| Leader | Mentor | Understudy | Tail Ender | |
| Standards | Dave R | Sally | Brent | Glenys |
| Alternates | Les G | Ali | Eric S | Les H & Gary |
Distance: 15km Elevation gain: 500m Time walking: 4hrs approx
Another early notification of tramping route change away from the Port Hills saw 42 walkers being transported westward by our driver James, to the Craigieburn Forest Park. This saw the writer abandoning a diligently sourced screed of frivolous pony data. Said writer also announced a new filly in her family, and celebrated the safe delivery of granddaughter Melanie with a sharing of goody bag.
Hogs Back 1032 m. This small peak is reminiscent of the shape of a lenticular cloud, otherwise known as a “hogs-back” for its distinctive form, which often indicates a powerful system moving in. Combined with strengthening winds, this often means a storm will approach in the next 6-24 hours. The cloud type is familiar to Cantabrians with the Foehn effect, the nor’westerly airstream that flows from the Tasman Sea over the Southern Alps. Cirrus or “mare’s tales” are another first sign of an approaching front.
For anyone who has spare time, there is a Cloud Appreciation Society https://cloudappreciationsociety.org though from listening to the varied activities of our members, there seems little idle time on the horizon. Today there was an absence of cloud in the cerulean blue sky, a stunning day, though the early approach of autumn was noted.
After setting out from Castle Hill Village the 14 Alternates didn’t quite make it to Picnic Rock, a 15th member of the group having been escorted back to the bus in an early retreat, after becoming unwell. With the two groups there was competition for the limited shade at The Lightening Tree as we all enjoyed our morning tea stop. Both groups navigated the switchbacks through undulating beech forest, over open tussock, across bridges and through streams. Bird song elevated the setting along the way.
The 27 Standards continued on to the top of Hogs Back, lunched at the top, but soon returned back down to the shade as “it was very hot”. However this was not before viewing in the distance a lone paraglider, plus a mirage, indicative of the still conditions and hot day. Meantime the Alternates quietly lunching in the shade were surprised by the sound of people returning along the track. Had the Standards raced down and snuck up on them? Not at all, it was a group from the Over Forties TC, also enjoying their walk, away from the city.
Both Alternates and Standards chose to walk back along the longer but less steep track, the vote of one dissenter being overruled in favour of the majority. The lone walker conceded and plodded cheerfully on. Alternates arrived back at the bus about 10 minutes ahead of the Standards, approx. 12.5 km for Alternates, 15.3 km for Standards.
There’s much to be grateful for on such days – good company, conversation, leadership roles well undertaken, along with all the benefits of exercising in the great outdoors.
Text by Marie-Therese
