DESCENT INTO CRATER

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 9, Issue 88, 19 June 1946, Page 5

DESCENT INTO CRATER

EXPERIENCES ON MOUNT RUAPEHU TAURANGA CLIMBER The most recent descent into the crater of Ruapehu was made recently by Mr I. Mackersey, of Auckland and Mr Gwilym Jones, of Tauranga. Considerable difficulty was experienced in finding a suitable spot from which the descent could be made. The place chosen was a steep ice cliff into which deep steps had to be made to ensure a good foothold. It took the two climbers half an hour to make the descent and after doing so, great caution had to be taken as it was found that recent snows had not frozen enough to bear the weight of the two men. Several times they found themselves up to their waists in crevases filled with thick warm mud. The Tauranga man ventured to the edge of the steaming lake but found he could stand for only a short time in the same position without sinking knee deep into the dark grey mud. Clouds of steam rose continually and at times the wind brought to the two men strong sulphur fumes. Though visibility was poor, many camera shots were taken.

After spending two hours in the crater the two men decided to take the ridge leading down to the Ohakune hut where they intended to stay the night. Increasing darkness, however, found them unable to find the poles indicating the route and after a continuous search with torches for well nigh four hours they decided to camp the night on a most uncomfortable site of scoria and mountain boulders. Heavy rain and sleet fell during the night but the morning gave promise of a fine day. After breakfast the two men set off and at 11 o’clock the poles were seen indicating the route from Ohakune hut to the Chateau via Lake Surprise. Taking this course the men found the going exceptionally rugged and very mountainous. The longest stop was made by Lake Surprise. The Chateau was not reached till after 10 o’clock thus giving the men only an hour to cycle to National Park station to catch the train for their respective homes.