HOLIDAY TRAMPING.

Shannon News, 25 January 1929, Page 3

HOLIDAY TRAMPING.

ARDUOUS TRIPS UNDERTAKEN COMBINED PARTY INCLUDING LADIES ASCEND MT. DUNDAS. TARARUA TRAMPERS MAKE FOR MASTERTON, Except that snow has not been reported, real winter weather has prevailed on the Tararuas since the end of last, week, but it was not sufficient to extinguish the mountaineering spirit, and “Exeelsior” might well have been the motto of the two parties of trampers who entered upon expeditions from the base constituted by the Pipe Bridge at Gladstone Road. A private party, comprising members of the Tararua, Levin-Waiopehu and Manawatu Tramping Clubs, made an ascent of Mt > Dundas (4935 ft); and a party from the Tararua Tramping Club set out to cross the range to Masterton.

The private party, which consisted of Misses Bass, Macpherson and Pascoe, and Messrs Wilson, Gapper, Milroy and iHnes, left the Pipe Bridge at 5.20 p,m, on Saturday, their original intention being to cross the Tararuas to Eketahuna, via Mt. Dundas. As the boisterous weather prevented early starts and the trampers’ time was limited, they had to alter their plans, with the result that their journey was bounded by the top of Dundas. Some time was- spent in exploring the upper Maagahao gorges, the ladies of this party being the first ladies to do so. Camp was pitched at 7.5 p.m. on Saturday, at the Blackwater Forks. WET AND COLD CONDITIONS-

At 5.15 a.m. on Sunday the journey was resumed, and the top of Deception Ridge was reached at 8.40 a.m. On the wav it was fojnul that- kakas were numerous, giving ground for the hope that this attractive native bird is holding its own. Fog came on, and the weather gradually grew worse. The party gained Avalanche Clearing at 9.40," and a hot meaUwas prepared. The fog gave way to rain, but at 11.20 the trampers pushed on, and the bush-line camp was passed at 12.25 p.m. By the lime Triangle Knob was reached, 2.30 p.m t , it was very wet, with a strong wind and cold, thick fog, and the party were compelled to camp under somewhat trying conditions; They were amongst the leatlierleaf, and it took an hour and forty minutes to clear the ground and erect tents. The lady members were in good spirits, despite the hard nature of the trip, in which they had proved themselves to be stayers, DUNDAS SCALED. On Monday breakfast was partaken of at 3.30 a.m. The weather conditions had only slightly improved, but it was decided to climp to the top of Mt. Dundas and return to Avalanche Clearing. The ascent was successfully made, this being the third occasion on which It had been done by ladies. Mrs Brocket!, of Masterton, reached the summit several years ago, and Misses Vile and Slipper, of the Tararua Tramping Club, did the same in February of last year.

Returning to Triangle Knob, the party struck camp at 9.50 a.m # . They reached the bush-line camp at 11.20, and met the Tararua Tramping Club’s party, who were making for Dundas. Half an hour after noon the party coming out were at Avalanche Clearing, where they had a meal and dried -their clothes and tents.

SOME NEW COUNTRY. The returning trampers left at 3.15 p.m., for the Mangahao head forks, which were reached at 4.10. Then they travelled for a mile up the right branch of the Mangahao, between the spur to Mt. Dora and the Tararua main range. The side-trip was rvell worth the time spent on it, as it took the travellers into new country, where they found magnificent scenery. They arrived back at Avalanche Clearing at 6,20 p;.m., had a big meal, and enjoyed the camp fire till about 10 p.m. After camping at the Clearing, the trampers left at 6.30 a.m. on Tuesday for the Pipe Bridge. Heavy fog was encountered when descending to the bush-line camp. A stop was made at the Blackwater Creek at 11 a.m. for lunch, and the Pipe Bridge was reached at 2 p.m. The excursion was an enjoyable one throughout, notwithstanding'the rather adverse weather. Although the air was chilly, the water in the rivers was warm, this being the case even in the Mangahao, which is usually a very cold stream. Incidentally the high-level track cut last year along the Ohau proved a great convenience, and when the short length to the Blackwater junction is completed it will provide a great attraction for visitors / who wish to spend a day among the foothills. Experienced members of the party were greatly impressed by the endurance and steady purpose shown by the ladies, with whom it was a real pleasure to make the journey.

TARARUA CLUB EXPEDITION

The organised party from the Tararua Tramping Club consisted of eight, of whom three were ladies, and the leader was Mr S. G. Macintosh. Their intention was to travel via Mts. Dundas and Girdlestnnc to Mitre Peak and Flats, on route' for Masterton. Leaving the Pipe Bridge at 5 p.m. on Saturday, they camped at Tongue Flat. The next night’s camp was at Avalanche Clearing, and on Monday they arrived at the bush-line camp at 11.25 a.m. and met the private party t The Tararua party pushed on for Mt. Dundas, but the weather was evidently against them, for they returned to the bush-line camp, which they reached at 7 p.m. From Littl'c Triangle they exchanged coo-ees with the private party, who were at Avalanche Clearing. After camping at the bush-line on Monday night, the Wellington trampers were evidently about to make another attempt at the crossing. At 5 a.m. on Tuesday they again exchanged coo-ees, from Little Triangle, with the

incoming trampers. A heavy fog was then descending, and rain followed. AN EASTER CROSSING PROPOSED In all probability a party from the Tararua. Club will endeavour to cross the range from the Levin side at Easter, with Eketahuna as their objective.