Distance: 12.28km               Ascent: 305m     Descent: 843m               High point: 559m

Duration 4:23 hrs (inc breaks)

The day started with grey skies and a slight drizzle as the bus set off from the Bishopdale carpark at 8.30am for a tramp that was new to the Club.  Once we stopped at Halswell to collect the rest of our trampers we had 37 trampers on board including six visitors. The Halswell pickup also brought on board a bag of chocolates for everyone due to a recent 70th birthday by one of our members who doesn’t look a day over 50!

After a short comfort stop at Little River the bus took the Summit Road from the Hilltop to the top of Le Bons Bay.  Many of us hadn’t travelled that part of the Summit Road for years and the view of the bays was spectacular. The narrow winding road was expertly navigated by our driver Fay with not a lot of space when passing the large transport trucks we met. Arriving at 10.45am at the top of Le Bons Bay we divided into our two groups, Standards and Alternates, and set off down the Old Le Bons Bay Track towards Takamatua. Both groups were walking the same route, the Alternates taking it at a slower pace.  The sun was now starting to appear and the day was looking much more promising with not a breath of wind. The track connects the Summit Road directly with Takamatua and is a multi-use corridor for hikers, trail runners, mountain bikers, and off-road 4WD drivers who would need high vehicle clearance and technical expertise as the track was deeply rutted, rocky and muddy. I was pleased to be walking down and not up it. Historically the track was the primary overland lifeline used by early Māori and European pioneers to transport goods and herd livestock between the isolated community of Le Bons Bay and the main port township of Akaroa.

The korimako (bellbirds) were very vocal as we made our way down.  Considering Canterbury is having the worst drought on record, there was quite a bit of mud in places so perhaps the Peninsula has been having more coastal showers.  We stopped at 11.10am for morning tea and as we were preparing to continue on down the Alternates arrived. We continued our descent taking in the lovely harbour views coming out on the Takamatua Valley Road.  We then crossed the main Akaroa Highway and walked a short distance on the Takamatua Bay Road before taking a left on to Old French Road and accompanied by lots of pīwakawaka (fantails) walked up to the start of one the Children’s Bay tracks coming out by a very impressive rhino sculpture made of old machine parts.

Children’s Bay (also known by its Māori name, Ōtāhuahua “the place of collecting eggs”) is an inlet located on the edge of Akaroa.  A privately owned 200-hectare conservation park, Children’s Bay Park, has free public walking tracks, native bush restoration, and panoramic coastal views. I was curious why the inlet was called Children’s Bay and it seems Europeans gave it that name because it was an incredibly safe area for the township’s children to play as it was sheltered, calm and flat. We continued uphill from the rhino and had lunch at 1pm.  We had to be careful where we sat to eat lunch as a lot of fresh cow pats and goose poop covered the grass. A couple of cows came very close to inspect our sandwiches and then with a swish of their tails moved on.

After lunch we walked around the headland track admiring the scenery and took the high tide bypass track down to the boardwalk that took us into Akaroa where the bus was waiting.  We arrived at 3.10pm and the Alternates were not far behind.  We got back to Christchurch after 5pm having had a very enjoyable day’s outing experiencing a new track so many thanks to the Planning Committee for their work in adding this to our programme.

Text by Judy R

Stds on rutted & rocky track

Stds Morning tea

Alts admire the rhino

Stds lead the way

Alts on track…

Stds gather in the distance

Trampers enjoy views over nearby bays

Curious local…

Distance 8.6 km                    Elevation 1,105m                               Duration 3:45 hours

Another Wednesday walk in the Korowai/Torlesse Tussocklands Park. A misterious (sic) morning in Ōtautahi/Christchurch. After navigating nine roundabouts from new part of town, arrive at the Yaldhurst Hotel.

0852 hrs Yaldhurst group picked up by Bishopdale group and bus driver Phil who assures us it is sunny in Springfield.

President Selwyn OBE hands around chocolates acknowledging his newly awarded BTC honorific. Selwyn welcomes new BTC members Lesley and Margaret and visiting walkers Beth, Robin and Margaret.

0939 hrs Depart toilet stop in sunny Springfield.

