From the col between Glencairn and Peak 2385, traverse the delicate ridge
over the multiple peaks of 2385, and descend to the north toward Glenisla.
Winter conditions help bind the loose rock together on the ridge. A lengthy
winter climb.
We climb on the east of the ridge up pleasant mixed ground. Easy going broken
regularly by small two to four metre rock steps. Cold fingers scraping snow
off unseen holds. The rope comes out a few times and there are some
surprisingly hard moves. Our hearts quake when we have to cross a 25cm wide
powder snow arête for five metres. We try to carefully compact steps without
destroying the delicate structure we are standing on. 'If you fall, make sure
you fall left,' I call to Al, as I'm standing on the right to belay. Somehow
this doesn't seem to reassure him all that much.
Sam Bosshard, New Zealand Alpine Journal, 1992.
- P1
- Alpine (Mt Cook) 2