| Leader | Mentor | Tail ender | |
| Standards | Warren | Bev | Dave |
| Alternates | Peter | Linley | Kay |
Distance 8.6 km Ascent 1,105m Duration 3:45 hours
After heavy rain overnight we woke to cool south westerly conditions with clearing skies. This tramp has been cancelled the last 3 years so it was 34 eager trampers including one visitor Chris V who joined bus driver Peter for the journey to Porters Pass. The plan this year was for the Alternates to walk the same route as the Standards, climbing Rabbit Hill.
At 10am just over the crest of Porters Pass under blue skies with calm conditions, 20 Standards set off followed closely by 14 Alternates heading steadily uphill on the 4WD farm track. This initial steep section is probably the most punishing as we have just left the comfort of the bus.
Fresh snow had fallen overnight creating “winter wonderland” conditions for our morning tea spot at 10.35am with views looking towards magnificent Foggy Peak minus fog which doesn’t happen often. The Alternates arrived ready for a breather not long afterwards with their Leader setting a good pace.
After morning tea, with the snow covered alpine tussocks sparkling in the sunshine, it was a satisfying sound to hear the crunch of our boots as we made our way up and along the ridge to reach TRIG M, 1251m at 11.30am. Time was spent admiring the view, taking photos and some let off steam throwing a few snowballs.
This next section is spectacular with pockets of mountain beech looking even more so with branches laden with snow and some impressive rocky outcrops. A more scenic female peeing location would be hard to find. Thank you Warren.
Following the ridge towards Rabbit Hill there are many ups and downs with progress slowing markedly on the steeper descents as full focus was required in the very slippery snow. Brave alpine plants cling to the scree slopes and look right at home in the snowy environment. We were not looking forward to the boggy section where several streams cross, just before we begin climbing Rabbit Hill but, this year, perhaps with the snow it was easier to negotiate.
While enjoying refreshments after the Kate Valley tramp last week some were discussing the life of various animals. We had sympathy for sheep and how boring their life must be with grass all day long before we progressed to the breeding habits of rabbits.
I delved a bit deeper, frightening.
A doe can have more than 20 offspring in a year and can breed when only 4 months old. Can be pregnant again within minutes of giving birth as they are induced ovulators. If a doe is receptive she lifts her tale and the buck falls to the side or backwards. With an experienced buck this can take only seconds. Gestation period is 25 – 28 days. Let’s move quickly on.
For the staff at Further Faster, Rabbit Hill is a favourite Mountain Dog Challenge. I can imagine the dogs would love the thrill of the chase but not so much the BTC trampers who are using all their energy just to get up the bloody hill.
Rabbit Hill, 1198m is quite cruel as just when you think you have reached the summit there is a higher point to come. Standards enjoyed lunch at 1pm after walking along the ridge from the summit to find a little more shelter. Magnificent views to take in of Lake Coleridge and the snow covered Southern Alps. Alternates tell me they sighted a red admiral butterfly at the summit. No photographic record but I’ll believe them.
Full concentration was required after reaching the saddle and making the steep descent to meet the bus 5.2 km along the Lyndon Rd. It was treacherous with the slippery snow and some big drop offs but at the same time extremely entertaining.
Many different styles for the slips and slides, not always landing in soft snow only but with the addition of glorious mud. A tramper with a prominent role in the Alternate group was apparently the most spectacular of all with three different demonstrations of a rolling technique which he was obviously trying to perfect but never quite mastered.
The Standards were back at the bus by 2.40pm and joined just 30 mins later by the Alternates. The verdict, when asked if they want to follow this route next year, was they had proved they could climb Rabbit Hill so no need to do it again. A great achievement by all.
Thanks to both Leaders for leading us confidently through the snow for a stunning Spring tramp in perfect conditions.
We were home before 5pm after a wonderful day out.
(txt Kate)
