Couloir climbing in last years Temple race. (picture) Well the hills have a slight dusting of snow on them after this week... And I'm not too proud to say that I might just have to go ski a very small patch of snow on nervious knob or Hamiltons Peak tommorow on my way through to Chch.

Here's another from last year's Ruapehu Ripper.

Did the Otira valley run today. 1h,5m just cruising.

Aaaahhh- Te Whanga Lagoon. C.I.

Today I went for a bike ride up to the top of the Pass and then a short run up the Otira valley to the bridge. It was only 4o mins of exercise, but I am sick of sitting around feeling sorry for myself with this flu. Here is a photo of the Otira Valley from the Bridge. It was cold today and we had some snow on the tops.I felt better after a bit of exercise and a session of yoga!

The Christchurch SBS marathon is only a week away! I'm hoping to be free of the cold for the starting line!

Last Winter

This week I'm down with the flue, so having a bit of a rest. Here is a photo of some of the SkiMoNZ crew on the summit of Avalanche Peak. Looking forward to Winter..... Thats Grant Guise, Jane Harper and Gary Mc Pherson.

On Sunday I went for a training run up Mt Bealy. Then descended the scree to the river bed.

BLIND SPUR TRIP

Today I climbed Blind Spur and returned down the track on Bealy Spur. The distance was about 24.5K, walking it took just over 8 hours. Pictured is the gorge where the walk began.

These shots here are in the bush on the way up following good animal tracks. Then blind Spur, and finally the view from Pt1907, Mt Rolleston.

Just got back from a training run. Being Friday, and actually having to work most of this week (ie four days) I thought I should take things pretty easy, so set off up the Bridal Veil track, and continued up to the Temple Basin Car park, then headed up the Dobson Nature walk, continuing over the morain wall into the Otira Valley, then headed down the road to return to Arthur's Pass in 1h,8m. Looking at the map that's 10.3K but not a huge vertical gain, although the track undulates a bit. It would be a good trip when things are snowbound higher.

The picture is of the bealy Valley, with the Otira Valley on the right. Thats Mt Rolleston.

A few photos from my files over the years...

This was at my first Randonee Race in 2005, Temple Basin.

Thats Cook over there, taken on the way up to Mt Sealy.

The Top Hut on Bealy Spur, Arthur's Pass.