Stats: Distance 11.76km    Ascent 790m    Time 4hrs 55 mins

Mt Thomas is known as one of our more strenuous walks which could have been a factor in just 31 members signing up for the excursion. It was good to see a group of 23 opting to walk with the Standards. Today we had three visitors helping to make up our numbers.

The last three tramps on Mt Thomas have been during the winter months, offering the possibility that this is to increase the chances of it being cancelled due to bad weather, or simply to make the steep climb more tolerable at a cooler time of the year. Whatever the reason for the scheduling, the reality is that it is quite a few years since we have “knocked the B…… off” and there were high hopes that today would be the day!

We got away from Bishopdale on time with a pleasantly uneventful bus trip with two stops, one to pick up Bev, and a comfort stop at Loburn Reserve. The forecast for the day was 24 degrees with high humidity and very little wind.

The usual route of up the Ridge Track and down the Wooded Gully Track was unavailable as the latter was closed due to a slip. The proposed longer route included going up the Summit Track to the top of Mt Thomas and continuing along the ridge on the imaginatively named Ridge Track all the way to the start point at the Wooded Gully Camping Area.

President Jen warned us on the bus that the tramp would be longer than usual for the Standards if they completed the loop.  Our leader Selwyn explained at the beginning of the tramp that we would ascend the Summit Track and possibly return the same way if it looked like we wouldn’t have time to complete the full loop.

It appeared that Selwyn was fairly keen for us to complete the loop on ‘his watch’ and set off at a very steady (unrelenting) pace. One of our group was not feeling 100% and returned with one other about three quarters of the way up. The temperature, humidity and pace got us feeling very sweaty and keen to be consuming water. Most people carried extra water which proved to be a good call.

We started walking around 9:50am and reached the top at 11.45am. We stopped for the obligatory summit photo and a few minutes of rest, called “admiring the view”.  Reaching the summit before midday was a great effort. We continued along the Ridge Track until we came to the Wooded Valley Track junction at 12:25pm and stopped there for lunch in a nicely shaded area complete with bellbird song. As this was roughly halfway, and barring a mishap, we were confident of completing the loop.

We continued upwards on the Ridge Track until it headed south and downhill.  Shortly after the turn we came across the Alternates who I’d have to say were looking quite fresh and relaxed. Care was needed on the steep descent and our admiration for the Alternates, who had ascended via this route, increased markedly. We arrived back at the bus around 2:45pm with the Alternates a few minutes behind. The total time of less than 5 hours was a great effort and less than the advertised 5 hrs and 25 mins. A number of trampers had never reached the summit of Mt Thomas so there was a general feeling of satisfaction in having conquered it at last.

On reflection, it was a strenuous day, particularly in the warm, humid conditions, and a great effort by all 31 of us. Thanks again to Peter for driving us home safely and for getting Dave back in time to weigh anchor at Lyttelton.

Text by Steve Bw