ASCENT OF MOUNT COOK.

Kumara Times, Issue 2317, 31 January 1884, Page 2

ASCENT OF MOUNT COOK.

Mr G. B. Stewart, who some months ) back made an unsuccessful attempt to make the ascent of Mount Cook from the West Coast side, has just returned from a more successful venture on the Southern side, or that by way of Albury and the Country. This gentleman visited Kumara and the Lead on the 20th of December last, and is getting up a Guide Book for travelers. He gives the following description of his trip;—We left Timaru on January 12th, the party comprising Messrs G. B. Stewart, Martin, and Anderson. The tent and provisions were packed on horses. The party made above Burke’s Pass the first night out, and camped there. In the morning we proceeded to Lake Tekapo, and thence crossed the Godley River to the Jollie River. From the latter we got a leading spur, and crossed its saddle in the Tasman, where we ascended to the summit of the Tasman Peaks, Thence we proceeded along the eastern slopes of the Tasman Peaks, occasionally getting glimpses of the West Coast from the several saddles of the Tasman Range on our course to the mountain which towered above us. We continued until we reached a bay at the summit of the Tasman Range, where we had our last camp but one prior to attacking the unconquered monarch of Now Zealand mountains. Here we found the north-;

west gales liad filled up a small ravine, about 3200 ft. from the summit of Mount Cook, with snow, thus making a kind of natural bridge, and enabling os to reach a small ridge on the northeastern side of Mount Cook. This led us by a precipitous saddle into a basin in the shape of a large bath, measuring about 21ft. long by about 9ft. with three small peaks projecting on the further side. This basin was filled with ice, as was also the large lake below at 8000 ft, elevation. This lake is sixtyfive yards long by about thirty-seven yards wide We were altogether on the ranges for nine days; the actual ascent up to the height reached (10,700 ft) occupied five days and three hours. The return journey to the camp at the Jollie Range occupied three days. The weather was very rough, mainly uor’-west winds, with heavy rain occasionally. It seems always to blow heavy near the tops of the range, and frost and cold were felt by us very much—our faces and feet especially suffered from frost. The scene from the basin already described was one of the most beautiful that could be conceived. We reached this spot at 2.50 p.m. when the weather was clear. The mists having rolled away about 4 p.m., and the sun shone out, the rays of the sun in the west shining on the innumerable peaks surround Mount Cook to the north and northeast, south and south-west, made a panorama which, for grandeur of scenery, is past all description, and certainly cannot be equalled for beauty by any other scene in the world. The numerous gigantic peaks covered with snow and glaciers on all side went to make up a scene which far outshone the world renowned scenery of the Swiss Alps. It was certainly a magnificent sight, creating a feeling of awe and admiration. In looking down with the glass on the Tasman glaciers the scene was very beautiful, and I may say that I believe there is more ice in this portion of Mount Cook than there is in all Switzerland in the dead of winter. . . , Lake Ohau, Pukiki and Tekapo and their surroundings were beautiful to see, and my ambition has been fired by the Panorama I have seen to still further persevere until I reach the top. Till then I shall not be satisfied • but hope at some future period to plant the Union Jack which I carry with me for the purpose, on the hitherto unconquered top of Mount Cook. I intend after a tour through the King Country and the wonderland of the Hot Springs, to make yet another attempt to scale Mount Cook. As information to any who may wish to explore the beauties of the mountain, I may say that they can reach Mount Cook in comfort in two days from Christchurch, making their first stage to the Burke’s Pass Hotel, where thoy will be comfortably housed and well treated by a hospitable landlord. Thence to Lake Tekapo Hotel, where the same welcome will await them. I may say that the prices charged at these hotels are exceedingly reasonable, and both Mr M'Leod, of Burke’s Pass, and Mr M'Millan, of the Lake Tekapo Hotels, are only too ready to afford any assistance to tourists. Horses can be procured if required at either of the hotels at very reasonable prices, and every courtesy is shown to travelers.