| Leader | Mentor | Understudy | Tail Ender | |
| Standards | Peter | Tony | Brent | Judy |
| Alternates | Ali | Bill W | Gary G | Bruce |
Distance: 14kms, elevation gain 504m, time 3hr 20min
The members who were booked on the Greta Valley tramp and the Weather Team must have been anxious when heavy rain started falling on Tuesday evening. However, Wednesday morning dawned fine but heavily overcast and tramping was on much to everyone’s relief.
The 34 trampers including visitors David F, Cath L and guest Catherine L were joined by our North Canterbury contingent of two at Woodend. Driver Garry soon had us at Amberley for the usual stop before arriving at Greta Valley at 9.45am.
Numbers were fairly evenly split with 19 Standards and 17 Alternates. The tramp begins on the main road opposite the Greta Valley Tavern then winds its way through a farm track. This was a public walkway until about 10 years ago and the odd walkway sign remains. There is always a locked gate to negotiate but no problem to our agile group. The track then climbs up a steep incline before reaching a level area where the Alternates had morning tea. The views over the Scargill Valley are spectacular with the foothills in the distance.
Farm walks are always difficult to follow and find the correct route but our efficient leader soon had us winding our way through plenty of gates and up some stiff climbs. A cool breeze meant finding a sheltered spot for lunch. The Alternates found the usual place opposite some mature pine trees ideal and we settled down on the bank to enjoy lunch and plenty of chatter.
A crucial point “The Freezer” was reached after a steep climb and the LH turn made. Not like a previous visit when the group went straight ahead which meant a stiff climb back. The track passes stands of young pine trees and some noticed how much they had grown in the two years since we were last there. Lots more gates and climbs before we started the last hill with the summit in view. Then all that remained was the steep downhill to the farm buildings and the bus. In dry conditions the track down is like walking on marbles but with damp conditions and a graded surface all reached the bottom safely.
The walk on the road to the bus showed off the autumn splendour and brought to an end a great farm tramp in ideal conditions. Garry soon had us back in Amberley for a welcome refreshment stop before the trip back to Bishopdale.
Text Ray B
