"My stomach was a mixture of nerves and excitement as I surveyed the vast open space around us. I had watched the Mountain Safety Council’s route video several times, checked the latest weather reports, spoken to the DOC staff at the Nelson Lakes Visitor Centre and secured my personal locator beacon, however I knew nothing was certain in this unpredictable alpine environment."
“I want to be the leader!” Miss Six announced, pushing past me in her determination to be in front. Momentarily off balance with my heavy pack, I narrowly avoided twisting an ankle on the sharp rocks and silently swore while cracking a bright smile. “Good for you, sweetheart!” Better to let her set the pace while the enthusiasm is still flowing strong, I thought as I tightened the waist strap on my tramping pack, pulled my neck warmer over my nose and followed her along the ridgeline.
It was Boxing Day and we had just gained around 600 metres elevation while
