There is this quote I have often heard. It goes,
“There is no such thing as bad weather, just unsuitable clothing”.
Fortunately, the weather I went out it was pretty good in the grand scheme of things!
The days leading into my weekend the weather was all over the media as this huge Spring storm to bring snow to low levels and gale force winds was on it’s way up the South Island. Seeing this, I’m thinking to myself well shit, where am I to go to get my next peak? As lady luck would have it, the storm passed over Sunday into Monday and I was blessed with a stunning (albeit windy) Tuesday to bag my next peak, Woolshed Hill (1429m)
It was a pretty late start for me heading towards Arthur’s Pass at 7am. The drive in was spectacular. From Porters Pass there was snow on the roadside and the landscape was simply stunning!
Upon arrival to Hawdon Shelter I looked up the hill to see snow being swept off the tree tops and swirled around. A great indicator that it was going be a windy affair!
No warm up today. Straight away the gradient was steep and nasty. However, I didn’t care because it was so beautiful!! The snow which had fallen had broken through the canopy and was pure powder! The time passed by quick and before I knew it I was on an exposed ridgeline putting my Stoney Creek jacket on to help buffer the cold wind coming straight off the Alps.
The ridge run was pretty epic. The snow was stunning, the views were the same and the wind was brutal! So much so that it actually froze the water in the hose to my water bladder!!
The higher I climbed the deeper the snow became and the slight doubt of wearing gaiters and shorts crept in! As it turns out I was okay with just one section being thigh-waist deep. As I said before, epic.
I pushed on to reach the summit and have my well deserved lunch.
Views at the top were beautiful. Snow covered peaks and river valleys for as far as you could see! I found a nice little spot tucked down out of the wind to lay down and have a bite to eat.
The way down was smooth and easy just following my footsteps back down the ridge. The wind hadn’t eased and was still relentless so I was quietly relieved to get back into the bushline and have a breather.
The snow hadn’t melted yet in the trees but was a little slushy which resulted in the odd slide but fortunately never a proper sit down!
I think that this peak would have to be my favourite. From the stunning landscapes, soft fluffy snow, demanding winds and a tasty lunch. It made for a day to remember.
On a side note, if anyone from Hunters Element or Stoney Creek is reading this. And you want to help me out with getting some pants, I’m a size medium!
#11 Woolshed Hill – 1,429m, 7.70km, 3 Hours 45 Min
Operational hours at work have changed last weekend so I may see my weekends shift to Friday Saturday soon. Might be able to get out again this week if things line up!
Cam.