Levin Trampers On Ski-ing Trip To Chateau

Chronicle (Levin), 8 July 1948, Page 7

Levin Trampers On Ski-ing Trip To Chateau

Leaving Levirf on Friday evening iast, 14 members -of the Levin-? Waiopehu Tramping Club journeyed to the Chateau to spend the weekend ski-ing on Mount Ruapehu. However, almost continuous rain on Saturday compelled moist of the pjarty to stay indoors. A few of the more hardymembers walked out to the ski-ing grounds and snent the day with their skis under very trying conditions with sleet and snow falling on the higher slopes, aecompanied by a strong westesly wind. A previous snow storm had blocked the roadway above the Chateau with deep drifts, .these being cleared* away with graders so that cars with chains fitted couid proceed most of the way to Salt Hut on Sunday. Conditions on Saturday evening were much colder and the party was favoured with a wonderful scene on the following morning. The countryside was* blanketed with an inch of snow and the sky wp,s clear and. bright. Ngauruhoe looked at her best with a red tinted sun rising directly behind her, colouring. the steam and smoke pouring from the crater. Making the most of the fine day, the party was soon on the track to Salt Hut, where they were joined by many more ski-ing enthusiasts. Among them was a smali boy of about four years of age, who highly amused the party by turning out in a complete ski set. His ability to use the skis was soon in evidence, however, when he made . several run-s with unusual skill. By mid-afternoon many of the skiers were satisfied and willing to return to the Chateau. Shortly aftervards the party left for Levin, having spent a day wh.ich was a fitting reward to all who made the trip.