| Group | Leader | Mentor | Understudy | Tailender |
| Stds | Lynne | Chris | Glenys | Wendy A |
| Alternates | Lynley T | Ray | Pip | Marie-Therese |
Stats: Stats: distance 17.6km, ascent 594m, time 5hrs
Our bus driver was Alan and we had 46 trampers with no visitors. On arrival first impressions of Flagpole, an attractive long gradual tussocky ridge to the top, belie the sustained grind of the route the Standards took. The walk followed farm and forestry roads, passed a disused silver mine, climbed up, up and up through forest to our lunch spot.
Walking was hot and made hotter for those of us who’d overdressed. Welcome distraction came from reading Wendy’s copy of Lady Barker’s 1865 account of her Flagpole expedition to see the sunrise. It included a list of food taken: cold leg of lamb, tea, sugar, cake, pigeon pie, two bottles of whiskey and a tiny bottle of lemon essence to make a toddy (a cheese and relish sandwich for lunch now seemed not so appetising).
Further distraction arose from discussion of the merits of sushi for lunch, and preferences for hot over cold rice and how rice might be cooked. Thermettes were fondly recalled. Chris suggested a prototype of his hat for a solar panelled heat source – swiftly dismissed as a potential fire hazard by those responsible for negotiating BTC’s indemnity insurance cover.
Lunchtime was quiet, filled with contented eating. The short following climb was well worthwhile with panoramic views including Mt Hutt, Foggy Peak, The Gap and dramatic cloudscapes too.
With the bus soon visible our descent was quick though loudly shocking at the bottom for one of us who in peering at the swede crop leant too heavily on a fence.
A cheerful group of Alternates maintained a steady pace along the undulating track which occasionally rose above the Selwyn River before our morning tea stop. There was a brief orientation while the leader consulted as to the wisdom of dropping down to the river.
The more experienced walkers remained at the top of the rise before we all continued along the same path. Apart from one minor topple, no walker came to any harm along the way, although a few biting insects were noted. Several head counts were taken by the chief Count, the Tailender having abdicated this responsibility, the number 27 was agreed on, with an uncounted number of assorted poles that aided momentum.
A leisurely lunch was enjoyed at the river’s edge, followed by our return along the same route. A thoroughly enjoyable outing on a warm autumn day.
Txt: Marie-Therese and Jen C
