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 - Jack Gentle. - Jack Gentle.
-It was pleasantly bright, and the sun at its zenith was trying to pierce the suurrying clouds as I arrived at the rendezvous to meet Monsieur and his two charming companions. Arrangements had been made on the mainland for me to join this trio on a leisurely eight-day ramble through the Lake St.Clair National Park of Tasmania.+ 
 +It was pleasantly bright, and the sun at its zenith was trying to pierce the scurrying clouds as I arrived at the rendezvous to meet Monsieur and his two charming companions. Arrangements had been made on the mainland for me to join this trio on a leisurely eight-day ramble through the Lake St.Clair National Park of Tasmania.
  
 The trio, Dave (Monsieur) Ingram, also known as the "Gent in the Tent", Jesse Martin and Betty (Horse) Holdsworthy, had reached the rendezvous at Derwent Bridge by motor coach from Hobart three minutes ahead of me. I arrived by coach from Launceston. The trio, Dave (Monsieur) Ingram, also known as the "Gent in the Tent", Jesse Martin and Betty (Horse) Holdsworthy, had reached the rendezvous at Derwent Bridge by motor coach from Hobart three minutes ahead of me. I arrived by coach from Launceston.
  
-Dement Bridge is not a town, but merely a collection of buildings quietly situated at the side of the Queenstown road. There is a hotel - alas, non-licensed - and a Post Office and Store. The Dement River flows swiftly southward about 50 yards east of these establishments. Having exchanged the Season's greetings and agreed that we were all looking forward to our walk, we dined on the banks of the Derwent, then feeling that the world owed us a living we packed, shouldered our swags, and set off for Cynthia Bay, four miles away and at the southern extremity of Lake St. Clair. Apart from a tiger snake on the road, the "bash" to Cynthia Bay was routine. We arrived at the campsite on the Bay at the same time as the rain, and availed ourselves of one of the three 8-man huts which were marked "For Hikers Only." While David prepared the hut the girls and I walked across to the quarters of Mr. McConnel, the Ranger, and collected food supplies which had been ordered from him. We also finalised arrangements for our launch which we had arranged to take us to the north end of the lake next morning. It was pleasant to reach the hut again and prepare our evening meals and after we had eaten it make sure that the numerous tame wallabies had their fill. And so to bed.+Derwent Bridge is not a town, but merely a collection of buildings quietly situated at the side of the Queenstown road. There is a hotel - alas, non-licensed - and a Post Office and Store. The Derwent River flows swiftly southward about 50 yards east of these establishments. Having exchanged the Season's greetings and agreed that we were all looking forward to our walk, we dined on the banks of the Derwent, then feeling that the world owed us a living we packed, shouldered our swags, and set off for Cynthia Bay, four miles away and at the southern extremity of Lake St. Clair. Apart from a tiger snake on the road, the "bash" to Cynthia Bay was routine. We arrived at the campsite on the Bay at the same time as the rain, and availed ourselves of one of the three 8-man huts which were marked "For Hikers Only." While David prepared the hut the girls and I walked across to the quarters of Mr. McConnel, the Ranger, and collected food supplies which had been ordered from him. We also finalised arrangements for our launch which we had arranged to take us to the north end of the lake next morning. It was pleasant to reach the hut again and prepare our evening meals and after we had eaten it make sure that the numerous tame wallabies had their fill. And so to bed.
  
 Thursday, Dec. 27th dawned, and anxious faces looked out to see the sun. We had breakfast and set out by launch northward along Lake St. Clair. Mt. Ida stood dominating the east side of the lake, her lofty peak resplendent in the morning sun, and then mist would hide her face and we would gaze to the west to see Rufus receding south, and Olympus and the Seven Apostles showing up in all their majesty. Snow still lay on Mt. Olympus and somewhat chilled the wind which blew over it. Thursday, Dec. 27th dawned, and anxious faces looked out to see the sun. We had breakfast and set out by launch northward along Lake St. Clair. Mt. Ida stood dominating the east side of the lake, her lofty peak resplendent in the morning sun, and then mist would hide her face and we would gaze to the west to see Rufus receding south, and Olympus and the Seven Apostles showing up in all their majesty. Snow still lay on Mt. Olympus and somewhat chilled the wind which blew over it.
  
