A TRIP UP MOUNT EGMONT.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 1202, 15 March 1895, Page 14

A TRIP UP MOUNT EGMONT.

(By our Stratford Correspondent.) The month of March is the favourite for tonvists to make the ascent of Mount Egmont. It is sometimes attempted in February, but' usually there is then too much snow for the summit to be attained. In March there is the least amount of snow, the air is clear, the weather usually fine, and the tracks are at their best. There are several good tracks up the mountain; our party chose the one approached'by the Pembroke road, which is an admirable one, six miles long, with prosperous homesteads and verdant fields on either side, and the grand old mountain rising gloriously with all its manifold tints and cloud effects. The six miles ride through the bush is usually not a rapid one. It necessitates frequent ducking and dodging and manoeuvring, and the lovely ferns and the strange unusual appearance of the bush as one gets higher and higher keeps the mind occupied and interested all the way, though, however large your party, you can only ride in single file, which is not conducive;to conversation. Emerging from the close bush to the open camping ground, it is best. to. rest awhile, and partake of the refreshments which have been brought: Then comes the work of the day. Ascending the track, we soon cometo the Crow's Nest, a broad, low tree, easy to clamber into* and from which a most magnificent ' view ia obtained. Up the track, on, on, and warm we go, glad to stop now andNfcsrb to rest and look back at ifche grand view over a wide track of county, and the sea and coastline on both sides. Upon, reaching the moss line we halted to admire the soft., thick carpet of moss, all studded with starry flowers, the 'magnificent gorges, and ridges, ana the purple peak, all jotted with stones and ‘ boulders, rising ~as it seemed sheer above us. point the ascent becomes excessively steep, and even dangerous*. Those who wish to reaoh the yerv top would .do well to spend the first, tnight at the camping ground,, and start fresh and earlv in : the morning, arrayed •in convenient mpuntaineering garb, lhe Hovelmese of the f scene, and the pure inwigorating air are well worth the trouble *nd effort jiivolved. .There are parties camping on' the? mountain for a fortnight at a time, >aM they return home invigorated - and strengthened beyond expectation. It-is a heathy sensation and enjoyment which .no one should miss who can .possibly accomplish it. Betuvning home, our horses, far from being -wearied, wanted to gallop all the way to Stratford, and our laige party separated, with many resolves f /to go up- the mountain again and so much was the trip enjoyed by ail. ■ • •' ''