2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007

OPERATION - YETI

Activity Type: Mountain exercise for the NCO cadets of the Squadron.

Objective: Build on knowledge gained and confirm understanding of the mountain covered in lectures.

Location and Date: Tongariro National Park 13 Aug -14 Aug. 05

Exercise Numbers: Staff: 3 NCO's: 4 Total: 7

Training -

Four options were planned for the weekend with the decision to be made closer to the weekend. By the Wednesday night we had narrowed or choices to two options of which track we would take, if we were to proceed. The weather forecast for the weekend was not good and we advised the cadets that we would; not go if the weather was not improving, consider a day walk as an alternative or choose one of our two track options.

Saturday 13-08-05

All at ATC just after 0800, van loaded, final check and we depart for Tongariro National Park via the Parapara’s. Comfort stop at Raetihi and made the decision to proceed to Whakapapaiti rather than Blyth Hut. We stopped at the shelter near Park Headquarters and while the cadets put on their wet weather gear, split up the group food and equipment, Miss Smith went and checked the latest mountain forecast.

We decided not to proceed to the ski-field and do some snow craft, but to walk into the hut while the weather still look ok. A check of the map to show the cadets where we were going, loaded the van and we drove up to the Scoria Flat car park and following a briefing on how long it would take and what we would see, the party started walking.

I returned the van down to the Chateau, and caught a shuttle back up to the cark park. Once walking a quick check on the radio to se how far ahead of me the party was. We kept in contact until I meet up with them further down the track. They had been quietly walking along stopping after 2 0 minutes for a clothing alteration as required and a snack stop. Another stop at the top of the ridge, for photos, snack and drink before descending into the Whakapapaiti Valley and onto the hut.

Arrived at hut, where Miss Smith gave the hut etiquette brief, followed by lunch. After lunch mountain radio aerial was put up and into the firewood cutting. FGOFF Frericks had to provide some instruction on how to use an axe to the two Corporals. The NCO’s thoroughly enjoyed the firewood cutting, and at the end we had an ample supply not only for ourselves but others to use after us.

Wet weather gear back on and we were going to head of for the exploration of the area and some map work and it started snowing. Snowing stopped and as we started to head of it started again. This however did not deter us and we spent the next hour and half exploring, checking the map, and the occasional icy snowball been thrown.

Tea prepared was prepared on returning to the hut and we made sure all had eaten, dishes done and benches cleaned before darkness set in. A brief on how to use the mountain radio and the service they provide was carried out before the 1830 schedule. Cpl Andrew Hatcher was our radio operator, WO Michael Campbell the scribe of the weather forecast and any other messages while the rest of us listened in. There were only two or three other parties out with mountain radios. We also confirmed a schedule for 0800 on Sunday morning.

Water on to boil to provide cold drinking water for Sunday and the NCO’s completed route guides for Sunday’s walk out. A game of cards and yahtzee followed. All in bed at around 2 100, followed soon after by a very quiet hut.

Sunday 14-08-05

All up by 0730 and breakfast under way. Everybody had a hot breakfast, and we completed the 0800 radio schedule when we learned of David Lange’s passing and the All Blacks win over Australia . Cleaned the hut, dropped the mountain radio aerial, packed our gear away and cleaned the hut.

 Final photo call outside the hut and on the track at 0930. A quiet start to the day as we walked in overcast weather towards the river crossing 2 0 minutes away. A cold, but not very deep river greeted us and once on the other side we adjusted clothing and continued down the valley, stopping for snacks and drinks breaks along the way. We were fortunate that the rain held of until we were in the bush and we continued to tramp with regular, snack and drink until we reached the road. We considered stopping for lunch, however with the weather it was decided that the regular short stops were safer for all.

Out at the road at 1300, and back to the shelter where we cooked up a hot lunch. Uplifted and loaded van, then on the road back to Wanganui. NCO’s dropped of at ATC to pick up their cars or their homes. Van cleaned van and returned to WWCT.

Report By:
SQNLDR CH Quirk, NZCF
Unit Commander

16 August 2005