-The launch had berthed at a landing in front of Narcissus Hut. Here we disembarked, quickly inspected the hut, then set out for Nicholls Hut at the junction of Lake Marion and Pine Valley tracks. Nicholls was reached after a mild introduction to button grass and mud, the journey occupying three-quarters of an hour. After a good lunch the girls and I set off to Lake Marion, some three mriles W.N.W of the hut. This is truly a delightful walk, and there are excellent views of Olympus, Mt. Byron, Mt. Cuvier and Mt. Manfred. On rising further and walking nearer to the lake, Mt. Gould looms into view - 5,000 ft. of grandeur. The Guardians stand jealously to one side of Gould, and at their feet lies Lake Marion, a fantasy in blue, with Horizontal Hill to the west to complete the scene. The return trip to the hut rewarded us with glimpses of Lake St. Clair, and we arrived back for tea fully satisfied with our day. We even saw a wombat!+The launch had berthed at a landing in front of Narcissus Hut. Here we disembarked, quickly inspected the hut, then set out for Nicholls Hut at the junction of Lake Marion and Pine Valley tracks. Nicholls was reached after a mild introduction to button grass and mud, the journey occupying three-quarters of an hour. After a good lunch the girls and I set off to Lake Marion, some three miles W.N.W of the hut. This is truly a delightful walk, and there are excellent views of Olympus, Mt. Byron, Mt. Cuvier and Mt. Manfred. On rising further and walking nearer to the lake, Mt. Gould looms into view - 5,000 ft. of grandeur. The Guardians stand jealously to one side of Gould, and at their feet lies Lake Marion, a fantasy in blue, with Horizontal Hill to the west to complete the scene. The return trip to the hut rewarded us with glimpses of Lake St. Clair, and we arrived back for tea fully satisfied with our day. We even saw a wombat!
  
 Up till now we had been the sole occupants of the hut, but at 5 o'clock in came several Y.H.A. Walkers who were southbound. Our meal being over by then we left them to their own devices. Their evening meal was finished at 11 p.m. At 11.30 p.m. came a male Y.H.A. voice, "Who is sleeping here?" From Betty, "No one at all!" Muffled Y.H.A. apologies, and from then on silence. Up till now we had been the sole occupants of the hut, but at 5 o'clock in came several Y.H.A. Walkers who were southbound. Our meal being over by then we left them to their own devices. Their evening meal was finished at 11 p.m. At 11.30 p.m. came a male Y.H.A. voice, "Who is sleeping here?" From Betty, "No one at all!" Muffled Y.H.A. apologies, and from then on silence.
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 Friday brought a cloudy sky but no rain. All of us set out for a day's excursion to Pine Valley which was reached after wandering through forest and traversing a soggy button grass plain. We had lunch on a grassy patch in the shadow of the Parthenon and admired the view as we ate. This valley is truly a Shangri-La, aid is set off by petite Cephissus Creek babbling through its centre. We visited Pine Valley hut, and here rain started and was destined not to stop for five days. We squelched our way back to Nicholls Hut, had tea, and so to bed. Friday brought a cloudy sky but no rain. All of us set out for a day's excursion to Pine Valley which was reached after wandering through forest and traversing a soggy button grass plain. We had lunch on a grassy patch in the shadow of the Parthenon and admired the view as we ate. This valley is truly a Shangri-La, aid is set off by petite Cephissus Creek babbling through its centre. We visited Pine Valley hut, and here rain started and was destined not to stop for five days. We squelched our way back to Nicholls Hut, had tea, and so to bed.
  
-Sat., Dec. 31st, was uneventful. We left Nicholls Hut at 9 a.m. and walked through the rain, climbng to a new hut at Windy Ridge at 3,000 ft, and three-quarters of a mile south-west of Du Cane Gap. Occasionally a view of Mt. Massif was seen through breaks in the clouds, and we were able to appreciate the nature of the country, in spite of the rain. The hut was reached at 1 p.m., and here we lunched, dried out, and spent the night. Three Queensland University Walkers joined us here, and a pleasant evening was had by all. New Year's Eve was celebrated by having plum pudding for tea, but all retired at 9 p.m., and at Windy Ridge only the rain ushered in the New Year.+Sat., Dec. 31st, was uneventful. We left Nicholls Hut at 9 a.m. and walked through the rain, climbing to a new hut at Windy Ridge at 3,000 ft, and three-quarters of a mile south-west of Du Cane Gap. Occasionally a view of Mt. Massif was seen through breaks in the clouds, and we were able to appreciate the nature of the country, in spite of the rain. The hut was reached at 1 p.m., and here we lunched, dried out, and spent the night. Three Queensland University Walkers joined us here, and a pleasant evening was had by all. New Year's Eve was celebrated by having plum pudding for tea, but all retired at 9 p.m., and at Windy Ridge only the rain ushered in the New Year.
  
 We started New Year's day, 1956, by climbing to Du Cane Gap up a track which was now a watercourse. Miraculously, at this Gap the rain stopped and the cloud lifted to give us a peep of the Mersey Gorge and Cathedral Mt. This clear spell held until we had reached the forest area, and enabled us to assess the magnificence of this area. We started New Year's day, 1956, by climbing to Du Cane Gap up a track which was now a watercourse. Miraculously, at this Gap the rain stopped and the cloud lifted to give us a peep of the Mersey Gorge and Cathedral Mt. This clear spell held until we had reached the forest area, and enabled us to assess the magnificence of this area.
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 As night came, two Launceston Club members arrived and settled. One was hard of hearing and the other had a loud voice, but as this hut had two separate rooms our privacy was preserved. It was here I made a damper! We found a camp oven, and, the girls having retired, David and I watched over our oven and at a given signal out came our damper - and it served us well. Our Launceston friends called in and showed us their portable aluminium camp oven of l 1/2 lbs. weight, and in the morning they exhibited its product. As night came, two Launceston Club members arrived and settled. One was hard of hearing and the other had a loud voice, but as this hut had two separate rooms our privacy was preserved. It was here I made a damper! We found a camp oven, and, the girls having retired, David and I watched over our oven and at a given signal out came our damper - and it served us well. Our Launceston friends called in and showed us their portable aluminium camp oven of l 1/2 lbs. weight, and in the morning they exhibited its product.
  
