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The Western Hutt Hills Day Trip

This trip had the distinction of being the smallest club trip to run (actually it was only a fast walk) in 1965, i.e., 2 man-days.

The Friday night weather forecast was: Rain, Southerlies, and Coldness. On Saturday morning at 6.3 I rolled over in bed to the tune of rain drumming on the roof and wind roaring round the house. Thinking that the sole name on the trip list would have the sanity to stay in had, I dutifulling rang him up. "Nick has just left hone." was the courteous reply. The ensuing curses need not be repeated. Clothes, breakfast, pack, etc followed by two train rides brought us to Takapu Rd Stn, where full storm gear was donned. A weight reducing, session ensued (paper by NZR). After this, we strolled due east to the main ridge of the hills which overlook wellington Harbour. Some hail was encountered here, along with the ferocious icy Southerly. An ancient cart track would its way along the ridge, so we traipsed along it, speculating as to our chances of getting home dry. At 9.30 we righted a sheep which had failed to negotiate a rather vertical bluff. Still no rain. At 10.30 the herculean ascent of Belmont was made, the top of which was powdered with snow.

In some exposed places the wind was so strong, that we spent more energy trying to stand up, than walking while negotiating a muddy turnip paddock, we use it to blow us up the hill, by holding our parkas out as sails.

[unclear: We] reached the shelter of some concrete ammunition buildings (the buildings were concrete, that is) at 11.40 and smartly polished off lurch because it was fercking cool, to say the least. However, a brisk walk down a gravel road to the next saddle got circulation going again. Then began a long haul up through scrub to the second highest knob of the day.

Just as we reached the top, we received the only rain of the day five minutes of it, at 33°F, coming in horizontally at 70 MPH approx. Cor - wet larks.

Soon after this (miracle of miracles) we were basking in glorious sunshine, and after sliding down a steep muddy ridge, we reached the Haywards road at 2.30 whence we rode home by thumb, train, and feet. (chorus; 'Never mind the weather.....')

- Peter Radcliffe

Trip Leader - Peter Radcliffe, Trip Co-leader Nick Whitten.

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