A BIG CLIMB

Evening Post, Volume CIX, Issue 56, 7 March 1930, Page 7

A BIG CLIMB

ASCENT OF KAPAKAPANTTI

BY TRAMPING CLUB'S MEMBERS

Members of the Tararua, Hutt "Valley, Manawatu, aud Levin-Waiopehu ' Tramping' Clubs assembled during the week-end for their annual combined outing, their objective being Mount Kapafcapanui, beyond Eeikorangi. Tho mountain has an altitude of 3615 feet, being slightly higher than Waiopehu. Yhe different clubs assembled on Saturday afternoon at Mr. Murphy's homostead at Eeikorangi, where tents were pitched and the parry camped for the night. The evening was spent round the camp fire, trampers combining in giving a programme of songs, choruses, and recitations, the entertainment being kept going until 11 o'clock. Rising early, breakfast was disposed •of. and the party, which numbered more than 50 trampers, started out on the day's journey at 7 o'clock. For the first three miles of the journey lady members' of the party travelled by car, after which they joined the men and the real business of the day commenced. The party consisted all told of 32 men and 22 ladies. The leader •was Mr. T. Smith, an experienced member of the Tararua Tramping Club. The beginning of the climb was amidst beautiful bush surroundings on the banks of the river, which had to bo forded by tho party half a dozen times before they could get on to the ridge. A steep and fairly consistent grade was then encountered, and there was not much in the shape of a track, the slasher having to be used frequently. Bush predominated, alternating with a tussock-like growth. The scenic value of the forest was not equal to. that of the 'Waiopehu track, or of - the track leading to Field's Hut on the way to Mt. Hector; and there was a noticeable 'absence of birds. During the ascent the party obtained one lookout over the plains and sea to the westward, but mist soon commenced to rise from the low levels and obscured ' practically all the western part of the landscape, including Kapiti Island. By the time the climbers reached the summit the whole of the country to the west-was mist-covered, and tne vapour was creeping up to the trig, though it did not actually come over the top. The climb, from the edge of the bush, had occupied 3i hours, which was considered quite satisfactory. Looking to the east, the trampers had a splendid view of Mt. Hector, the atmosphere being quite clear on that side. The Bimutakas were plainly seen, but the Tararuas were somewhat misty towards the north, though it was possible to pick out a number of the peaks. There was a fair amount of open space in the viei,nity of the trig, and members of the various clubs were soon gathered together discussing the activities of their organisations. Water was secured by digging a hole, and each tramper • was able to enjoy a small cup of tea. The only mountain flowers seen at the top were gentians, which were fully out: otherwise alpine growth was not .. in evidence. From the tree-stumps it was apparent that the had once been clothed in mountain birch. The country round about afforded good cover for opossums, and it is said that a couple, of trappers last* season ob■tained between.eight and nine hundred. On tho lower slopes the ratas were m bloom and made a very fine show, the blossoms being unusually large. The descent was commenced at 12.45 p.m., and the lower edge of the bush ' was reached before 4 o'clock. The weather throughout the day was excellent, and even on top of the mountain the temperature was high. .Sandflies were numerous in the vicinity Of ''the river, but the majority of the partywent in for a bathe, After a short Test at the over-night camping: place, the party separated to' return to thejr homes in different directions.