-Once again we set off, needless to say in a drizzle, our goal being Windamere Hut at Lake Windamere. Here we were to meet Geof Wagg and his confederates who were southbound and like us nearly snowbound. By 11 o'clock we had arrived at Frog Flat, and here were able to catch glimpses of Ossa and Pelion West. Frog Flat is the source of the Forth River which we were to recross four days later at the sea coast. The ascent from Frog Flat was through delightful forest up to a crossing at Pelion Creek. At odd places good views of the Forth Valley came into being. After lunch, still climbing, Pine Forest Moor was reached, and here we were pelted with ice for nearly an hour. The area is exposed and open to all weather, and I guess we were fair targets for the sleet. Undaunted, and feeling very intrepid, we pushed on, and were rewarded by a fine view of the Forth Valley as the icing-up operations temporarily stopped. Again came the sleet, so on we pushed over treeless plateaux to Windemere hut which is situated among trees. We had barely settled down when Geof Wagg and party arrived and there was much to talk about. The climax arrived then Geof produced a Christmas cake which he had been keeping till he met us - a wonderful gesture, Geof, and we really appreciated it.+Once again we set off, needless to say in a drizzle, our goal being Windemere Hut at Lake Windemere. Here we were to meet Geof Wagg and his confederates who were southbound and like us nearly snowbound. By 11 o'clock we had arrived at Frog Flat, and here were able to catch glimpses of Ossa and Pelion West. Frog Flat is the source of the Forth River which we were to recross four days later at the sea coast. The ascent from Frog Flat was through delightful forest up to a crossing at Pelion Creek. At odd places good views of the Forth Valley came into being. After lunch, still climbing, Pine Forest Moor was reached, and here we were pelted with ice for nearly an hour. The area is exposed and open to all weather, and I guess we were fair targets for the sleet. Undaunted, and feeling very intrepid, we pushed on, and were rewarded by a fine view of the Forth Valley as the icing-up operations temporarily stopped. Again came the sleet, so on we pushed over treeless plateaux to Windemere hut which is situated among trees. We had barely settled down when Geof Wagg and party arrived and there was much to talk about. The climax arrived then Geof produced a Christmas cake which he had been keeping till he met us - a wonderful gesture, Geof, and we really appreciated it.
  
 Except for having to rise during the night to chase a possum from David's pack, all was well. Comes the dawn, and it is clear! Off we shoot to Cradle Mt! We bade farewell to Geof and party and wished them well, then away, past the beautiful Lake Windemere which is a bit of Scotland in all its mist and rain and damp muddy ground. We climbed to 3,500 ft. and then came a snowstorm. We tramped for an hour in this until a brief sunny spell warmed our now numb feet. Again snow and sleet until the Cradle Cirque was reached. Momentarily it cleared, and below the cirque a green valley was to be seen, after the white snow a sight for sore eyes. Barn Bluff was hidden in murk, as was Cradle Mt., but now the wind had dropped and snow fell in fairy-tale fashion for one hour as we walked to Kitchen Hut. Lunch was over in ten minutes, and as a last farewell to high places we ran into a blizzard. Against this we really battled for half an hour. I am sure this was Mawson's training ground! Except for having to rise during the night to chase a possum from David's pack, all was well. Comes the dawn, and it is clear! Off we shoot to Cradle Mt! We bade farewell to Geof and party and wished them well, then away, past the beautiful Lake Windemere which is a bit of Scotland in all its mist and rain and damp muddy ground. We climbed to 3,500 ft. and then came a snowstorm. We tramped for an hour in this until a brief sunny spell warmed our now numb feet. Again snow and sleet until the Cradle Cirque was reached. Momentarily it cleared, and below the cirque a green valley was to be seen, after the white snow a sight for sore eyes. Barn Bluff was hidden in murk, as was Cradle Mt., but now the wind had dropped and snow fell in fairy-tale fashion for one hour as we walked to Kitchen Hut. Lunch was over in ten minutes, and as a last farewell to high places we ran into a blizzard. Against this we really battled for half an hour. I am sure this was Mawson's training ground!
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 The blizzard stopped as we came to the edge of the valley overlooking Waldheim, and here was a panorama worthy of the best of cameras. Now down to Waldheim Chalet, 1,000 ft. below! A good meal and a hot bath, and so to bed. The blizzard stopped as we came to the edge of the valley overlooking Waldheim, and here was a panorama worthy of the best of cameras. Now down to Waldheim Chalet, 1,000 ft. below! A good meal and a hot bath, and so to bed.
  
