This text was read by OCR from a scanned newsletter and has not been proofread yet, so expect odd characters and mistakes.
Sunrise Peak, Mt Owen and Fyfe River
Trip Leader: Raymond SC Morgan
Scribe: Emile van der Mespel
ere was the usual chaos at the ferry terminal on a Friday evening before a long weekend. Soon enough, however, the boat was pulling out into Wellington harbour. The bar was swarming with WT&MC members and before long the cards came out and “The Big D’ and 500 were played throughout the crossing. On arrival at Picton we quickly found the van and headed off for the Owen Valley. Everyone scurried around to sort out their sleeping arrangements —— some under flies,some in tents and some opted for the covered-trailer of the hire van. We had two groups — Wayne, Jeanine, Angela and Nick decided to do their own thing (in other words, follow us!). Then there was the group led by our hero (that comes later). Our group included Raymond SC, Eva, Charlotte, Anna, Michele, Emile (Me, I think) as well as the folks from up north — Bruce, Duncan and Justine. We awoke to clouds that seemed to have rolled in overnight and we were up and away at 8.30 — an early start! We left the first group and headed up the Owen Valley. Soon we hit the uphill, left the river and headed up the ridge. The clouds by now had cleared and it was getting hot. Once above the bushline we meta steep climb. It seemed OK at first, then just got steeper and steeper and everyone was getting a little anxious. We stopped severaltimesto-discuss-the best route(there weren't— any!). So old Raymond SC, like a true trip leader, came to the fore and took us up. At this stage we were shit scared. Spaniards, which are normaly a curse because you always get stabbed, were now friends as they gave us something to hang onto. Looking down was as nerve racking as looking up so I just looked straight ahead. My heart was racing and I wasn't sure if it was nerves or physical exertion. My mouth was dry though I dared not reach for a drink just yet! If the person ahead of me could do it, I could do it, I told myself. Anyway thankfully we all safely reached the top of the notorious Sunrise Peak. We were greeted with the most spectacular views you could hope for. We were sure the other group would turn around. But our challenges were not over yet. It was hot on the tops and we had to pick a clear route through the snow and rock formations. By 5pm we were well short of Granity Pass Hut so we opted for camping out on the only flat land we could find. There were two stone arches that provided a little cover and flat sharp rocks. Wayne and crew soon turned up! They camped in the snow. We enjoyed the sunset with the best views I’ve ever seen. The next day we were surprised to find no dew or frost at 1600m. Eva marvelled at the shooting stars she saw and didn’t even hear Raymond SC snoring! Our thermorests got punctured on the sharp rocks despite our care the previous evening. The scenery was as remarkable as it had been last night. Clear blue skies. We weaved in and out of rock formations, holes, ravines and chasms to find a way around Mt Owen. The other party followed our tracks and - we met up for lunch. They seemed to keep going on about the 7 moons from the night before! We were-relieved_to.get-down-from-the-tops inte the cooler valley and stopped at Branch Creek Hut. The last day was quite easy in comparison with what we’d been through. We found the perfect lunch spot. A few swims were to be had before the trip was out. All in all the best trip ’ve been on. Great company, weather, and the perfect location. Also I'd like to thank Raymond SC for all his trip leading. He’s a great asset to the club.
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