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The 1984 Alpine Instruction Courses ({AIC's) were the best yet! Each one offered something different and very worthwhile. Below I have summarised the events of each: AIC I -— Whakapapa When we arrived at the "Top of the Bruce” on Friday night we were all surprised that there was no snow to be seen. As we soon found out on Saturday morning, it didn't matter anyway as the weather was anything but pleasant. So the morning was spent inside the hut learning knots, and various belaying and prussiking techniques. That afternoon the "keen" ones went out and battled with the elements and a rope or two for a couple of hours, The rest of the day was spent leisurely reading, knitting, or prussiking up the centre pole of the » hut. Sunday delivered another cold, wet day. However as it was the last day more of the troops decided to brave the weather to do some absailing off the bluffs above Happy Valley. All those that had a go had a great time. gare It - Turoa RS - ~» On Saturday we woke up to a perfect day. We raced up the . p28 mountain in order to set up camp in a nice little valley with a / Boe waterfall. The rest of the day was spent dealing with the basics as for some, it was their first experience with snow. 7 Activities included walking techniques , self-arresting, “ cramponing, glissading and using ice-axe belays. However, we must not forget ‘bum-sliding' and this seemed to be the most prevalent and most popular occupation. After a day in the sun it was time for a quick tea and sleeping:bags, as temperatures dropped rapidly. However, once in bed it was anything but cold as the occupants cf at least two tents found -— being squashed in a tent is really quite cosy! Sunday morning was still reasonably fine so most groups decided to head for the top. It wasn't long before about 30 keen climbers made a slow, but steady move for the summit. For those of us who hadn't had the pleasure of being on the top before it was really terrific to be able to see the crater first hand. wee /2
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AIC IEE — Egmont For many, I think this was the AIC not to be missed. Fine weather for 13, days on Egmont.... almost unbelievable. Saturday morning was misty as we left Kapuni Lodge. We all trundled up to Fanthams Peak, dug out the locked docr of Sime's Hut, skilfully opened the .door and entered for a sheltered lunch. After a guick lunch, we all climbed cut of Sime's Hut to find (much to ovr delight) the mist had disappeared and-the Summit was staring down .at..us.. It looked so close. Oh well, tomorrow's another day: ' . * ian Anyway, the rest ‘of° Saturday involved: ice ‘climbing, all types of belay systems, cramponing 3elt: arrest ing end gener raily having fun. It was an early night for Most ; in eager anticipation of the new day, which came sooner than expected. . About 5.30am people were up admiring the sunrise over Ruapehu and maizing sure they. let everyone else know what a great day it was... Even us confirmed "pitebashers" couldn't resist and jumped up to pack and get an early Start to the Summit. Crampons were fastened on Fantham's Peak and from then on it was,a-careful, steady plod all the way to the top. What an experience!! Standing on the top was like standing on top of the oes Looking down on the clouds made it seem even higner. . . Ge mime We enjoyed an early 10, 30 lunch just off the Summit. Some of the male members of the group decided it was an ideal opportunity to expose their white flesh to the sun, only to. find themselves, covered with snow that ‘accidently' went astray. : o_o “2 About 11.30, many’ ‘reluctant climbers set off back to es Lodge and down amongst the clouds. Well, all in all, AIG! Ss were a terrific success this year. Thanks go to all the instructors for a marvellous time, and Ian, Mark,. and Barbara for ths organis jeyaon . : 5 thts ¢ may