-Thursday dawned a beautiful day - by Tasmanian standards - and Betty and I set off to see Dove Lake. We passed round the Lake and climbed over Hansen's Peak whibh afforded extensive views of Lake Hansen and Twisted Lakes. On we pressed until we sidled Cradle Mt. and reached Kitchen Hut. Here, in sunshine, with a snow-studded mountain at hand, the temptation to climb was overwhelming. Betty was horrified when I said like a villain, "Let's climb Cradle," But nevertheless up we went, through slush and snow drifts. Our reward was a view of Barn Bluff and a glorious panorama of the area.+Thursday dawned a beautiful day - by Tasmanian standards - and Betty and I set off to see Dove Lake. We passed round the Lake and climbed over Hansen's Peak which afforded extensive views of Lake Hansen and Twisted Lakes. On we pressed until we sidled Cradle Mt. and reached Kitchen Hut. Here, in sunshine, with a snow-studded mountain at hand, the temptation to climb was overwhelming. Betty was horrified when I said like a villain, "Let's climb Cradle," But nevertheless up we went, through slush and snow drifts. Our reward was a view of Barn Bluff and a glorious panorama of the area.
  
 The return trip took us past Marion's Look-out, and 1,000 ft. below lay Dove Lake, a deep resplendent blue. We then went down to Crater Lake, and thence to the Chalet to tell of the wonders of Cradle Mt., - 5,000 ft. The return trip took us past Marion's Look-out, and 1,000 ft. below lay Dove Lake, a deep resplendent blue. We then went down to Crater Lake, and thence to the Chalet to tell of the wonders of Cradle Mt., - 5,000 ft.
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 Although those attending their first meetings may not realise it, every step in the procedure has a definite part in producing the desired result - a recorded decision of the majority - with a minimum of wasted time. The S.B.W. meetings are good examples. They are well conducted, there is little speaking for the sake of being heard, and we get through our business in good time. A knowledge of what to do at meetings is one of the most useful things to be learnt in the Club. When members attend other meetings, as everybody does sooner or later, they will feel at home, and be able to get up and speak effectively, instead of being overawed by the loquacious or afraid of speaking out of turn. Although those attending their first meetings may not realise it, every step in the procedure has a definite part in producing the desired result - a recorded decision of the majority - with a minimum of wasted time. The S.B.W. meetings are good examples. They are well conducted, there is little speaking for the sake of being heard, and we get through our business in good time. A knowledge of what to do at meetings is one of the most useful things to be learnt in the Club. When members attend other meetings, as everybody does sooner or later, they will feel at home, and be able to get up and speak effectively, instead of being overawed by the loquacious or afraid of speaking out of turn.
  
-Probably the main reason for the efficiency of our meetings is that many of the early members were good speakers, well versed in procedure. But the rules are not laid down in any statute, nor is there any ultimate authority on what should be done. It was therefore decided to adopt Parliamentary procedure. Actually our meetings are no different from any other properly conducted ones, but, should there be a difference of opinion on procedure, and should there be a parliamentary rule that applied, then it would determine the issue. Sometimes I think that when we have a detailed and far-reaching motion, such as the recent one on National Parks and their management, it would be a good thing if we really did adopt parliamentary procedure. This would entail, firstly, an introduction (or first reading) of the motion. The proposer would explain its  general purpose and the "opposition" would criticise it shortly. Some time after we would have a "second reading" when the measure would be thoroughly discussed. Then we would go into "committee" and discuss it clause by clause. I know, however, that long before this our quorum of 15 (the minimum number required to conditute our meeting) would have vanished into the neighbouring hostelries, leaving only the President, the Secretary, and myself in the Ingersoll Hall. What I shall attempt to describe, therefore, is not "parliamentary procedure," but the usual procedure at our meetings.+Probably the main reason for the efficiency of our meetings is that many of the early members were good speakers, well versed in procedure. But the rules are not laid down in any statute, nor is there any ultimate authority on what should be done. It was therefore decided to adopt Parliamentary procedure. Actually our meetings are no different from any other properly conducted ones, but, should there be a difference of opinion on procedure, and should there be a parliamentary rule that applied, then it would determine the issue. Sometimes I think that when we have a detailed and far-reaching motion, such as the recent one on National Parks and their management, it would be a good thing if we really did adopt parliamentary procedure. This would entail, firstly, an introduction (or first reading) of the motion. The proposer would explain its  general purpose and the "opposition" would criticise it shortly. Some time after we would have a "second reading" when the measure would be thoroughly discussed. Then we would go into "committee" and discuss it clause by clause. I know, however, that long before this our quorum of 15 (the minimum number required to constitute our meeting) would have vanished into the neighbouring hostelries, leaving only the President, the Secretary, and myself in the Ingersoll Hall. What I shall attempt to describe, therefore, is not "parliamentary procedure," but the usual procedure at our meetings.
  
