90 climbers took part in the 2004 NZAC climbing camp based in Elcho Hut in the scenic Hopkins Valley, 40km west of Twizel. The 8-day long climbing camp concluded on Sunday 11 January after waiting for flooded rivers to subside. Climbers, ranging in age from 16 to ’60 something’ from New Zealand, Australia, Canada, England, Wales, Scotland, Norway and Germany took part in the largest climbing camp held by the NZAC. Climbers completed ascents of Mt Ward (10 climbers), Mt Reticence (3 climbers), Hut Peak (12 climbers), Dasler Pinnacles (27 climbers) and Gillies Peak (3 climbers). New ascent routes were completed on the striking 600 metre high west face of Dasler Pinnacles (2312 m) by Kevin Hammond, and on the south face of Mt Reticence (2310 m) by Ross Cullen, Kevin Hammond and Rebecca Smith (aged 10). The climbing camp is held each year at a different location in the NZ mountains. NZAC president Dave Bamford attended the camp and commented, ‘The camp was the most successful yet held by NZAC. It was pleasing to see climbers exercising their climbing skills, good judgment and successfully completing ascents of peaks in the valley.’ He stated the large numbers of participants, and the high levels of climbing activity clearly indicated that climbers are enthusiastic about their sport and are ambitious to complete repeat climbs and new ascents. Climbers he had spoken to were unanimous in their praise for the organisation of the event and had revelled in the superb Southern Alps scenery. The climbing camp organiser Steve Hart commented that ‘given the variability of the weather and the considerable amount of climbing undertaken it was gratifying that there were no incidents.’ Contacts: David Bamford – President 027 457 0313, 04 472 3114 Steve Hart – Climbing Camp Coordinator, 021 170 7396. 04 973 8079 Ross Cullen – Hopkins climbing expert who can supply digital photos of the camp, 03 325 3807 Editor’s note: I know there were Wgtn section members at the Camp – send me your stories! Nank and Dave B tell me they have more info…. Club News Congratulations to Mike Williams and Simon Chapple on the respective new additions to their lives! We expect to see them climbing down at Ferg’s soon! (Mike and Simon too) Best wishes to Mark Dossor from the Wellington section, we hope you are recovering well. Summer Rock 2004 It’s that time of year again! Summer Rock will run from late Feb through to March 2004. The course will involve two weekend trips away to the middle of the North Island and day trips to Baring Head and Titahi Bay. Great to polish up the rope work and learn some rock climbing skills and techniques. There will be a post course trip too, maybe Payne’s Ford or Mangatepopo. Places are filling fast so phone Scott Taylor/Mike O’Brien on 380 0913 or email Mike: mike_goesaclimbn@hotmail.com The Avalanche Transceiver Trust Recent events at Aoraki Mt Cook National Park provide a sad reminder of the potential hazards within our sport. One of these hazards, avalanches, are an unpredictable phenomenon that can occur at any time of the year. Good judgment and experience are not always sufficient for avoiding them. Buried victims need to be rescued very quickly by their companions. Wearing avalanche transceivers makes this more easily possible. You should always think about wearing an avalanche transceiver when travelling in the snow away from controlled skifield areas. At any time of the year, and on any type of terrain. Don’t let the expense of buying an avalanche transceiver put you off. The Wellington Avalanche Transceiver Trust (Inc.) has provided the general public in the Wellington region with 10 avalanche transceivers. These are available from Mainly Tramping and Hangdog at a very low cost. For more info see www.avotrust.org.nz or email us at info@avotrust.org.nz Trustees (Pete de Joux, Sean Comber, Nigel Seebeck, Rachael Schmidt) New Gear From Garth London: ‘The Section has recently purchased new gear. This mainly included new helmets, ropes and harnesses. The Committee is currently formulating a policy on gear usage including for official trips and instruction courses. This will be advised sometime in the near future. This is the biggest single gear purchase for many years and represents a major investment in the future.