In two groups we leave the bus on the West Coast Road and head up the first ridge. 15 Standards having morning tea are soon overtaken by 17 Alternates.  It’s a clear track to Trig M and the walking is enjoyable, undulating amid snow tussock and spent flower heads of woolly-leaved mountain daisies. There’s moss underfoot in places. The trampolining effect is very different from the early spring snow in September 2024 when we last did this tramp.

The Alternates meet some Americans at Trig M and one enterprising tramper offers them BTC fliers. The observation is made that if the Americans were to join the club the average membership age would plummet.  The Standards leave Trig M and encounter the first wet patch of the walk at the bottom of the Rabbit Hill climb. It’s one of those deceptive hills with a summit that when you’ve got to the top, proves not to be. The good news is that it’s lunch time at the real top. And it’s a clear day and we can see forever (almost). We’re surrounded by the Big Ben, Mt Hutt, Craigieburn and Torlesse Ranges. So close they’re holding us.

The Alternates accompanied some of the way by a steer, descend by the Coach Stream Track and can see forever – to the sea.  There’s a sharp wind on the Standards’ descent and a blaze of colour on the scree slope opposite. We deduce it’s muehlenbeckia berries.

“I was never so pleased to see the back end of a bus” someone says. Walking across the grassy flat to the Lake Lyndon-Coleridge Road there’s still warmth in the autumnal sun. Mid-week walks don’t get much better than this.

1435 Standards in the bus at the hairpin bend on the West Coast Road to rendezvous with Alternates.

1600 hrs Back at the Yaldhurst Hotel

Text by Jen C

Alts on Coach Stream Track

Alts enjoy break as Stds continue climb

Alts take breather on Trig M track

Stds at Trig M

Alts at Trig M

Awesome views towards Lake Coleridge

Stds descent after lunch

Distance 14km/13km, elevation 465m/375m, Time 4hr

All our tramps are enjoyable outdoor outings, but our recent Glenafric tramp went past expedition status and almost into the realms of being an adventure.

The first indication of this was experiencing a rear tyre blow-out on our bus as we were heading towards Amberley. Our driver Gary managed the whole tricky situation magnificently and within 45 minutes we were safely off again. Tranzit, our reliable and helpful bus company, had been able to find another bus to carry us to our destination.

Even the journey up the windy Mt Cass Road was more interesting than usual, following a concrete truck heading towards the wind farm construction site, and also encountering a rather large grader.

Our first real challenge was chugging up the very steep farm track to get to our morning tea spot. The 14 Alternates weren’t far behind the 17 Standards already enjoying the wondrous view.

The adventures continued. The Standards encountered: many fences to go over (including a few with barbed wire and live electric wires to add to the fun), the Dovetail creek to carefully step over (or wade through) several times, with the associated challenges of slippery stones and mud. There was also the drama of negotiating our way through the varied terrain with no track to follow (well done Selwyn and David R). However the lovely fine weather and the impressive sandstone cliffs we encountered, plus the goal of stupendous sea views (and lunch) kept us in good spirits.

Lunch for the Standards was at 1pm and was enjoyed at a glorious spot metres away from the edge of a cliff. The Alternates got to enjoy their lunch close to 2pm at a nice spot short of the cliff.

The Standards were soon off again ready for more adventures. These included encountering: belligerent bumble bees, a herd of curious cattle, and a flock of sheep who perhaps thought we were a curious sight, trudging single file along the narrow tracks they had kindly made for us. The most exciting part was the very narrow chalky ‘track’ (that seemed to have been made by mountain goats rather than sheep) sidling up and along a sandstone cliff face.

After that point our trusty leader’s written instructions read like directions on a treasure map: continue on to the second cluster of cabbage trees near a macrocarpa tree, then head down to the beach. The trees were easily found, however the descent to the beach was actually quite a hazardous task. And the walk along the beach was challenging too – but a fascinating experience negotiating over all the large piled, wave-rounded rocks and concretions full of fossils.

Then it was just a matter of getting up the steep hill back onto farmland and marching towards our bus, repaired and waiting for us near the farmstead. The Alternates joined us about half an hour later. They had had challenges of their own, and one of their number (and her thermos) had taken a bit of tumble down a hill.

