"With some relief, we unlinked from our last four man river fording formation. Now safely on the true left of Ellis River, we knew there was only the gravel of Baton Valley Road between us and a warm shower, dry clothes and a good feed in Nelson."
In light of climate change, have you ever wondered why FMC continues to print its Backcountry magazine? Backcountry editor, Peter Laurenson, shares FMC's reasons behind the printed version, the steps taken to align with its values of stewardship and environmental protection, and the future of this classic publication.
A spring climb of Ringatoto and the east ridge of Tahurangi . . .
"If snow is in condition, it’s a joy. When it’s not, it’s a torment." Peter Laurenson and his mates go off-trail in Nelson Lakes.
Climate change. Global warming. What’s causing it? Is it down to us?
Accompanied by his two sons, Ed and Will, Peter Laurenson capitalises on the school holidays to expend some of their teenage energy by climbing the Tararua Peaks.
Snow plugging on the Grand Plateau, then a descent via Cinerama Col
Exploring tops in Lewis Pass National Reserve
For North Island townies like me, one of the biggest challenges in any climb in the Southern Alps is just getting there in time for a weather window. So a climb of Mount Armstrong (2,174m), a little over 700 metres above the highly accessible Brewster Hut (12 bunks), is a good option when time is the limiting factor.
An attempt of the south ridge of Mount Travers, Nelson Lakes, fueled by cold medicine.
There's more to Khumbu than a slog up to overcrowded Everest Base Camp and a side trip to Gokyo
A collection of photography over the years: Mount Holdsworth > Aokaparangi > Maungahuka > Cone Ridge
An overnight circuit: Neill Ridge/Mount Hector/Bull Mound
As Simon pondered the viability of down climbing another steep section soaring above, it occurred to me that we were going to run out of time.
An early September climb of Mount Rolleston via Rome Ridge
Most have heard of the Seven Summits challenge, where the highest point on each of the world’s seven continents is climbed. But there’s also a seven summits challenge much closer to home.
Camping in the mountains in mid winter is cold. I have a down Macpac bag that’s meant to be cosy at minus seven. It wasn’t.
Just as I thought what lay above wasn’t the prettiest icescape I’d seen, Simon paraphrased for me. “This ice is sh#t.” He was busily hacking away at brittle rime ice on steep volcanic rock. Ice fragments flew everywhere.
The moonless crystal clear sky offered the most vivid view of the Milky Way I’d ever seen.
Climbing Australia's highest peak in winter
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