METHS

MULANJE EXPATRIATES THREEPEAKS SOCIETY

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Matiri Valley and Plateau, South Island, New Zealand. 13-17 March 2008

This year's NZ mini-Meths was somewhat fragmented, but through no fault of organisers Jean (Cheeky) and Andrew (Motley) who made a huge effort in planning and leading ..... er ..... themselves. All other participants pitched up on the wrong dates. A new record for lateness was created by Robin (Vicar of Leeds) and Jenny Rainbow who pitched up on May 16th, over two months late. They had to be contented with a stroll above Gentle Annie north of Nelson. Neil (Bwana Nilo) and Sue Stiles did their own thing, but a fortnight too early (and on the wrong track). Verena (Muesli) and Mad Mike rendezvoused with Dave (Harriruo) a week too early. Dave survived as far as Coldwater Hut (see photo) while V & M scrambled up the Cascade Track to the Angelus Hut where they spent the night, hoping to repeat last year's snowed-off attempt on Mt. Angelus. This year it was rained off. Meanwhile, a week later and on the right bloody date AND track, Jean and Andrew, on the REAL 3-hut trip, struggled with enormous packs up the Matiri Valley and on to the plateau, as per the route described in METHS 79. By all accounts it was a most enjoyable graunch, but you'll have to wait to read the exciting bits until J & A have recovered from the throes of moving house and farm.

Photo shows Verena (Muesli) and Dave (Harriruo) and team at Coldwater Hut, the right National Park but wrong track and a week too early together with a bunch of NH3 hashers.

Actually there are sound reasons for the lousy time-keeping and abysmal map-reading of the above-named mutinous crackpots, but that would make boring reading ...

The good news is (may be) that the Vicar of Leeds (now in N. Queensland) has offered to reccy the first Ozzie mini-Meths in the hills behind Townsville. He may even pay his subs. Wonders never cease but watch this space in case ....