By 4pm all of us weary adventurers headed back to town in the comfort of our bus. Our first-time visitors Beth, Ali and David had acquitted themselves extremely well with what had been quite a wearying, unpredictable day. And what a fantastic day it was!

Text by Shirls

Alt Heading down for grind uphill to morning tea.

Stds & Alt Morning tea.

Alt passed in the paddock by some farm action.

Alt One flock observing another

Alt Group photo.

Alt Lunch

Stds Sheep grazing with a view

What are you doing in our paddock?

Distance and elevation gain: Standards 12km & 630m (approx.); Alternates 11km

Today we did the Flock Hill Station Farm Walk. I did this walk last year for the first time so was looking forward to an enjoyable day out again and wasn’t disappointed.

After a welcome by new President Selwyn and courtesy of bus driver Tony we arrived at our drop off point on SH73 at 10:15am and were pleased to see clearer skies after the drizzle of Christchurch.

14 Alternates including Margaret – visitor and friend of Joanne, set off shortly after the 20 Standards and we soon warmed up with the brisk pace set by our leader. We walked along the fenceline for about 20 minutes before arriving at a gate and the farm track proper. I noticed that there were still remnants of burnt stumps from the fire several years ago.

We headed downhill then, until morning tea at 11:20am passing the Standards having theirs – a rare occasion to pass them. By that time woolly hats and jackets were swapped out for sunhats for the rest of the day.

More and more of the magnificent  and dramatic limestone tors came into view until reaching the rather rustic, well-equipped toilet where we veered left to go up the rock covered hills. These limestone rocks were formed 30 to 40 million years ago when the region was submerged under a shallow sea. Later tectonic activity uplifted this seabed and erosion by wind and water carved the rock into their current shapes. The name Flock Hill apparently comes from the rocks along the ridges resembling a flock of sheep.

Linley managed to climb to the largest rock, posing as we waited for her to burst into song. After a scrambling climb to the top, some going one way and the others another, we then headed up another steep grassy hill to the ridge for panoramic 360 degrees of the area.

After catching our breath it was a walk along the ridgeline marvelling at the views and rock formations, looking for the gate and next orange pole where lunch beckoned at 1pm, a fantastic spot with views and rocks for everyone to sit.

After lunch we set off downhill back to the bus passing still more rocks, and onto a narrow track dodging moss covered matagouri and the odd muddy patch.

Back at the bus by 3pm we headed to Christchurch with the only obstacle being a flock of sheep on Old West Coast Road.

Another great day out and enjoyable tramp.                                             Txt by Maureen

Stds heading into the great rock formations before the climb.

Rather rustic toilet

Stds commence the climb through the first rock formations.

Alt finding a way through limestone rocks

Alt Linley great pose

Alt Lunch with a view

On wards and upwards to the standards lunch spot

Stds enjoying lunch with a great view.

The fantastic rock formations.

Stds after lunch through a grassed area before the descent

Distance (Standards): 13.8km and height gained 587m

It was a great day for a walk on the Port Hills and after collecting the 10 members waiting at Princess Margaret we numbered 36 in total,  a number which had the treasurer if not turning somersaults with glee, at least smiling as we made our way up Huntsbury Ave to the drop-off point. There were chocolate treats too – thank you Chris H for marking a significant birthday in this way, and Jan M who just thought it had been a long time since anyone had shouted. Perhaps we need another column on the clipboard that circulates in the bus – Leader, Mentor, Tail Ender, Diarist, and … Treat Provider.

The Standards start off with a downhill stretch into the valley and this “lost” elevation has to be regained, so the 13 Alternates were feeling just a little smug as they made their way up the shingle road enjoying the warm temperature. When we stopped for morning tea the leaders wisely looked for a sheltered spot out of the wind which had picked up tempo as we approached the Summit Road.

Both groups had a largely uneventful day which is a good thing – for the most part no sprains, strains, bumps or bruises. However, soon after the Alternates set off from the rest and comfort stop at The Sign of The Kiwi we encountered the Standards who inquired if we would take one of their number off their hands. Since this turned our 13 into 14 – a less confronting number, we were quite happy to have one more in our group.  Knowing that a lot of the tracks are shared-use tracks, the tailenders were occupied trying to keep one eye looking forward and the other checking behind in case cyclists were descending on us at speed. A pity that bells on bicycles are not fashionable.

