| Leader | Mentor | Understudy | Tail Ender | |
| Standards | Peter | Lynne R | Jan Br | Judy |
| Alternates | Ali | Ray | Michelle | Moira |
Distance 14 km, elevation gain 609m, time 5 hrs
Dear Fellow Adventurers,
I hope this letter finds you well and filled with the spirit of exploration. As the sun painted the sky in hues of blue and gold and the warm breeze whispered tales of distant landscapes, I found myself compelled to share the awe-inspiring experience of our Mt Vulcan hike in North Canterbury.
Firstly, let me express my sincere regret that the trails we traversed are not open to all trampers. This was an exclusive expedition – on private land with restricted access – a privilege afforded to us by the Bishopdale Tramping Club – many thanks to our friendly farmer. We were 50 strong, driven by Alan and we welcomed new visitor Mijung.
The Standards, a spirited group of 33 trampers, embarked on a journey that unfolded like a tapestry of New Zealand’s finest landscapes. Our undulating tramp led us over expansive farmlands and meandering tracks, a symphony of rural charm under the vast sky. Outcrops of bright white limestone were many. As we steadily climbed, anticipation of our carefully chosen lunch stop hung in the air, a moment of respite before our ascent to the top of Mt Vulcan – where our intrepid leader chose not to yodel on the mountain top!
At the top a visual feast awaited us—rolling hills adorned with lush greenery, azure coastline extending to the horizon, and the distant silhouettes of majestic peaks. The summit was not just a physical elevation; it was a pinnacle of shared achievement and appreciation for the beauty that our efforts had unveiled.
The Alternates, a group of 17 intrepid souls, embraced a different but equally enchanting path. Sidling around Mt Vulcan, they ingeniously avoided the challenging climb to the top. Their journey was no less spectacular. The landscapes they encountered, the valleys they traversed, and the unique perspectives they gained showcased the diversity of our exclusive tramping experience.
While low cloud obscured Motunau Island for most of our walk, the cloud did eventually lift sufficiently for us to see its lower half. The steeply-sided island is about 300m x 100m rising to a distinctive flat top 25m above sea level. Geologically it consists of Tertiary rocks, capped with loess and gravels and is surrounded by eroding cliffs and wave-cut reefs. A nature reserve, it is a breeding site for several species of seabird including the threatened little penguin/kororā,
As I write this letter, I can’t help but want to encourage you to seek out your own tramping experiences. While Mt Vulcan may be a closed chapter for now, Canterbury is filled with hidden gems waiting to be explored. The Bishopdale Tramping Club has shown us the magic that can happen when a group of like-minded individuals comes together to explore the wonders of our province.
So, fellow adventurers, don’t miss out on the magic. Either find your own tramping experience, and may your trails be as breath-taking as the one we forged on a fine November day to Mt Vulcan – or join the Bishopdale Tramping Club to experience what we do every week!
Yours in the spirit of exploration,
Brent M – with the help of my increasingly trusted ChatGPT friend
