Ruapehu from Camp II

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RUAPEHU FROM CAMP II à - Friday night,: 29th May saw us clamber aboard the truck at 9 pip enma and set off for Ruapehu. At 4 a.m, the truck suddenly. stopped and Jack came round to inform us that we had arrived at Ohakune, and that we had bietter hurry up and get off because Basil (the driver) had fallen fast asleep. - George Thompson, John Morrison 'and Ross Everett started off before us'g lyth Hut and we left about 5 minutes after. About 50 yards down the read from- the truck, we' câme across a notice which said "Blyth Hut" 9 miles 3 so without another word off wewent. About 2 miles up,the. road branches and'unfortunately we'took the wrong fork, spending about I/2 hours going'up and returning. We finally reached Blyth Hut about Io,15 a.m, Sat. morning,, and spent the rest of the day eàting and resting much to Leigh's delight. We found out from the local residents at the hut that George's party had departed about I5 min. before laden with all gear for the summit.Later on in the afternoon, the C.T.C. boys arrived, a The next morning wè three-left with 5 C.T.C.'s for the Snow to make an igloo. At I,15 p.m, we stopped at a height of approximetely 1,000 ft. below the summit, and picked our places for the two igloos, We divided the 8 of us into two teams of 4, Charlie Jennett working in with us, and Bernie, Owen, Bill, and Peter building the other. We finished both igloos about 7 p.m., taking approximately four hours to build Gamp II.Both parties were .using carpet underfelt for insulation, and found it very effective, no cold coming through at ell. The next morning, Monday, we set'off for the summit at ebout IO a,m, on crampons. The anow was hard, and there were big areas of ice, making perfect conditions for crampons,It took about I hour from the igloo to the saddle into the crater. We climped a hump to the left of Ruapehu itself first, then went down into the crater to have a look at the snow cave. We learned from the bods who were in residence that George and party had built the cave, and had enlarged it to hold 5 peoplea nice looking job, altogether. Charlie was having trouble with cold feet, and so, Otto, Leigh and myself had a good sun-bathe, while Charlie rubbed his toes back to life. After picking up some other chaps from the "hateau, we left for the top of Ruapehu itself, which we reached in IO min.It was blowing like mad and conditions were véry icy ell round. As it was too cold to remain there long, we were soon off down to the cave and hot sunshine in the crater. After giving Leigh a little instructio1 on ice and snowcraft we left for the igloos, and 15 min, later were sitting round having a oup of tea that Charlie hed come down e arlier to make.

We left Camp II at 4.15 p.m. and were back at Blyth Hut by 6.15 p,m. Next morning we were up fairly: early to. get breakfast and pack for the trip out, After giving the 0.T.. boys a hand in the cleaning up we léft at Io.15 a.m, After we had gone about three quarters of the way, we .met two young boys who told us of Hillary's success .on. Everest, so'the boys speeded up thinking we - - could celebrate when we got out. Somehow I forgot to tell them that Ohakune was a dry area until we had about a mtle left to go, Ther it was a case of run or be killed (Tut ! Tut! 1 Ed.) We arrived at Ohakune about 12.45 p.m, so ending a véry good trip and a weekend Old Hughie certainly pulled out of the bag for us. Party was D, Catchpole, Leigh Hart "and Otto Johannsen. Times: Ohakune to Blyth Hut 42 to.5 hours ( tf you Blyth to igloo 3hrs. don't go up the Igloo to saddle in wrong roed) crater I hr. Crater to igloo 15 min. Igloo to Blyth 2, krs, Blyth to Ohakune 22 hrs, (Phew! I Ed.).. Dayid.Gatchpole