Both groups enjoyed the views both cityward (hard to miss Te Kaha) and across the harbour towards Charteris Bay. There is also an interesting variety of terrain from the tussocks as you ascend the hill, the treed areas, and then the native bush which is one of the delights of walking via Mitchells track back to the Crater Rim Walkway.  The Standards scaled Mt Vernon while the Alternates’ route sidled around it. Before too long and after crossing the Summit Road we encountered the sign for the Vernon Park farm track. The park which extends from the valley floor to the Summit Road and beyond, was purchased in 1985 after a successful fundraising campaign. The commendable foresight of the group responsible for securing this recreational area on our city’s doorstep was confirmed by the number of other walkers, runners and cyclists we encountered throughout the day.

The Standards arrived at the bus very soon after the first group allowing plenty of time for a stop for refreshments in the vicinity of the Brickworks.  Crossing Centaurus Rd safely was the biggest challenge of the day and perhaps the club should invest in some STOP/GO signage.

Text by Jan Bw

Stds rally with leader before setting off

Stds on track from Huntsbury

Stds climb towards Summit Rd

Stds advance from Summit Rd

Alts enjoy lunch

Stds prepare to depart lunch spot

Alts group photo

Stds atop Mt Vernon

Stds descend towards bus pick-up

Distance and altitude:  Standards 16km and 750m; Alternates 10km and 456m

The Camp Saddle trip with its high ridge walk close to the Craigieburn Range and scree run down to lower altitude is the favourite of many club members including me.  I’ve completed it several times since becoming a club member and my memory is that the April weather has invariably been fine, sunny and calm albeit with a patch or two of early snow on the ground sometimes.  Yesterday was forecast to be fine and warm in Christchurch and portents were good for another great trip.  Unfortunately, the Canterbury nor’wester had other ideas.

As our group of 23 made their way to Camp Saddle (altitude 1490 m) we were sheltered in the native bush and only vaguely aware of an increasing breeze.  Our walk up the Broken River Skifield road from the starting point at Mistletoe Flat was briefly interrupted by two of our group who decided to head up the wrong side track.  After leader Selwyn had shown them the error of their ways we carried on up the road and then headed right up the steep track to the saddle where lunch was eagerly anticipated.

It was windy at the top and so we headed a bit higher in an attempt to find a lunch spot sheltered from the increasingly strong and gusting nor’west wind.  After a very short lunch break we began the journey along the ridge but it soon became clear that the very strong wind gusts were going to make it too dangerous to continue.  The experienced scree slope runners reluctantly had to face the fact that they would not be enjoying the initiation of the newer members in the joys of scree running today.

So we turned around and (somewhat reluctantly) retraced our steps to the saddle and back down to the skifield road and eventually back to the bus – a total journey of nearly 16 km and an elapsed time of almost 5 hours.  It was a good workout but disappointing that the original plan had to be abandoned.

In the meantime, a smaller (13 strong) group had completed a 10 km route up the Broken River skifield road and the Luge Track to the base of Helicopter Hill.  All of the group managed the steep scramble up (and down) Helicopter Hill (1256 m) and reportedly enjoyed their lunch on the top in relatively calm and warm conditions, unlike those being experienced at Camp Saddle.  After descending they returned to the bus at Mistletoe Flat by way of Craigieburn Edge Track, the Craigieburn Skifield Road and the Sidle 73 Track.

We were a bit late getting back to Christchurch because of a delayed start earlier in the day.  Soon after starting from Bishopdale, our Tranzit Coachlines driver Phil noticed a warning light on his dashboard and a decision was made to change buses alongside Nunweek Park in Sawyers Arms Road.  This delayed our start by about 45 minutes but everyone was glad that Tranzit put our safety first and were able to supply another bus at short notice.

