Traversing the Tararua Range
For Isla Ashby and Louise Hammersley, connection is more important than competition. By Leigh Hopkinson
Isla Ashby and Louise Hammersley were inspired by an all-girls’ trip in the Tararua Range. It redefined tramping as they knew it and revealed the unique dynamic of tramping together as women.
During a Federated Mountain Club Youth Expedition Scholarship, they spent 14 days traversing the two main ridgelines that run the length of the Tararua Range, from Mangahao Dam south to Jumbo–Holdsworth and north to Herepai Hut.
In essence it was two journeys for the 22-year-olds: navigating the physical landscape, and unpacking their socialisation within the male-driven norms of tramping culture.
To cement matters the pair made a short film about their trip, Traversing the Tararuas, in which they say, “We feel there is still a way to go until tramping culture is equally shaped by the particular strengths, needs and contributions of all genders.”
On the first day they both got their period. Early in the film they speak candidly about managing this, establishing from the get-go that the focus isn’t on ego or sucking it up but rather on vulnerability and connection.
The women met through Victoria University Tramping Club and clicked early on.
“It was our ability to be open about what we were going through,” says Isla. “That was important because we needed to be able to trust each other in more high-risk environments.”
Says Louise: “With Isla, I know we’re matched on what we think is a sensible idea. I can feel safe with her and her decisions.”
Twice on the trip the women decided to exit the range and wait for better weather. Such decisions weren’t made lightly, but they were made in agreement. “It was tough because we’re both quite ambitious,” says Isla. “But we did not feel safe in the weather.”
Despite their abilities, they were aware that if something went wrong they would likely be held to different standards than men.
