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Orongorongos: August Holidays 1961:

Since the leadership of this party was vested in four people the Whakanui versus Five Mile decision was not easy. Recourse to blows was averted by the taxi driver refusing to transport us — something to do with muddy boots. The Whakanui grind was cleared by the arrival of a machete brandisher out for a day.

He nobly took the guise of a tame pack-horse for the benefit of the weaker sex.

We toiled on up Matthews Stream after lunch aiming for the North Saddle and Eglingtons Shearing shed. This journey was inevitably enlivened by people who like splashing other people. Five lively souls reached the head of the valley first and waited gloatingly for the others. Nobody came. Steve decided that the turn- off was lower down and most unwillingly they retraced their steps. It was then decided to sleep at the head of the valley as it was late! Moral: he who laughs last laughs longest.

Anyway we admired the stars that night from a grassy peninsular between two dry river beds. In the fading light I was mistaken for a goat and narrowly escaped having my throat cut (I can only assume that this extra-ordinary mistake was quite unintentional).

Next morning everyone was very stiff and wet, except for the occupants of the tent. After a particularly ghastly breakfast Steve led us to the bottom of a steep rocky cliff which I knew at first sight was the wrong way. Being naturally diffident I didn't force my opinions on anyone until we (or was it only I) were unable to go up or down and Peter‘s antics rained rocks on us from far above. Eventually we found ourselves at the highest point below Matthews but in sight of the North Saddle.

After lunch the five aforesaid went on round the Coast to the Mukamuka. It was a glorious day with booming surf and blue and gold hills. Savage cattle which seemed attracted to us were the only menace. We paused to admire the white Tararuas from South Saddle before plunging down the track. Although Baines was the final destination, our gear was still at the head of the valley and Matthews stream had to be scaled for the monotonous third time. Halfway up we met the others who had returned via the proper, if overgrown North Saddle route. (We didn't escape dinner preparation after all).

That night everyone went to bed so early that we managed to be away by eleven o‘clock on Wednesday morning, Plans for continuing over to Eastbourne were thwarted when a lorry gave us a lift not far from the Five Mile.

M.M.

MAIN LEADER: Jenny Ross