TRAMPERS RETURN

Wairarapa Times-Age, 21 August 1939, Page 7

TRAMPERS RETURN

HOLIDAY AT NATIONAL PARK

SNOW, HAIL AND RAIN.

Organised by the Manawatu Tramping Club, a party of eighteen trampers spent a most enjoyable ten days holiday at the Tongariro National Park, where they occupied the Tongariro Group of the Whakapapa Huts.

The weather throughout was not too favourable. Everyone had to walk over a quarter of a mile through two inches of snow and in driving rain to reach the huts. On Saturday morning the party made off for Salt Hut and the ski grounds, 44 miles away. The bus was able to travel nearly three-quart-ers of a mile along the road and then, owing to the depth of snow, it had to turn back and for the remainder of the period the road was snowed under to a depth of. in places nearly four feet, necessitating walking the wholedistance. Late on Saturday night heavy snow started to fall and did so continuously till Monday morning. At an altitude of 5,100 ft on Sunday a severe blizzard was experienced by the party and at the same time a rapid drop in temperature occurred till the mercury stood at 14 degrees below freezing point. The fire at Salt Hut was well crowded round that day. The conditions were even worse on Monday and not even a guide left the Chateau. Tuesday saw the tramping party alone reach the ski grounds and they were really fortunate to enjoy nearly three hours good skiing, although through low clouds and mist visibility was limited to 50 yards at the outside. Through a rift in the clouds the peak of Ruapehu was visible for a few minutes. This was the only' time during the stay that the summit was sighted. Thursday again proved an indoors day. a few of the party enjoying tobogganing no further away than a quarter | of a mile from the Chateau.On Friday another blizzard, with snow and hail, was experienced while crossing Scoria Flat on the way' to Salt Hut but undeterred the party kept on, hoping that the conditions would be bettor higher up. The rain had spoilt all the snow and even with the fastest of wax on the ski no speed could be obtained. A few of the party spent some time in helping the staff to dig out the drift snow from round Salt Hut. The depth of snow can be realised when it is known that a good ski run could bo obtained by standing on top of the ridge of Salt Hut and making straight out for the fiats, while tin telegraph pole was under the snow, lhe last day, Saturday, broke fine and dear and hopes were again raised Loaded with food and cameras the party set out again for Salt Hut. Abou' a mile had been traversed when snow and rain again fell heavily. At Salt Hu the conditions were a bit belter though visibility was still limited to about 100 yards. Although fast skiing was impossible some excellent practice at turns etc, was obtained on the more gentle slopes. At 11 p.m. eighteen happy but tired Hampers joined the train and made for home. Mrs C. Torr, Miss V. McKenzie and ' Mr G. C. Gaze, members of the Waßj rarapa Tramping Club, and countiy | members of the Manawatu Trampin;’,; Club, were in the party. ,