Mt Cupola

Rob, Jason, me and Ari on the summit of Cupola, Mt Hopeless in the background.

Mountain/Bush
Personal/Instruction
Group: Me, Ari, Rob and Jason
Location: Nelson Lakes
Conditions: Skies were fine, some cirrus appearing on day three, snow was lovely on North West slopes, becoming quite sun affected on North East slopes, old avalanche activity on this aspect.


17/7
Walked the 25km in to John Tait hut, from St Arnaud following the Lakehead track (unfortunately had to skip the Honeydew walk this time) then the Upper Travers Valley Track. Took us six hours. Tried wearing shoes in and carrying my boots, definitely better than walking in my boots, but could do with some better approach shoes.


18/7
Left John Tait at 5.20am and got to Cupola Hut by 7.20am. Left most of our stuff at the hut and got away just before 8am. Fairly straight forward climb, the snow shute the guide book recommended was at a less than ideal aspect and there was recent avalanche activity on aspects, I didn't like the feel of the snow so we climbed the rock on the left of the gully, steep and exposed but nice holds, made for fun climbing. Jason found the climbing pretty hard going, (it was his first mountain trip) and had to have a rest at the top of it, so I waited with him and Rob and Ari continued on some. The going from here was cruisey to the the ridge, though we had quite a bit more to go, but turns out that Rob and Ari were sitting on the summit looking down at us. Spent a good 20 on the summit, Ari made us a gherkin sandwich and we took some summit shots. Made our way down, the snow shute felt better so we went down this. Did some self arrest practice with Ari and Rob. Back at the hut by 2pm. Mean afternoon in the sun.

19/7

Walked out the 30km from Cupola hut. Lots of pain. Then the car wouldn't start for anything we tried. Kieran came and rescued us. Thank you Kieran, you're a super star :).