| Group | Leader | Mentor | Understudy | Tailender |
| Stds | Alan H | Chris | Jan Ba | Margaret E |
| Alternates | Margaret S | Norma | Leonie | Eric |
Stats: distance 14km, vertical ascent 612m, time 4hrs
As we settled into our bus ride west to Craigieburn Ski Field, President Jan welcomed the 37 members and 3 visitors (Tony, Steve and Jackie) to today’s tramp. She acknowledged the uncertainty of future bus options with Leopard coach lines in liquidation and extended our best wishes to Viktor, today’s driver. Jan also advised that the Committee was considering options with the ongoing Omicron spread and have taken the option of carrying on tramps with strict mask wearing on the bus and no refreshment stops. The Committee will respond to other options as and when required.
On a lighter note, one of our lovely members was seen just getting to Yaldhurst on time for the pick-up and had to admit to sleeping in until 8.30 am after setting her alarm for 6.30 PM not 6.30 AM as she thought! Well done for just getting there maybe with not much food on board!
On a cloudy but calm day, the 23 strong standard group were dropped off at the Broken River ski field road and were ready to depart at 10.10 am. After the arduous tramp to Mt Oxford and Ryde Falls last week the enjoyable walk up through the bush was appreciated. We had a morning tea stop at 10.40 am perched along the bush track and then on and upwards to the base of the ski field. We carefully crossed eight scree slopes with some members not wishing to look down at the long drop. We were rewarded with lovely views of the mountains and bush and lichen covered trees and took a lunch break at 12.45 pm.
A short walk after lunch saw us reach the base of the Craigieburn Ski Field and we wondered about the very steep tow rope which took you up the mountain. With a quick toilet stop near the lodge, we joined the ski access road back down to the bus where the alternatives were waiting for us.
Craigieburn Forest Park is a 447 square km protected area adjacent to Arthur’s Pass National Park. DoC carries out administration for conservation and regulates commercial activity. Broken River Ski Area and Craigieburn Valley Ski Area are within the borders
Not a lot of bird song, but lovely bush, lovely mountain views and not such an arduous walk this week. Text by Janice
The 17 Alternatives led by Margaret S were dropped off at the Craigieburn Valley carpark in overcast, damp conditions but in ideal temperatures for the walk up the valley.
After a short walk up the ski access road they veered left up the valley in the shelter of the native forest. Morning tea was had on the narrow track before continuing on. The scree slopes were negotiated safely, and several remarked they didn’t seem as difficult as last year. Above the track on one of the scree crossings was a magnificent wild Spaniard (Aciphylla colensoi) in full bloom. Not something anybody wanted to get too close to.
Lunch was had at the skifield buildings and in the distance, Standards could be seen making their way across the scree. The group then headed down the road at a fast clip and were back at the bus just after 2.00pm. A great day in the mountains. Text by Ray B
