![](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/a0cb73edb43d1329e44146c1f57c542d/e6612c00-1367-4886-bcc1-c9ca435f1901_rw_1920.jpg?h=ce0e7742f0babe0edffab428917887d2)
Sooji leads the way up the Matukituki
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Don't think I've ever seen these fungi before.
![](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/a0cb73edb43d1329e44146c1f57c542d/e1bec2ed-51c0-49ea-b271-1af85c18313e_rw_3840.jpg?h=cd6b86e6f55d076eaea156c8ec46fcdd)
It really is an amazing part of the world
![](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/a0cb73edb43d1329e44146c1f57c542d/9f8e5513-91c0-40cb-ac70-88fef039d174_rw_3840.jpg?h=b5d3397a7b3d468edefc8afb5ab93079)
First light just as we reach the base of the SW ridge
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Looking ahead to where we are going
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Sam on the summit
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Summit selfie - this might not be the best photo but given who I last shared this mountain top with, and how long I've tried to get back here to make a new memory, this photo is probably the most important one of the trip.
![](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/a0cb73edb43d1329e44146c1f57c542d/69dba04f-e32c-4105-80e7-8125cd19fd4f_rw_3840.jpg?h=f27df6a2efcb3358c4aa292c1197dc91)
Sooji on the summit, making tea! What a great day.
![](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/a0cb73edb43d1329e44146c1f57c542d/148d842e-0c81-45d3-920c-f0d4933865e9_rw_3840.jpg?h=31eaa0f8a106aeedd73bf4fcfd2368f2)
Descending the ridge
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Sam and Sooji chilling out while I take my time
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Tititea in all it's glory
![](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/a0cb73edb43d1329e44146c1f57c542d/f702917e-a3f8-4204-b831-814900b7a537_rw_3840.jpg?h=ba21d521e6de3524dffc0b7f92dd5f8b)
Patterns in the snow on the Bonar
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A last look back
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Sooji has located her snowshoes and is digging them out, with whatever tools she can lay to hand, I believe the snowstake finally found a use. We are drinking more tea and providing moral support.
![](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/a0cb73edb43d1329e44146c1f57c542d/710652b8-c54d-4909-809b-b069ed559b70_rw_3840.jpg?h=865b34a5d82420b074f5311ee1541b24)
Ok one more quick black and white from the Quarterdeck
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Sun getting low in the sky as we prepare to make our way back down French Ridge
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Sunset on French Ridge
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Hut life with Sam
![](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/a0cb73edb43d1329e44146c1f57c542d/748f8e85-26fa-44e9-aeda-1f3601e09d59_rw_3840.jpg?h=2017424e34930d7cc28d753eeb9af677)
Tarn yoga with Sam on the walk out
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A last glimpse
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A classic Aspiring Hut and Matukituki view