| Leader | Mentor | Tail Ender | |
| Standards | Peter M | Brent | Lynne R |
| Alternates | Bev | Ali | Maureen |
Statistics: distance 15km/10.7km, elevation gain 672m/390m, time 4hrs 30mins/4hrs
At Bishopdale, Steve had finished his roll call of 39 (later amended to 38) on a crisp 3 degrees morning but at 8.30am there was still no sign of the bus. Ten minutes later Viktor arrived having already completed a school run. Excited to see Viktor again, we forgave him the fact that this bus was missing some of our usual bells and whistles such as a microphone.
At Woodend with two more trampers collected, he removed the school bus sign as he didn’t want to shock anyone seeing the very mature students inside. Graham gave the info for the day’s tramp while the bus was stationary. A brochure was handed around advising of “SCAMP”, lightweight short stretch gaiters ideal for trail shoes or low-rise boots that could be purchased for $30. There is a good range of colours with artistic patterns to brighten your day. While walking, I heard one tramper who made a recent fashion statement saying he thought he could purchase 3 pairs in hot pink and sew them together, but even then I don’t think they would reach anywhere near his shorts. The info to be placed on the website noticeboard.
By 10.30 Viktor had us parked outside the museum at Foxdown Farm where 26 Standards followed by 12 Alternates set off up the farm road to enjoy morning tea in the atmospheric sheep yard with the impressive drystone wall.
Onwards and upward, looking for the trig on the top of Mt Alexander. As is often the way when we rounded a corner and spotted the trig it looked relatively close but you round another corner and it looks further away. We were surprised by a strong northerly wind as, in the forecast, winds were to freshen later in the day. At 12.35 lunch was taken sheltering below the trig with the bank for protection, on a level with the radio masts. The Alternates, having made good time, arrived soon afterwards. A few hardy souls made it to the trig.
Standards were now on the eastern track which provides a loop back to the bus. They were initially excited with the downhill but this was soon interspersed with steep uphills in a ferocious swirling northerly which sent a name tag flying, luckily caught on a fence, caps leaving heads and sun hats with the brim bent backwards. If you stretched out your arms you felt you could fly but most likely into the nearest fence. The final section after crossing the stream was boggy as usual but otherwise underfoot was perfect with lush green grass and dry tracks. No drought this year. The Alternates who retraced their steps reached the bus at 2.50pm and the Standards at 3.15. A quick look at the classic cars then back to Christchurch at 5pm.
An invigorating day in the country air with panoramic views and any cobwebs blown into space.
Text by Kate
