| Leader | Mentor | Understudy | Tail Ender | |
| Standards | Nicky | Chris | Veronica | Wendy |
| Alternates | Bruce | Leonie | Norma | Basil |
In 2 groups we set off from the Purau Saddle at 10.20am, with the Monument (a large rocky knob) towering above us. We soon found that the entire track has been enhanced by orange markers, and signs at all major intersections. Morning tea at 11am beside the sole, struggling kowhai tree provided panoramic views of Lyttelton Harbour and Pegasus Bay. The steady climb in mild conditions caused layers to be shed. The tight-knit Alternatives (17) arrived at Mt Herbert for lunch at 12.40pm, as the Standards (27) moved on. A fresh, cold Easterly got all clothes back on. More panoramic views now included Kaitorete Spit, Birdlings Flat and Lake Ellesmere.
45 minutes into the long descent to Diamond Harbour, Soo (our popular songstress with the cute hats), had an unlucky fall on some greasy ground and could not continue. Ray initiated phone contact with rescue services, Bruce set off the Personal Locator Beacon, Norma made phone contact with the Standards, Leonie and Eunju made Soo as comfortable as possible, and everyone else in the team helped in small ways or by keeping out of the way. Around 2.45pm Soo was evacuated by helicopter and waved her 4 minders goodbye.
Meanwhile the depleted team of 12 pushed on, and was rejoined by Ray, Norma, Leonie and Eunju around 4.10pm, reaching the bus at 4.20pm. The Standards had been waiting about 1.5 hours which gave them ample time for sustenance and to support the Diamond Harbour economy. All this on top of Charlie’s generous birthday shout of choc bars!
(The good news is Soo did not break a bone but has a bad sprain and should be back with us in a few weeks.) Txt by Bruce
As the Alternatives carefully made their way down from Mt Herbert a little muddy patch proved to be Soo’s undoing. Attempting to get up it was very evident that all was not well her ankle. A valiant effort to continue with sticks and shoulders volunteered by fellow trampers just proved that another form of transport would be needed. Sitting pad, survival blanket and feather jacket were applied. Ray on the cell phone, beacon set off and a helicopter was despatched 10 to 15 minutes ETA.
Leonie, Enju, Norma and Ray staying with Soo, Bruce leading the other 12 set of for the bus. On time a lovely yellow helicopter landed, out popped the Paramedic and up the hill to Soo a quick assessment found the Yelp spot, yes X-ray needed. Helped her up and after a few steps handed his medic pack to Ray and piggybacked Soo to the helicopter and up up and away. Four then had a brisk walk catching the 12 as the tracked crossed the road.
Yes it is possible to return a survival blanket to its bag, but easier to throw it out and get a new one. Cheers, Norma
