BOY SCOUTS

Waipa Post, Volume 48, Issue 3471, 26 May 1934, Page 4

BOY SCOUTS

THE MOUNTAIN TRIP.

TONGARIRO AND NGARUHOE CLIMBED. (By M.M.) On Sunday, May 6th, three of the local Troop, under the guidance of Rover Gilmour, left Te Awanrutu at 10 p.m. bound for National Park. At the station many parents'and Scouts, as well as members of the committee and members of previous trips, extended us a hearty farewell. As the train began moving our R.S. obtained the pipe of one of the well-wishers as a souvenir. The journey being uneventful, we reached our rail destination at 2.20 a.m. Our first act was to prepare a meal, after which we settled down to await the arrival cf our Scouter and guide for the trip, “ Bill” Glasgow, whose train steamed in at 3 a.m.

As it was too early for hiking, the party turned in, but, being restless, Curly and I went for a walk. On our return we rolled up in our blankets and were soon in peaceful slumber. We were awakened at 6 a.m. by Curly and very soon we did good justice to a meal. The lorry arrived at 7.45 a.m. to convey us on part of our journey, and the gear was placed on board, being covered, as it was raining. Nine a.m. saw us on our way as far as the prison camp, which was reached in half-an-hour. A slight alteration in the packs was made, the party then moving on up the track en route for the Mangatepopo Hut, the reason being that the tents had not arrived. During the hike of five miles, we tramped for periods of 20 minutes, having 5 minute spells. A butnch of wild horses, which, on our approach, dashed away, was spotted while ascending the track. By 11.15 a.m. the hut was reached and the first tasks were unpacking- gear, and preparing a meal. Shortly after lunch Curly and Bill set out for the prison camp for the extra supplies, we being given jobs to do. About 4.15 p.m. the hikers returned and the evening meal was cooked early, the party then retiring to bed. Tuesday Bth.—On arising at 6 a.m. we had a- cup of cocoa after which a very hearty meal was consumed. Then Curly and I set out for the Chateau some 9 miles away. The trip was accomplished in 2i; hours. We had a short rest and a meal, afterwards procuring our necessaries-. By several short cuts we reached the hut again at 6 p.m., just at nightfall. During our absence the other members had explored the Upper Mangatepopo Valley. Reaching the ridge between Tongariro and Ng-auruhoe, they had a look at the South Crater of the former mountain. Continuing, they tried to reach the summit of Tongariro, only to be foiled by terrific winds, when about 150 feet from their goal. Further progress being

impossible, they retraced their footsteps back to camp. Tea being over at 7.15 p.m., the party turned in, Curly and Bill being afforded some amusement by the three junior members when it came time for the blankets to be securely pinned together. Wednesday, 9thj—Cocoa being finished at 6.30 a.m., the cooks prepared a tasty meal of bacon and eggs, which was done ample justice. While changing into climbing gear Curly had the unfortunate experience of biting winds, swirling through the door, which someone opened. At 10.40 a.m. the party set out up the valley, the destination being the Nga-puna-a-Tama (“the lakes of Tama”), named after an old Maori chief. The route taken made it necessary that we descend and climb out of little valleys all the way. Numerous spells for breath were taken on the hike. After 2h hours of climbing and scrambling the party, hajving passed through the Great Rift, ascended the ridge overlooking the larger of the two lakes. All but Curly descended to the lake’s edge, where we were photographed from the ridge. A fire was then lighted and the party enjoyed a substantial dinner. Proceeding up a neighbouring ridge we soon sighted the Little Tama. An attempt was then made to reach the main track, and after some difficulty we descended a scrub-covered ridge, joining the main track at the 6£ mile peg. We arrived back at the hut at 5 p.m. At 5.45 p.m. and the dishes being finished, the junior members prepared for their nightly pin-up. Thursday, 10th.—There being a strong wind tearing up the valley, and the mountains obscured, the party rose at 10 a.m. and had breakfast. When the tidying-up was done, Professor 8., Bill and Curly set off to climb a neighbouring peak, Pukeonake. Hippo, an invalid to-day, stayed in bed while I busied myself preparing the evening meal. At 5.15 p.m. the hikers returned and related several experiences of their trip. Curly stalked a wild horse and afterwards had to stalk his hat. Clearingup by 6.40 p.m., we indulged in a sing-song led by Curly, and we turned in at 7.35 p.m., our nightly pin-up amusing Curly and Bill immensely. Friday, 11th. - This particular morning we arose at 4 a.m., intending to reach the Ketetahi Springs. Breakfast was prepared by Bill, while the party got ready for the hike. At 5.45 a.m. ’we left the hut for the Springs. As the morning- sun rose we gained a magnificent view of Ruapehu, Tongariro and Ngauruhoe, while away in the distance Mt. Egmont stood out, her peak made pink by the first of the sun’s rays. Continuing our journey round the base of Tongariro, we reached a ridge above the steaming, bubbling springs. We descended through the tussock until we reached the spring- bed, and after several minutes’ exploration of the blow-holes we had lunch at 8.45 a.m. Now the rising sun shed its rays in splendour over the surrounding country. Away down at our feet lay the Taupo Road, winding its way across the plain, while beyond the range of hills Lake Taupo lay shimmering in the gleaming sun. Lunch finished the party enjoyed a muchneeded bath in a warm stream close by. Continuing our journey we kept altitude by following an old track, which wound through the mountains. At 11.15 a.m. we sighted the Blue Lake from the mountainside. We descended to the lakeside, where, after a meal we amused ourselves in various ways. By 12.25 we were again on the move, and came to several frozen lakes below the steaming Red Crater. Our course was up the scoria-covered side of the ci-ater, the top of which was reached after much exertion at 1 p.m. From this point we bore off to the right, making for the summit of snow-covered Tongariro. As we gained altitude, it necessitated covering our lips with zinc ointment to stop them from cracking. The summit was reached at 1.55 p.m., where, after taking several photographs we had a meal of what was left of the day’s provisions. As w e ate, Bill pointed out many landmarks, amdng which were two mountains not far from our home town, Pirongia and Kakepuku.

