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- Suthyn Krosynge -

made by Tom Clarkson (leader), Kevin Pearce, Nigel Eggers, and Peter Radcliffe on the weekend 9-11 April, 1965.

Most of the party took the 5.45 pm Fields Express from Wellington, Kevin joining us at Plimmerton. We arrived at Otaki at about 7.20 and took a taxi to the car park near Otaki Forks from which we strolled away at about 8.30. Weather fine and cool with no wind and a good moonlight. Puffed up ridge and into bush, where we used torches of varying quality to guide us through the glorious mud to Field's Hut, at which we arrived at about 11.30 pm. Hut interior a mixture of pungent smoke and a dozen Tararuas. Dozed off until about 7.00, when we saddled up and steamed off up to New Kime for breakfast (Reason: not much room in Field's) Arrived 9.00, weather neutral i. e. no wind, no rain, no sun, no mist, just overcast and cool. Could see Hector and suurounding countryside easily. At 9.45 bundled off up to Old Kime and Field Peak and then to Hector where we were surrounded by "glorious mist" and a [unclear: wee] bit of "glorious snow" Stumbled on over the Beehives and Atkinson to a tarn half way round the Dress Circle where we had lunch.

A final burst of energy took us up on to Aston then Alpha, then Alpha Hut, which we blundered into at approx. 2.30. Weather, glorious mist and rain (light). Magnificent view 200 yards in all directions. Chopped wood and mud., stacking the wood around the fire. Peter and Nigel prepared most of the stoo (Tom was exhausted after the extreme physical effort of consulting his altimeter). Tararua party af six arrived at about 3.30. After gorging on stoo, instant pud and tinned fruit we lay back and yakked with Syd Moore and Andy Haines, who strolled in at 7.00 pm after doing a Neill-Winchcombe from Cone Hut.

Breakfasted mightily on Sunday and streaked away from Alpha at 9 o'clock precisely (time subject to official confirmation), down Hell's Gate and along to Omega where we noticed several bright purple toadstools growing beside the track. Continued along the Marchat Ridge through the mist, secing many deer tracks on the way. Ran dwon to Dobson's, lunched with Syd and Andy, then down to the Shelter Hut and road.

From the main road we rode on our thumbs towards home, pleasantly tired.

P.R.

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Why does the tea generally taste of boiled boots?

W. M. Thackeray.