The country was finally blasted with a cold southerly that brought snow to both islands after what seemed like weeks of winter weather that was either too warm or too wet. Finally ‘our’ mountain, Ruapehu, was the winter playground we’d been waiting for.
So, late Saturday the 11th, after a successful morning hunt, Will and I drove through to Taihape for a night at the famous Gretna Hotel. It didn’t disappoint, and was, much to my surprise, a comfortable bed on the way north, though the much-loved Taihape Roast Cottage was sadly closed.
We met Emma for a 7:00am coffee in Ohakune before driving to the Turoa carpark for an 8:30am departure, our sights set on Tahurangi.
Emma and Will.
The weather had really turned it on for us, with a beautiful day ahead, however it didn’t take long for us to realise we’d left our departure too late to make the summit and get back to Masterton and Wellington that evening. So instead we headed east of the skifield to spend the day practicing our alpine skills: anchors, knots, and lowering techniques, then on to glacier travel and Z-pulley systems, with a map and compass refresher to finish.
Emma enjoying a steeper face.
All the while we discussed plans for upcoming trips. By noon the sun was generating decent heat, which allowed for a relaxed lunch before the trudge back down to the ute and dry clothes.
Will Young – the legend.
Emma Coombe.
The drive down the mountain road was its own adventure, including a short free-wheeling episode on hard ice, before an ale in Ohakune with the alpine manual out, clarifying an earlier balls-up on escaping the system during a crevasse fall.
All in all, a great, if quick, romp with great friends – Will Young and Emma Coombe. And all to soon we were on the road south again.
North of the Saddle 
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