain, cold!
No incidents or hazards.
No incidents or hazards.
 |
| Weir at the top of the lake. Cycle trail cossing the bridge |
First time back on the water for a while and tested out the RPM instead of the usual Max.
The loss of volume is pretty obvious but it turns on a dime.
Went right around the reservoir which took 2.5 hours and had plenty of practise on all basic stokes. Had a frustrating time with that important kayak technique, going in a straight line! but had it under control by the end.
I think it will handle much better in the river than the Max, hope to find out soon.
Arnold River Bomb #2
Arnold river
Seemed like all of COE and DOIG. Crazy crowded!
65 cumecs
Grade 2
1 hour
Bomb number 2 on the Arnold. Had a good run, and it was more of a run than anything else, not much time for practise with 30 odd paddlers and a raft crashing the lines. Used the standard RPM, more volume would be nice but not as edgy as the Max, i'll probibly use it for the assesments. Nice fit and rolls well.
Weather-Rain showers all day.
No incidents/Injuries
No new hazardsBomb number 2 on the Arnold. Had a good run, and it was more of a run than anything else, not much time for practise with 30 odd paddlers and a raft crashing the lines. Used the standard RPM, more volume would be nice but not as edgy as the Max, i'll probibly use it for the assesments. Nice fit and rolls well.
23 Feb 2015
- Lake Brunner (Flat water)
- Entire class (COE 1)
- Full day. 6 hrs
- Wx-Fine, sunny, lake was a millpond
Stokes-Forward, reverse, sweep, inside carving turn and edging.
Rescues-T rescue, hand of god rescue
Knots for tying on kayaks. Bowline, Truckers hitch, Clove hitch.
24 Feb 2015
- Pool session
- Entire class (COE 1)
- 1 hour
- Grey river. Stillwater to Brunner bridge
- COE 1. My group consists of Wade, James, Zhanae, Katrina. To be known as WJZK
- Session, 3 hrs
- Grade 1-2
- Wx-Fine, sunny
25 Feb 2015
- Pool session
- COE 1
- 1 hr
- Lower Arahura river, Red shed run.
- COE 1. WJZK
- Session. 3 hrs
- Grade 2
- Wx- Fine sunny
26 Feb 2015
- Lake Brunner
- COE 1. WJZK
- 1 hr
- Wx- Fine, sunny. Lake nice and flat.
- Arnold river
- COE 1. WJZK
- Session. 3 hrs
- Grade 2
- Wx- Fine, sunny.
03 Mar 2015
- Arnold river
- COE 1. WJZK
- Full day. 5 hrs
- Grade 2
- Wx- Rain all day. 70mm overnight
Dave gets us to pop our spray skirts and do a roll to fill our kayaks and then run Pyramid rock, madness! Kayak promptly turns into a submarine and is impossible to control. Keep it together for surprisingly long time but have to bail. Self rescue with a kayak full of water is next to impossable, Needed Sean to get me to the bank. Good learning.
04 Mar 2015
- Crooked river
- COE 1. WJZK plus Zak Colligan
- Full day. 4 hrs
- Grade 2+?
- Wx- Showers, lots of rain overnight, up to 100mm in head of catchments. Not so much in Arthurs pass area but river up and fast.
- River discoloured and up but not flooded.
Out of comfort zone today, paddling was survival mode. Concentration on technique not happening at all.
Found it hard to pick lines and see rocks in the river, even after scouting, so went over a lot of rocks and got smashed around a bit. Good sized pressure waves to make life interesting.
Strainer at end of run on last rapid.
Worked on communication, signals when running in a group.
Canyon at end of run spectacular and beutifull.
I was not that happy with the day, I survived but was uncomfortable the whole run, need to improve before running it again.
05 Mar 2015
- Taipo river. Lower gorge.
- COE 1. Ryan, Kit and Philly J!
- Full day. 4 hrs
- Grade 2-3
- Wx- Fine but river still up a bit after the rain. Level what you want for this run.
- Face impact with rock
Big wave trains in the gorge and fast travelling. Lots of ferry glides and S turns, catching lots of eddys to break the run into sections. Lots of emphasis on Scouting, observation and communication as we did sections of the river. Ended up swimming on one rapid which was disappointing but redeemed myself with a great roll on the biggest rapid which we ran twice.
