NIGHT ON RANGES.

Taranaki Daily News, 23 June 1925, Page 6

NIGHT ON RANGES.

PLIGHT OF THREE TRAMPERS. DARKNESS HIDES THE TRACK. SAFE 'RETURN TO NEW PLYMOUTH. The three young men, who were reported to be lost on the Pouakai Ranges during the week-end, returned safely to New' Plymouth at about nine o’clock yesterday morning. Delaying their return from the top of the ranges until too late in the afternoon, the track was found to be too difficult to negotiate in the gathering darkness, and the party decided to camp beside it and complete the journey at daybreak. Making themselves as comfortable as possible beside a large fire, the three men returned from their tramp none the worse for their night in the open. On leaving Vogeltown on Sunday morning it was decided to make for the top of the range, and although this objective was attained, progress was slower than was anticipated owing to the deep snow on the track near the top. When the homeward journey was commenced the light was failing fast, and by the time the big timber was entered it was very difficult to trace the thickly overgrown track. After being side-tracked on two or three occasions in the darkness, it was considered unwise to attempt to proceed further and preparations were made to spend the night .in the open. A large fire was kindled, not without some difficulty owing to the sodden nature of the wood available, and the party made themselves as comfortable as possible beside the fire, which was fed with logs throughout the night. The ttampers “finished off” the remains of a substantial lunch, dried their clothes, which w r ere sodden with waterladen scrub and half frozen snow, and after midnight a few hours of sleep were obtained. Light rain fell, 'but this was not sufficient to cause any discomfort, thanks to the overhead shelter provided by a large rimu tree and other growth. In the morning as soon as it was sufficiently light to travel comfortably, the journey home was recommenced and New Plymouth was reached at about nine o’clock.