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I've been itching to climb Taranaki again for a while but the weather has not been suitable when I've had the time. However this weekend the stars finally aligned delivering perfect conditions for a great snow climb. A recent snow fall and then a fine clear morning with virtually no wind or at least not until I got to the summit. I set out just after 4:00am by torchlight with the milky way standing out boldly stretched across the night sky. It was a beautiful morning with the dawn glow grow …

A clear, cold and stunningly beautiful day yesterday. Fresh snow on the mountain and a heavy frost. I was out pre dawn to get shots of the mountain with the southern cross low in the sky. Sunrise from port Taranaki then some bird watching at the Waiwhakaio river mouth.  Later in the day Catherine and I headed up to Taranaki for a short tramp in the fresh snow.  Beautiful views of Ruapehu and Ngauruhoe in the distance and then while we were taking a break, a friendly dunnock (hedge spar …