Marchant - Alpha - Eastern Hutt

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MARCHANT i ALPHA il EASTERN HUTT 2 27 - 29 April It was a really fine night and Jan, Dave, and I were in fine spirits as we left. the Public Works Camp. After mouching along the road for about two minutes, a small two seater car came hurtling along and, amid the screeching of brakes we heard a voice asking us if we would like a lift. Well, after having our arms twisted quite painfully, we leapt eagerly aboard and arrived at the end of the road in one piece, more luck than good management, reorganised our nerves and set off at a trot! for Dobson's. We arrived at about nine and a brew was quickly organised and then we crawled into our sacks. Everything was peaceful until twelve when much singing and gaiety announced the arrival of the rest of the party. There was cumplete chaos for about half an hour while everybody settled into their six inches of room. Morning was announced by Lloyd who decided it was high time breakfast was served. No une seemed particularly eager owing to the rather dampening at tmosphere. So poor Lloyd was resigned to the fact that if he was to get his party under way at all that day he would have to do something about it himself. Despite the cramped space everybody managed to eat and pack eventually, and we departed at abuut 10.30. Cas and Wes, feeling very fit pushed on ahead. The Marchant really outdid itself and we struck snow, plus rain in great quantities. We reached Bluck XV1 at about 1.30 and someone suggested a brew to liven the party up a bit. It was a mighty fine idea, but as the water grew hotter we erew colder and wetter and by the time the brew was ready Denis was all for pouring it down his socks - just Su frustbite would not set in! But that brain-wave was vetoed and off we went again. As we climbed Hell's Gate the snuw was quite thick on the ground and the wind felt as thuugh it had been sent specially frum the South Pole. Wonder of wonders! - we entered Alpha to see a cheerful fire blazing and a brew ready!!!! Wes and Dave were nice and dry and of course had bagged the best bunk. But that was soun remedied and Hazel, Jan,. and I started preparing the stew with the buys Cundescendingly peeling onions. After a munstrous meal everyone retired and thuse Who were lucky enuugh to be able to lie un their backs had a goud night's sleep. We woke to find Lloyd had, by fair means or fuul, squeezed out in the middle of the night and was reclining on the form in front of the fire place. Trust the leader not to wake us up and tell us there was an extra inch each! We hit the track about 10 and a couple of the party were keen on turning Ted into a mountain goat by tramping a t a phenuminal speed. Still it was good tramping despite the weather and having decided it would be extremely detrimental to the club if we risked our persons in the Eastern Hutt River we trekked down Hell's Gate bound for Smith's Creek via Bluck XV1. We saw a little blue sky as we went duwn XV1 and it encouraged us to fall over less and stay on our feet more. Strett was exuberant at seeing the Tauwharenikau Valley again and we arrived at Smith's in dribs and drabs between two and three. The last ones luckily arrived in time for hut toast and a brew made by Jan, Hazel, and Denis. A fine effort! We were off again at five and those :ho either forgot their torches or had forgotten to buy new batteries had an exciting scramble down the Puffer. Quite enjoyable really = not knowing where one is going to land. The trip finished with Strett parting out for icecreams at Upper Hutt and I must say it was the most enjoyable trip I have ever been on = at least it brought the party to a closer understanding of each other. Leader - Lloyd Wilkin. Those on trip - Jan Clendon, Hazel Jordan, Nooky Day, Denis Allison, Haruld Stretton, Ted Dakin, Dave Caswell, Wes Secker. Nuoky Day.