67 year old Wellington Rocker ticks the 3 classics

The Central Couloir on Douglas Peak saw an early September ascent by Alex Palman, Bruno Geldermans and Neil Hickman.  With ice conditions being more like frozen snow the tooling was great but the protection offered “gripping” leading with poor protection.  It also meant a long, cold descent on the north side to give the team a full 18 hour day.  This climb gave Neil ascents of the three classics, the Balfour Original Route on Mt Tasman, Heaven’s Door on Mt Hicks and Douglas Peak all in his “retirement” years.  At 67 years he reports there was to be no turning back on Douglas – he was fast running out of time.

Hickman, Douglas

Alex and Bruno keeping up appearances on the South Face of Douglas. Photo: Neil Hickman