At the end of the run I went for a last practise roll in some white water and found a rock under the surface, smashing into it with my face. Deep cuts in forehead and nose and lucky not to break it. I think I was knocked out as I don't remember anything from hitting the rock to swimming on the surface. Ryan did a good job getting me to the side and applying first aid.
Apart from that it was a great day and a fun run with plenty of learning. Relax!, Be gentle!
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| The gang on the river |
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| Whoops! Alex going for a swim. |
06 Mar 2015
- Pool session
- COE 1
- 1 hr
- Grey river. Taylorville big eddy
- COE 1
- 2 hrs
- flat water
- River flooded but this area calm. It rose about a foot while we were there. Lots of debris in the river.
- Wx- Rain with heavy showers.
Flat water practice and rescue drills. Worked on deep water rescues and carries.
Pulled a muscle in my lats, hurts like hell all day.
ROCK CLIMBING
Wanaka rock trip. COE 1
10 March 2015
'The Bake House'
Charleston Rock trip. COE 1.
17 March 2015
Ushers Cove
Sunset Rib
Cathedral Cove
19 March 2015
Ushers Rock
Ushers Cove
20 March 2015
16 May 2015
Punakaiki
Me and Stefan Rolfe
Lead climbs on bolted routes
4 hours on crag
Weather-Great
No incidents
Weka wall
Good day to get back into a bit of climbing. The overhang on View to sea was a bit of a challange with some good exposure.
Need to go back to do the 17.
17 May 2015
14 mile bluff
Myself and Ray
4 hours on site
Weather-Great
No incidents
Spent the afternoon exploring the 14 mile cliffs above the bouldering wall looking for some climbing routes. Plenty of good looking climbs there but access and anchors both in short supply. The main cliffs are solid but there is a lot of rotten rock at the top.
Found an area that promises some challanging top rope climbing with a bombproof boulder as an anchor. Focal point is about 50ft below the anchor so plenty of rigging rope needed. Had three but four would be better.
Good practise at rigging anchors and saftey lines, solving abseil problems. Now that the research is done need to go back and climb it!
31 May 2015
Punakaiki
Stefan, Simon, Ray, Michelle, Stefan's friend from Charleston and myself.
Lead climbs on bolted routes
4 hours on crag
Weather-Great
No incidents
Weka wall
Started with a warm up climb of View to sea. The overhang was no problem today, once you know the moves it's straightforward.
Maxed out on Max, the first couple of moves are forearm pumpers but the rest was an easy scramble.
Did a bunch of belaying then headed over to lead the assault on Something in the way.
And there is something in the way, a rather large overhang! I led the first climb and got the quick draw in at the crux, made the move over the overhang but was so pumped I couldn't finish the move and ran out of arm strength and holds at the same time.
Result = lead fall!
Tried again but it was not going to happen so came back down to de-pump and let Simon have a go.
Simon finished the lead and left the top rope up so I top roped it and made the move with only a small amount of drama. I know the moves now so will be back to lead it!
Awesome day with awesome people.
6 June 2015
Punakaiki
Me and Antje
Lead climbs on bolted routes
2 hours on crag
Weather-Overcast with patches of misty rain
No incidents
Pitta Patta wall
Checked out the Pitta Patta wall futher up the Punakaiki valley. There are 5 routes on the face which even with the rain was reasonably dry due to the huge overhang above.
I would grade the climbs 1 grade higher than the guidebook says. Some serious pumpy moves with smooth slopeing holds and big exposure! They start easy but get real spicey to the top.
Started with some belaying tuition for Antje, and took the climbs slow and careful. Left the top rope on the 15 and top roped Antje for the first couple of bolts. She did pretty good for her first time!
Cobden takeaways on the way home! Yea boy!
Need to check out them all!
11 July 2015
Charleston
Me and Antje
Top rope climbs on natural pro anchor systems
5 hours on crag
Wx-Awesome, got sunburnt!
No incidents
Ushers Rock, Sea breeze face. All climbs 12 meters
I moved the anchor system and rebuilt it above Flight of stairs, still using 4 cams. Some interesting moves on Dons delight and some great beginner climbing for Antje.
Spent about 30 minutes freeing a cam that I had managed to overcam and was well stuck. Perseverance pays off! I was starting to think it was going to stay there. Lesson well learned.
12 July 2015
Charleston
Me and Antje
Top rope climbs on natural pro anchor systems
4 hours on crag
Wx-Awesome, got sunburnt!
