Leader: Alan Mentors: Everyone Tail Ender: Brent
Distance: 12km Ascent: 919m Time: 5 1/2 hr
Last time the Bishopdale Trampers undertook this climb in 2023 there were 35 on the bus. This time there were just 10 of us in two cars. A bit sad but for whatever reason people did not buy into this venue.
Nevertheless, our plucky group of stalwarts were soon into the rhythm of boots on soil as we made our way from the Glentui carpark to the start of the slightly gentler Bypass Track.
This route (much preferred by me now that I have tackled it) follows the eastern ridge of the Glentui Stream catchment. As we moved uphill through some lovely mature beech, there were good numbers of bees foraging on reemerging honeydew tendrils while the green-dappled sunlight filtered through the canopy. The breeze was keeping birdlife quiet.
At the half-way point we took a break for morning tea where the good chin wag focused on many topics such as the merits of having the discipline to make a delicious energy-rich loaf and putting it away in the freezer only to be used one slice at a time for tramp morning tea. Mine lasts for twelve tramps (a bit anal I know!). “Can anyone juggle?” asked Brent, proceeding to demonstrate with three stones. After a couple of shaky starts the demo was pretty impressive, and one wit suggested he try with rocks instead.
Onward and steadily upward our journey progressed through the changing landscape where views of the plains and Banks Peninsula could be glimpsed as the vegetation transitioned from mature forest to stunted tawhai scrub and open rock and scree patches.
Finally reaching the top of the Bypass Track, we skirted left on to the Blowhard Track. Why “Blowhard” you may ask. There could be many and varied connotations depending on your point of view but from what I can gather, the most logical stems from the fact that it was once an important early transport route in and out of Lees Valley. By the time the animals (or people) reached the highest point they would be fairly “blowing” and in need of a welcome rest.
Now we headed towards our lunch destination – Mt Richardson. The track progresses through scraggy country dotted with remnant tree trunks scarred by a wildfire started by lightning in 1980 which raced along the ridge after sweeping up from Lees Valley. Here too the track was quite scoured out in places, making for careful footing.
Finally, we reached the top and clustered around the trig at 1043m for a group photo. Technical difficulties made this a novel aside as the camera operator tried to apply the timer to allow for inclusion in the shot. Such is life! Lunch tucked out of the breeze amongst the rocks and scrub with great views was a well-deserved respite.
After lunch we took our leave of the top and headed down the decidedly steeper Mt Richardson Track. The going was tricky as we had to navigate rocks, roots, gnarly gullies carved deep by recent rainfall, washouts and downed trees. All in a day’s work for BTC members.
Back at Glentui we were greeted by a charming sight right out of the 1950s. An elderly couple parked in the middle having a picnic with all the trimmings – crockery, tea and cake set out on a table with pristine blue and white stripey cloth and comfy camp chairs! Brilliant.
Everyone agreed our tramp was a good workout (better than the gym I reckon) out in a scenic location.
The planning team, along with the committee and weather teams do try hard to put together a programme that suits the majority. We aim to provide tramps with a variety of terrain and location that offer a pleasant experience with just the right amount of challenge. Being in nature and being physically and socially active is well documented to boost one’s well-being. Instead of looking at the Wednesday tramp as just another day, I view it as a “mental health” day – my happy place. Thursdays are for blobbing out and rejuvenating tired muscles, signing up for the next outdoor adventure. See you all next week.
Old Boots
