Wind Bashers

Saturday, April 24 2010

Trampers to Longview Hut: Jude Paton, Ted Angove, Paul Exeter, Matt Green, Ron Eagle and Marc Marchal

Trampers to Awatere Hut: Geoff Donkin, Ray Slavin, Denise Payne, Gillian Dalton

If Napier’s beautiful crisp morning was anything to go by, then our walk up to Longview would be a breeze.

However when we reached the end of Kashmir Road, the cloud was shooting over the Ruahines. Although there was little wind in the car park, no one doubted there would be more then a breeze blowing on the tops.

And indeed as our party climbed, so did the wind intensity – so much that half way up, several decided enough was enough and turned back to make their way to the Awatere Hut instead.

Six of the group decided to give it a further go and after some serious wind bashing reached the Longview Hut. Morning tea was a wind-free event with the door firmly shut. Further tramping over the tops was clearly impossible and after morning tea, the group set out to descend back.

Staying upright proved quite a challenge over the top ridge, with the wind claiming a small victory in blowing Ron over. Once away from the tops, things became much easier, which allowed Ted to suggest an alternative route over a spur down to the river.

What seemed quite easy, initially, turned fast into a bushbashing exercise that lasted until we reached the river. From here, we walked downstream to the Awatere Hut, where we caught up with the rest of the group for lunch.

Down in the riverbed and with the sun shining, it was hard to believe the weather conditions higher up. After lunch, a quick visit to the Black Stag Hut and a leisurely walk back out completed a thoroughly enjoyable trip. Oh yes, and then there was the cool beer on the way home, always a treat for a Belgian.