RUAPEHU TRIP 22 – 24 August 2003

This year was the Ruapehu trip with a difference. Because our bus driver had to cancel and no replacement was available, we packed ourselves into cars, drove off into the freezing 65 kph gale blasting down the Bruce Road, and by 10.30 or so on Friday night were all safely celebrating our arrival in the lounge of the ATC Hut.

Saturday was a repeat of last year’s atrocious weather, with the mountain shut down and the Bruce Road closed. The 2 Snowskills groups both togged up into “unrecognisable mountaineers” and, with warnings to watch each other for signs of hypothermia, disappeared off into the murk. The rest relaxed in the morning, then later battled through the gale and snow for a couple of hours at the Whakapapa Village. At night we all enjoyed Happy Hour, a lovely dinner, and the evening’s entertainment of “John’s Challenges” involving strength, balance, suppleness and co-operation, not to mention competitiveness!

Sunday was beautiful. Clear, fresh and invigorating – as only being up in the mountains can be – and we were all quick to get out and enjoy our various activities.

Coming home in cars was quick and easy, although the “group feeling” of travelling on our bus was missing.

Many thanks to the drivers, the instructors, and to a great group for both your willing help with Hut Duties and your co-operation with the changes in pre-trip arrangements.

As is usual for NSTC trips, a great time was had by all.

Barbara Lobel