Fifty enthusiastic trampers set out on the Dry Acheron Stream walk, part of the Korowai-Torlesse conservation park. The history of this area is available on previous trip accounts.

Masks de rigueur for the bus with driver Geoff eventually stopping alongside the DOC track marker. Split into two groups we set off, somewhat briskly, along the shaded track, pine tree shelter belt to the left, cattle and sheep to the right, being investigated by curious cattle as we walked.

Maureen had indulged the group with birthday treats and after our delayed pickup and distance from Bishopdale, it was a welcome break to have morning tea within a short time of starting out. Our viewpoint overlooked the river, snow glistened in the distance with a build-up of cloud visible towards the Main Divide. Closer – Big Ben, accessed from a route that continued beyond our day’s outing. Recent snow dusting remained visible on some lower slopes.

Numerous river crossings and boggy sections were cautiously undertaken as we tracked orange markers, avoiding matagouri and bramble before making our way up the ten-minute side track to Clay Valley Bush Covenant. A bit of a scramble further on as we negotiated a short climb – resulting in a retreat, – was quickly rewarded by observing a pair of tui in a kowhai tree.

Standards lunched upstream at a shorter distance than usually walked (the usual little stream flats and crossings largely obliterated by recent heavy scouring of the terrain had made the going slower), while the alternates sat and ate on a high terrace. Both groups briefly combined into one bubble on the return walk, largely remaining on higher tracks to avoid the rocky river bed. Listening to the quiet chatter and murmur of the flowing river while lunching in the sunshine it is easy to appreciate the lure of the tramper’s re-creational activity. As the braided river glinted in the afternoon sunshine, the alternates were treated to the sight of a small mob of horses keeping apace on the opposite river bank.

Although there were a few minor mishaps as people slid down banks, slipped on boulders or sustained scratches, “a great day out” was voiced at the end of the day. President Jan admitted to a dunking. The shorter 9.5km walk and earlier finish afforded opportunity for refreshment stop at Darfield. Txt: Marie-Therese