SAFA Skysailor Magazine

20 SKY SAILOR May | June 2024 Skippers and Coronet with the possibility of a ride out, or a 10km hike up a very rough steep trail to Vangaurd and relaunch and try to fly out! Surety won, I hiked a couple more hours to get a lift with the Shotover Rafting buses back to Skippers Saddle. By this time I had discovered Victor Lodge at Coronet Peak, my refuge 200m from launch with easy access to the lift, full facilities and a fire to keep the cold at bay. After a bit more sweat, and a short hitch ride, I was ‘home’. I was then joined by my good friend Phillip Mansell, and the realisation that New Zealand weather is more miss than hit! My dream run of flyable days was short but sweet. We optimistically headed a bit further north to Lake Ohau with an aim to launch from the ski fields – but found only a locked gate whose keys were held at the local lodge. We were advised the condition of the road wasn’t suitable for our rental, so we camped, hiked, and had a lovely evening being eaten by sandflies with a gorgeous view of Mt Cook. Another friend from my comp days, Louis, who had kindly hosted me earlier, was doing his best to educate me on interpreting the weather for local conditions when he spied an opportunity to fly from a different location. Lindis Pass A small group of us – eight or nine total – headed to Lindis Pass, a hike & fly launch on our way home. This was my first real hike & fly – with all my kit, and a total ascent of only 350m. I soon learnt how hard it was to hike with my kit up to launch. Whatever meagre training I’d done had not been enough! The young and fit marched uphill like it was a walk in the park, the oldies, Louis, Phillip and I, sweated it out. I settled for a launch way lower than the young guns who’d hiked to the top and set up to go. Launching on a steep, tufty hill has its challenges. Louis missed his first, so off I went and soon finding a climb up to the others at the top. Several of whom were having issues launching as it was cross for them – the extra height gained hiking seemed a handicap. Young Frenchman Charles was already on his way. Louis had mentioned getting to the range to the east, so I headed that way, but then struggled. Others were having similar issues, those still on launch couldn’t get away. A New Zealand adventure – Part 1