Nothing to do with climbing, skiing or hiking!

This photo was sent to us by Laurie Lindner who joined us for our first Peru Cordillera Blanca climbing trip in 2011.  Laurie was concerned that this could happen in our little town of Wanaka?   We think he's bored at work and have suggested a mountain remedy with us!! 
Enjoy!

Several guys from Peterborough, Ontario dressed up their truck with a guy tied to the roof. The driver and passengers put on Moose Head costumes. As they drove down the main street of Peterborough they caused about 6 accidents.  They were charged with Public Mischief and having open beer in a vehicle, Peterborough cops have no sense of humor.

Peru 2012

Cordillera Blanca Climbing Expedition 

with Aritza Monasterio, Andinista Adventures and Aspiring Guides

It's been over a week now since our Peru 2012 Expedition Crew  have landed back to their respective homes in Australia, New Zealand and the US.   Another great trip with a full compliment of 6 climbers - Bett Koch, Peter Upton, Steve Wyatt (AUS),  Ed Stevens, Trevor Faulknor (NZ) and Rob Henke (USA) and Ian Upton (on trek) joining us for 3 weeks in Peru. 

Our trip is run in conjunction with Andinista Adventures and Aritza Monasterio, IFMGA.  This year he was joined by Aspiring Guides, Tony Donaldson, NZMGA.     We've had  fantastic feedback from all the clients, but Rob Henke did admit to finding it hard to understand the Kiwi's and Aussies conversations once they were in full swing!     It's funny, but sometimes you forget that we all have such distinctive accents despite all speaking the same language.  

The Cordillera Blanca ("the White Corridor") is rich in mountaineering objectives and Inshinca (5530m)  Tocllaraju (6032m) and Chopicalqui (6354m) were the peaks on the hit list this year.   Here's some of the photos from the trip, and we're busy collecting more images from the group as well as those special stories that come from such great expedition.

Aritza and his team are keen to do another trip in 2013 - so make sure you drop us a line - climb@aspiringguides.com if you're keen to join us next year!

  

 

  

Skiing in NZ - the history!!

Ski film footage "gems" from the NZ On Screen Library

The NZ On Screen library is a treasure trove of NZ film history.  Check out this gem!   "Turn of the Century" made in 1987 has some amazing historical skiing footage from all our ski areas in both the north and south islands.   There are 3 clips of about 15 minutes each. If you need a laugh and you're stuck waiting for you flight in airport somewhere - definitely worth a look.

And you might like to check out who's in the credits....

More Nice ICE!!   

Waterfall Ice Climbing Course #2

The second of our ice-climbing instruction courses finished up this week.  While the Wanaka township languished under thick inversion cloud, our ice climbers, Michael Hall, Patsy Waibler, Graeme Pearson & Stephen Dolphin with Andy Cole, NZMGA enjoyed cold but sunny conditions on the Black Peak ice face.   


After a challenging day on the ice, this week's crew were able to return to the warm bunks of our private hut and the hearty cooking of Andy Cole!   Just right to restore energy levels.        


The weather map looks a bit of mess towards the end of this week.  As always, NZ Mountain conditions are always unpredictable.  Fingers crossed that we get some more precipitation and cold temperatures to keep that ice getting fatter and fatter!!

Hot Ice Climbing at Black Peak, NZ

Latest photos in from our 4 day Ice-climbing Course at Black Peak, Wanaka NZ.  The incredibly clear cold weather we've been experiencing in NZ might be sending our home heating bills through the roof....but it's meant perfect ice-climbing conditions at Black Peak.  And according to our guide Tim Steward "it's only going to get fatter!!"    

Next course starts this Friday.   Start sharpening those ice tools!!

Book your trip now. It's official, according to the Wall Street Journal it is going to be a big snow year!  As regular as the phases of the moon, every May snowstorm bring the forecasting of a great ski season.  Usually it is just the local papers but this year is particularly auspicious with the worlds premier financial journal weighing in on the side of great skiing in New Zealand.

 

http://blogs.wsj.com/scene/2012/05/04/light-snow-bodes-well-for-new-zealands-ski-season/.

 

In actual fact we have no way of knowing what kind of ski season it is going to be.  But I can guarantee one thing, if there is good snow out there, Aspiring Guides will be on it!  So if you are trying to decide whether or not to book a trip this year, go ahead, tell your family you are just following good financial advice.

Severe Weather Warning?

Change in the weather?  Not likely.

Foreign correspondent Whitney Thurlow reporting in.

My computer receives severe weather warnings whenever the NZ Met Service issue a particularly nasty weather forecast.  Sitting here in the heat of Peru I am being bombarded with severe weather warning from the South Island.   As I watch a vulture circle the desiccated remains of some poor creature that died from thirst in the desert, the words "gale force winds", "heavy rain", " snow lowering to..." seem like some remotely familiar language.  I guess extreme weather changes, or even the concept that weather can change at all is something I will just have to take the Met Service's word on.  .