-The order of business is always (1) Minutes, (2) Correspondence, (3) Reports, and (4) General Business. After the reading of minutes, matters referred to in them may be discussed, and similarly with correspondence and reports. Sometimes the same matter may come up under two, or even three of these headings, in which case the chairman usually defers discussion until all the information in the hands of the Secretary is put before the meeting. There is good and logical reason for this order of business. Minutes are necessary as a record of proceedings so that everyone will know (and by authorising the chairman'to "confirm" them "as a true and correct record" agree upon) what was decided at the previous meeting. This prevents the repetition or rehashing of the same matters at subsequent meetings. Once a motion is adopted it is the Club law until it is rescinded.+The order of business is always (1) Minutes, (2) Correspondence, (3) Reports, and (4) General Business. After the reading of minutes, matters referred to in them may be discussed, and similarly with correspondence and reports. Sometimes the same matter may come up under two, or even three of these headings, in which case the chairman usually defers discussion until all the information in the hands of the Secretary is put before the meeting. There is good and logical reason for this order of business. Minutes are necessary as a record of proceedings so that everyone will know (and by authorising the chairman to "confirm" them "as a true and correct record" agree upon) what was decided at the previous meeting. This prevents the repetition or rehashing of the same matters at subsequent meetings. Once a motion is adopted it is the Club law until it is rescinded.
  
-Correspondence brings up matters which may need discussion, and hence comes second. Reports are necessary so that members will be aquainted with the work of their officers in the previous month, and if members really appreciate what is being done for them, they will show considerable interest. General business is anything that hasn't been discussed before during the evening.+Correspondence brings up matters which may need discussion, and hence comes second. Reports are necessary so that members will be acquainted with the work of their officers in the previous month, and if members really appreciate what is being done for them, they will show considerable interest. General business is anything that hasn't been discussed before during the evening.
  
-Supposing that a member wants something done by the meeting; how does he go about it? He must first frame it as a motion - "I move that... etc." He should frame his motion as clearly and concisely as possible, or, if it is a long one, write it out and give it to the Secretary. He should then proceed to back it up with whatever facts and argaments he thinks support it. Having lost more motions than anyone else in the Club, I cannot advise on this aspect, but there are other authorities such as Dale Carnegie. A motion must be framed positively - i.e., it cannot be a proposal __not__ to do something. If it conflicts with the constitution, or with a motion adopted previously, or if it is ambiguous, the chairman will not accept it. Only one motion can be before the meeting at any one time. The motion cannot be discussed unless there is a seconder - an obviously useful provision, because there is no object in discussing something that only one person wants. The seconder may speak after the mover, or later if he prefers. All speakers except the mover, who has a right of reply before the vote is taken, may speak only once.+Supposing that a member wants something done by the meeting; how does he go about it? He must first frame it as a motion - "I move that... etc." He should frame his motion as clearly and concisely as possible, or, if it is a long one, write it out and give it to the Secretary. He should then proceed to back it up with whatever facts and arguments he thinks support it. Having lost more motions than anyone else in the Club, I cannot advise on this aspect, but there are other authorities such as Dale Carnegie. A motion must be framed positively - I.e., it cannot be a proposal __not__ to do something. If it conflicts with the constitution, or with a motion adopted previously, or if it is ambiguous, the chairman will not accept it. Only one motion can be before the meeting at any one time. The motion cannot be discussed unless there is a seconder - an obviously useful provision, because there is no object in discussing something that only one person wants. The seconder may speak after the mover, or later if he prefers. All speakers except the mover, who has a right of reply before the vote is taken, may speak only once.
  
 Anybody who thinks the motion is wrong in some respect, or could be improved, may move an amendment. If he thinks the whole motion is wrong he cannot move an amendment that negatives it - he must simply vote against the motion. An amendment may take several forms, the most usual being that certain words should be added or deleted in a specified place in the motion. If the mover, the seconder, and the meeting, are agreeable, a motion can be re-worded. Anybody who thinks the motion is wrong in some respect, or could be improved, may move an amendment. If he thinks the whole motion is wrong he cannot move an amendment that negatives it - he must simply vote against the motion. An amendment may take several forms, the most usual being that certain words should be added or deleted in a specified place in the motion. If the mover, the seconder, and the meeting, are agreeable, a motion can be re-worded.
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 And now we were away - up over the windy tussocks in the soft grey light before the dawn - more alive than all the living, light as the wind itself, powerful as a storm, tireless as a turbulent glacier stream! Oh, the joy of living! - to feel the ice axe clink on rock and ice! - to see the timeless miracle of dawn breaking on the mountain tops! And now we were away - up over the windy tussocks in the soft grey light before the dawn - more alive than all the living, light as the wind itself, powerful as a storm, tireless as a turbulent glacier stream! Oh, the joy of living! - to feel the ice axe clink on rock and ice! - to see the timeless miracle of dawn breaking on the mountain tops!
  
