| Leader | Mentor | Tail Ender | |
| Standards | Peter | Glenys | Veronica |
| Alternates | Lynley | Joanne | Kiwan |
Statistics: distance 16.2/9km, ascent 776/507m, time 4hrs
It was a promising sunny, calm 9 degree morning in Christchurch, a predicted high of 18 degrees and north-westerly winds to become gusty in the afternoon. On our last two tramps we had battled strong winds so I was hopeful we would be on our descent when they strengthened.
Bus driver Alan had 34 trampers who included repeat visitor Sharon at the Ashley Forest at 9.52am. The 14 Alternates were dropped off first at Lake Janet to follow that track up through the pine forest. The Standards were driven cautiously a little further down the shingle road to begin their initial downhill walk at 10.10am. At the site of the ford with its busted concrete and picnic table we entered the forest to take the Mt Grey Track to the summit. This track zig zags its way up on the south side of the mountain through stunning beech forest; the occasional bellbird and the sound of running water adding to the enjoyment. There was no shortage of squelchy mud in the lower sections and some large logs to climb over or squeeze under.
Morning tea was earned at 10.45am on the track where, with steep banks either side, it meant we were blocking the way in places. Immediately two women and their dogs appeared with the larger dog very intent on gaining a morning tea treat.
It was at 12.10pm when we exited the bush to the open tussock basins and felt the full force of the wind, that we appreciated the protection the forest had provided. Clothes that had been discarded were quickly donned again.
As we walked towards the trig our “falcon spotter” (had also sighted two at Mt Barossa) viewed an impressive falcon overhead squawking loudly. He felt that was to thank us for voting it the NZ BIRD of the YEAR. The NZ falcon (karearea) is on the $20 note, and the fastest bird in NZ at 200kmh in pursuit of prey.
The north west sky highlighted the battle that was happening with the weather with layers of black, shades of grey and even blue while the relentless wind seemed to gain intensity every minute. It was no easy battle but we reached the summit at 12.45pm for a quick photo at the trig.
Mt Grey, 934m, the lowest of the foothill mountains, is the closest to the coast and has the best 360-degree views. Maori call it Maukatere which translates to floating mountain. They believe the spirits of the dead left the summit for the long journey to Cape Reinga. If any spirits were leaving today they would be there very quickly.
Lunch was at 1pm after continuing along the track to the lee of the hill to offer some wind protection and glorious views of the Kaikoura Range where we could see Mt Tapuaenuku (Mt Tappy) glinting in the sun. This is the highest peak in the north east South Island. It’s good we have knowledgeable trampers who know and share these facts.
It was a quick descent to the bus through the flowering yellow broom, past the noisy communication tower and the lookout tower before the welcome protection of the pine forest again. I laughed when a tramper told me his friend once had a job in a lookout tower in a different forest. The best job he ever had, where he learned to play the guitar and had friends visit at regular intervals.
The Standards were back at the bus at 2.20pm where the Alternates had been waiting for approximately 40 minutes. When walking along the saddle before the final portion of track to the trig, they had made the wise decision to head back to the shelter of the forest for their lunch at 12.10pm.
There was time for a refreshment stop at Amberley to be back in Christchurch before 4.30pm after an exhilarating day with all cobwebs removed and wonderful views to savour.
Text by Kate
