NEW PLYMOUTH RAMBLERS

Taranaki Daily News, 10 March 1932, Page 5

NEW PLYMOUTH RAMBLERS

MOUNT EGIMONT ASCENDED. Seventeen members of the New Plymouth Ramblers’ Club set out on Saturday for a week-end visit to the mountain. They left by bus from New Plymouth at 3 o’clock, the ideal weather conditions making the drive a very enjoyable one, especially tile latter portion. Upon arriving at the old house, members soon had their equipment unpacked and gathered round the huge log fire to discuss plans for the morrow. Later in the evening the large room was cleared and dancing and games held sway until the early hours of the morning. At 2 a.m. a party of the more experienced climbers set out to reach the summit and enjoy the beauties of the sunrise, returning portion of the way later' to meet the main body. Shortly after daybreak the house was a scene of great activity. Breakfast was prepared, lunches cut, and towards eight o’clock a start was made on the arduous climb. A light mist obscured the summit, but after an hour or so the climbers emerged into the warm sunlight, and soon coats and jerseys were relegated to the packs. With only a few brief halts, the snow-, filled crater was reached shortly before midday, and although to the majority of the club it was their first ascent, the benefit of the many weeks’ long tramps could be seen by the fitness of the climbers, the lady members all finishing the climb unassisted and afterwards voicing their pride therein. Lunch was enjoyed in the high altitude. Cameras were soon clicking, and occasionally through breaks in the mist on the lower levels the party was favoured with an extensive view of the surrounding country. After fully enjoy- I ing the brilliant sunshine, members were sorry to commence the return journey, but at 2 o’clock bade farewell to the summit. A quick trip was made of the descent, and it was not long before all availed themselves of the hot showers provided at the house. As this trip concluded the summer programme of the club and represented the 14th outing since its inception, it was fitting that the week-end should be the best and most interesting yet spent. It is intended that a some future date similar trips will be undertaken.