Stats Standards: Distance 18kms, Elevation Gain 410m, Duration 5hrs
   Alternatives: Distance 14.4kms, Elevation Gain 326m, Duration 4hrs 20min

A long walk, but a good walk with nothing too strenuous and with views over both the city and the harbour ensuring that the 41 on the bus were looking forward to the above, plus the fresh air and companionship provided every Wednesday.

Our visitor Madeleine was welcomed, and driver Alan had us on our journey promptly. It was a novelty to be heading towards the Port Hills and the Summit walkway. The road works on Dyers Pass Road had taken many months but made for a less-hair raising journey as we made our way upwards road cone-free. However, the narrowness of the Summit Road saw a few inching toward the middle of the seat and as far from the view over the drop-off, as could be managed.

(This is now 129 words and having been admonished by Chris, not once but twice, to keep it to 350, I am half-way to being finished. I am wondering if previous writers have been similarly cautioned, or has my penchant for using ten words when one will do, caused me to be singled out?) [The answer is yes! And a deadline of Sunday or earlier is appreciated.]

The Standards were dropped at the viewing point above the Sign of the Bellbird and made good time to the Kiwi, enjoying morning tea there before continuing along Mitchell’s Track and the Summit Walkway.  Meanwhile, the Alternates were enjoying their stroll, with Basil having an unexpected meet-up with his daughter along the way.

At some point the Standards’ leader, Dave decided that walking on the “closed” section of the Summit Road was a treat we deserved and putting reservations aside we dutifully followed him onto the sealed surface. Walking in the middle of the road into blind corners required us to set aside survival instincts honed over many years, when sure enough we heard the unmistakable sound of an engine approaching from behind.

The two former school principals, freed from the constraints of the NZ Education Act and the abolition of corporal punishment, debated that a walking pole thrust through the wheel of what proved to be a motorcycle, would be a fitting punishment for the rider.

It seems that both groups had an otherwise uneventful day – no trips, slips or other excitement, thank goodness.

Your author, overhearing three walkers behind discussing cuisine has learnt that the best Thai peanut satay in Christchurch is a No 20 from …. Oops! Sorry, I have exceeded 350 words. To be continued next year.  Txt by Jan Brw