MOUNT HECTOR TRACK

Dominion, Volume 14, Issue 121, 15 February 1921, Page 3

MOUNT HECTOR TRACK

CROSSED IN 101 HOURS. On Sunday last the Mount Hector track was crossed in the record time of 101 hours. A party of five, made up of Mr. W. R. Ruesling, of Otaki Forks, and four members of the track party, Messrs. P. M. Brooker, Douglas J. Brown, D. M. Dickson, and L. A. Jones, set out from the Forks at 4.20 a.m. on a oueday crossing. This is the first time that the track has beln crossed in a day from the Otaki side; though only last week a record trip was made from Greytown by Professor Wilson and D R. Hoggard of Wellington, who accomplished the trip in ltd hours. The day turned out sharp and cleat, and the trip to Table Top was a positive delight, with the sunrise appearing acres.' the range. After a spell at the stu dents’ camp for breakfast, the party pushed on up the now almost completed track to Mount Dennan, then on to Mount Hector (7.50 a.m.), where the most glorious view in the Wellington district is obtained. The ranges on all sides are a beautiful sight, while away ahead Ruapehu thrusts its snow-clad crown abovs tho intervening ranges. The Taranaki Bight also shows itself in a wide sweep, along the Otaki beach, and beyond, until Mount Egmont is visible, a single cone rising from the plains. Away to the west Kapiti Island stands clearly against the sea, and further away the South Island, with the sounds plainly outlined. The Kaikouras present a vision which in itself is worth the trip, especially when the party are fortunate, enough to see Mount Tapuaenuku, the highest jrnint in the range. Nearer at hand, along tho Hutt Valley, lies our own city, Wellington, set between the harbour and the hills. The Wairarapa may be seen, with the lake showing up beautifully in the morning sun, and Palliser Bay, with the surf breaking on the sands. From Mount Hector the party continued along the track to Mount Alpha, which was reached at 9.5. A short distance down the track is the Alpha Hut, a very convenient stopping-place for such as wish to take more time over the trip. The next point reached is Omega, ' after which the track descends to the Tauherenikau River, after passing through some of the finest scenery on the route. After reaching tho river a stiff climb is found in Mount Reeves, up which, however, a finely-graded track has now been cut. On leaving the top. the way leads off down the ridge until it reaches open country above Woodside, ending finally at Bassett’s Hut,-where the narty finished their journey in good time at 2.35. The time for the trip was 10} hours, a record crossing; but for ordinary travelling it is advisable to take two or three days. The actual walking time of the trip was 81 hours, the various times being as follow Left Forks at 4.20 a.m. Arrived at Track Party Camp at 6.5 a.m. Track Party Camp at 6.25 a.m. Arrived Mount Hector at 7.50 a.m. Left Mount Hector at 8 o’clock. Arrived Alpha' Hut at 9.30 a.m. Left Alpha Hut at 9.45 a.m. Arrived-tit Tauherenikau Hut at 11.15 a.m. Left Tauherenikau Hut at 12.15 p.m. Arrived Bassett’s Hut at 2.35 p.m. On leaving the Forks Mr. D. Corrigan was advised as to the time of departure, and,on arrival at Bassett’s Hu.f Mr. Brebender was communicated with, and each time thus certified.