| Leader | Mentor | Understudy | Tail-ender | |
| Standards | Tony | Warren | Janice | Wendy |
| Alternates | Nola | Lynley | Ali | Soo |
Distance 10.2km; elevation gain 873m; time 3hr 45min
Wednesday’s trip was enjoyed by 40 trampers, including four visitors Jonathan, Stuart, Frank and Lynn, and guest Mei Tan. We were looking forward to what many members consider their favourite hike – not too long or high, including a variety of terrain and scenery and with the expectation of great views over Castle Hill Village and beyond, at our lunch stop. Allie, the baker of our fabulous club birthday cake, had individually wrapped pieces for us to enjoy on the trip and these were passed around the bus with much oohing and aahing. Thank you Allie.
Arriving at our destination we quickly assembled into our two groups and set off by 10.20. The beginning of the walk is along the Hogsback Track and having walked this twice already this year its familiarity led to the Standards overshooting the left turn onto the Water Intake Track. There were those familiar enough with the route and actually paying attention to reel in those at the front, and not too much extra ground had to be retraced.
As always the chatter is interesting and on this occasion the focus was on the ChatGPT app and what sort of write-up it would produce were it utilised for the trip report. (As you read on you can decide – artificial intelligence or just sub-intelligence on display here). Those within earshot were surprised to hear that one of our members, a cheery fellow and seemingly in good health, had provided very minimal details and asked the app to write his obituary. He professed to be delighted with the outcome! At morning tea this week’s diarist discovered that she had failed to bring something to write with, which was okay because she also had nothing to write on. At this point the decision was made that if it turned out at the end of the day that the trifecta had come in with nothing to write with, on, or about then perhaps AI was a good option.
A number of walkers remarked on the birdsong which was abundant throughout the bush. What a great sign that the pest control is working. Breaking out above the tree line we could see ‘the slump’ not too far away and as we got closer, our Alternates came into focus enjoying their lunch stop. Unsure whether they had taken a different route, or we had lost more time than we thought, Nola had her team up and off not long after we joined them. Those who completed this tramp the previous year reminisced about the vastly different conditions and how in 2022 they had been lunching in snow at this point. Apparently errant belongings having to be chased down the slope, and makeshift toboggans had provided good entertainment.
Setting off for the second part of the day highlighted the ‘walk of two halves’ nature of this outing. Out in the open but with slippery vegetation under foot and plenty of matagouri to punish those in shorts and short sleeves, care was required. The standards were soon spread out as the track disappeared and everyone charted their own course down the hill. Two fences had to be negotiated and as always someone produced a cover for the barbed wire allowing a safe crossing. On this occasion one of our group noticed the sagging nature of the No 8 wires elsewhere and slipping through this way turned out to be a better option. NB it is advisable to remove one’s pack before attempting this manoeuvre. However, not doing so does provide much amusement for the bystanders.
Circling around the back of Kura Tawhiti one cannot help but be impressed by these magnificent limestone formations. Were any of us thus motivated to take up rock climbing? I suspect not.
Kura Tawhiti means “The treasure from a distant land” and is an allusion to kumara cultivation in the area. Most of us associate the word kura with the word for school, but knowing now that as well as knowledge it also means treasure, it makes sense. Just before the car park, were three pou (carved posts) accompanied by excellent explanations of their meaning, and the significance of this area to Ngāi Tahu. Well worth studying.
Arriving at the bus, we rejoined the Alternates. Several of them commented on Nola’s leadership and what a great job she’d done. A big thank you to Nola and everyone else who assumed roles for this hike. Once Allan had us underway, came the moment of truth. Those of the personality type able to postpone gratification, carefully unwrapped their cake sausage, much to the envy of those who had consumed theirs at the beginning of the day. Fortunately, President Jude announced there would be time for refreshments at Darfield which was welcomed by all. With many members embarking on travels it was Jude’s turn to be farewelled as she’s off to visit family on the other side of the world. We look forward to your safe return, and tales of your adventures, Jude.
Text by Jan Bw
