This text was read by OCR from a scanned newsletter and has not been proofread yet, so expect odd characters and mistakes.
he weekend of the 22 - 24 September loomed as an ordinary skiing weekend at the Lodge. It was pouring with rain as we started to arrive on the mountain that Friday evening, but I don’t think any of us gave much thought to the bubbling cauldron above us.
We were all delighted when Saturday morning began with brilliant sunshine, and the thought of fresh spring skiing occupied our heads. During that day, Ruapehu sent up the occasional burst of steam cloud but no-one really gave it a second thought. Most of us took full advantage of the superb day to test our skills against the highest slopes. It was after 4:30pm as we all drifted back to the Lodge and preparations started for dinner that there was suddenly a cry from those in front of the kitchen window. Without hesitation, everyone rushed to the windows to watch Ruapehu bellow. _
As the cloud rising from her crater darkened, two huge lahars cascaded from the horizon and hurtled toward the tow machine shed of the West Ridge T-bar.
By Helen McDermott All I remember for the first few seconds. was silence, to be followed by an excited hum and scurrying to get cameras. Pat Duffy, who was racing around outside with the camera, reported that the mountain was really rumbling. Others then ventured outside to try to geta better view or shot to show the folks back home.
As quickly as she had flared up, Ruapehu quietened down again and gradually we were torn from the window to get on with chores. There was talk that we would be evacuated, but I don’t think many wanted to leave. It was more exciting to stay.
Later I was to reflect on the reality of the situation. We were living on a mountain that was very much alive and intent on venting its fury. It was only good timing that no-one was caught in the lahars that cascaded down the very slopes many of us had skied on only an hour previously. -
While Ruapehu had gone quiet, the Lodge phone went mad. Rumours came through about what was being reported in the media away from the mountain.
Finally, RAL announced that we could stay and we settled into the evening, forever keeping an eye on the window. I think most wanted some more action.
Three visitors staying with us from the USA didn’t know what to think. They told us that they had come to NZ to experience the clean, green, beautiful country they had heard about. However, they were starting to wonder what they were in for next, having survived the earthquakes in Wellington the previous week and now a volcanic eruption.
Late that night, Ruapehu shook and bellowed again.
Sunday started with spectacular blue skies interrupted by regular steam clouds, but most of the ski slopes were closed se we headed home, stopping to take photos every time Ruapehu bellowed. I thought that would be the end of it, but travelling along the Desert Road that night, I had to stop twice to remove the fine ash coating from my windscreen and headlights. It had certainly been a weekend with a difference.