45 Years of Antics

Ever traversed Fiordland in a toy boat? Avoided trains in the Otira Tunnel? Carried a mountain bike over a mountain? Or a fridge up Refrigerator Valley? Have you ever climbed the glistening face of a glorious peak? Spent a night in an ice-box with a frozen chicken? Been engulfed by an avalanche – and lived to tell the tale?

OUTC members have! Herein lie tales of fun in the hills, crazy adventures, unconquerable enthusiasm, and miraculous survival. Tales recorded in the Otago University Tramping Clubs annual magazine, Antics. Select the best of these articles. Add abundant photos and cartoons. Sprinkle in poems and indignant opinion pieces. You’re in for a great read!

If you have not heard of the OUTC, where the hell have you been? If you need inspiration for a wild, crazy or foolish adventure in the hills, read on. Better yet buy the bloody book and then read on. OUTC is the best tramping club in the world!

‘45 Years of Antics’ includes articles about tramping, climbing and mountain biking. The book is a compilation of articles, cartoons, photographs and line art selected from the OUTCs annual magazine, Antics, which has been published by the club since 1960. The book also includes material from a handwritten OUTC Trips diary from 1934 that was passed onto the club following publicity about ‘45 Years of Antics’. The finished product is a professionally printed book in full colour with over 200 pages.

Launch

The official launch of ‘45 Years of Antics’ on November 16th, 2006 was the culmination of several years of work, primarily by its editor Kelvin Lloyd. Paul’s entrance really set the tone for the evening. Striding confidently across the stage in nothing but boots and gaiters with a New Zealand flag draped around his shoulders and an appropriately placed helmet, Paul welcomed everyone to the launch. Judging by the number of camera flashes there were no complaints from the audience of well over 100. Invited guests representing each decade in the book spoke of their time in the OUTC – it seems a number of themes have remained common throughout the history of OUTC. ‘45 Years of Antics’ was officially launched by the Club president at the time, Claire Sims announcing to everyone that this project had become a reality thanks to all their support and cements the history of OUTC in the world of tramping literature. No doubt you will continue to hear much more about this fantastic book of ours.

Sales

Send an email to 45years@outc.org.nz and we can sort you out with the details.  Books are currenty $30 + P&P.