Five Day Weekend

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"FIVE DAY WEEKEND." "The wind blows cold in Iccland, The wind blows cold at Kime. But it's not so hard in your own back-yard, To be set for wintertime." Friday night, August 5thos found us heading for Dobsons after leaving the Bushcraft Course sheltering from the rain in the barn at Andrews Farm. The going was fairly easy and by the time we reached the bush line the rain had stopped. The track here was muddy as usual but after an hour and a half from Andrews we reached Dobsonse After getting wood and 2 billy of water for the next morning's breakfast we dived into our sleeping bags. So Endeth the First Day. Saturday morning found us undecided as to whether it would be a Southern Crossing or a retreat to Smiths. Time and a full stomach told and it was decided that a course be set for Alpha. By the time we reached the Burn the rain had stopped, giving wa.y to a light mist. There was very little snow encountered before Omega. Hell's Gate was woll plastered but it was firm and easy to walk ono About fifteen minutes later found us at Alpha Hut, four hours out from Dobsons. ifter lunch and a rest of an hours duration we started off on what we thought would be the last lap to Fields. The going up Alpha was quite easy and coming down the other si ide we made good progress. After leaving the Dress Circle and as we approached Atkinson the going became tough. The snow was in drifts almost thigh deep. The wind brought with it solid sheets of cutting sleet which found its we.y through our clothing. Our footsteps were often only the length of a boot apart and much energy was used in pulling the leg out while often breaking through the upper crust. A rest was called at Atkinson to decide on further progress. To go back would mean fighting the wind and sleet which would then be in our faces. Also on normal standards we were approximately half way to Kime. Press on, but not rogardless, became the order, and so we continued. AS we made progress from atkinson to the Southern Bechive the snow became deeper end quite a. few spills were incurred. We checked our time here and found it had teken one hour forty minutes to get from the saddle below Atkinson. Compared with the time taken to reach Hector from here this Was fast travelling. Hector was finally reachedin darkness by an unorthodox route, the recognised one being impassable. Coming down off Hector after a spill Butch decidod that the sont of her pants was an easier mode of transport than any othor but a cornor brought her back to the recognised posture for tramping. The snow betwoen Hector and Field Peak was a little firmer and the going became a little easier. Half way up Field Peak WG saw the moon for a fow moments through a break in the clouds although the storm conti inued unabated. On top we again saw the moon and a single ster shining in the North then once more the clouds enveloped us. It did not take long to follow the snow polos down to Kime Hut which we thought for one horrible moment had gone with the wind. Never was a hut more welcome even though I just about knocked myself out trying to force an entry. Once inside it was packs off and the only way of undoing them was by chewing the ice from buckles and straps. A change of clothing was indicated but much easier said than done. Boots and socks were frozen together and very reluctant to part company so we finished by taking both items off together. In fact eech layer of clothing had to be prised apart from the next and even our eye-lids had to be de-icicled. Butch ate hers. Next came two slices of bread and a few biscuits followod by an immediate dash for our sleeping bagso Outside the storm increesed. Inside we shivered and listened to it. So Endeth the Second Dayo Sunday morning found the immediate scenery in an iced up condition with the vind at gale force and still carrying sleet. To heve made a dash for Fields would have been hopeless. Butch braved the storn to bring up water from the tarn. This and two rusks formed the nucleus of our breakfast. Throughout the morning we dozed off and on until lunchtime when once more we dined heartily on rusks, half an apple and some water. Food rationing had been introduced. Lator in the afternoon, the storm still raging terrifical lly, we ventured downstairs to investigate the condition of the clothing worn the previous day. Everything was thrown onto the floor and beaten with the ice axe. Food was teken stock of and brought upstairs. Later our clothing followed in the hope that it would thaw out. Tea comprised half a tin of cold spaghotti and half a carrot each. We drank a little water and lay back to listen to the elements which had incredibly enough increased in their intensity. According to our calculations, estimations and prophecies Konday would see us on our way home. So Endeth the Third Day. Amid screaming wires, heavy gusts of wind, sickening vibrations and heavy rain Monday was upon us. One glance out of the window and we started meking preparations for another day's occupation. Breakfast was an apple, an orange and a drink of water. Morning tea, one Butter Drop each. Lunch consisted of two slices of bread and honey, half 8. carrot and a drink of water each. As my pencil touches the paper we try to decide what our menu will be for tea. Will it be cooked or cold? It was cooked. By some miraculous good fortune in an old plate we managed to light 2 fire over which we cooked some bacon, sauseges, onions and potatoes. de followed this up with a slice of bread and sugar each. Outside the wind has increased to unbelievable strength and the hut is shaking medly. at times we wonder if the roof will stay on. As I put my pencil down darkness descends and - So Endeth the Fourth Dayo During the night the wind dropped and except for spasmodic gusts all was still. The snow seized the opportunity and started to ley itself thick and fast. This morning as I write sleet is beating down and the thought of going down to Field Hut in this atmosphere makes us shiver. From Kime to Feilds we tramped in the tail-end of the storm. it first it was in sleet and as we came lower in rain. The track was one long puddlo with mud oozing around our boots as we trod it. It was an hour later when we reached Field Hut where we stopped a few minutes before going down to the Cottege. The road welk to Otaki confronted us and we had just passed the saw mill when we were picked up by E school bus and taken almost to Otaki. At the Station Butch was asked to ring the Police. It wa.s then we found that a search party had been organised and was due to stert on the following morning to look for us. The Wellington Police were notified of our safety. As we journoyed home by train - So Ended the Fifth and Final Day. Keith Durrant. Marie Marshall.