With time running out, I had to take any opportunity I had to get into the mountains. Even if that includes trying my best not to get blown away.
I managed to avoid the massive weather bomb that came post Peak #42 and as it turned out, this was something similar!
I was heading up towards Lewis Pass / Hanmer Springs area and the weather was looking bearable. The main front was to be sitting over the Alps dumping rain and gale force winds. While where I was, was on the outskirts of this activity so it was 50/50 as to what I would experience.
Fortunately, I had no rivers to cross and with the prevailing wind coming from the NW, I knew I would have the opportunity to walk up the leeward side of the spur I was intending to climb should the weather be atrocious.
The only research I had for Shale Peak (1,536m) was that I had been in this area before hunting. That did however mean the going was tough with no trail, no signs and thick bush to try navigate.
I was walking by 8:30am and I could see the weather mess that was lingering further up the valley.
The positive side of being in thick bush was that I was well hidden from the wind! Not soon after starting some rain was getting carried on the wind making things rather wet.
I popped out from the thick bushline and into open shrubs in just under an hour. The wind was strong but fortunately the rain hadn’t developed and was just wind carried still.
The climb from here was exposed with the biggest challenge being the constant and developing wind.
I found pockets along the way to have a break from the battering and to get some food on board.
Almost bang on 2 hours, I was standing (attempting to at least) on top of Shale Peak.
The winds were incredibly strong, probably the second highest winds after Peak #7 – Big Ben with Hamish.
I found a nice shelter just off from the summit where I was able to have a drink, some food and take photos.
The way down was fast and fun with the ability to jump into the wind and be held up as a result!
Back into the bushes, I had a few failed attempts in finding the path of least resistance! After finding my way back the car I stripped off all the wet/sweaty clothes and put on clean clothes. Still one of the best feelings!
As it turns out, I timed my climbed to perfection. The front that was lingering was the front that flooded Westport and the whole Tasman / Marlborough region. Talking to a friend in Hanmer, the Waiau was sitting normally around 80 cumec, then peaked at over 1400 cumec during the storm!? A huge amount of water.
Peak #49 Shale Peak – 1,536m, 6.56km, 3 hours 30 minutes
Now for a few quick wins in the lead up to the finale!
Till next time,
Cam