'Southern Crossing' via Omega – Reeves – Waiohine, March 13-15

This text was read by OCR from a scanned newsletter and has not been proofread yet, so expect odd characters and mistakes.

March 13-15 Led by Brian Hunt, 25 of us seemed to fly over the ranges Among. us. was Robert Griffiths, a very fit 8 year old. Surely he must be one of the youngest ever to have completed a - Southern'. Enjoyed our Friday night's climb to Field Hut. Shortly after arrival we filled the hut with smoke in our attempts to get the fire going for a brew. With streaming eyes Claire and Greg departed for Kime. A" slow group disturbed us at micnight and woke Kime's occupants on their arrival at 5 a.m. We at Fields received a bonus. At 2 a.m. about 10 members of the Armed Forces, moved in and caused quite a stir. The Major had fallen, cutting his finger and losing his watch. A radio call was sent out followed by an announcement that a helicopter would arrive in the morning. These events and a few other things like barley sugar crunchers, made it hard for some to sleep.

: Brian's breakfast call a "Any T. & M's for hot water?" brought a quick response from non members as well, We left at 7 a,m. for Kime and there met the rest of our party, then it was up and over Hector. To about this stage of the journey low cloud persisted, but shortly after it lifted and the sun shone for the.remainder of the weekend giving magnificent views from the tops. Along past the Beehives, Atkinson, and The Dress Circle, - After ari early lunch break alongside a tarn we dropped down to Alpha Hut then followed the steep Omega Track to the Tauherenikau River below, After a dip in the river we set up camp for the night. The next morning it was up through bush to Reeves. Some carried water for a brew which we enjoyed on the top with a couple from the recently formed Southern Wairarapa T.C. Then off down Reeves to the Waiohine River just south. of Walls Whare. Here we relaxed, filling in time until the arrival of our transport to Wellington. Brian prèsented Certificatas to those who had completed their first 'Southern'.. Cur thanks to Brian and Kombi drivers, Warren Thorburn and Alan Dyer. : It was a great trip! Brian Hunt (Leader) : Tim Brewer Greg Aimer Roz Greenfield William Whewell Neal Hamilton Ben Lee Kevin Griffiths Adrian Widgery Frances Gazley Dave Noble Robert Griffiths David Egan Dennis Gazley Sue Charles Dave Gilroy Michael Mumford Murray Brown Alan Pariel Michael Kennelly Alex Gray Claire Douglas Ann Opie Philip Pennington Pete Clark