Text by Warren

Stds rally en route

Stds on track above treeline

Stds ascend ridgeline

Awesome views from lunch spot

Stds begin descent

Descent across scree slope

Stds reach ski field access on return

Distance 14km, elevation gain 552m, 3hr, 30min/4hr 10min

This morning 32 people came on the trip.  Our bus driver was Frank.  We drove to Mt Herbert to tramp, after a toilet stop at Purau Bay.  The Standards group went ahead and the Alternates followed on.  We all had morning tea and then we tramped for five hours.  We walked back to the bus at Diamond Harbour then left at 3.00 and didn’t get back to Bishopdale until 5.30pm.  It was a long day.

On the way to Gebbies Pass we rounded a corner and startled a kahu (hawk) at roadside – we tensed for the expected thump on the bus, but it was a near miss as it flashed past the windscreen! Above Purau, the 16 Standards set off at a good pace uphill following our leader Richard. Below Monument we paused, and there was some speculation on how many rocks might come down in another earthquake!  A large pole with brushes stood near the track as we approached the summit, “That’s a big boot cleaner, I thought”, before a couple of steers turned up to scratch themselves. No trees for them. A nice clear day for lunch at the top of Mt Herbert, which meant we enjoyed great views of Lyttelton Harbour, Port Hills,  Pegasus Bay and Lake Ellesmere.

Shirley, marketing flyer in hand, approached another tramper who had joined us for lunch. As a Diamond Harbour local, unlikely to be a club prospect, but getting the word out!

Then the long downhill to Diamond Harbour. In the bush near the bottom, a couple of  piwakawaka joined us, one settling briefly on my walking pole! Then onto the village where we enjoyed ice creams in the sun, and the sight and rumble of three Ferraris as they left.

Text by Lesley and Graham

On track below the Monument

Locals enjoying a scatch…

Port Hills on the horizon

Enjoying expansive views

Lunch in the sun…

Progress on the long descent

Distance: 11.2 km; time: 4 hours

With only 23 booked for today’s tramp the decision was made to cancel the bus and use private cars. The numbers further reduced to 18 which resulted in five volunteers taking their cars.

The low number couldn’t be blamed on the word MOUNT so perhaps it was the word DRY that made some conjure up an image of arthritic knees vibrating on relentless uneven river stones.  I thought the trip report from our last outing in 2024 may have enticed a few more trampers. It was written with the assistance of ChatGPT… : The sun painted the skies a pure cloudless blue for the iconic Dry Acheron Track promising a symphony of landscapes demanding nimbleness and agility, a true dance with the landscape. Etc.

Our considerate drivers allowed us a toilet stop at the Hororata Domain where the weather, after a gloomy start in Christchurch, was now bright blue skies with little wind. A lovely setting with the stylish corten steel sign depicting the rata flower in front of the toilets, and two racehorses to admire.

We reached the carpark off Lake Coleridge Rd at 10am and on exiting the vehicles felt the full force of what felt like gale force nor‘west winds making the temperature much cooler.  We decided to all walk as one group.  The first section with the wind whistle at full throttle follows the fence line beside a very long line of shelter belt pine trees where full concentration is required with many pine cones underfoot and fallen branches. When we reached the river at 10.35am it was morning tea on a sheltered bank, where a box of chocolates to celebrates Lesley’s birthday this Friday was shared.

The old stock route marked often with widely spaced orange poles meanders its way up the river through often boggy grassland areas, streams and rocky dry stream beds. There was more water in the streams than two years ago, most at the ideal depth to be easily crossed with dry feet but not too many dry beds to start our knees vibrating. One of the trickiest sections is early on where the track climbs a rocky bank with matagouri and a steep drop to the river. Careful foot placement and a few scratches saw everyone safely through.

Now in the gully protected from the wind, under blue skies, the sound of the babbling brook, little waterfalls trickling and a karearea (NZ falcon) soaring overhead, quite idyllic. Better stop, sounds like ChatGPT.

At 12md after climbing over a stile, four trampers decided it was lunch time as nearby red berried bushes would provide protection from the wind. A discussion was had and a decision made that both groups would do a loop, walking back along the road.

The 14 other trampers continued for a further 20 minutes across grasslands to the view of the haunting moody almost black lake, still with no known name.

Lunch was enjoyed beside the river some sheltering between the matagouri bushes.

