ALPINE TRIP

Hokitika Guardian, 5 November 1930, Page 3

ALPINE TRIP

COAST PATTY'S SUCCESS. AY A I HO TO IlJ* K.UITAGE AND BACK. TLie round’ trip 'from Wailio over the Franz Josef Clac.er to the Hermitage via Graham’s Saddle, and back over the fcopeland Pass to the West Coast, was made recently, for the first time this season, by Miss Tean Cowie and Mr VV. Koch, of Hokitika, accompanied by Guide F. Alack, of Waiho. The first stage of tlie trip was made up the Franz Josef to the Defiance Hut, where the night was spent. The crossing of the glac.er and the stiff rock-climb up to the Aimer Hut <54500 feet)was made on the 'following morning. Here an afternoon’s ski-ing on the splendid field above the Aimer, under ideal conditions, was greatly enjoyed. An early start was made next morning for Graham’s Saddle (8759 feet), the highest pass in New Zealand. Perfect Weather favoured th s stage of the journey, but a recent ifaH of snow made the traverse of the great field above the Franz Josef slow work. The Saddle was reached about noon, and from here the party made the descent down the Rudolf Glacier, finally joining the Great Tasman, on to the Ball Hutt. The walk to the Hermitage was made on the following morning, rain overtaking the climbers at the Hooker.

The return journey was commenced on the next 1 day, the Hooker being reached in the afternoon. r ihe weather was still unsettled, but cleared at 8 o’clock the next morning, when a start was made for the Copeland Pass, wh ch was crossed in fine weather. At the Welcome Flat Hut a refreshing bath was taken in the hot springs there. The party were met by horses on the following morning and rode to the Cook river, whence they were taken by car back to Wailio, thus completing what is generally conceded to be the most interesting round trip in the Alps. The wonderful scenery at the Aimer Hut and over the rest of the route impressed the climbers, who were also loud in praise oif the assistance rendered them bv Guide Alack.