For Whom the Bell Tolled…

October 2007
Trip participants: Caroline Duggan, Jeremy Bray, Matthew Stevens, Maria Cassidy, Al Lowrie, Neesha, Zeke and Zack
By Merewyn Ellis

Merewyn Ellis and Joshua Groom went to check out the North Island ice climbing opportunities starting with the ultra classic Chiming Bells on Whakapapa Ski Field.

Merewyn writes:

“Most of our climbing gear is still on route from Canada, so many thanks to Caroline Duggan and Paul Grimwood for lending boots, crampons and ice screws. The route was in good form though protection proved difficult, mostly because Caro only lent us 3 ice screws and one of those was a bit battered and can only be placed using both hands!

Anyhow, we got up safely and took a long traverse down the Grand Pinnacle to Broken Leg Gully. Being very badly unfit we decided to dig our snow cave then, and after a soggy but happy night we bailed out to Tokaanu for some hot water therapy to sooth Merewyn’s very sore muscles.

Sadly we left the camera in the car, but if you are one of the three cheery Palmerston North guys who climbed after us, we would love to see your photos.”