Winters Breath

A Shakespearean Sonnet from the Southern Hemisphere As autumn crumbles into brittle parts,And lifted on a whisper of winters breath,Another season of the year departs,The clouds brief tears bear mourning of its death, Cold snatches the pearls of heavenly birth,To sprinkle twee crystal parcels in lieu,Bewitching giggling streams in sheets of mirth,Primed for pebbles toContinue reading “Winters Breath”

Times of Travel: Mt Kosciuszko

The cold was bitter and spiteful, the type you only know when you’re stood on the side of a mountain in winter. The wind whistled around objects, penetrated every warren, and licked up unwelcomingly around my exposed fingers, as I struggled with zips and mismanaged setting up my splitboard. I was standing just off theContinue reading “Times of Travel: Mt Kosciuszko”

Times of Travel: Mt Ruapehu Crater Lake

Distance: 10km+Elevation gain: 1,072 metresTop elevation: 2,672 metresTime: 5 – 7 hours Difficulty: moderateSummer conditions: December – MayWinter conditions: June – November Location: Mt Ruapehu, Tongariro National Park, North Island, New Zealand This overview encompasses the Crater Lake hike, from the Whakapapa side, focussing on my experience during the winter of 2017. The summers hike,Continue reading “Times of Travel: Mt Ruapehu Crater Lake”

Times of Travel: Mt Ruapehu De-icing

My knees vibrated like fragile branches under the weight of a squirrel. I ascended the ladder cautiously on our first training run. I was panicking like the fattest pig on slaughter day. Out of my comfort zone from the word “go”. Deep breaths, deep breaths. Squeal. Since when do pigs fly? I perched, frozen inContinue reading “Times of Travel: Mt Ruapehu De-icing”

Times of Travel: Mt Ruapehu

Hike, ski, live and be free! How often do you get to ski down the side of an active volcano? No, this isn’t the new James Bond film. Whether you’re an adrenaline junkie or avid photographer, keen to get some postcard ready snaps, this majestic mountain, as seen above in front of the picturesque ChateauContinue reading “Times of Travel: Mt Ruapehu”