by tasadam » Tue 23 Oct, 2007 5:14 pm
I did Frenchmans myself one time, when I was younger.
I wouldn't hesitate doing it again but only because I know I've got the right gear, I wouldn't go if the forecast was iff'y and I've been there 3 times before.
When I went by myself was between Christmas and New Year early 90's. When I was at Tahune hut I was by myself, the next day I found out there were 29 people in Vera hut. At least I was first up the mountain.
Also I remember looking out the window of the hut and seeing over the helipad and being able to see the whole valley with the view, but when I was there in Feb '05 there was no view at all, incredible all the vegitation that had grown.
I would recommend doing a 3 night walk, 1st day to Vera, then half day to Tahune and half day to climb the mtn if weather permits, next day half day to climb the mtn if weather permits then back to Vera, then out on 4th day - this plan gives you 2 chances to climb if the weather is right. Or you could just as well make it 5 days and have a whole day to kick about at Tahune, climbing the mtn, and enjoying what truly is a wonderful place, also giving you a very leisurely whole day to get to Tahune, indeed it took us a whole day in Feb 05 as we had our cameras out, and we were weighed up with plenty of supplies - did the 7 day circuit. Photos in another post in the gallery.
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