Trip Report
We left Christchurch on a grey morning and drove up towards Springfield, where it was possible to see the cloud
was lifting. As we came over Porter’s Pass the sky was blue, the sun was shining and the clouds had vanished.
Thanks to Pol for making the call to go!
The group met up with Pol, our trip leader, and Kim her offsider at the Castle Hill car park, Ken and Kathy, John,
Alannah, and me (Maureen). After some discussion it was decided that with the air warm and still the icicles might
not wait so we went off to Cave Stream.
A lovely walk down the hill and there were the banks with the icicles, and the stream, also with icicles, and a
beautiful view up towards Broken River Ski field. With the small group there was plenty of ice to go around and
we soon spread out and got going. As usual, all the images will be different!
After climbing back up the hill we were all invited back to John’s beautiful new house at Castle Hill village for
lunch. What stunning views the house has, and it was so kind of John to share it with us (don’t know how he
ever drags himself away!)
After lunch, we headed off to Castle Hill and soon everyone had disappeared among the towering rocks (Did you
ever find Kim Pol?). I’ll be interested to see peoples’ images, never quite sure how to get the best from rocks!
Headed back to town late afternoon, after a great day. Thanks to Pol for organising, and to John for sharing his
house, and to all for the great company.
Maureen Pierre
Dates: Saturday 13 August (or Sun 14 depending on weather)
Trip Leader: Pol Syrett
What we will see & photograph: (snow and ice, with luck) Icicles, icy stream, limestone boulders
Accommodation: nil
Cost: nil
What to take: lots of warm clothing, boots or good shoes with excellent grip, camera gear for landscape and macro, lunch, hot drinks a good idea
Additional Notes: Meeting time and place to be arranged
More details on the
Forum or email/phone Pol directly