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The Trip

Often thought of, but rarely enacted. A moonlight Southern crossing on snow. The thinking consisted of compiling a list of the dates when the moon was full; and wistfully noting perfect conditions on June 10th; June 11th was full moon. We must go, cloudy day or not.

8 a.m. and the trio left its hired transport at Otaki Forks, under an overcast sky.

10 past 10 and we arrive at Fields - still cloudy. Tang and biscuits and on. Snow and mud. And cloud. A burning hatred of cloud, which shrouds Dennan.

And then we climbed above it. Two hundred feet onto West Peak, into a fantastic panorama of luminous peaks, an ethereal moonscape of perfect stillness. We stop, in silence.

Dropping packs at Vosseler, we waded through flour to Kime, Field Peak, then Hector. 2.30 a.m. Photograph. A few words of appreciation at the sight, which were as superfluous as a blowfly'z buzz. A retracing of footsteps, and a burst of jubilant singing. Sleep at Vosseler until greeted by the dawn at 7.30. More photographs and even more superfluous superlatives. Then home.

- P.K.R.

Party: Keith Jones, Ross Gooder, Peter Radcliffe.

Misery is a wet pit.