Summer in the south

While the North Island of New Zealand has been battered by storms and floods we have enjoyed spells of great summer conditions in the Southern Alps. We enjoyed sun on warm granite in the Darren mountains on multi-pitch slab climbs beneath snow capped peaks; camping up high with friends; making a snow a sculpture on Gertrude Saddle; rock climbing on the peaks of The Remarkables; paddling up crystal clear pools of the Bourke River gorge; fishing for trout and salmon and sharing our love for the mountains and crags with new friends just learning to climb.

Philippa is growing much of our food in her garden and orchard, and the bellbirds are feeding on honey water she puts out for them. She is busy preserving food for winter. Her latest paintings are being exhibited.

The trees are turning and we have had our first hint of frost. I have been working on a sculpture commission and laying plans for future work and adventures.

Shotwell Slabs in the Darren Mountains