Text taken from the club newsletter.
On the weekend of 27/29 June three Olivine Xmas trip veterans left the realms of civil living to do battle with the heights of Mt Matthews in the Orongorongos.
Friday night's target was No. 78 Orongorongo valley via the 5-mile track but a severe case of "Thorburnus-overshotus" meant we finished up at Bains Hut at 11 p.m.
Saturday dawned clear and fine and the thrilling three were soon having lunch in a sun-filled spot 10 minutes from Mt Matthew's summit. The summit gained, flag struck, and many photos taken of the surrounding views of WN, Palliser Bay, Tararuas and the Kaikouras, the perilous descent began. The beginnings of a track soon petered out and we were often left hanging by pack straps and battling scrub "kamikaze" style until the Mukamuka river finally opened up her bed to us. Up with the tent and a pleasant 13 hours were spent in the pits. I was almost lynched here for having uncooked mince and dehy veges instead of cooked stew and yams. Heed my warning when travelling with these animals!
Sunday morning our trusty old alarm clock woke us punctually when he woke (clock brand - Mike Hollis) to a bleak morning filled with wind and rain which let up as we moved off up the Mukamuka towards South Saddle. The saddle crossed, we were back on the Mt Matthews track and we blasted down to No. 78 Orongorongo river valley and had lunch. Weather had cleared and it was a very pleasant stroll through the bog of 5-mile track and over Middle Ridge to meet the wheels.
This trip was thoroughly enjoyed by Mike Hollis, Warren Thorburn and David Noble.
Dave Noble