This text was read by OCR from a scanned newsletter and has not been proofread yet, so expect odd characters and mistakes.
WALLS WHARE — TOTARA FLATS (6-8 September ) - Mike Moran Two van loads of trampers converged on Waiohine Gorge after being intrigued by the sight of a grader’ clearing. the Rimutaka Hill road of freshly fallen snow. With the Tararua Club already well settled intimacy summed up the night's sleep, all of us getting regulation cram space. The southerly had cleared by early morning leaving a clear weekend. Murray Worsop was the most spectacular across the Waiohine swing bridge ~ the consensus being running was part of his winter Southern build up. We parted with the 'Fits' and ambled up Reeves soon encountering bulk snow which although an enchanting sight quickly lost its novelty. The great thaw was en and in spite of clear sunny weather we were disconcertingly sodden under a constant deluge of melting snow. ee Ten damp trampers stepped out<into the sunshine on top of Reeves for a brief glimpse of the fine panorama. It was back into..the bush as Michael led a. +; hour of compulsory red line, then recapturing the ridge it was down to below Cone Saddle for a brief late lunch. Within a couple of hours we were strolling up Totara Flats attention focused on the lack of activity around Totara Lodge. Those who had stayed previously found themselves in the door first, the others slept the night on snow foam. pa some Ss The evening savoury mince and rice was prepared with Susan demonstrating her can opening skills, and an early night followed a long but satisfying day. The traditional 'Medium' trip sleep in-Was_a relaxing way to spend a Sunday morning. A late breakfast in the sun, followed by a photographic session ° with Eric then we reluctantly rambled back down the flats. Within three hours we sat down for lunch across the Waiohine from the vans. Pale flesh was exposed as we wallowed in the sunshine, some contemplating a swim. A short grunt to the vans via the bluff and swing bridge and it was*an early start home for: es ‘ ; opt Susan Fry, Eric Hansén, Graham Elmes, Robert Suisted, Murray Biown, Rohan Harrigan, Steven Beechey, Alan Ofsoski, Michael Hollis and Mike’ Moran (leader). “ 7