The easier option of taking the road back also meant being subjected to the full blast of the wind again but with the reward from higher ground of great views of the braided Rakaia River and Lake Coleridge Basin with stormy mountain skies. Very hard to hold the phone steady to get a good photo though.

After 40 minutes we left the road to take the track through grassland and retrace our steps back through the pine forest arriving at the cars at 2pm. The other group were just changing their boots after travelling along the road a little further before taking a different track back to the forest.

The plan was to stop for a drink at the Village Cafe in Hororata but it was to close shortly so instead we headed home, back in Christchurch at 3.30pm and were amazed how warm it was, 26 degrees.

A wonderful day in the FRESH AIR.

A big thank you to our drivers transporting everyone safely, Graham, Selwyn, Alan, Chris S and Richard.

Text by Kate

Trampers prepare to set off

Navigating a section of dry river bed…

Trampers pause to consider route

All ears for the leader…

Carefully executing a stream crossing

Sparkling waters en route

Stds rally on gravel road

Flat grassland crossing

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

Stds begin tramp…

Stds enjoy morning tea…

…then depart uphill

Stds rally on farm track

Alts pause on the descent

Alts continue downill…

Trampers re-group on return leg

Trampers arrive at bus pick-up

Distance: 9km/7km, elevation gain 730m/430m, time 4hr 45min/4hr

An increase in numbers in the last few days ensured the Mt Alford tramp would go ahead as planned. Although the weather forecast wasn’t especially promising and the sun was unlikely to appear, fortunately neither did the thick fog of the day before.

After picking up a small group from Yaldhurst, and a couple of late cancellations, there were 29 trampers on board as the bus headed to the drop off point at the Alford reserve car park. The 8.00am start allowed for a slightly longer than usual travelling time. On the way the president welcomed driver Allan, who was originally assigned a trip to Queenstown, and returning visitor Leslie.  The intermittent drizzle on the windscreen was an indication of the weather for the rest of the day so before setting off, trampers added extra layers to stay comfortable.

With the Standards leading, both groups set off on the grassy farm track before entering the scenic bush, with towering beech trees, lancewoods at various stages, an assortment of lush green ferns and the ever-present mud. Instead of walking along steadily admiring the native bush, care had to be taken to avoid the worst of the squelchy mud. Fallen trees were another obstacle to contend with and there was evidence of further wind damage in the canopy.

Climbing uphill through the sheltering bush, outer layers were discarded as temperatures rose, and it was still reasonably pleasant at the morning tea spot on the 4-wheel drive track that cut through the bush. By this stage one of the trampers originally in the Standard group had decided that due to a previous injury the extra climb to the top might be a bit optimistic and had dropped back to the Alternates.

Into the bush and uphill again after the refreshment stop, the track emerged onto a clearing with a seat looking a little worse for wear where normally it would be possible to sit and get a great view of the countryside below, but on this occasion the only thing to see was low cloud.  In and out of the bush again and through a deer fence, with the last steepish climb through a tussock covered paddock, the wind which had not really been noticeable picked up a bit and the drizzle intensified, so time was spent retrieving outer layers that had previously been discarded. After negotiating a second deer fence the group arrived at the lunch stop which was on a plateau with a picnic table, where two more trampers had elected not to carry on with the Standards to the summit which was lost in cloud. A previously unseen colourful hat on one prompted comments and a photo opportunity, which made up for the lack of the panoramic view of the plains which were lurking below the cloud.

After a reasonably dry lunch in the shelter of the tussocks, the group backtracked downhill, through the bush and mud with the accompanying song of bellbirds, to a 45-minute wait at the bus for the Standards. They were pleased to have made it to the summit, which was above the cloud, and had had an enjoyable lunch in the sun.

Apart from two or three spills, fortunately not in the mud, and a couple of trampers being stung by wasps, there were no major injuries, with muddy footwear, legs and pants being the worst outcome of a still enjoyable day.

Text by Sally

Trampers prepare for the ascent

On the forest trail…

Misty views enjoyed from ‘The Seat’…

Alts enjpy morning tea on farm track

Stds re-group on the farm track

Stds progress uphill

Alts lunch at ‘The Table’

Stds emerge from mist

Stds enjoy clear weather

Stds returning to bus