-Up the Birley Glacier, which was considerably broken, threading our way through crevasses to the top from which we could look down into the Rees Valley - a great space inhabited by moving air and billows of swirling mist. We were now in Wright Col, at about 7,000 ft., where the snow slopes make a graceful curve and swell to the summit of East Peak. That was the first mountain I ever climbed in New Zealand, and though I have been up it several tirms since, it will always remain a sight that catches the heart; the thrill and wonder of that first snow climb will never be forgotten.+Up the Birley Glacier, which was considerably broken, threading our way through crevasses to the top from which we could look down into the Rees Valley - a great space inhabited by moving air and billows of swirling mist. We were now in Wright Col, at about 7,000 ft., where the snow slopes make a graceful curve and swell to the summit of East Peak. That was the first mountain I ever climbed in New Zealand, and though I have been up it several times since, it will always remain a sight that catches the heart; the thrill and wonder of that first snow climb will never be forgotten.
  
 "If ever I die," said Bert, "I'd like a hut built here as a memorial." "If ever I die," said Bert, "I'd like a hut built here as a memorial."
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 We crossed the desolate scree terraces on the west side of Earnslaw, then a long stretch of misty morning slipped by while we proceeded up a steep, iced crack of rotten rock which led to the high col between the East and West peaks. We crossed the desolate scree terraces on the west side of Earnslaw, then a long stretch of misty morning slipped by while we proceeded up a steep, iced crack of rotten rock which led to the high col between the East and West peaks.
  
-A short pitch up the hard, unsympathetic ice slopes of the steel S.E. face, moving one at a time, and then we went together along the summit ridge, wind-weathered into two terraces, in a world all grey and white - the rocks grey and grey and more grey, till they were rather black than grey; and the snow grey, and less grey, and not grey at all, but a gentle tone of white, robbed of its hardness. This is the place where time and eternity, earth and heaven meet. We absorbed it in a vivid silent interval. On a mountain top there is no need for speech - between the climbers there is a silent comprehensive friendship beyond the need of words. They are conscious together of the subduing spell of silence, the sudden joy of new discoveries in mountain lovliness the wonder and the beauty of it all - and that is enough.+A short pitch up the hard, unsympathetic ice slopes of the steel S.E. face, moving one at a time, and then we went together along the summit ridge, wind-weathered into two terraces, in a world all grey and white - the rocks grey and grey and more grey, till they were rather black than grey; and the snow grey, and less grey, and not grey at all, but a gentle tone of white, robbed of its hardness. This is the place where time and eternity, earth and heaven meet. We absorbed it in a vivid silent interval. On a mountain top there is no need for speech - between the climbers there is a silent comprehensive friendship beyond the need of words. They are conscious together of the subduing spell of silence, the sudden joy of new discoveries in mountain loveliness the wonder and the beauty of it all - and that is enough.
  
-And now all form and definition were quietly blotted out; a soft mist crept about us as we climbed down south-west of the summit to the col between West Peak and the first of the Seven Sisters. There they sat, seven timeless ladies in a timeless row, and looming out of a sea of mist was the grim black bulk of Pluto standing guard over them, his face stony and terrible, his fierce forbidding brows drawn together in a frown that boded ill for any paltry mortal who might think to show them disrespect. "Somewhat grisly," murmered Birtle. "It will be pleasing to get back to our camp." And so was I thinking of lower levels - of the friendly friendly valley where there were lots of __little__ things - little ferns and berries and flowers - tiny gauzy specks that flew and flitted above the banks of the singing stream - sunstarts on gleaming leaves and grass, and a gaysome little valley breeze merrying over the swaying clover.+And now all form and definition were quietly blotted out; a soft mist crept about us as we climbed down south-west of the summit to the col between West Peak and the first of the Seven Sisters. There they sat, seven timeless ladies in a timeless row, and looming out of a sea of mist was the grim black bulk of Pluto standing guard over them, his face stony and terrible, his fierce forbidding brows drawn together in a frown that boded ill for any paltry mortal who might think to show them disrespect. "Somewhat grisly," murmured Birtle. "It will be pleasing to get back to our camp." And so was I thinking of lower levels - of the friendly friendly valley where there were lots of __little__ things - little ferns and berries and flowers - tiny gauzy specks that flew and flitted above the banks of the singing stream - sunstarts on gleaming leaves and grass, and a gaysome little valley breeze merrying over the swaying clover.
  
-On our nountain height the mist lifted somewhat, and, gazing down, we saw a great unfamiliar valley, deep, dark and desolate, and wet from a fine driving rain.+On our mountain height the mist lifted somewhat, and, gazing down, we saw a great unfamiliar valley, deep, dark and desolate, and wet from a fine driving rain.
  
 "Oh Birtle, where are we?" "Oh Birtle, where are we?"
  
-Concluding that this must be Pluto Col and not Wright Col as we had expected - the two places lay a whole valley's width apart - we made all haste through it, relieved at being able to turn our backs on the rather frightening giant, Pluto. Shirting round the high rock terraces and snowfields at the valley's head we reached the next col, which must be Wright Col, unless the mountain as bewiched as indeed it seemed. We searched for our footmarks made in the morning and found traces so faint and dim that they seemed to vanish as we looked at them, and we could not be sure that they were not rather tracks made by a wandering deer stepping lightly on the hard surface of the snow.+Concluding that this must be Pluto Col and not Wright Col as we had expected - the two places lay a whole valley's width apart - we made all haste through it, relieved at being able to turn our backs on the rather frightening giant, Pluto. Shirting round the high rock terraces and snowfields at the valley's head we reached the next col, which must be Wright Col, unless the mountain as bewitched as indeed it seemed. We searched for our footmarks made in the morning and found traces so faint and dim that they seemed to vanish as we looked at them, and we could not be sure that they were not rather tracks made by a wandering deer stepping lightly on the hard surface of the snow.
  
