I had an overnight trip to Mt Feathertop in Victoria with an old friend John Gertsakis who I depended on for backcountry smarts, this being my first trek above the snow-line. It was an awesome trip, perfect weather, a beautiful location, fresh spring snow on the reasonable base and good company. Photos by John.

Part of the impetus for the trip is my new fascination with mountaineering — the skills and equipment. This is a whole new class of gear to fixate on! As usual it got me designing straight away and I took a prototype to trial. Will be in the workshop this avo modifying it to version 2.

Lots of fun stuff to learn, had a go at self arrest which felt like the alpine version of body surfing on a sunny day and easy slope, an important skill to have in more serious terrain.

Now just need to work out what to do about living too far away from mountains!