Tuesday.

Left early and found clear blazes leading out of Clinton river-bed, which were followed, but which led in a short distance to a large fallen tree over which no track is visible, and no progress could be made through such thick bush as lay beyond it. The track up to this tree is clearly blazed and well beaten, and later information says that nearly all the parties of tourists have been misled into following it as far as the tree, and then retracing their steps to the Clinton. There was no help for it but to return to the river-bed, which was done, the conviction being that this part of the track is simply fooling people. Clinton bank was searched for any other track for some hours, but without avail, and ultimately the character of tourist was abandoned and that of explorer page 7 adopted, for there was no help for it but to make ones own track: there is no doubt but that all traces of a clearly blazed legitimate track ceases at Bruce Creek. It was therefore decided to keep to the Clinton river-bed until the Pass was reached, and after much wading and boulder climbing a grassy flat was reached near to the shores of a small lakelet called Montara. Since so much time had been wasted by following false blazings, and then looking for true and correct ones, the day was nearly spent, and it was decided to camp here, although earlier in the day than usual for pitching the tent. Since however this flat was right at the foot of the Pass, it seemed reasonable to expect that the following day would see it crossed, and the Beech Hut (tho destination) arrived at, for the Hut is only about two miles from the foot of the other (western) side of the Pass. But "blessed is he that expecteth nothing, for he shall not be disappointed," as the sequel showeth. The conclusion arrived at as regards the track is, that it ceases at Bruce Creek, and that from that place the tourist may just do the best he can; this is confirmed by others.