Mt. Pisgah
1st Feb 2014
6.30 Sun am.- what a pleasure to see the sun shining ‘pinkly’’ on Pisgah with a clear-ish sky above after a somewhat claggy time in the hills. Did wonder why I was looking at it from one side, why we were travelling right around to the Maniototo side to climb it. However 11 bods were enthusiastic for this venture, even though high temperatures and thunderstorms were predicted for the day.
135km later and a bit after 10am we were ready for the climb with the Summit almost in view. It was all up, hot and humid. Relaxing over lunch with 360 degree views amongst good company, we knew it was all worth it. Tim [1] decided to use amazing ‘flying’ ability and transverse the ridge. The rest of followed a suggestion of more leisurely decent, down a ridge further north to lead back to the cars. This ended up with a rather long traverse on steep-ish terrain, and basically not such a leisurely decent as we may have imagined. It was made a little more dramatic as we watched [and some made bets] as to whether the thunderstorms would catch us or not.
A satisfied, weary 11 then made the trip home to Dunedin or returned N to our favourite icecream shop. Thanks Tim x2, Betty, Maurice, Phyllis, Noel, Bronwyn, Lynda, Bill, John.
Jane G
