| Leader | Mentor | Understudy | Tail Ender | |
| Standards | Dave R | Lynne R | Jen C | Judy |
| Alternates | Norma | Pauline | Ali | Marie-Therese |
Distance 14km; elevation gain 570m; time 4hr 30min
Today’s tramp began with Plan A – Rabbit Hill & Trig M. However plans started to go astray early on when the Weather Team had to change to Plan B – Okuti Valley & French Peak as the weather wasn’t looking good for Rabbit Hill. But it became obvious we weren’t going to get there either when our bus was constantly overtaken by police vehicles, fire trucks and ambulances before Little River. We were all grateful for Dave R’s timely Plan C – heading to Halswell Quarry, and driver Alan’s clever tactics managing a u-turn on the congested road. The two-vehicle accident which had occurred on the road ahead was obviously very serious and the road was going to be closed for a few hours.
So it was a slightly subdued bunch of 38 trampers (including visitor Georgie F) who set out just before 10.30 in two groups from the quarry. But a good steep hill walk beckoned and we certainly weren’t deterred by a little drizzle.
The Alternates somehow managed to arrive first at the morning tea spot near where the Kennedys Bush track proper starts but there was space for us all. The name of the track sounds rather appealing, but the reality is there is precious little bush along most of the track. And it is rather steep. However the track is wide enough to allow for groups to mix and chatter, and there were just a few mountain bikers to contend with. So what was there to see? Christchurch and environs under a cloudy sky behind us and the enticing Kennedys Bush Reserve ahead of us up the hill.
Some of the more savvy Alternates managed to score some blackberries along the way, but I doubt if they will tell us where from. The walk through the bush was a treat, especially as the day was becoming hot. Like so many thousands of people who have made their way to the Sign of the Bellbird since it began its existence as a tea house, it was a pleasure to lunch at this lovely place. Four young soldierly folk had been enjoying the peace and quiet before 22 of us arrived at 12.30. The Alternate group gladly took up our good spots in the sun or in the shade when it was time for the first arrivals to begin our descent back to Halswell Quarry.
Our trek down was easy going, although it was becoming seriously hot. Our only distractions were the beautiful black cattle who were happy for us to pass by within metres of them. More alarmed by our presence was the horse which needed a lot of encouragement from its rider to get through the gate in front of us.
When we made it back to the quarry we found our driver Alan had kindly parked the bus in the shade (not far from the ice cream caravan) which was much appreciated as by now it was 26 degrees.
So our day which had begun so sadly turned out to be quite pleasant and we were grateful to have got a good walk in.
Text by Shirley