Time drawing - on, we packed the bags, and continued our trip down the opposite ridge from where we could see our hut nestling in the valley below. Slipping and scramblingdown the side we were suddenly cautioned to be silent, at the same time moving to Bill’s side. Next instant a large hare jumped up and went leaping through the tussock. At 3.25 p.m. we halted by a waterfall, clustered with hanging icicles. The junior members accepted a challenge to be raced back to the hut, which was reached at 4 p.m. A meal was then prepared, after which notes were written up, and we turned in. Saturday, 12th. —' To-day, weather permitting, we were to climb Ngauruhoe. Owing - to clouds persistently hanging round the peaks we did not rise until about 6.15 a.m., by which time a meal had been prepared by the only early riser. 7.35 a.m. saw us tramping up the valley, making for a scoria-covered ridge. Numerous spells we had, for the ascent was very steep, and much exertion needed, although any effort or hard climbing was not wasted, for we gained altitude. By 8.25 a.m. we were well on our way up the ridge. While having a spell several minutes later we noted that Taumarunui was still under a dense fog, as cn previous

days. The early sun-rising presented us with a picture of the Chateau, with chimneys smoking, nestling in the valley at the base of snow-cov-ered Mt. Ruapehu. About 1000 ft. from the peak we had a rest, gathering our breath for the climb, which would bring us to our goal. By 9.40 we were at the top gazing into the smoking crater which in an upheaval had' been transformed into three smaller ones. As we settled down for a meal dense clouds rose swiftly, obscuring the landscape below. Remaining half-an-hour at the crater’s rim we began the descent, the leader picking out scoria ridges where we enjoyed the sensation of starting a miniature avalanche of small stones which carried us many feet down. When about halfway down Cui’ly and I left the main. party to prepare a meal at the hut, where, without mishap ,we arrived at 11.40 a.m., the rest turning up some 25 minutes later. Our next move, after a cup of tea, was to pack our rucksacks, as we were leaving for the Chateau, intending to spend the night in the tents. 1.30 p..m saw us trudging up the ridge, at the top of which we paused for a farewell look at our. dwelling. When three miles from the Chateau we turned off the track, wending outway down to the Taranaki Falls. On regaining the road at 4.40 p.m. a spell was made for tidying-up. 5 p.m. saw us at the Chateau entrance, where, our packs being dumped, enquiries were made as to afternoon tea, after which the tents having not arrived, we proceeded to the motor camp where the primus and an old stove were set going. Soon a meal was partaken of, and, the tents having come from the station, they were erected; the tired group turning in at 9.30 p.m.

Sunday, 13th.—'Rising at 8 a.m. we landed that the sub-manager of the Chateau, Mr Cobbe, had offered to show us over the building. Of course this necessitated Bill and Curly having a shave, much to their disgust. W!e visited the hydro-electric plant, which supplies the Chateau and the visitors’ and servants’ huts with electricity. The inspection terminated at 12.30 p.m., we lunched, the next thing being preparation for our hike to the National Park railway station. En route we halted at the “ haunted whare,” and some distance down the road we branched off to the Tawhia Falls. Reaching the crossroad at 3.15 p.m., we continued our journey several miles, being fortunate to get a lift by a lorry when 2i miles from the station. After a meal we turned in in the waiting room, and were entertained for a while with Curly’s yarns. W'e were aroused at 12.55 a.m., and backing our gear, we awaited our train. At 3 p.m. it steamed in, and finding our seats we bid our leaders, who were remaining another week, farewell.

We would like to know several

things:— Who left his braces behind? Who was nearly choked by his underpants ? Do all people like a biting wind when changing their underpants ? Do hippopotami live in water or drink rivers dry? Do all first attempts at cooking a duff turn out like sticky toffee