| Leader | Mentor | Tail Ender | |
| Standards | Chris W | Alan H | Lisa W |
| Alternates | Ali | Joanne F | Moira |
Statistics: Distance 12.0km/10.5km; Approx. Elevation Gained 900m/520m
As it is difficult for the bus to access the Mt Richardson track carpark, today the 18 trampers took cars to our starting point. This meant we cut the walking distance by 3km in each direction – much to everyone’s relief.
On a beautiful sunny day the six alternate trampers lead by Ali and tailender Moira walked up the Bypass track. Finding a convenient spot on the track we stopped for morning tea soon after 10am.
The birdsong was beautiful and we managed to spot a couple of easy to hear but hard to see bellbirds flitting among the treetops, and several piwakawaka. There was also quite a bit of discussion about the number of juvenile lancewoods and no parents. We finally managed to find a very tall one with its mature leaves. We reached the Blowhard Track at about 11.30 and followed the nice flat track to the left finding a space out in the open for lunch in the sunshine. We returned by the same route diverting to see quite a spectacular waterfall as we neared the bottom of the track. We walked 10.5km, a great day out.
The 12 standards were working hard walking up the 700m to the summit at 1047m, some of our older members showing some of the younger members up, as they had no trouble keeping up with our leader, Chris W. The bellbirds were in fine form and helped encourage us on our way.
We were all pleased to reach the summit and have time to enjoy the day and the amazing views over Lees Valley and out to the Plains. From there we crossed the ridge on the Blowhard Track before heading back into the bush and down the Bypass Track to the river. A group of 70 pupils from Cobham Intermediate could be heard from about three km away and gave us a rousing welcome as we crossed the river before heading uphill again and back to the carpark.
Thank you very much to our five drivers who got us there and back safely, one vehicle making its way to the Oxford Dairy for an ice cream on the way home.
There was much discussion along the way about the track names, so here are the answers:
Track Name History & Features
- Richardson Track: Named after the mountain itself, which is situated within the Mt Thomas Forest Conservation Area.
- Blowhard Track: Aptly named due to the exposed, windy conditions often experienced along this ridge line.
- Bypass Track: Acts as a, sometimes steeper, connector track within the loop system.
- Waterfall Track: A lower, alternative route that is often used to complete the loop, likely named for features in the area.
Text by Jan B