No incidents but, remember nail clippers!
Slammer wall
Rappelled down to the ring bolts on 'G G &G' and set up the top rope for some great crack climbing.
10 March 2015
'The Bake House'
- "Monkey toes". Grade 13. Top rope
- "Milk and cookies". Height 15m, Grade 13. Top rope
- "Groover". Height 15m, Grade 17. Top rope
Weather-Excellent. Fine and hot
No incidents
Time on crag. 4 hours.
Time on crag. 4 hours.
First afternoon at Wanaka after a long drive down the coast. Got to the weeks first crag at 1600.
Had our introduction to top rope climbing and belaying and hit the crag!
After 2 successful climbs I tried my luck on the Groover and was bought back to earth. I made the climb but it was pretty ugly as I was hanging on the rope a lot. Resolved to come back and climb it cleanly later in the week.
11 March 2015
'Riverside'
- "Zoftig" Height 8m. Grade 12. Top rope and lead climb. My first lead climb! Climbed it twice on the top rope and twice leading.
- "Dog leg" Grade 12. Top rope and lead climb. 2 top rope climbs and 1 leading.
- "Occupational therapy" Height 8m. Grade 14. Top rope.
- "Progressive leadership" Height 8m. Grade 14. Lead climb
Weather-Excellent. Fine and hot
No incidents
Time on crag. 8 hours.
Time on crag. 8 hours.
Had a great climb on Progressive leadership, my first lead on a grade 14 felt really good. A great swim in the river at lunch time and 107 points for the day!
Learnt about changing over from a lead climb to a top rope style lower from the top.
12 March 2015
'Main cliff'
13 March 2015
'Kai Whaka Pai' crag
Both of these climbs were pretty hard. I fell 4 times on "fingers columbia" trying to get the crux move and could not do the climb.
Wade did the best lead of the trip to lead climb this route I think.
Weather-Fine periods with a heavy shower of rain after lunch that wet "Kai Whaka Pai" and forced a move to "Tombstone"
No incidents
Time on crag. 8 hours.
14 March 2015
'The Tombstone'
My Nemisis. Fingers Columbia, with Katrina showing me how its done!
Learnt about changing over from a lead climb to a top rope style lower from the top.
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| COE 1 getting ready at Riverside. |
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| Myself and Zac Shaw sharing Dog leg. |
12 March 2015
'Main cliff'
- "Wasted on the wing" 1 star. Height 15m. Grade 14. Lead climb on natural pro placed by Paula.
- "Headbangers Arete" 3 stars. Height 20m. Grade 17. Top rope.
'The Bake House'
- "Groover" Height 15m. Grade 17. Top rope.
Weather-Excellent. Fine and hot.
No incidents
Time on crag. 8 hours.
Time on crag. 8 hours.
Absailing practise in morning. Only 3 climbs but a great day. Had an awesome climb of Headbangers and starting to feel more confident on grade 16-17. Very happy with my climb on Groover. Climbed it well and would be happy to lead this climb in future.
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| Sean on Headbangers arete. |
13 March 2015
'Kai Whaka Pai' crag
- "Aretnaphillia" Height 15m. Grade 13. Lead climb.
- "Pauls route" 1 star. Height 15m. Grade 14. Lead climb
- "Weaker sex" 1 star. Height 20m Grade 15. Lead climb.
- "Climb into the unknown" 2 stars. Height 15m. Grade 17. Lead climb.
"Climb into the unknown" was the highlight of the trip. I was at my limit and was scared. Adrenalin was at 100%. It started raining as I reached the top which made the final holds slippery. Had an interesting and intimate moment with Zac Shaw who was climbing "weaker sex" over shared holds as we both neared the top of our climbs.
'The Tombstone' crag
- "Lincoln blondes have more fun" 1 star. Height 15m. Grade 17. Top rope.
- "Fingers columbia" Height 15m. Grade 17. Top rope.
Wade did the best lead of the trip to lead climb this route I think.
Weather-Fine periods with a heavy shower of rain after lunch that wet "Kai Whaka Pai" and forced a move to "Tombstone"
No incidents
Time on crag. 8 hours.
14 March 2015
'The Tombstone'
- "Fingers columbia" Height 15m. Grade 17. Top rope.
- "The crack" 2 stars. Height 15m. Grade 17. Top rope
Returned to Tombstone crag and another assault on "Fingers". Fell another 2 times on the crux before finding the move and doing the climb. Success! The Crack is apparently the most 'classic' route in Wanaka so a good way to finish the week.
