| Leader | Mentor | Tail Ender | |
| Standards | Frank | Brent | Shirls |
| Alternates | Ali | Sally | Moira |
Statistics: distance 14km, elevation gain 530m, time 4hrs
It was a rather grey, drizzly morning as our bus departed from our Bishopdale pickup point. Collecting one tramper on the way, we numbered 33. As our new President was unwell the Past x 4 President officiated on the bus microphone with details for the day. The Standards and Alternates were to walk the same route but in two groups on what is an easy to moderate farm walk over undulating country. The bus dropped us off on the western side of SH1 at Greta Valley Village and the Standards set off first just after 10am. The day was starting to clear and it was pleasant to see the sun although it was accompanied by a rather cool breeze.
We made our way steadily up a hill following a farm track. Our Leader, Frank, had the huge responsibility of making sure we followed the correct farm track as, to the uninitiated, there seemed to be options, and there was some debate over taking the high road or the low road at one point (it was the high road)! When stopping for morning tea and lunch, we sought sheltered spots and admired the views over the surrounding countryside. Jackets, hats and beanies were put on and off all day due to fluctuating temperatures caused by wind direction, sun and exertion.
As we walked, we admired the beautiful, lush countryside. The cattle and sheep looked in great condition. The cattle found us particularly interesting and wanted to have a good look at us as we walked past. The farmer, who had been busy rounding up sheep, came over to let us know our bus had got stuck turning round at our pickup point and he was (very kindly) off to tow the bus with his tractor.
When we set off after lunch we walked through track covered with a very stalky plant which seemed to have taken over where a pine plantation had been harvested. There are quite a lot of pine plantation plantings on the property and we noticed some had grown considerably since our last visit. When back into the pasture paddocks, one lonely sheep took exception to seeing us coming and impressively shot cleanly through a fence without any apparent damage while we watched in shock and awe! Hopefully she found her friends on the other side.
Nearing the end, we all had to walk through a boggy bit needing careful navigation and a misstep meant rather wet boots and muddy trousers. Some of us were more skilled at keeping dry than others. It was not surprising to find a wet patch after all the recent rain. The Standards arrived at the bus which was waiting at out pickup point, Glen Clova Station, at the end of Gibbs Road, at 2pm followed by the Alternates at 2.30pm. The bus was looking none the worse for its bogging apart from muddy tyres. We were all pleased to change our shoes and get on it to warm up. It was another great day out in good company and we were back in Christchurch before 4pm.
Text by Judy R
