07 / 05 / 2013 - 09 / 05 / 2013
Location : Fox Glacier
Group : COE Group One
Weather : Sunny/Partly Overcast/Slight Breeze's
On the 7th, COE Group One, made there way down to Fox Glacier. Once we arrived we unpacked into the trips accommodation We packed our day bags, and made sure crampons were fitted properly before leaving the accommodation. We drove to the Fox car park were we left the vans and started our walk up to the ice. Once we were at the foot of the glacier, we geared up and walked out onto the glacier. The first day was about moving around in crampons confidently and moving in and around the given area. the next day we were setting up ice anchors and top roping up ice walls! Climbing on the ice was awesome and made for a great day, one of the coolest feelings I have ever experienced. The third day we came back to the ice ready for some more climbing and also a walk up the glacier also. After 3 solid days climbing the crew was shattered and made our drive back up the coast to the mighty Greymouth.
Temple Basin - Mountain
Location : Temple Basin
Group : COE Group One
Weather : Overcast turning to rain, Heavy rain and Gusty Winds
Tutors : Dave Williams and Keith Riley
First Day was spent walking around on the snow, and walking up and over to the Downhill Tow where we walked up on to the top of the ridge where we had a good view and continued to walk up to the base of Bill's Basin. We then practiced relying on Ice Axe's and also practiced Self Arresting in different entry angles.
Second was average weather central! Gail Force winds and rain pouring from all directions. We set off for transceiver practice in the snow close to the lodge to make a quick escape if it got worse. We went back to the lodge and decided to stay in for the remainder of the day.
The next day was better weather, we travelled to Bills Basin were we practiced Bucket seats and Ridge Travel, this was essential before out Multi Pitch up the side of the mountain. We pitched to the top and then began to move along the ridge where we began to down climb and head to camp at the Basin!We reached camp, ate dinner and got into bed pretty sharply.
The last day was move back to the lodge, pack down extra gear and get it to the goods lift and then walk down to the vans and get back to Greymouth. Great time up the mountains but definitely not an area I'm keen on.
