| Leader | Mentor | Understudy | Tail Ender | |
| Standards | Jan Brw | Jan Bbr | Judy R | Kay |
| Alternates | Nick | Ray | Norma | Margaret S |
Stats: distance 12.8km, ascent 500m, time 4hrs 15mins
The day began frostily and with some roles for the day’s tramp yet to be filled, however by the end of the bus ride people had warmed to tasks and put their hands up. President Jan welcomed visitors Chris H and Jae Hyun and the group numbered 46 strong.
The walk from Huntsbury Avenue started up a pretty little valley with bush in the middle, the first of several thriving blocks of bush we saw which BTC members have been involved with planting and/or tending over the years. The valley walking was something of a scramble with tussock handholds and muddy sticky bits underfoot.
By morning tea time we could feel the sun and the effects of some exertion. We had the call of riroriro /grey warbler for company until the two-minute call – or when President Jan had finished her coffee – had us moving on.
It was a glorious winter’s day for walking, blue skies and no wind. We wound our way up the shared track making way for occasional mountain bikers and stopping to admire four plump kererū perched overhead and very close, prompting talk of pigeon pies.
The Alternate and Standard groups connected briefly at The Sign of the Kiwi. A comfort stop was made. The Standards followed the Crater Rim Walkway through forest of māhoe, whauwhaupaku/five-finger, kōtukutuku/tree fuchsia and kānuka. We lunched in the open with the harbour stretching out beneath us and news that at the Tokyo Olympics’ Sea Forest Waterway our women’s double had rowed their way to a silver medal!
After lunch at the top of Mt Vernon, the day was so clear we were rewarded with views of the Inland Kaikoura ranges. We descended to the Mt Vernon carpark via the farm track.
During the day the paths of the Alternate and Standard group intertwined making it possible for one walker to choose to move from one group to the other and for the Standard’s tail to arrive at the pick-up bus before its head! Happily, true to BTC’s best practice, throughout the day there were constant communications between all those with roles of responsibility and walkers had been conscientiously counted on numerous occasions.
Ice-creams and drinks at The Brickworks were a welcome end to what turned out to be a perfect day for walking in the hills. Thank you to driver Jeff and all who contributed to the organisation of the day. Txt by Jen
