A TRIP TO OLD MAN ROCK

Otago Witness, Issue 3594, 30 January 1923, Page 50

A TRIP TO OLD MAN ROCK

(Contributed by K. H.) A resident of Alexandra, wishing to give his Dunedin visitors a treat, organised a trip to the Old Man ltock at the top of the Old Man Range. Mr Croft, driving his motor lorry, with thirty-five passengers aboard, left Alexandra at. 6.30 a.m. on one of the lovely days enjoyed in Otago Central. After a drive of about six miles past smiling orchards and over creeks, they arrived at Blackman’s Gully, where they had morning tea, and prepared for the climb. Here they were met by the guides, and Mr Hawley took charge of the party, who set out on foot. Mr Andrew Iversen and Mr H. Forrest provided six horses, and, riding and climbing in relays, the party reached the hut of a lonely miner named K. Proffet, who was delighted to welcome them. no quickly boiled his billy and regaled them with tea, and also showed them his gold claim. Fortified with the tea which the kind old miner had so gladly dispensed, the visitors set. off for the real climb up over rocks and down almost precipitous gullies. Here and there were clumps of lovely native plants (foremost amongst which was a beautiful specimen of mountain daisy), veronicas, violets, and hyacinths. Owing to the kindness and experience of the guides the climb was made as easy as possible. When the party arrived at the Old Man Rock a most beautiful view was obtained of the Remarkables. Looking away to the west one could see the snow-clad peaks of Mount Aspiring, and nearer was to be seen Mount Pisa, with its white cap shining in the sun. Down through the gorge a glimpse of Invercargill could be caught, while Fruitlands seemed to lie just beneath one’s feet. In the gullies the snow lay deep and white in great contrast to the blazing sun overhead. It was very cold on the mountain. The climb was very rough. After a trip through gorges and over rocks and tussocks the tired but happy party arrived back at Blackman's Gully. The climb and return journey took pine hours. Tea was ready, having been prepared by the ladies, who had not ventured the climb, and full justice was done to it. In the party who made the climb were five young ladies, whose combined ages amounted to only seventy-two years, the youngest being a girl of eleven. All agreed that tie trip was well worth while. After giving three hearty cheers for the guides the party set off by motor for Alexandra, which was reached at &JA p.m.