Distance Covered:  13 km                                       Time Walking: 51/2 hrs. 

Standard Leader: Stan  Darling – Mentor: Janne Ross – Understudy: Wendy  Aldridge –   Tailender: Peter Moore

Alternate Leader: Ray Blyth  Tailender: Mary Claridge

    After a comfort stop at Loburn, the drop-off was at Glentui where both groups started from the picnic area (380 m)  in frosty conditions. The tramp was to scale Mt. Richardson (1047 m), so this was a good solid climb of just under 700 m. The 29 standards set off first, closely followed by the 8 alternates who caught up to them when they stopped for morning tea. Although the lower slopes were not the steepest, they were difficult, with patches of mud and trees that had been blown

down to negotiate. The track was steeper from that point and at the top there were still patches of snow on the ground. The standards reached the summit around 12.25 pm and settled down for their lunch. The alternates were only about 20 minutes behind them. That is quite a steep ascent, so the alternates did well to make the climb only a matter of minutes behind the others. To mark their effort, they posed for a photo taken by their leader Ray at the summit.

    After lunch, the standards continued along the Blowhard Track, an undulating ridge which was dry underfoot and had magnificent views of the North Canterbury plains.  From there they descended the Bypass Track with steep descents and more climbs.  Once again they encountered muddy sections and places where trees had been blown down – but at least some of the trees had been sawed up and removed. Although the canopy was really quite wet, the bush down this track was really beautiful and the crossings of the Glentui River were by bridge which added to the beauty of the walk. 

    They must have really bolted down that track since they were back at the bus 20 minutes before the alternates who descended the Richardson Track, the same way they went up. 

    Driver Callum had them all back to Bishopdale by 5.15 pm so it was a demanding day but enjoyed by all. Visitors were Bill Swallow, Rory McWilliam and Tatjana Parsons.