YOUNG MOUNTAINEERS

Southland Times, Issue 22489, 25 January 1935, Page 4

YOUNG MOUNTAINEERS

ASCENT OF REMARKABLES. FOURTEEN-HOUR CLIMB. Last Sunday morning a party of four, Misses J. Rabbidge (Glenham) and D. Milligan (Kawarau Falls station) aged 13 and 14 respectively and Messrs S. Stevenson (guide) and S. Waldron, both of Kawarau Falls Station, set off to climb the Remarkables. It was a very strenuous climb to the top of the first ridge, which was reached at 7.30 a.m. (two and a-half hours after the start). Here a light refreshment was enjoyed, and after taking in the awe-inspiring view of the Wakatipu district—Lakes Hayes, Diamond Lake, the Kawarau Dam, the quaint old mining village of Arrowtown, and the well-known tourist resort of Queenstown the party set off for Lake Alta.

Unfortunately there was a cold wind blowing, but as it was easier tramping along the top, Lake Alta was reached at 10 a.m., several photographs being taken on the way. After enjoying a welcome lunch and a rest the climbers set off at 11.15 a.m. for the summit of the Single Cone. This strenuous climb requires strong nerves and considerable strength and skill. The party reached the top of the Cone at noon. Several times the strong cold wind almost caused loss of balance, and the four were, unfortunately, unable to proceed to the Double Cone. A fine view was obtained of the Manorburn Dam (Ophir township), Mount Aspiring, Mount Earnslaw, Lake Hawea- and the sea, and had there been no fog in the distance it would have been possible to see Mount Cook. The descent was made with difficulty, as the wind was blowing in guests, bringing with it a little snow. The downward journey was. started at 2 p.m. Brown’s Cave was found downstream on the left shore of Lake Alta. Here we discovered a broken-handled pick, and two crowbars. After another light snack the party tramped on. About a dozen keas were found, Mr Stevenson killing one by attracting it with a brightly coloured handkerchief and knocking it down with his stick. The others were too timid to come very close. By the time the ridge was reached the four climbers were wet through. At last home was reached at 7 p.m., after a slippery and slightly dangerous descent. Although the weather had dampened the clothes of the party considerably it had not dampened their spirits by any means. All unanimously agreed that the 14-hour climb had been well worth while; the height attained was 7800 feet above sea level. The two girls of the party are the youngest girls yet known to have climbed the Remarkables.