Tales of Hoofmen: Middle Crossing

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PART TWO MIDDLE CROSSING ( Dramatic - in Parts) Feb. 26-28 These hardy "hoofmen" also enter at Otaki Forks but exit Bannister Hut. The Cast * well mixed Merv Roggers 0.T.C: Tom.Carter T.T.C: Don McAllister V.U.C.T.Ct Peter Davis W.T.M.CG Leon Sondej W.T.M.CO "Nuts" Bolt W.T.M.C: "Those who follow the ways of the hills are often objects of some astonishment. This is no doubt because there is a marked difference between mountaineering and most other forms of activity pursued by man in his liesure moments" i D.Busk. THE LAST WEEK END in February saw six hardy souls ( or poor mugs a depending upon ones point of view) heading for the wild and rugged fastnesses

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-24 * of the Upper Waiohine etcetera, hoping for a new red line between Mts. Crawford and Holdsworth. Showing great drive and initiative the six LEADERS decided to press on to Waitewa.ewe.e on the night, but

Friday alas, "the best laid plans of mice and men..." ended/sleeping on the Saddle Creek Track. But only until 3 a.m.however, because that is when we were aroused by rain. Came hurried decisions - Breakfast No.1 - Waitewa.ewna HutBreakfast No.2. Then came indecision and along with indecision also Shoulder Knob, Junction Knob and Andersons Hut. It was still raining on Saturday night at Andersons ( and quite probably in the Waiohine had been the Saturday night objective. By Sunday morning though/had the water off, the cloud level Derikdhthbed had risen above the tops, and there was not a breath of wind. Much food had been "sunk" and something in excess of twelve sack hours had been logged up - an attitude of "may as well go on as go back" prevailed= so press on regardless it was. The general route went down into the Waibhine from the bush behind Andersons Hut, via 2,000 feet (vertical) of stream consisting mainly of waterfalls, then through a short gorge of the Waiohine river to the Francis Creek Junction and from there up a long open bush Spur onto Isabelle, thence over Holdsworth and out to Bannister Hut. Timeso Waitewa.ewa.e- Andersons Hut - 3ghours Andersons Hut-Bannister Hut- 9 hours. These times are probably faster than average - for a more balanced week end camp should be made in the Waiohine on the Saturday night. It is felt that this trip has been neglected in the past I it could and should be attempted more frejuently. 11 Related by. "Nuts" Bolt - One of the Leaders,