Just Another Crossing

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JUST ANOTHER CROSSING 31st.August, 1/2 Sept. A combined H.V.T.C. and W.T.M.C. party left the Railway Station bound for Field's Hut and a Southern Crossing, After picking up bods from here, there and everywhere the truck eventually reached the ford and as usual we all had to get out and "walk". The road walk to the Cottage being accomplished in fairly good time. The climb to Fields however was a different story and a record all time slow was clocked, due to everyone feeling b coupled with Ellen having torch trouble. Upon reaching the hut we found Bob Roberts (Athol's brother) who was spending a few days with his family, it being school holidays. The next day can only be described as "just beautiful" and we were away by 8.30 a.m, As we left the bush we could see for mi les to the aikouras in the South, to the Pacific in the East and the Northern Tararuas were thicklycoa ted in their Winter mantle of snow, cloud however obscured Mt.Ruapehu, Continuous snow was met at West Peak and - when we reached Aime - which always has the appcarance of a frigid-air we found it full of snow - someone had left the door open and this, as you can well imagine does not help very much, After a brew and a snack we climbed Field Peak and then dropped down to the saddle. The snow was very firm and made the going easy and comfortable (if you call'tramping comfortable). The usual bumps were there Hector and The Bechives. Upon reaching the Dress Circlewe found the sides of the ridges covered in snow and here care was necessary as the snow on the circle was beginning to melt and it was extremely sluspy. Alpha Hut was a we lcome sight as by now we were a trifle weary and our thoughts turned firstto stew and then the sack. Sunday was likewise "beautiful" as regards the weather and after breakfast we left for Dobbies - the trip down.the Marchant seemed never ending and took longer than usual- lunch time 1:45 - 2.15... then up and off to waitoke, ad Unfortunately progress was slowed down owing to a fall and twisted ankle ( blame the Leader). The truck home was full of "all-sorts" H.V.T.C, T.T.C. W.T.& M.C. and so the end of another enjoyable trip. Our section - John Armstrong (L) - Ellen Slattery, Ted Dokin and Brian Cropp. John -