A.I.C. Snow Caving - Labour Weekend, 1963

Machine-read text (unproofread)

Read from the scans by software, so it contains mistakes. Typing it up properly would help blind readers: use Suggest an edit.

A.I.C. SNOW CAVING-LABOUR WEEKEND, 1963 As usual the club's Labour Weekend Most people had definite ideas about activities included a Snow Caving A.I.C. the choice of ways. Some went straight on Mt. Ruapehu. A very good response over the saddle and sidled around under to the list saw 16 members assemble out- the High Peak to Gliding Gladys Glacier side the club hut on a fine Saturday whilst some others climbed around the morning. They were loaded down with crater rim on to the High Peak and proshovels, climbing equipment, and a sur- ceeded down the Glacier from the top. prising amount of other basic needs such as food. Two jokers even had Alan and I found out now that skiing enough guts to load skis on to their really was the caper as we both enjoyed backs and aim towards Paretetaitonga, the run down after getting the knack where it had been decided our snow of skiing with a big pack. Some really caves would be dug. enjoyable traversing was experienced. The trip to the Crater Lake was un- Lunch was had at Blythe Hut and eventful except for the weight each per- half an hour's walk down to the road son was carrying which must have been brought us to our pick-up point. After anywhere between 50-65 pounds. Even riding into Ohakune and finding it was with this slight handicap the Tongue Monday, we headed for the place where and Meats were first to the top and up all good trips end! well before the first Snow Cat arrived An excellent crew and from the top of the first chair. an enjoyable trip. Four caves were dug, each containing BRUCE JEFFERIES. four people and all caves were started within four hours of leaving the hut, which was a good effort. Those on the trip Margaret Webb, When digging, a snow cave a steep Shona Baker, Kate Brady, Bill Drake, slope is most suitable as all snow when Peter Daniel, Bill Lockey, Arthur Daniel, cleared is disposed of easily and quickly Brian Cropp, Geoff Aitken, Bill Cronin, and SO the eastern slopes of Pare are Alan Higgens, Max Smart, Gary Lund, most suitable for caving needs. Roger and June Cole, and Bruce Jef- Most caves were ready by Saturday feries (Leader). night, except Bill Drake and Co. who had been unfortunate in striking ice which slowed them down considerably. After some hard digging they made their cave at least liveable for the night. CAN YOU HELP??? Sunday dawned cold with a strong wind The Ruapehu Hut Extension suband most of the day was spent improving committee would like to hear from memour caves and sleep'ng. Alan Higgens and myself went for a bit of a slide bers who may have some of the followaround but found standing on the ridges just about impossible and skiing appeared ing articles they would be prepared to out of the question. After a visit to donate to aid in the Dome Hut we were soon back in the pit. furnishing of the The rest of the day was spent visiting hut. Anyone who thinks they may be and eating with the exception of "Henry able to help in this way please see Moore" Daniel who carved a very good head on a cave wall. Credit should also Bill Rice. be given to Alan Higgens as he made a very good model! MATTRESSES Monday dawned fine and clear and so CARPETING the original plan of traversing to Ohakune was possible.