Random reminder

Press, 11 August 1979, Page 23

Random reminder

TAILS OR HEADS

As this is the end of Mountain, Safety Week, it may be opportune toi relate a tale within a tale concerning a tail — and a head. A few years ago, two climbers attempted to climb Mt Tasman. whirn although lower, than Mt Cook was regarded by climbers with considerable respect, although they had both climbed Cook. They left the Haast Hut shortly after midnight and it was a tough time-consuming climb to the top of the notorious Syme’s Ridge. So bv the time they had reached the top of the mountain's north shoulder, they realised that the final ridge to the summit reared up like a blue iced cake — and was just as sticky. As a result of their training, they were naturally cautious, so with mixed feelings, they agreed that they could possibly return another day as the mountain would still be there. Nor'west clouds were rapidly approaching so they descended as briskly as conveniently possible, knowing full well that the government of the day had yet to revoke the law of gravity. Several hours later one was quoted as saying that to descend Syme’s Ridge was more than a relief — it was a deliverance! Twenty-three hours elapsed before they reopened the hut door to drop their climbing gear and brew up a hot drink. The senior member of the party, for some unknown reason, did not choose his usual seat near the

candlelight, but flopped down heavily on a bench in the darkness — on top of his companion’s crampons, which unhappily were pointing upwards, as he discovered a split-second later. His remarkable display of agility, punctuated by crisp comments, startled his former friend. This was followed by remorse when he remembered vividly that his leaping companion had earlier that day, saved him from falling off an ice wall. Although the leaper's tail may have been likened to a worn dart board, the relatively blunt crampons fortunately did not draw blood. But. the vigorous way that he flung the offending hardware at the hut wall was sufficient to prompt the offender to quickly offer him more refreshments. Fortunately the victim was an affable bloke who forgave his companion, and by now he has probably forgotten the incident; they are still friends. Recently the owner of the crampons was sitting in a neighbour’s garage recalling the episode. To illustrate his friend's reaction, he leapt into the air and was forcibly reminded that the garage had a very low ceiling. He still has a lump to prove it. Should the first victim read about his tale, he may chortle about his pal’s self-inflicted retribution. The wheel of fortune had turned full circle 30 years later.