Gales on Girdlestone 2009

By Gerald Lanning - 5/6 September 2009

Gale force south-easterlies around the tops was the forecast, but it was a calm, crisp moonlit night when we arrived at the Mangawhero campground on Friday night. Saturday dawned fine, although the clouds of spindrift flying off Girdlestone and Tahurangi indicated that the forecast was, unfortunately, correct. Nevertheless, we battled our way up the closed ski field, forever hopeful that the wind would die away. While some sheltered in the Giant Café from the snow-blasting, Magnus H, Jim, Ian and Gerald went to play on some ice. Upon their return, discussions were had and Andrew, Magnus F and Ant decided that they would throw caution to the wind (literally) and head on up the mountain. The remainder chose to play on a frozen waterfall, about 200m east of the café.

The waterfall was still solid, on the outside at least - just enough for an audacious lead by Jim. The wind relented and the ski field opened. Things were looking up. But then Magnus H’s mobile rang. Andrew had broken his leg - falling somewhere between Tahurangi and Girdlestone. Magnus was onto the ski-patrol staff in a flash. A helicopter was arranged and we were told that we should go down the mountain. Later that evening, we were joined by Magnus F and Ant who explained Andrew’s fall while descending a relatively innocuous slope, and the subsequent rescue. They did a fantastic job caring for Andrew and arranging the rescue. A big thank you to them and Magnus H for their work in getting Andrew off the mountain safely. An even bigger thank you is in order for the efficient and effective work of the Youthtown Helicopter and ski-field staff.

Sunday dawned fine again but without the spindrift. Feeling a little ‘gun-shy’ after Andrew’s close-call, Ant, Jim, the two ‘Magni’ and Gerald decided to head up to Girdlestone by the standard route. After passing the site of Andrew’s rescue and retrieving his ice-axe (still planted securely in the ice) we reached the summit - a stunning spot with incredible uninterrupted views in all directions. A quick but cautious decent saw us safely back at the carpark.

Trip participants: Magnus Flock, Magnus Hammarsal, John Salisbury, Ian Wallace, Andrew Blair, Jim Davison, Anthony Stead, Gerald Lanning
Andrew's Ice Axe - stuck after his fall Youthtown Helicopter
Andrew being placed on the strecher for transport to the heli The Helicopter landing on the ridge between Tahurangi and Girdlestone, about 10mins before sunset.