-We zig-zagged up a snowslope, following the faint trail till it vanished on the hard ice, and there was nothing visible through the mist to tell us whether this was the col we sought or not. But it was so, and gladly we strode down the Birley Glacier, and so to our bivvy site by the waterfall; thence down the sprining tussocks and across the long shoulders of the hills to our little hut perched like an eagle's eyrie on the tree-line, where the golden autumn forest and the silver snow grass met.+We zig-zagged up a snowslope, following the faint trail till it vanished on the hard ice, and there was nothing visible through the mist to tell us whether this was the col we sought or not. But it was so, and gladly we strode down the Birley Glacier, and so to our bivvy site by the waterfall; thence down the springing tussocks and across the long shoulders of the hills to our little hut perched like an eagle's eyrie on the tree-line, where the golden autumn forest and the silver snow grass met.
  
-NIght had stolen all detail from the hills by the time we had finished our evening meal. The valley slept below, and the snowy peaks above had silently withdrawn into the upper darkness. We stretched ourselves comfortably in our hessian bunks - a few desultory scraps of conversation - hazy fleeting visions of snow and rock and ice slopes - of a dark giant and seven princesses who sat together like god and godesses in teh kingly region above - clothed in a blanket of mist - all asleep... asleep... sleep.... then all consciousness melted away, and a great silence wrapped us.+NIght had stolen all detail from the hills by the time we had finished our evening meal. The valley slept below, and the snowy peaks above had silently withdrawn into the upper darkness. We stretched ourselves comfortably in our hessian bunks - a few desultory scraps of conversation - hazy fleeting visions of snow and rock and ice slopes - of a dark giant and seven princesses who sat together like god and godesses in the kingly region above - clothed in a blanket of mist - all asleep... asleep... sleep.... then all consciousness melted away, and a great silence wrapped us.
  
 ---- ----
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 On the rapids, you see, of the upper Cox. On the rapids, you see, of the upper Cox.
  
-Do you remember when I bought that 60 foot length of rope and a book on mountaineering, spurred to daring by a Certain Party's charm. And do you remember that I was going to tie her up with it as a last resort? Well, I'm pleased to relate that its only use so far has been to safeguard our small brother whilst reparing the roof of his parent's house, and that the book stands on our shelf as a living example of what lengths a man will go to to preserve a fair maid's favour at the risk of his precious neck. That threat to life and limb is now a thing of the past, with our rock climbing exploits limited to the Galong Creek - Carlon's Head type, but to one who likes water only when it's in a hot bath, or when he's exceeding thirsty, the latest craze is just as bad.+Do you remember when I bought that 60 foot length of rope and a book on mountaineering, spurred to daring by a Certain Party's charm. And do you remember that I was going to tie her up with it as a last resort? Well, I'm pleased to relate that its only use so far has been to safeguard our small brother whilst repairing the roof of his parent's house, and that the book stands on our shelf as a living example of what lengths a man will go to to preserve a fair maid's favour at the risk of his precious neck. That threat to life and limb is now a thing of the past, with our rock climbing exploits limited to the Galong Creek - Carlon's Head type, but to one who likes water only when it's in a hot bath, or when he's exceeding thirsty, the latest craze is just as bad.
  
 In all fairness I must admit that the idea first came to __me__ years ago when I first saw the Blockup - couldn't walk through it, didn't have the energy to walk around it (i.e. up and over), and certainly didn't consider swimming through. I wondered what was on the other side, and now and again I would toy with the idea of building a raft, in situ, to explore the unknown. Inner tubes were to supply the buoyancy. In all fairness I must admit that the idea first came to __me__ years ago when I first saw the Blockup - couldn't walk through it, didn't have the energy to walk around it (i.e. up and over), and certainly didn't consider swimming through. I wondered what was on the other side, and now and again I would toy with the idea of building a raft, in situ, to explore the unknown. Inner tubes were to supply the buoyancy.
Line 353: Line 354:
 ---- ----
  
