| Leader | Mentor | Tail Ender | |
| Standards | Alan | Chris | Veronica |
| Alternates | Ali | Joanne | Maureen |
Stats: distance 14.1km, ascent 383m, time 4hrs 15mins
After last week’s low numbers, it was a pleasure to have a great turn out of trampers, with the number steadily increasing to a total of 39 by the time we set off on Wednesday. It was a coolish start but no one doubted that the weather would treat us well and as we made our way westward our confidence proved correct.
It took rather a long time for most of the passengers to toilet and negotiate the busy road in Darfield. All safely aboard once again we continued our journey, turning onto Dalethorpe Rd soon after passing through Sheffield. The bus deposited us earlier than some of us would have liked and certainly in our group we would have happily helped our driver Allan complete a 21-point turn if that was what it was going to take to knock a kilometre or so off the walk up the gravel road.
The Alternates were enjoying the undulating landscape and with the group of 24 Standards still in sight for most of the way to morning tea, we felt that we were holding our own. At the fence before the tea stop, the Standards’ leader, a true gentleman, had left his group enjoying their cuppa and made his way back to help the Alternates over the fence. We were grateful for his assistance and as a number of mounting and dismounting techniques were displayed he proved adept at dodging flying feet and bodies. Thank you, Alan.
The arrival of the Alternates heralded the Standards’ call to regain their feet and set off. Their departure was watched with interest and some trepidation as the track lost its beneficence and seemed to rise in a startlingly steep fashion. This was the beginning of a test of fitness and stamina, relieved now and again by some flat stretches and downhill sections. It is hard to truly appreciate the latter knowing that hard-gained metres are being given up only to have to be re-climbed further on. And so it proved. We were treated to a welcome rest at the top of one rise as various suggestions were made as to how to negotiate the bull standing fair and square in the middle of the track just beyond the gate. He was such a silent, still sentinel that we considered noting him as a landmark for next year’s walkers as he didn’t seem to be going anywhere soon. Suggestions of how to deal with him ranged from giving him a wide berth – as in turning around and going home, to a fearless former country girl who seized the bull by the horns metaphorically speaking, and eased through the gate demonstrating how we should sidle past our bovine obstacle avoiding eye contact. Mission accomplished.
At some point our leader announced that the going was all uphill from here. Mindful of the date, April 1, some thought this was a joke, but no, it was relentlessly uphill killing any attempts at conversation as one and all struggled to gain enough oxygen to keep moving. The lunch call was welcomed even though we hadn’t quite reached the top of the seemingly never-ending hill. While we dined, a young farming type passed on his 4-wheel drive and trailer. Although there was clearly room for us all to be transported the last couple of hundred metres in style, to our credit no one stuck out a thumb. However, there were more than a few wistful looks as he powered past and upwards.
On finally reaching the long downhill stretch to the bus, we had time to enjoy the stunning views of the Torlesse Range to the west and the Kowai River below. The weather this summer has ensured plenty of feed and the large black angus cattle had left calling cards of noteworthy number, size and … freshness!! Those who took their eyes off the placement of their feet for too long, soon regretted it.
Reaching the bus, we found that the Standards’ number had increased by one as a farm dog had adopted, or been adopted by, the group. Whichever was the case, the Alternates were only allowed through the gate one at a time in case the new friend of the BTC should escape onto the road. Reports were that the Standards too had had a very happy excursion enjoying the exercise and scenery. Apparently at some point they did take a wrong turn but I’m not elaborating as I don’t wish to impugn the skills of the leader whom I have previously extolled.
Soon enough we were homeward bound and wishing the same for our furry friend who had to be left behind.
Text by Jan Bw
