| Leader | Mentor | Understudy | Tail Ender | |
| Standards | Selwyn | Alan H | Jan Bbr | Ailsa |
| Alternates | Bruce | Pauline | Richard | Leonie |
With several reminders during the week that it was an 8.00 am departure for the Bealey Spur Tramp, and no sign of the bus at Bishopdale at that time, one or two members were prompted to check the date. No, not April Fool’s Day, so perhaps just a simple breakdown in communication. Sure enough, once contacted, Victor our very steady and reliable driver, pulled out all stops and had us loaded and off to Yaldhurst by 8.15.
Once the second group had boarded, we settled down in comfort for the long journey to our destination. As we approached Porters Pass, the weather looked like it might come into play with swirling mist covering the valleys. At the top we were greeted by bright sunshine but this was short lived, prompting our President to make an important announcement culminating with, “It remains to be seen if we will see anything.” Not up to his usual erudite standards, but we all knew what he meant, and all bets were off on what we would encounter when we reached the start of the track. We were mindful that when the Club last tackled this walk three years earlier, it had quickly become a miserable experience with the only view being of our boots, and the rear profile of the person in front. Heavy rain falling before and during lunch had contributed to a less than memorable day. Not so this year. We started out in cool, calm and clear conditions allowing us to enjoy the beautiful bush, tussock, board walks and glimpses of the mountain tarns. Vast views of the Waimakariri and the surrounding hills reminded us of what a great part of the world this is, and how fortunate we are to have the health to enjoy these experiences.
On reaching the Bealey Hut, we quickly perused the sparse interior that in 2018 had provided such a welcome refuge (for some). This year we contentedly settled under the trees for lunch, occasionally glancing up hill, pondering how far we would be able to climb before we had to turn around. Victor arrived shortly after, clearly of the opinion that being able to complete a hike was a perquisite of his job! About then we learned that those with prior experience of the area had decided that with the late start, it wasn’t viable to continue further, and after a leisurely lunch we would return to the bus. Just as we started downhill the Alternates turned up – all smiling, and clearly having enjoyed the trek and views as much as the Standard group.
On the downhill trip we had more time to admire the flora, and who knew that toadstools came in such a variety of shades and patterns? Being quickly disabused of the notion that we should forage with a mind to having “Pollo Al Vino Bianco Con Funghi” for dinner, only photos were taken and the brilliant red-capped toadstools were left for the Alternates to admire in their turn.
Having reached the bus, the day was pleasant enough to lounge on the grassy bank expecting that we would have about a 40-minute wait for our club mates. With only one newspaper being in evidence, the owner thought she might be able to cover the day’s expenses by auctioning off the various puzzles (with pen), but no takers! As always, there were more than enough interesting conversations to occupy the time. It didn’t take long for the sand flies to find us, and we did wonder if the sight of Victor in the bus with the door closed meant that this was one aspect of New Zealand’s great outdoors that he hadn’t fully embraced. Just as we thought the voracious insects might actually win the day and force us to join Victor in his indoor sanctuary, the Alternates turned up and it was all aboard for home.
What a great day, and well worth the long bus ride to get there. Arriving at Bishopdale it seemed that during our absence autumn had fully arrived in Christchurch with swirls of leaves blowing across the carpark. Perhaps, next year if the stars align, we might be able to conquer Bealey Spur.
