| Group | Leader | Mentor | Understudy | Tailender |
| Stds | Selwyn | Chris | Kaye | Bev |
| Alternates | Ray | Norma | Margaret S | Linley T |
Stats: distance 14.3km (alternates 13km), vertical ascent 640m, time 5hrs
With the threat of rain, it seemed like the Glenafric Tramp may not go ahead, but we woke to a dry, mild overcast morning and – no emails.
Scattered showers were forecast for later on in the afternoon, but that wasn’t enough to put off 46 Trampers including four visitors. With our driver Alan we set off North to Waipara Junction where we would turn off to Glenafric farm, a coastal beef and sheep property the owners kindly let us tramp over.
The groups split in to two when we arrived, and both leaders were given written instructions for the route, quite important on this tramp since there had been previous indecision about the direction to take. There was no problem with the first uphill, apart from it being reasonably steep, and we soon made it to the top for morning tea overlooking the farm.
The tramp continued across farm paddocks to a fence line on the hillside. As always there was a discussion about the best place to clamber through. After first making sure the electric wire was off, the usual solution was adopted. Some went lower down the slope, some higher up and some stayed in the middle. At this stage the alternatives could be seen walking higher up on the hill above the fence line – had they found a better option?
The fence safely negotiated we regrouped and carried on over undulating farmland before dropping down to a valley, and the first of the river crossings. There had been the odd spattering of rain, but when it started getting heavier, with mutterings of “this is earlier than they said”, some decided it was time to put on wet weather gear, despite it being mild and muggy. Fortunately, it was just a short shower, and the wet weather gear, still reasonably dry was packed away. There was no problem staying dry with the numerous stream crossings either. With plenty of stepping stones and the odd helping hand there were no major mishaps.
Leaving the stream we climbed to our lunch spot on the cliff top with spectacular views overlooking the ocean, and Motanau Island to the North. With little wind, it would have been the perfect spot if not for the flies. There was plenty of Aussie waving going on, and a corked hat was mentioned as being a possible solution.
After lunch the tramp crossed more paddocks, with some curious cows in one, before dropping down closer to the coast, where we wended our way through long grass, thistles – and seeds. At this stage it helped to be nearer the back, as the front trampers flattened the grass making it easier for those following. Once away from the grass the landscape changed to dry uneven lumpy ground with rutted tracks, the result of movement associated with plate tectonics. This eventually led to the track down to the beach. It was all eyes down on the stony beach, not just for scrambling over the stones, but also to keep an eye out for fossils, which the beach is known for, and some trampers had found previously.
On the last slog uphill, after crossing Dovetail stream, the alternatives could be seen on the opposite hill making their way down the farm road toward the beach. They would bypass the beach though and join the steep uphill track before crossing by the homestead and along the road to the bus. Back at the bus the standards had time to remove some of the stubborn seeds from socks and boots. We even got to see the farmer and some of his flock as he passed by.
Although over farmland, the tramp proved to be quite challenging, but with plenty of variety and some great views, so another enjoyable day out. Txt by Sally
