Levin Trampers Climb Egmont

Chronicle (Levin), 9 June 1949, Page 7

Levin Trampers Climb Egmont

Thirty-seven trampers, 14 from the Massey College Tramping Club, and the remainder from Levin, travelled to North Egmont on Friday, camping for the weekend at the Camp House. Leaders of the climbing parties were Messrs A. H. Hines, president of the Tararua Tramping Club, and N. M. Thomson, president of the Levin-Waiopehu Tramping Club. An attack on the summit was made on the Saturday, but the frozen snow made step cutting a slow and rrduous task and the attemnt wss abandoned at about 1000 feet beiow the summit, time being against the party. Sunday morning found another party attempting the climb, this bime with more success, as the steps cut by 'the first party were used for a considerable distance. As on he first day, ice axes and ropes were eniploy^d by the c imbers soon after leaving the Tahurangi Hut. The view was perfect up to approximately 2000 feet, but thereafter heavy mist obscured the panorama below. ' A halt was made at Crater Valey, just below 'the summit. The ascent was comp'eted in about five hours, good time under the circumstances. After a few- minutes' rest, the party made the return journey, arriving back at about 3 p.m., tea "being served to the climbers by Taranaki Alpine Club members. On the Monday another party of 14 went on a short climb on the mountain and instruction on snow climbing was given- new and less experienced members. The complete party left by bus and other transport for Levin on Monday afternoon, arriving back at night.