Not quite Australia Day 2009 (we pre-empted the event by 24 hours) but nonetheless close enough to be carrying Australian flags. The expedition involved trekking to Base Camp on the shores of Lake Jindabyne, where we immediately set about planning the route, ensuring that provisions were sufficient, and that our equipment was in order...
Now pay attention folks! (at least the map was the right way up) |
Closing eyes in desperation, Ivan hopes that people know what to do |
Geoff appeared to be taking greater interest than most |
Discussion ensued. Jim ponders the wine list instead. |
Ivan dials up a weather forecast but mistakenly orders pizza |
Rob attempts to refill his beer bottle with Jedi knight mind control |
Geoff expresses his concerns over the position of the BBQ |
Jim absorbing page 12 of the wine list. The shiraz looks promising. |
The chefs cook invisible meat to a crisp on the BBQ |
Mike toying with the imaginary sausages, whilst others supervise |
Meanwhile, in the kitchen, wine is flowing (and Pip is speeding) |
Jen asking if the imaginary meat is cooked - Geoff and Brian taste test |
Jen demonstrating that she isn't the slightest bit concerned |
Geoff finally discovers that imaginary meat won't feed the crew |
Non-imaginary meat discovered and thrown into action - all is well |
Carol, in deep contemplation, prepares for the trek |
Jim's wine list choices were impeccable, as was the food |
(since we forgot to smile in the previous photo) |
(since I forgot to photoshop myself in - pixellated to look fake...) |
The ladies danced all night. Alex and Jen in full swing. |
Rob, Jim and Ivan hum a few tunes, Jen warns of noise pollution laws |
The trek begins! |
The expedition is ready for the day. It was time to ascend! |
Jenny and Pip scout for possible routes, others pose for media |
The photographer poses for the photographers |
Tense moments whilst we waited for the weather to clear |
Mike herds the crew into position - almost ready to go! |
The first pitch was steep, but the right equipment made it look easy |
Necia, Jenny and Pip ascend the first pitch and discuss options |
The top ledge required fine balance and a head for heights |
Chair 19 handle the difficult ledge with aplomb |
Chair 20 anticpating the jump |
Expedition gear at the ready, the team treks past |
Chair 21 leaping in style, well between the cones |
Geoff practises his dance moves on the way out |
Our support crew were ill-equipped for the conditions |
Happy smiling faces (as you'd expect at the start of the trek) |
Pip pointing out the fact that we have to walk behind the sign |
As you can see, the Trundles like to point |
The crack direct ascent team heads out |