The problems on the way up seem much larger when one doesn't have the form!! , Contemplating various routes up Mt Sibbald with Ashley over Easter.

Getting Back into it.

With the summer season winding down on the Heaphy track it was time to start getting back into some more serious training again , especially in view of a proposed mission in China during July. High time it proved, as strolling through the Heaphy several times apparently left me over weight and out of shape. Going alone on the familiar Mt Chittenden was Ok but heading up the more serious Mount Sibbald with most of last years regulars was certainly a gut busting experience. The effect of gravity trying to go up a mountain with others whilst being out of shape turned it all into a rather daunting day. Pulling up at the rear of the group constantly accentuate's the higher one gets until the summit is out of reach , at least for me as most others in our large party of 8 made it up in not the easiest of conditions.

That was a big incentive to start training again now that the guiding is over although not until I had been with family on a quick trip around the South Island during the school holidays this last week of April.

The multi talented Ben and Jos , future partners on the planned China mission in July - going to have to train hard to get up to these guys level!!

Ben and Jos on the summit of peak 2285 with Mount Sibbald behind.

Standing on the same peak trying not to grimace -  but already suffering with the attempt on Sibbald just two days off. — Standing on the same peak trying not to grimace - but already suffering with the attempt on Sibbald just two days off.

At the Tarn as the mountain lakes are called here.

View of Mount De Archaic, somewhat of a twin of Sibbald in the distance.

descending  on rubble with Ashley — descending on rubble with Ashley

We biked up to the peak , and had a roaring tailwind out , luckily as Ashleys rear derailleur snapped off but he managed to free wheel out.

Climbing up , a cloud encapuslated view of the valley below.

Looking at a snowless Chittenden from across the valley  while I was attempting an exploration of a high path across to 2142. — Looking at a snowless Chittenden from across the valley while I was attempting an exploration of a high path across to 2142.

The bike was transport and the Rainbow road in good repair making for an easy entry and exit.

Travelling South on Holiday ,  the Seaward Kaikorasu rise out of the Pacfic. Its many years since I went on this road and it was a really spectacular drive. — Travelling South on Holiday , the Seaward Kaikorasu rise out of the Pacfic. Its many years since I went on this road and it was a really spectacular drive.

Heading along Lake Pukaki to Mount Cook (centre picture) National park

The ice clad Eastern face of Mount Sefton , one of the most spectacular mountain sights in New Zealand.

Hanging out with family - Aleksander, Marco, Isabelle, Leo and myself in the Octagon , Dunedin. Leigh on the far right , is one of my oldest friends and a most entertaining companion from cycle racing days. He greeted us just 10 days after a ki… — Hanging out with family - Aleksander, Marco, Isabelle, Leo and myself in the Octagon , Dunedin. Leigh on the far right , is one of my oldest friends and a most entertaining companion from cycle racing days. He greeted us just 10 days after a kidney transplant and is recovering well.

Leo cooking Kumaras (New  Zealand sweet potatoes)  and sausages while camping — Leo cooking Kumaras (New Zealand sweet potatoes) and sausages while camping

Getting back into it!!