| Leader | Mentor | Understudy | Tail Ender | |
| Standards | Alan | Dave R | Lynne | Judy |
| Alternates | Leonie | Margaret S | Maureen C | Liz |
Stats – distance: 12.2km, vertical ascent: 660m, time: 4hrs 30mins.
Springtime is the ideal time for a tramp on the North Canterbury hills, with green pasture and moderate temperatures. Such was today’s walk in the Waikari area.
Doctors Hills is described as a range, being “an aligned and connected series of hills”. The area appears to be named for an early local who promoted walking the hills for a healthy lifestyle. Such pursuit today on the farm tracks of Broxton Farm while enjoying distant views of Pegasus Bay, Pyramid Valley and freshly snow dusted mountains would seem a perfect way to continue the doctor’s advice.
It was pleasing to have Soo out tramping again after her mid-year accident, we all enjoyed her celebratory treats. President Jan welcomed visitor Steve, driver Viktor deposited us at the start of the walk, where 26 standards, and 24 alternates set off to the accompaniment of loud barking of farm dogs, and the bleating of lambs. A rusty red chicken scratched away atop a hay bale; little other bird life was observed along the way. Fortunately, also absent were the giant Harpagornis Eagle that once preyed on the moa that roamed the area.
Maintaining a steady upward pace, we were soon rewarded by our morning tea stop at the side of the track. More climbing continued to the saddle where we heard the call for lunch. People draped themselves on clumps of grass, studiously avoiding the dried cow pats. As we sat in the sunshine, cloud gathered and there was a noticeable drop in temperature.
Eventually the alternates were sighted at the top of a ridge after their up and down and round route, a variant of the higher up and down and round route tackled by the standards. Differing methods were employed as the alternates navigated their way down through matagouri to join the waiting standards. Bar none, all emerged smiling as they came through the Taranaki gate, a practical replacement for the decrepit one which lay abandoned nearby with grass growing between its wooden planks. Opening and shutting gates was the order of the day, “Thank you, Sir”, “You’re welcome, Ma’am”.
Past the airstrip we wandered, with a few tussock butterflies being disturbed en route. Our destination ended with a brief walk back along the road to the bus.
With an early completion of the day’s walk a stop at Amberley was possible. Some resorted to the pub, alas the cafes weren’t open for coffee, a queue formed at the dairy. Thirty minutes allowed Jenny A. a fleeting visit to the Amberley Library to check whether her book on the Enys family of Castle Hill was on the shelves. This area is also tramped regularly on club outings.
All said, another great day out in the hills, just what the doctor ordered.
Txt: Marie-Therese
