Hut Bash 1973

Marion Kolston

The route seven of us took, after coping with one bestreamed car and another stampeding monster, was somewhat original - in fact more original than six of us had intended. Our honourable Chief Guide once again torchless, apparently knew the way all along, or so he would have us believe! So five torches, half-a-track, one steep ridgeside and a streambed later, we linked together to cross the [unclear: wikiohine.] Marilyn's dropped torch was later proclaimed a reflecting star by those more heavenly-minded amongst us, as it lay twinkling in the water. While Lauchie hurriedly donned his fancy gear, we managed to get lost once again in the Totara Flats Jungle, but soon re-emerged unscathed. "Off to the river" some enterprising being cried, and we were soon in full swing at the party.

The new Totara Flats hut was of course a far cry from that venue of so many of Vuwtc's happier times, over the years - Allaway - Dixon - unfortunately providing none of Allaway's darker corners, where those less fortunate present could let it all out in peace.

The evening wore on, and those more fortunate (??) amongst us, pitted down with a commodity perhaps more freely available than in previous years, but the stayers stayed on. Torch flashes and one camera plus flash-cube (whose owner was a recumbent form on one of the bunks) kept the place swinging - the results should also prove interesting at many club evenings to come! That is, if the participants do not manage to destroy the evidence beforehand.

Next morning was a slow, painful awakening. People departed in diverse directions. The nocturnal wanderers left to locate the correct route - once at the top of the ridge above Sayer's, the map was declared the true culprit, and Lauchie absolved from some blame. Back down to the yards at Mangaterere and all sights were set for the feast that the more fortunate partook of at the Wright establishment.

Nocturnal wanderers were: Andy Wright, Nick Logan, Lauchie Duff, Marion Kolston, Marilyn Bramley, Brian Wickstead and Janet Williams