The bus ride to the mountains had us wondering if we would be walking in the rain but we enjoyed the perfect tramping day under windless cloudy skies.  President Keith welcomed visitors Basil, Joanne and Charley and Margaret Sc treated all 43 of us to chocolate eggs in celebration of her birthday. Delicious!!

Although Victor dropped us beside Mistletoe Track, both Mentor Chris and Leader Dave carried on up to the Luge Track (nothing like a bit of a change!) which climbed uphill to meet the Mistletoe Track.  There were 21 of us in the Standards Group enjoying the beech forest with hanging lichen punctuated with 8 scree areas.  The outlook from the scree was amazing as we were high up and looking down steep slopes with a few bright trees and slits cut into the forest on the opposite hills.  A few brave non-height lovers negotiated the screes without gazing downwards and managed to cope with morning tea and lunch perched on the edges of the scree.

After lunch we walked down to the Craigieburn Ski Area which has been in existence since around 1950.  It is recommended for intermediate and advanced skiers and has 3 rope tows. We caught up with the Alternative Group as we walked down the ski access road back to the bus.

Craigieburn Forest Park is a 447km2 protected area adjacent to Arthur’s Pass National Park.  D.O.C. carries out administration for conservation and regulates commercial activity. Broken River Ski Area and Craigieburn Valley Ski Area are within the borders.  Txt by Nicky

Standards near the tow lift station.

On the ski access road.

Taking care on the scree slope.

Sorry, no skiing today.