| Leader | Mentor | Tail Ender | |
| Standards | Janice | Warren | Jan M |
| Alternates | Ali | Kay | Marie-Therese |
Distance 14.5 km Ascent 462 m Duration 4:30 hours
After picking up the group waiting at Princess Margaret Hospital, there were 34 trampers on the bus, including one return visitor and one guest.
It was then a short trip to the drop off point at Halswell Quarry, with just enough time to hand out Brent’s now famous date and maple slice. The slice was delicious, but the presentation, neatly cut squares in small white paper bags was impressive as well.
After advice from a local Halswell member, our driver Callum parked the bus close to the Cashmere Road entrance, rather than risk the road cones and traffic lights at the usual Kennedys Bush Road entrance.
Heading off across the grassy dog park “Where are we?” with overcast skies and a coolish wind, the group reached the familiar “ oh I know where we are now” car parking area with toilets.
After a short stop, with standards leading, both groups headed up the Quarry track, before branching off to a paddock through a gate on the right and meeting up with Kennedys Bush Road.
Another track led us to the main Kennedys Bush walkway where the alternate group were already assembled. The standards carried on past until finding a reasonably sheltered spot for morning tea.
After again crossing paths with the alternates, it was a steady climb to the summit road, then along the more sheltered track in the bush to the Sign of the Bellbird.
Built in 1914, the Sign of the Bellbird is one of four rest houses planned by Harry Ell to provide shelter and refreshments for groups of walkers on the envisioned track from Dyers Pass to Akaroa.
Although it looked a very inviting place to stop for lunch, as it was only 11.25am, it was decided to carry on until midday and find a suitable spot. This allowed the alternates who had arrived within minutes to enjoy a leisurely lunch in the rest house.
Crossing the road to the car parking area opposite, the group dropped down to Ellas track rather than taking the higher Crater Rim track. Although more care was needed initially on the rocky track, there were areas of attractive native bush with vocal Bellbirds and views of a somewhat grey looking Lyttelton Harbour.
Nearing the lunch spot at the Junction with the Crater Rim track, damage due to the Port Hills fires was evident with blackened vegetation contrasting with yellow gorse flowers. It was good to see numerous new plantings with their fancy Eco guards.
Following the Crater Rim track to the Sign of the Kiwi, it was obvious it was school holidays, when numerous young riders emerged from the mountain bike track on to the Summit Road at death defying speeds.
The Sign of the Kiwi was the finish point for the alternate group but, after a short stop, the standards carried on down the Harry Ell track to the sign of the Takahe, where the bus, having picked up the alternates, had just arrived.
There would have been plenty of time to stop for refreshments at the Sign of the Takahe cafe, but after investigation it appeared to be closed, so after a change of shoes, it was back on the bus for an earlier than usual return.
Text by Sally
