-60- 8:55 Start up mountain climbing along edge of cascade on slippery rocks. Rest 9:55, 370 m. on flatish open crest. Tall tree ferns in forest. Carriers started with two loads lashed together on shoulder poles; changed to single loads here. Slopes steep. 10:15. Hip-roofed native shelter of pandanus leaves; alt. 610 m. Ken's "Tea House." 30 min. rest. At 11:00 rotting remains of another shelter. Carriers declared no water for 2 hours travel above this; This confirmed by our Jimmie who climbed the mountain with Ken, so decided to camp. Alt. 700 m. 2296 ft.). Hoped to get further. Climb very steep but weather and footing good. Geoff having hard going but could have done another 1000 ft. This I estimate would have brought us to top of escarpment as seen from Biniguni. Tent rigged for us, fly for natives. Collected in P.M. 30 odd numbers of plants; mainly mosses, some small ferns. Rotten acorns of an oak on trail ca. 100 ft. above camp indicates change from rain forest to mid mountain forest. Fair amount of mess on logs and lower tree trunks. Found soon after starting that an old man and his young wife had attached themselves to our party. Wife carrying a string bag with heavy load of food (?); put the rice drum on top. Old man soon had my gun from Sigamotu who was supposed to carry it; did the trip with Ken. Perhaps here to look after us or the carriers. Friday 5/15/53: Camped at 1540 m. on the mountain. Only a dim hurricane lamp in this transit camp so notes must wait till later. A runner who arrived with mail today goes back to Biniguni first thing in the morning.