MOUNTAIN CLIMBING

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 2, Issue 136, 15 March 1940, Page 5

MOUNTAIN CLIMBING

C TE TEKO DEVELOPS DISEASE TARAWERA TACKLED [ In Tc Teko mountain climbing appears to be developing into a disease as since the local party's sue--1 eessful assault on Mt. Edgecumbe 1 two further trips have been made. Two weeks ago the same party, with the addition of a celebrated Whakatane resident, camped up the Tarawera River valley on the Saturday night, setting out early on the Sunday morning to tramp to Lake Tarawera. The weather waa not very promising and a light rain soon set in, but nothing daunted, the climbers carried on. First Complications. The first complications set in when five of the party gently subsided into the Tarawera river when the wire hand-rail on a narrow plank gave way. There Avere touching scenes as bedraggled members of the party struggled ashore, and the last to leave the water was cheered lustily as he crawled sluggishly up the bank. He had casiS a shoe in the excitement and was bemoaning the fact of continuing his walk in bare feet, when one of the boys, who everyone knew had a thick hide anyway, generously loan Jed his own shoes so that the journey could be resumed. The river was crossed again at the base of the falls where Lake Tarawera finds its outlet,, and having climbed the slopes on the western shore and followed the river for another mile or two, the first -inn of the lake was reached at last. Quantities of lunch were disposed of here while all possible articles of clothing were removed to steam before the fire which had been lighted to boil the billy. After a short rest the party forded the shallow arm of the ];fkc, struck a good track back through the scrub, and reached the camp at ■1.30 p.m. Everyone was wet, but had thoroughly enjoyed the trip. To do or Die. ' Last week-end found the camp ; again occupied with the same party, fully determined to scale Mt. Tarawera come what may. The weather tills time Avas perfect and following : the Eastern bank of the river, lunch , time found the party on to the first slopes of the mountain Avhere all the packs avctc left* cameras only being carried on the dash to the j summit. Mt.. TaraAvera is devoid of all 1 A'egetalion on the upper slopes and the loose scoria makes climbing a. i slow and tedious business. The enthusiasm to be first to the top car- , ried everybody about half way up the steep upper slope, and then it was noticeable that members gradually took to lingering by the Avayside and taking longer and more frequent rests. The sun blazed doAvn and the climbers struggled up until at long last the summit' Avas reached. x Compensation in the View. The view of the surrounding land and the size and scarred appearance of the huge craters more than compensated for the long climb. Once again numbers of photos AA'ere taken before the return journey Avas commenced. It appears to be easy going down mountains because in less than an, hour the shore of the lake was reached. Alter freshening up, the tramp to camp Avas concluded and breaking camp at 6 o'clock, the party returned to Te Teko. A Further Rule. The lady mentioned in the report of the Mt. Edgecumbe trip Avas well insulated with safety pins this time, but as TaraAA'era is devoid, of tree stumps and stakes they Avere not called into use. Another rule for climbers has been evolved too; it pays' to keep behind the leader , of the party. This Avill be vouched > for by two of the ladies Avho strayed from the "straight and narrow" , and had the experience of toiling j up untraeked hillsides Avliile the others rested in the shade at the ( top, sucking oranges. • Mountain climbing may be a d,is- . ease and may be contagious but all < this party knows is that it has been ( bitten hard and the sensation is distinctly pleasing. j