Weather-Fine and clear.
No incidents.
Time on crag. 3 hours.
Time on crag. 3 hours.
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My Nemisis. Fingers Columbia, with Katrina showing me how its done!
Charleston Rock trip. COE 1.
17 March 2015
Ushers Cove
Sunset Rib
Cathedral Cove
Weather-Fine and clear.
No incidents.
Time on crag. 6 hours.
Spent most of the day placing protection and creating 3 point anchor systems for top rope belays.
Attempted to lead the bolted climb in the cornear of the "Slammer wall". Turned out to be a grade 21 so not much progress made although got the first 2 quickdraws in. Excellent belay practise with Zac Colligan falling several times.
18 March 2015
Sunset Rib
Cathedral Cove
Slammer wall
More practise on setting up anchor systems incorporating slings and personal saftey on Sunset rib.
I set up 2 top rope systems on the Slammer wall using 2 bolt anchors that I had to abseil down to reach and got in some great climbing.
Climbed "Grunt, grip and gasp". Height 18m. Grade 16. Top rope.
Climbed a combination of "Lonely in the lead" Grade 17 and "Louises climb" Grade 24. Height 20m. Top rope.
Time on crag. 6 hours.
Spent most of the day placing protection and creating 3 point anchor systems for top rope belays.
Attempted to lead the bolted climb in the cornear of the "Slammer wall". Turned out to be a grade 21 so not much progress made although got the first 2 quickdraws in. Excellent belay practise with Zac Colligan falling several times.
18 March 2015
Sunset Rib
Cathedral Cove
Slammer wall
Weather-Fine and clear.
No incidents.
Time on crag. 8 hours.
Time on crag. 8 hours.
More practise on setting up anchor systems incorporating slings and personal saftey on Sunset rib.
I set up 2 top rope systems on the Slammer wall using 2 bolt anchors that I had to abseil down to reach and got in some great climbing.
Climbed "Grunt, grip and gasp". Height 18m. Grade 16. Top rope.
Climbed a combination of "Lonely in the lead" Grade 17 and "Louises climb" Grade 24. Height 20m. Top rope.
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| Me and Mac sharing a moment before "Louises climb". |
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| "Grunt, grip and gasp" |
19 March 2015
Ushers Rock
Ushers Cove
Weather-Fine and clear.
No incidents.
Time on crag. 4 hours.
Set up more Top rope systems on Ushers rock and practised Top rope rescue techniques.
Checked out bouldering and climbing sites at Nile river and 14 mile on the way back to Greymouth.
Time on crag. 4 hours.
Set up more Top rope systems on Ushers rock and practised Top rope rescue techniques.
Checked out bouldering and climbing sites at Nile river and 14 mile on the way back to Greymouth.
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| Me and one of the locals! |
20 March 2015
Greymouth indoor climbing wall.
COE 2.
4 hour session.
COE 2.
4 hour session.
Mix of grades, 15-18.
No incidents.
Spent the day at the indoor climbing wall so no problem with weather!
Final practise and assessment for belaying technique, Top rope rescue and general climbing competence.
Great facility!
Spent the day at the indoor climbing wall so no problem with weather!
Final practise and assessment for belaying technique, Top rope rescue and general climbing competence.
Great facility!
.JPG) |
| Eyeballing that grade 21. |
16 May 2015
Punakaiki
Me and Stefan Rolfe
Lead climbs on bolted routes
4 hours on crag
Weather-Great
No incidents
Weka wall
- Gretal, Height 8m, Grade 13, Lead climb.
- Eehaw, Height 10m, Grade 14, lead climb.
- Hansel, Height 9m, Grade 15, Lead climb.
- View to sea, Height 18m, Grade 15-16, Lead climb.
 |
| Stefan finishing Eehaw |
Good day to get back into a bit of climbing. The overhang on View to sea was a bit of a challange with some good exposure.
Need to go back to do the 17.
17 May 2015
14 mile bluff
Myself and Ray
4 hours on site
Weather-Great
No incidents
 |
| View from top of the climb. Beauty day. |
Found an area that promises some challanging top rope climbing with a bombproof boulder as an anchor. Focal point is about 50ft below the anchor so plenty of rigging rope needed. Had three but four would be better.
