Kaimanawas - July

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KAIMANAWAS - JULY The usual rush to get away at 6 p.m.; brings us to Waipakihi hut, a Lockwood worthwhile at midnight, camped, brewed haven in idyllic surroundings; bushclad and in the pit. We brought water with slopes around two tussock basins at the us; just as well, for the Tongariro river, upper forks of the river. Unanimous only a few horizontal feet away, is a approval of our trip leader's choice, and good 150 feet below, and roaring through a general vote in favour of staying here a narrow rock chasm = very impressive. for more than our allotted time. So is the way into the range Access Alas, the weather clears overnight, 10- as good as the desert road itself. and sends a glorious dawn, tinting the It ends abruptly in a circle of mud, ridges pink and gold and hardening the smashed and broken trees, bulldozer sparse snow, making tramping a pleasure. marks and a lonely telephone wire. Ten Soon we're down to shorts and shirts. minutes later all signs of humanity are stopping often to sunbathe and soak up left behind, and we take to the creek. the views. Another ten, and we leave the creek to Back at the bushline, lunch and a climb a spur that rises like an express snooze in the sun; but all of a sudden lift to the bushline, through pleasant Huey gets jealous, and a cloudbank rolls bush with the odd glimpse of Tongariro in at surprising speed, forcing us off and Ngauruhoe. down the hill. Back at the car, we head for town, Above the bush the ridges spread out, wondering what it is that drives a broad and inviting, miles of upland walk- tramper out of the hills on a Sunday ing in a bitter wind with grand views afternoon. and threatening weather. Three hours Thanks, Lindsay, for a mighty trip.

Alpine Centre Ltd. 32 Waring Taylor Street, Wellington. See the specialists for all your climbing and tramping needs this summer, before those trips into the ranges. We have a new, extended list of dehydrated and dried foods. See our new heavy-duty WATERPROOF nylon parkas and matching overtrousers. New stocks of climbing trousers and long socks. Austrian Kastinger climbing boots. Large range of British climbing ropes, including the new Kernmantel types in several sizes. Telephone 43-731