| Group | Leader | Mentor | Understudy | Tailender |
| Stds | Peter | Chris | Selwyn | Ailsa |
| Alternates | Margaret S | Norma | Gary G | Ali |
Stats: distance 12.8km, ascent 500m, time 4hrs 15mins
The BTC members faced another week of a possible tramp cancellation with the forecast far from friendly. The weather team, in conjunction with the “Re-programming” team, has done a sterling job of getting the Club out on Wednesdays whenever possible, only cancelling as a last resort. Today’s tramp was originally scheduled for 27 July but still necessitated extra work in contacting members and ensuring that all six leadership roles were filled.
The weather was overcast but our driver James, had us off from Bishopdale and on our way to the drop-off point with not a moment lost. Unfortunately, a rare oversight by the Comms department meant that James had not been advised of the pick-up point at PMH. A circuitous journey around, and then through the city excited much comment from those who actually took notice of the route. Eventually the second group of eager trampers were aboard and off we set.
The descent from Huntsbury Ave allows one to get into a walking rhythm before the inevitable happens, and the track starts its upwards progress. On prior walks, a brief stop at the shelter has allowed walkers to enjoy the view, but on this occasion the whip was cracking and on we continued. A few plaintive calls that the morning tea spot had been reached were ignored, and quite rightly as the cluster of tree stumps and branches is unmistakeable. As always, the morning tea chat proved interesting but as we age there are some mistakes made. One member, alluding to his “petite derriere” and where he could place it in comfort, was heard as saying “Pete’s derriere”. The small group in the vicinity duly studied this part of Pete’s anatomy, and happily shared their own assessments.
The steady grind up the valley to the Summit Road saw the Standards looking forward to the easier undulating track to Thompsons Bush and the Sign of the Kiwi where the toilet stop was welcomed by many.
After emerging from Mitchell’s Track, our leader decided that it was too early for lunch at the usual carpark/lookout and with the low cloud interrupting the view, we pressed on to where we could hunker down out of the wind with some tree and bush shelter.
Refreshed and refuelled, off we set for our final challenge – the summit of Mt Vernon. Encountering our other group along the way we learned that they too had been enjoying the walk and at that point were pleased to relate that there had been no slips, trips or other calamities. Descending via the track in the Mt Vernon Farm Park, a number of knees were crying “Enough!” but again the conversations and laughter soon had us diverted from our woes.
On arrival at the pick-up point a rare sight was, a lack of transport! This was a first for this tramper, who usually has to be restrained from flinging her arms around the bus in gratitude. The Comms department was quick to the phone to find out if there had been a misunderstanding and whether or not James was on his way, hopefully with the bus!
The pessimists were busy calculating how many Ubers would be needed while the optimists divested themselves of their boots confident all would be well. And so it proved to be. A refreshment stop at The Brickworks was a pleasant finish to another great day in the hills. Txt by Jan Brw
