Another Friday evening departure and drive to Whanganui Bay on the western shore of Lake Taupo. We arrive in the dark and walk from the car park to the camping area carrying our gear and setting up camp by the light of head torches. Saturday morning after a surprisingly good sleep, Kate and I are last up, but no-one’s rushing so there is time for breakfast and espresso – the latter courtesy of Ralf. About 9.30 we head off along the beach to the Whekenui Cliffs. At the cliffs, groups of three (two learners with an instructor) prepare for different climbs. Shane has picked out a climb with a crack running up it for Gwen and me to warm up on. Then it’s a two pitch climb with Shane leading, Gwen next attached to the rope with an alpine butterfly, then me last. As I get to the top of the first pitch I get my head above the trees and can see the spectacular view of the valley and the bay. A short distance away I can see Shichang on Tibia. We abseil down from the top of the second pitch and decide to try 50 Dean Street – the second part of this is a real challenge for me even with Shane belaying me from the top, but I get there in the end to the relief of both of us. To wrap up the day we climb Surrogate. It’s early evening as we wander back along the beach towards the camp and we can see some figures standing out in the lake. Gwen and I quickly get changed and go in for a swim. By the time we have got out and got dressed, most of the others are sitting around enjoying Scott’s delicious stew, and wine or beer, then out comes the chocolate and liquorice. Next morning we march off to the Plateau to try some different climbs before we have to get back on the road south. Thanks to all the instructors for a great course and two wonderful weekends – Scott, Blair, Derek, Lou, Siobhan, Callum, Shane, Marcus, Emily and Matt (and to Reuben for his quiet supervision from below). Gill James