Operation Eight: The Eighth Attempt at Totara Flats

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OPERATION EIGHT. Being the Eighth Attempt at Totara Flats by Dave. Totara Flats was the trip of my tramping dreams, which if I did, would complete for me a double red line up the length of the Tararuas ( apart from a patch of scrub in the very Northerns). The weather had turned me back three times in two and a half years, once we lost Cecelia ( temporarily)and likewise Feeny ( temporarily); the missing Devon Plane Search accounted for another disappointment and lastly a girl in a party of four fell headfirst over a small waterfall in Totara Creek resulting in a trip to Masterton Hospital for stitches in her forehead, This time, however, the weather was quite good on the Friday night and we all made excellent time into Smiths and/or Tauwharenikau Hut. It called for an early start next day and this was accomplished by everyone with the exception of Mary and Hori ( the latter having developed a bad eye and Johnny J. whose new boots had caused blisters.) With one member unable to see at all and another unable to walk plus a get together of some of our Country and some of our Town members we wondered what a wet week end at Smiths would be like and set out for Cone. The trip up to Cone Hut was uneventful as we made our way mainly by river bed. Ellen mistook the purpose of this bed at one stage and promptly lay down in it. As we went up to the Saddle it began to rain and Ellen began to lag behind - had I been her I would have not attempted the trip because a couple of days before she had donated a pint of blood. She informed us the patient would probably die anyway and we all agreed! Apparently Dudone(Morris) had persuaded Ellen to come by saying that he would stay with her and generally keep a couple of eyes on her but what actually happened she carried the billy and Dud was right in the lead. However, the party kept fairly well together except for the last lap. Eventually we reached the Waiohine which was well up through the rain and with a little difficulty we arrived on the Flats. Two minutes from the hut"a gentleman and scholar" in the form of the S.S. - (Social Secretary) offered to take Ellen's Pack and this offer was willingly accepted! Upon arriving at Totara Flats Hut we found it full of RATS: I have never seen so many rats in one hut, in all my life. For instance Leon and friend were on the bunk playing cards and friend felt something run up his back and Leon looked up to see a rat jump off friend's shoulder on to one of the beams and drop down onto someone else. Furthermore that night the squeaking and"sort of barking" noise woke us up. At this point let me digress and mention bunk room. Some members and one in particular had difficulty in finding a space on the bunk due to the fact that others refused to "top and Bail". Topping and tailing may not prove convenient for everyone but all should be allowed comfort on the bunks when there is suffice ient room. 'Nuff said.

Next morning was the most interesting part of the - crossing the Waiohine after heavy rain all night. The first to attempt tTP were two private shooters nicknamed ir father and son" due to their proportionate sizes, and Ieon and Eddy. When "son" was swept off his feet 1 father" with one arm outstretched lifted him bodily out of the river - pack and all! Eddy could easily have given his name to any part of the river in which he happened to be as he wore longs instead of shorts. His trouser legs consequently filled out with so much water in them and the surface of resistance to the current so increased that both he and Leon had to retreat. Eddy then stripped off his unnecessary clothing including his Parka the pockets of which were below the waist and full of water. However, their second attempt made with a pole each proved successful. We, or rather the G.G. I mean C.G. (Chief Guide) I am mixed up 1 decided to wait for half an hour and eventually we assembled at the ford and crossed in two parties of four and one of three, with the aid of poles. The river was still waist deep and strong in places. "Slats" afterwards remarked she couldn't help it but she had wet herself. The average time from Totara to Bannister was 3% hours. Party: "Dudone" Morris, Noel and Neil (Leader). Trevor, Leon, Peter, Eddy,"Iew", Ellen, Alice, Dave, Johnny and John ( friend of Tarzan). Back at Smith's Creek Mary and Hori and Johnny of the blisters. Dave- Sept. 16-18.