| Leader | Mentor | Understudy | Tail Ender | |
| Standards | Steve Bw | Chris S | Jan Br | Ailsa |
| Alternates | Linley T | Nick | Jan Bw | Kiwan |
Distance: 13.2 km Duration: 4 hrs Elevation Gain: 510 m
We left Bishopdale carpark at 8.30am with our driver James. Picking up more trampers at Yaldhurst we had a good turnout of 46. We arrived at Mistletoe Flat Campsite at Craigieburn at about 10.20am. In the car park we met a group of Medbury School pupils who were staying at Lyndon Lodge.
It was a lovely day with no wind, slightly overcast and a nice temperature for walking.
The 22 Standards set off along the mountain beech-forested ski field road. After morning tea at 11am we followed the Dracophyllum Track – nice and dry in most places – through the beech forest. Descending to Broken River we crossed the bridge one at a time for safety reasons as it is still in need of repair after flood damage to its structure. Climbing again we came out of the trees to the open terrace of Dracophyllum Flat. We had our lunch at 12.20pm. As we took in the views of the surrounding mountains, the sun came out (as well as a surge of bugs) and a chirpy bellbird could be heard nearby.
After lunch we made our way up to a low saddle, avoiding the matagouri. There is quite a steep descent to where we were to cross Broken River so everyone took extra care making their way down. We crossed the river three times. It was shallow and calm so this was not a problem. The climb up a steep, muddy bank onto the terrace after the final river crossing took some effort and some helpful hands at the top pulling us up the last part were much appreciated. After a bit more of a climb up to the terrace it was an easy walk in squelchy boots back to the highway to the bus pick-up point. The bus arrived at 2.55pm having already picked up the Alternates and it was back to Christchurch with everyone having had a very enjoyable day tramping.
Text by Judy R
There were 24 Alternates. Linley made a great job of leading as did Kiwan at the tailend.
Some discussion was had about an alternate “second half” avoiding the 6 km long, winding, dusty metal road to the bus pick-up. The suggestion that after lunch we return the same way we came generally found approval. A consideration would be how wet/muddy the track was.
Text by Jan Bw
