| Leader | Mentor | Tail Ender | |
| Standards | Selwyn | Chris S | Janne |
| Alternates | Jan M | Ali | Ailsa |
Statistics: distance 9km; time: 4 hr
On a cloudy 7 degree morning, bus driver Alan transported 33 trampers to the far end of Bowenvale Ave. After a short walk to the carpark, we were joined by three more, making 36, including three visitors: Stuart M, Derek and Ian (new one week old friend of Brent). On the bus ride, Graham welcomed back Marie Therese and very timely, as it coincided with her providing a generous birthday shout. He encouraged trampers to book for Bealey Spur tramp next week as it’s important to fill the bus, and reminded us of the 8am start.
At 9.15am, 21 Standards set off up the 4WD track watchful for any mountain bikers after a warning from Selwyn of the speed they travel at. Once on the Bowenvale Track climbing up through the valley, the extent of the vast number of native plantings on most slopes is very impressive. At an early morning tea at 9.50am on a slope with views across the city to the Southern Alps, we watch 15 Alternates stride past showing they have the stamina to go a little further. We carry on uphill through the tussocks with very strong south westerlies, keeping most beanies and jackets on despite the now bright sunshine, to reach the Summit Rd. From here we take Mitchells Track through lovely native bush with much birdsong to the Sign of the Kiwi, where at 11am it is too early for lunch. A quick loop track is taken to Coronation Hill to fill in time but we obviously walk too fast as we are back at the Kiwi very quickly.
From the Summit Rd the Alternates take Cedric’s Track walking under Sugar Loaf to their lunch spot at the Harry Ell shelter. The perfect spot, sheltered from the wind, bright sunshine and a warm stone to sit on with a backrest for the lucky ones who qualify for the seat. When the Standards arrive at the shelter at 11.55am, the Alternates are about to depart, so they choose to dine here also, slipping seamlessly into the just vacated warm seats. The Alternates who by now must be getting desperate, head to the toilets in Victoria Park where I’m sure they find huge relief. The Standards walk through Thomson Reserve and initially Latter’s Spur Track among the vast pine trees.
We pass a junction with the Eastside Bush Track but it is not until further on that the leader plans to join this track. Unfortunately, nobody has waited at the junction to alert the tail ender and one other. Janne showing great initiative, rings the leader to find the correct track. A reminder to always have someone at any junctions for those behind not in sight. When we do join the Eastside Bush Track it is a very speedy trip back to the bus in Bowenvale Ave where we arrive at 1.15pm followed in 5 minutes by the Alternates.
The chatter this week has moved on from beef wellington to far more sophisticated topics such as gout, dupuytrens contracture and ambidexterity. Always good to learn a new snippet ………more males are ambidextrous.
A very enjoyable round trip with nice early finish.
Text by Kate
