Winter Traverse of Mt Hawtrey and Exploration of Butterfly Creek

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WINTER TRAVERSE OF MT. HAWTREY (1097) AND EXPLORATION OF BUTTERFLY CREEK. ONE EARLY SUNDAY morning, in Juno, saw our party Inading cases of equipment onto its vehicle - the back erpedit an Atonmartio bus, However, in spite of this dubious transport, the evil and dangerous lowland areas of the Hutt were soon passed, and at the base camp at Days Bay we sorted eut our party. It consisted of two porters, with the quaint names of Owen and "Muts", one pair of boots and enough rations for one sparrow (small), Leaving camp almost immediately we pushed up the valley in the general direction of the North Col of Hawtrey. Not far up this valley we found the warning issued by the local lamas. It said "Water Supply * No Entry". By taking heed of one of their simple rulos we passed by with clear conscience and started up a ridge to tho col. Towards the top of this ridge (about Camp 111) we uncovered oxy- - gen (?) bottles of a provious expedition - un fortunat tely empty. Finally we gained the col. the main divide and the summit ridge of Hawtrey. At last - this was it, With our ears popping and lungs gasping for oxygon, we passed one, two, thrce four, maybe more minor summits and thon we were there - on the South col, One of the minor summits must have bcen a major. One pair of Boots: Fecling like true conquerors with a successful traverse under our belts (and precious little clsc) we sct off down the decp Buttcrfly gorges, to forage for food from the local villages. Results were disappointing - the inhabitants mistook us for abominable bushmen and flod. We were compolled to make a forced march out to Eastbourne, finally stumbling into civilisation aftor five long hours. Since returning to the club, pcople have asked whether the trip was worth all the toil and suffering. I find it hard not to say no I but it docs provide some waffle for the Journal, "Nuts" "Nothing is ever done beautifully which is done in rivalship, Nor nobly which is done in pride -" John Ruskin (1819-1900)