-19. +=== Coming Events: === 
-COMING EVENTS: Although there's a walk on the Programme for the + 
-week-end of.-5th Feb. there are many people I know who won't be on it, because that's the week-end Jean Aird and Alan Wilson are' tobe married. A happy future to you both, Jean and Alan. +Although there's a walk on the Programme for the week-end of 4-5th Feb. there are many people I know who won't be on it, because that's the week-end Jean Aird and Alan Wilson are to be married. A happy future to you both, Jean and Alan. 
-   * ******  + 
-WEALTH:Howard 'Ireland, leader of 'the Gold Prospecting trip on the Fish River in January, looks as though he struck it lucky. Ah no,  it wasn't a find of precious metal that caused the beam of satisfaction, but the fact that the Leaving Certificate results are out and +---- 
-Howard has passed. Cheers. Now he can devote his whole attention + 
-to that gold mine. +=== Wealth=== 
-HINTS FOR TASSI TRAVELLERS: Grisly reports of myriad hords of + 
-leeches in the Tasmanian wilds prompts this bit of information, culled from Eleanor Bor's "2dventures of a Botanist's Wife." +Howard Ireland, leader of the Gold Prospecting trip on the Fish River in January, looks as though he struck it lucky. Ah no,  it wasn't a find of precious metal that caused the beam of satisfaction, but the fact that the Leaving Certificate results are out and Howard has passed. Cheers. Now he can devote his whole attention to that gold mine. 
-Nicotine is deadly to leeches. Make a strong nicotine solution by pouring boiling water of, tobacco leaves (first find your tobacco leaves:), and leave the brew to steep overnight. Apply it copious17; to the boots and socks, and less freely to other parts of the clothing or body. It can be used just as effectively on bare feet, + 
-and on the muzzles and paws of dogs. The result is that leeches immediately drop off dead. Even four hours' walking through torrential rain does not wash off the tobacco "teao+---- 
-"Sez Keith+ 
-"This Search andRescue exercise seems to136-TEETI a long time. Do you think they have forgotten us?" +=== Hints for Tassie Travellers=== 
-40.0041741,7** mo ipolookqe.; 401m. + 
-elkoN4w4110-- 4p44110N-00N-. +Grisly reports of myriad hoards of leeches in the Tasmanian wilds prompts this bit of information, culled from Eleanor Bor's "2dventures of a Botanist's Wife." 
-4, + 
- 9.- +Nicotine is deadly to leeches. Make a strong nicotine solution by pouring boiling water on tobacco leaves (first find your tobacco leaves!), and leave the brew to steep overnight. Apply it copiously to the boots and socks, and less freely to other parts of the clothing or body. It can be used just as effectively on bare feet, and on the muzzles and paws of dogs. The result is that leeches immediately drop off dead. Even four hours' walking through torrential rain does not wash off the tobacco "tea"
-j: + 
-44111 +---- 
-PADDY BLUSHES AGAIN + 
-While we were still covered with blushes after reading last month's advt. written for us by the Editorwe received a further-blush-raising letter from New Guinea, as follows:-+[ Cartoon of three skeletons sitting around a camp fire. ] 
 + 
 +Sez Keith "This Search andRescue exercise seems to be taking a long time. Do you think they have forgotten us?" 
 + 
 +---- 
 + 
 +===== Paddy Made===== 
 + 
 +=== Paddy Blushes Again. === 
 + 
 +While we were still covered with blushes after reading last month's advt. written for us by the Editor we received a further-blush-raising letter from New Guinea, as follows:- 
 "About 4 years ago I purchased your Paddy-made rucksack and sleeping-bag. I used the articles 24 hours a day under the most difficult weather and walking conditions in Central Australia and Cape York Peninsula. "About 4 years ago I purchased your Paddy-made rucksack and sleeping-bag. I used the articles 24 hours a day under the most difficult weather and walking conditions in Central Australia and Cape York Peninsula.
 +
 Just yesterday I finished my historic tramp from Port Moresby to Angoram, 229 days of non-stop walking over a terrain which is considered one of the worst in the world. I finished off 7 pairs of heavy boots, one waterproof watch, cylinder of revolver refused to spin for rust, and many shirts and shorts practically rotted away with the moisture. Just yesterday I finished my historic tramp from Port Moresby to Angoram, 229 days of non-stop walking over a terrain which is considered one of the worst in the world. I finished off 7 pairs of heavy boots, one waterproof watch, cylinder of revolver refused to spin for rust, and many shirts and shorts practically rotted away with the moisture.
-Thanks to rough handling by kanakas my gear received a few holes which I was able to repair early. Otherwise in all those years of hard usage I have never had cause to complain about your gear. The pack is comfortable, easy to carry, and made out of iron to last for ever. + 
 +Thanks to rough handling by kanakas my gear received a few holes which I was able to repair early. Otherwise in all those years of hard usage I have never had cause to complain about your gear. The pack is comfortable, easy to carry, and made out of iron to last for ever. 
 My birthplace is in a country which is well known for the excellent quality of its camping gear, but my hat down before your rucksack and sleeping bag." My birthplace is in a country which is well known for the excellent quality of its camping gear, but my hat down before your rucksack and sleeping bag."
-For the next ten months we will try o be modest. 
-41101 
-s74 
-i 
-PADDY PAWN 
-Lightr4eight Camp Gear 
-201 CASTLE REAGH St SYDNEY 
  
 +For the next ten months we will try to be modest.
 +
 +Paddy Pallin. Lightweight Camp Gear.
 +
 +201 Castlereagh St., Sydney.
 +
 +----
195602.txt · Last modified: 2018/08/28 12:37 by tyreless

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