Good practise at rigging anchors and saftey lines, solving abseil problems. Now that the research is done need to go back and climb it!
31 May 2015
Punakaiki
Stefan, Simon, Ray, Michelle, Stefan's friend from Charleston and myself.
Lead climbs on bolted routes
4 hours on crag
Weather-Great
No incidents
Weka wall
- View to sea, Height 18m, Grade 15-16, Lead climb.
- Something in the way, Height 16m, Grade 18, Top rope.
- Max, Height 10m, Grade 16, Lead climb.
 |
| Ray and Michelle about to 'max' out |
Maxed out on Max, the first couple of moves are forearm pumpers but the rest was an easy scramble.
Did a bunch of belaying then headed over to lead the assault on Something in the way.
 |
| Michelle thinking "who is this idiot" |
And there is something in the way, a rather large overhang! I led the first climb and got the quick draw in at the crux, made the move over the overhang but was so pumped I couldn't finish the move and ran out of arm strength and holds at the same time.
Result = lead fall!
Tried again but it was not going to happen so came back down to de-pump and let Simon have a go.
Simon finished the lead and left the top rope up so I top roped it and made the move with only a small amount of drama. I know the moves now so will be back to lead it!
Awesome day with awesome people.
6 June 2015
Punakaiki
Me and Antje
Lead climbs on bolted routes
2 hours on crag
Weather-Overcast with patches of misty rain
No incidents
Pitta Patta wall
- Rain dance, Height 12m, Grade 16, Lead climb.
- Gumboot route, Height 12m, Grade 15, lead climb.
I would grade the climbs 1 grade higher than the guidebook says. Some serious pumpy moves with smooth slopeing holds and big exposure! They start easy but get real spicey to the top.
Started with some belaying tuition for Antje, and took the climbs slow and careful. Left the top rope on the 15 and top roped Antje for the first couple of bolts. She did pretty good for her first time!
Cobden takeaways on the way home! Yea boy!
Need to check out them all!
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| Upper valley crags, L to R. Pitta Patta, Air traffic controll tower, Ocean wall, Knee cow wall. |
11 July 2015
Charleston
Me and Antje
Top rope climbs on natural pro anchor systems
5 hours on crag
Wx-Awesome, got sunburnt!
No incidents
Ushers Rock, Sea breeze face. All climbs 12 meters
- Adams apple. Grade 10-14
- Nashira. Grade 18
- Let me think. Grade 18
- Making plans for dave. Grade 15
- Flight of stairs, many variations. Grade 8-13
- Dons delight. Grade 16
Set up protection on the platform at the top of the climbs then built a 4 point anchor system for a top rope at the top of Adams apple, used 4 cams as anchors.
Climbed 'Adams apple' which is a real mix of grades and mixed it up with 'Nashira' on the left and 'Let me think' on the right. Risked a swing and went as far right as I dared to do the big crack climb, 'making plans for dave'.
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| "Rope!" |
I moved the anchor system and rebuilt it above Flight of stairs, still using 4 cams. Some interesting moves on Dons delight and some great beginner climbing for Antje.
Spent about 30 minutes freeing a cam that I had managed to overcam and was well stuck. Perseverance pays off! I was starting to think it was going to stay there. Lesson well learned.
12 July 2015
Charleston
Me and Antje
Top rope climbs on natural pro anchor systems
4 hours on crag
Wx-Awesome, got sunburnt!
No incidents but, remember nail clippers!
Slammer wall
- "Sore toes" This is actually an unnamed face in the corner of slammer wall
- Grunt grip and gasp. Height 18m, Grade 16
- Lonely on the lead. Grade 17
Went to slammer wall and decided to warm up on the small face in the corner. This is unnamed in the guide book but had some nice easy climbing plus a couple of harder moves. Built a 3 point anchor at the top using 2 wires and a cam. I had to move a lot of dirt out of cracks to make it work but the result was worth it.
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| Antje at top of Flight of stairs |
Went up the crack at the start of 'lonely on the lead' and then tried crossing over to 'grunt' again but the crux move had me beat, some awesome arm jamming action though.
Wonder wall is looking pretty wonderfull! Would love to spend some time on it!
A joy to read of your adventures Eigill. Your cynicism is well tempered by your ready wit and make for some interesting and amusing observations. While most of us huddle around the heater, you and Antje are wading through glacial rivers with bloody smiles on your faces. More power to your pen my man!!
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