Mt Hutt and the Plains

Interesting day today. Up early, picked up a colleague, dropped her at the airport for a flight to Auckland, that I was also supposed to be on. And then off to the aeroclub for a different flight. This mornings mission, am aerial visit to the local ski areas to shoot the new snow. Little Cesssna 172 and not thinking, they of course had taken the door off to improve the photography. Not thinking, because I hadn't dressed for negative temperatures. Nor had a camera strap, gloves etc. What a wally!

Harnessed up and tethered to the plane, in case one of us fell out, we were off. 25 minutes or so later we were at Mt Hutt and did a couple of circuits. Superb day and views and just perfect shooting conditions. Albeit a little cold! 5500 ft and I'd imagine well under - 10! The off across the Coleridge Valley to Porters and another couple of circuits. Sadly both areas have had significant avalanche damage due to the heavy snowfalls and have work to do to get some lifts operational again.

Then finally back to the airport, where it was pretty funny. Got out of the plane and it felt positively warm, but was only about 4 degrees ;-)

Then back around to the other side of the airport and on a big plane, up to Auckland for a conference. A quick meeting when I got there, then the conference presentation, then out to dinner. And finally collapsing into bed at 11. Huge day and one of enormous contrasts. Super interesting.

Also a costly day, as the flight tipped me over the edge to learn to fly. Winter project ;-)

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