Sunstroke and Cyclones in the Ruahines

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Sunstroke and Cyclones in the Ruahines Matthew Grainger "Your pack looks a bit small, " was Allen's first comment as I threw it into the back of his van. We were on our way to the Ruahines for a week or SO oftramping over the Xmas-New Year break. lalways get a bit worried when Allen says things like that, as I know it's only a matter of time till he starts "redistributing" some of the gear in my direction. Sure enough, a fly, stove and billy came my way before we set off from the Mangakokeke roadend in the western Ruahines later that afternoon. More brilliant weather the next day, and we began with a customary 1,000m climb, this time onto the Ngamoko Range. Thel heat was reallytaking it out of me, and Roger enjoyedwatching me struggle for a change. There was very little water, So we were relieved to' come across a tarn between Tunupo and Toka. It was pretty murky and I soon had the last laugh, as Roger realised that he'df filtered his drinking water through a handkerchief he'd been using for two days! The next day began with another steep climb onto the Ruahine Range and along the ridge to Longview Hut for lunch. I had a small head- Tarn, Whanahuia Range Matt Grainger phone radio in my pack, and decided to check on the t was Boxing Day 1996 and a scorching hot day as mountain forecast - surely this good weather couldn't we trudged across the farmland towards Kelly Knight last! Sure enough, Tropical Cyclone Fergus was ap- Hut. The team consisted of Allen and Sue Higgins, proaching the country, expected tol bring 150 km/h winds Roger Bolam and Matthew Grainger. Roger took great and torrential rain to the mountains. Trepidation swept delight in watching me fade under the weight of my pack through the group we still had a couple of days' travel and the stifling heat. I was relieved to reach the shade over the tops to get back to where we had started. Roger of the bush, and before long we were enjoying a swim couldn't believe it "al hundred and fifty kilometres an in the river. I thought I was clever making sure we ate hour! l've never heard of winds that strong". Allen on the one of my meals that night, but it was short-lived, as other hand was just his usual self, unfazed and keen to Allen ensured I had another one in my pack before we push onto Howletts Hut for the night. set off in the morning. was starting to think that Allen's been in this game too long: he knows all the tricks. The weather began to deteriorate that night. I had a dream that the roof started to lift off the hut, and Paul The next day was another scorcher so we, set off early to rolling over in his sleeping bag bellowing at me "get up get the climbing done before it got too hot. The views there boy, 'ang off the rafters that'll keep 'er doon". were superb in all directions, especially over the Ruahines, and north towards Ruapehu. After reaching By the morning the weather was downright grotty, with Pourangaki, we headed south along the Whanahuia heavy rain and strong winds. We decided to head out to Range, overl Maungamahue towards Mangahuia. We met Moorcock Base and arrange transport home. We started Paul Critchley shortly after lunch he'd decided to the day with a descent to Daphne Hut, and then out to come up via Rangiwahia to join us. We dropped off Moorcock Base. We sheltered in a woolshed, before Mangahuia that afternoon, down to Iron Gate Hutt for the Paul, Roger and walked down the road to find la phone. night. Paul entertained us that night with his tales of run- It was a couple of hours' walk to the nearest farmhouse, ins with pedantic council staff - "youl know whaat yoor and after calling Paul's daughter in Hastings, we found problem is - y'uv got nuffin' up 'ere!" a farm shed to shelter in while we waited. Tramping and Mountaineering 1997