About 30 people showed up for the Magic Carpet Night, this time held at Epsom Baptist Church as the usual
venue at Remuera had been booked for another group. We began by going with Phillip Donnell to Rabbit
Pass in the Mt Aspiring National Park, which he had done over Easter. This was a commercial trip with
Aspiring Guides, there were three other guests. Described as NZ's most challenging guided tramping tour.
There was much spectacular scenery such as snowcapped mountains, valleys and lakes, combined with many
challenges including straddling rocky faces with ropes, crossing on thin ice, and crossing waterfalls,
all with full packs.
Phillip gave a quick one-question quiz, which Tina won, she was presented
with a train whistle in memory of the late David Kilgour, who would bring one on Club trips in the past.
Cathie Black gave a plug for the ABTC photo competition, and Murray Black spoke about the forthcoming
ABTC Summer Tramps in Dunedin and Central Otago.
We went from the small lounge into the main
hall for our bring-a-plate supper.
Back in the lounge again, we went to Europe in winter with
Bruce and Jocelyn Eaddy, which they had done in the last Christmas holidays. Beginning at Italy, the
tour took in Poland, Austria, Czechoslovakia, Latvia, Finland, add France using a combination of bus,
train and plane. We saw many of the cities, markets and Christmas festivities. Up in Finland where there
was snow everywhere we went with them sledging with husky dogs towing us.
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