| Group | Leader | Mentor | Tailender |
| Standards | Steve B | Chris S | Marg E |
| Alternates | Ali | Pip | Moira |
Distance 13 km Ascent 560m Duration 4 hr 40min
A very chilly morning, minus 5, we were told, saw even most of the diehards abandon their usual shorts for full leg covering. We were all pleased to head off to Gebbies Pass and a big thanks to Stuart, our driver, who had the heating turned on and up!!
After collecting our fellow trampers from their pick-up spot at Halswell, we numbered 38 in total. President Jen welcomed us all to what was shaping up to be a great day, introduced a new member Bruce H, and thanked Kate for the birthday chocolates which were circulating. Although not the done thing to inquire how many candles on the cake, Kate was quite forthcoming, saying that she now qualified for free skiing. Further questioning elicited the information that she had not been on the slopes for quite a few years, and with her health and well-being foremost in our minds, free pass or not, there were many cries of, “Don’t do it Kate!!”
We soon arrived at the crest of Gebbies Pass, the short bus journey making a nice change. The group of 25 Standards were soon headed upwards closely followed by the 13 Alternates. As the forest is still being felled in different areas the track can change between our annual visits. Steve did a good job of keeping to the well-marked path although he caused a little consternation when he invited his group to “Get their gear off”. Perhaps it’s a reflection of our age that we may have been more excited if he’d said, “Get your sandwiches out!” However, the steadily uphill route saw hats, neck warmers, gloves, jackets and vests being discarded at various times.
Those of us who remembered the walk as it used to be, were bemoaning the lack of fully grown pine trees that we would spend quite some time wending our way through on the lower slopes. However, we were pleased to note the absence of the unsightly and dangerous “slash” evident just a couple of years earlier. Morning tea was soon called and a chorus of the usual song for the Birthday Girl was thought appropriate. Having learned on the journey that our bus driver was a muso and chanteur, some felt that we would have benefitted from his input at this point!
One of the many great things about this tramp is the variety of landscapes walked through – although the patches of treacherous ice underfoot didn’t allow for too much gazing around, or appreciation of the wonderful views as we climbed ever higher. We enjoyed Chris’ geology lesson – stopping us to point out the two basalt columns and how they had formed from cracks in the volcanic vents. Thank you, Chris.
We made good time reaching the Packhorse Hut, arriving well before noon. Cameras appeared and there was time to explore the hut (and conveniences), and enjoy the views. The Sign of the Packhorse built in 1916, is one of the four rest stops on the route to Akaroa, envisaged by Harry Ell.
Eventually we were rounded up and with Mt Bradley looming over us, set off on the second leg of the journey through quite different terrain, and now walking in the shade. The bush and the lancewoods were a wonderful sight and this whole section taking about 45 minutes was a highlight for most. Our leader found a spot in the sun for lunch and far below we could see the track that we would be rejoining, winding its way down to the Kaituna Valley. There seemed to be plenty of time for a leisurely lunch which we all enjoyed. Making our way steadily downhill from this point to the bus was fraught with danger as patches of ice caused loss of traction and frequent slips were observed and heard. We were pleased to sight the bus and with no injuries in either group the consensus was that it had been a great day for all.
Text by Jan Bw
