left - Mt Awful seen from the approach to Gillespie Pass
right - Crucible Lake
left - jet boating on the Wilkin
right - trampers cross Crucible Stream before the rain arrives
YNZC has been tramping the Wilkin/Young circuit at Makarora. Heavy rainfall meant that the rivers were uncrossable and a jet boat ride necessary to access the tramp. The weather was unpredictable with some heavy rain, but fortunately YNZC managed to avoid the worst of it, only taking one half hour soaking. He visited Crucible Lake and climbed Gillespie Pass (1629 metres). He also learned how quickly NZ rivers can rise - 2 Israeli trampers got caught out by the heavy rain, couldn't cross the river back to the hut, and spent a wet night in the bush waiting for the river to drop.
He is now back in Wanaka where he attended St Columba's Church this morning. The congregation was very welcoming, and he enjoyed giving the hymns full welly including Glorious Things of Thee are Spoken (tune - German National Anthem). YNZC has also been slaking the raging tramper's thirst with some Cardrona Gold at the Kai Bar in company with Chris & Peter from Victoria, Aus. As one reader of BN has commented, "there's a regular pattern developing after each of your tramps..."