Marooned (Kaitoke-Cone, November 5-7 & 8)

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+ MAROONED (Kaitoke-Cone, November 5-7 & 8) Friday night the trampers started ar- Mound. Half way up the track we were riving at the railway station. The parkas surprised by the return of Bruce and were out, the skies were black, and the Joe with the news of very windy, wet weather looked as if it was going to con- and cold conditions on the ridge-retinue raining for at least another week. commendation was to return. Trip leader The bus chugged up Kaitoke Hill and soon agreed and turned his party round. left us a few minutes from the shelter. The decision was relief for one member After some quick changing we headed who wasn't feeling the best and exciteup the Puffer and were soon soaked ment on the part of others. Then the through. A couple of hours later the questions started-what food have we? mob started to pour into Tauwharenikau Do you think you will get paid for a day Hut, while a few faithfuls used the off work? Tongue and Meat shelter. With tea and As we arrived back at Cone, Alan coffee insidé us and the rain still beating Higgins and his FE party were leaving down outside, we climbed into our pits, for a destination down river. The chimthe hut fell silent, and the fire slowly ney was repaired again, more wood coldied. lected, food was pooled and lunch eaten. With a fire blazing away, wet clothes Saturday morning the weather had not were hung up to dry again. improved. With breakfast over, a small Five o'clock Sunday night the weather party went ahead, arriving at Allaway- broke-rain reduced to showers Dickson after crossing quickly-swelling which lessened as the periodic showed streams. The crossing at Allaway was of blue. The river dropped sky patches eximpossible, so we sidled around until the posing rocks, logs, shingle bars quickly. and river branched and made a double cross- areas cut out of the banks. large ing without any trouble, then continued Sunday's stew was enjoyable, the base up the river flats to Cone. The chimney being a garlic sausage- -here's was repaired, a late lunch and a brew that recipe won't be used too hoping often. consumed. Mac and nine fellows arrived Sunday night stayed clear and the river soon after, which made the small hut reverted to near normal. morncrowded. With a huge fire, a good stew ing was beautiful and Monday was cooked and fifteen sets of clothing with the thought of spirits were hard high dried. Everyone piled into their pits. a work in colleagues at few rousing choruses were sung, then for the river Wellington. flats, crossed The partly above headed Allaonly the beating of the continuous rain way; the river was cold and but and the howling wind could be heard. not deep. The cricket pitch? muddy, We were The chimney couldn't stand the strain considering picking teams for a and woke many of us when it crashed game of water polo as we waded quick on to the roof. We joined the other parties at through. Smiths. Sunday morning-still raining and the had a brew and moved on. On reaching Tauwharenikau was a raging torrent. the shelter we waited for the bus while Breakfast was cooked by primus while the weather deteriorated. discussions were held as to the best way A terrific trip, hope the trip leader out. Bruce, Joe, and John left early, can arrange better weather next time or heading down the Marchant. Soon all guarantee getting the party out on time. members were on the track to Bull -Tiare Jackson.