| Leader | Mentor | Understudy | Tail Ender | |
| Standards | Chris S | Alan H | Jen | Marg E |
| Alternates | Ray | Gavin M | Ali | Moira |
Stats: Standards & Alternates
Distance: 11 & 7.6km Elevation gain: 418m Time: 4hrs 48mins & 4 hrs
After picking up the group at Yaldhurst, 46 trampers set off in the bus with driver Stuart for the drop off point along the Lyndon Coleridge Road. Although sunny when we arrived, the wind was a bit chilly so extra layers were put on before the 24 standards and 22 alternates set off along a four-wheel drive farm track.
Both groups initially followed the same track, until shortly after scrambling over a washout in a gully the standards branched off to the right taking a longer route to Boundary Hill, while the alternates carried on further up the track to their morning tea stop. By this stage the cool wind had dropped away and extra layers were being discarded.
The farm track gave way to a boggy landscape scattered with prickly matagouri and Spaniard grass. Matagouri is a New Zealand native and has complete protection on public conservation land and some protection on private land. The spines of the plant were used by Māori for tattooing when there were no better tools available.
With no real track it was slow going, especially for those at the front forging their way through the matagouri and tussock and on uneven ground warning those following with occasional shouts of “Hole”! Back on firmer ground at the top of the ridge, the standards could be seen across the gully in the distance.
Reaching the base of Boundary Hill, some elected to have lunch at the bottom, while 13 of the group trekked up the narrow path to the top. The view from the top of the hill taking in Lake Coleridge and the Rakaia River with a smattering of snow on the distant mountains was well worth the climb, and there was still plenty of seating in the sun for the standards when they arrived a short time later.
After lunch, with some of the group thinking how fortunate they were to be avoiding the steep drop-off on the route the standards were taking, the alternates made a unanimous decision to follow the fence line down, rather than retrace their steps on the narrow path, which would have been slippery due to loose stones.
Arriving at the bottom with shredded legs, except for those with long pants on, the two groups reformed for the tramp back to the bus, taking the route the standards had taken on the way in. Earlier discussions about orange markers and pre-cut matagouri meant the return trip was easier, and the fault line, marked by a stony ridge lacking vegetation, was reached without incident. There was time to take some photos before the group moved on.
After one last climb and descent, it was encouraging to see the bus in the distance. The route back was reasonably straightforward, apart from having to cross a small stream, where some got to show off their long-jump skills. Helping hands on the other side meant everyone got across safely.
With a quick change of footwear, it was back on the bus for the drive further up the road to pick up the waiting standards.
Although there were a couple of sticking points, it was an enjoyable tramp with ‘a bit of everything’.
Text by Sally
