First Alpine Instruction Weekend, 1968

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FIRST ALPINE INSTRUCTION WEEKEND, 1968 Undaunted by the introductory talks To finish the day's lesson, rope-work on the preceding Tuesday, some thirty on snow was practiced. And before tea Tongue and Meats who did not know Bill Drake showed slides of climbs, from what they were in for, and half a dozen amongst the most ambitious to a surinstructors who no doubt did, left Wel- prise one of Byrd's memorial on Mount lington for The Mountain on Friday, Victoria. This gave much for beginners 19th July, under the leadership of the to look forward to. Chief Guide. After a smooth journey, If leaving the hut at 8 a.m. on Saturmost were in the pits, and into the land day seemed earlier, a 7.30 on of Nod by midnight, or soon after. Sunday seemed considerably departure earlier, but The weather all Saturday was mighty, thanks to an early-morning so that instruction generally went ac- courtesy of Ken Churchill, things cuppa by cording to schedule. The necessity for away to a smooth start. Graham Wester- got rhythm and balance soon became ap- by showed how to cut in snow. parent, as novices puffed their way up- If this is difficult, what is steps ice like? hill, complete with ice axes, the benefits of which were soon realised. A lesson in Perhaps the most enjoyable exercise this by the Assistant Chief Guide was of the weekend was the last one in which followed by a demonstration of self- most of what had been learnt before arrest by Kevin Moynihan, which proved was practised, in separate groups, inmost interesting. This was followed by cluding belaying and step-cutting on practice under instructors. Unfortunately, snow. on moving on towards Alpine Club Hut, By the time everyone was back at Kay Rockwell had need to put the exer- the hut, a whiteout had fallen, so that cise into practice when she slipped on no one was too sorry when the bus's an icy surface, and was unable to arrest exhaust pipe had been repaired, and we in the hardened snow before falling into were homeward bound. Our thanks go the Amphitheatre. In trying to help her to Ian MacGregor, Denis Galzley, and Philip Vincent was nearly as unlucky. the other instructors already mentioned.