Mt Arthur (FMC trip) Organiser: Christine Burn (WTC)
Mt Arthur was the chosen tramp for the FMC delegates (due to early return requirements). As they were staying at the Tahuna Campground, that was our 7am meeting point. It took a good 15 minutes to organise everyone into various cars but by around 9am we were all at Flora carpark and ready to start walking. The large group arriving at Mt Arthur Hut disturbed the six teenagers who had overnighted and who were undoubtedly expecting a quiet morning! From the hut, the group split as only some people wanted to make it to the summit. The weather was not perfect: everyone had to don warmer clothing/raincoats due to the strong cool wind, and low cloud was blocking some of the views. As we climbed, admiring the early buttercups and euphrasia, the cloud came even lower over Mt Arthur. But with Tony in front and acting as leader, we were going to the top, view or no view. When we reached the top, it was too windy and cold to stop (and definitely no view) so we headed back down to find a more sheltered spot. Near the top there was lots of soft snow to slide on, in fact sliding was often not by choice as the soft snow gave way under our weight. Tony displayed elegant glissading skills, the rest of us less-elegantly slid on our derrieres. Just prior to lunch, we looked over into the Ellis Basin and debated how the other NTC trampers were faring in the strong wind. The main group were back at the hut at 2.30pm, noting that the cloud had lifted and Mt Arthur was now in glorious sunshine! Then back down to Flora carpark in time to ensure the FMC people got back to Nelson for their flights. Despite the imperfect weather, it was an enjoyable day. The FMC trampers were very happy with their day and have passed on their thanks. For us, it was a good opportunity to get to know some of our FMC representatives. The group: Tony Haddon, Marianne Hermsen, Uta Purcell, Alice Patterson, Jim Maxwell, Gretchen Williams, Dave Familton, Beverley Muirhead, Alison & David Nicoll, Mark Stevens, Peter O'Donnell, Dan McGuire, Lindsay Twiname (scribe) and from WTC: Christine Burn, Pat Taylor, and Robert Wopereis.
FMC participants: John Wilson, Rick Barber, Hannah McGregor, Eileen & Noel Newsome, Lex Smith, Brian Stephenson, Barbara Marshall, David Chandler, Owen Cox, Graeme & Michelle Lythgoe, Vivian Milne, David Round, John Rhodes, and Shaun Barnett.