Since we took on Mt. Hector a few weeks back, proper winter weather has set in, meaning time to strap on the crampons and grab the ice axe and head up-- this time, to Mt. Holdsworth, just outside of Carterton.
The bush is remarkably diverse on this side of the Tararuas, and above 1,000m it becomes a proper winter wonderland.
The winter weather was somewhat less wondrous as we cleared the tree line and approached Powell Hut.
Luckily, the group of trampers who'd arrived before us has started a fire. Jake, Gareth, Chris and Matt were "gastro-camping", and carried plenty of libations as well. And, as if we needed more proof that Wellington is a village, we quickly discovered a common connection in Lucia, who is working with me at Te Whare Marie and godmother of Jake's son.
Although is snowed most of the night, the weather cleared around midnight. We got up before sunrise to see the Matariki cluster of stars in the pre-dawn northeastern sky. The first new moon after the rise of Matariki (aka the Pleiades) heralds the Maori New Year.
Then it was up to attempt the summit. With all the fresh powder, we made it to the ridge before the final ascent, but were hampered by thigh-deep drifts. Still, it was absolutely magical.
We made quick work of the descent, and snapped this "here's where we spent the night" photo on the way down (at Rocky Lookout).
Here is Kristen's Tanka commemorating the journey:
Oblique winter moon
Casting long, mid-day shadows
The forest approves
Ascending, green turns to white
These shortest days: Exquisite
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