Stats: distance 15km, ascent 568m, time 4hrs 30mins

With 43 trampers and our Driver Victor we arrived at Barnett Park in Redcliffs for the tramp over the hill to Pony Point. Chocolates had been supplied along the way thanks to Kiwan who was celebrating a birthday.

The weather conditions looked promising, in contrast to the previous year when the tramp was abandoned shortly after the trampers set off due to the gradually increasing rain and cold wind.

From the car park the 29 standards followed by the 14 alternates headed off across the playing fields to the Eastenders Track at the bottom of the hill.

The uphill wasn’t too arduous with plenty of zigzags, but around three quarters of the way up there was a feeling of deja vu as the first spots of rain were felt. Nothing to worry about though so both groups carried on until it did get worrisome, and a stop was made for everyone to put on wet weather gear. There was no choice but to continue on, in the by now persistent rain and strong wind, hoping the stand of pine trees at the usual morning stop on the summit road would allow a bit of cover.

The large trunks were a bit of a buffer from the wind and rain, so the trampers spread out looking for a suitable tree to shelter behind. There was a bit of discussion about what to do next, but it was felt the wild weather would pass over fairly quickly allowing the tramp to proceed as planned.

Sure enough as the standards emerged from the trees after tea, the rain petered out and blue sky could be seen on the horizon. The standards then crossed the road and continued upward to the radio masts on top of Mt pleasant, with a brief stop to take in the view over Lyttelton harbour, before heading down and reaching the Major Hornbrook Track which was carefully negotiated down into Lyttelton. The alternates meanwhile took the Summit Road option and had passed through Lyttelton earlier. Lunch by the Marina in Lyttelton was a lot more civilised with plenty of seating at large picnic tables, or low walls.

From there it was an easy walk along the pleasant coastal track to Corsair Bay, which was unusually quiet, and then around the point into Cass Bay. The standards arrived just as the alternates who had stopped there for lunch were preparing to move on. Rather than opting for the usual pick-up point at Cass Bay, the alternates carried on up to Pony Point, taking the shorter steeper direct route, while the standards took the longer route that zig zagged up the hill. While at Cass Bay there had been some discussion about how the striking copper clad house that featured on Grand Designs (along with some members of the tramping club) had weathered to a deep red from the original copper colour.

Reaching the top at Pony Point it was disappointing to see the carved Maori Pou Whenua (which was created as a “flute” to resonate in the easterly wind), which was often a target for vandals had disappeared altogether due to the latest destruction.

There was enough time for a stop before returning to Bishopdale and instead of the usual offerings in Heathcote Valley, the bus carried on into Lyttelton, where there were plenty of options for refreshments or browsing the shops.

Heading uphill towards shelter and morning tea as a NW squall catches up

Views from top of the ridgeline

Arrival at Lyttelton Marina for lunch

Admiring the view from Corsair Bay

Arrival at Pony Point Reserve to board the bus

Stats: distance 13km, ascent 260m, time 3hrs 50mins

We set off from Bishopdale Carpark at 8.30am. After picking up the rest of our fellow trampers at Princess Margaret Hospital we numbered 46, plus Victor who was our driver for the day.

We arrived at the Hoon Hay Reserve at 9.30am and the 27 trampers in the Standards set off at 9.40am followed by the 19 trampers in the Alternates. Our tramp for the day consisted of an undulating walk along the Crater Rim Walkway, then various tracks in the Omahu Bush with the Alternates following and doing a shorter loop in the Omahu Bush.

It was a stunning day with clear blue skies and a slight chill in the air. Stopping for morning tea at 10.10am, we basked in the sunshine while looking at the beautiful still harbour below.  We were protected from the cool southerly breeze which was more cutting in open areas. After morning tea, we continued on the Crater Rim Walkway arriving at Coopers Knob for lunch at 12 noon. Sitting under the rocky knob was very pleasant and the views were amazing. A touch of snow on the Southern Alps reminded us we were heading into the winter season.  Some of us climbed up the rocks to the top of the Knob which at 573m is the highest point of the Port Hills with amazing all-round views. It was nice to see all the lovely vegetation below which had grown well with the wetter than normal summer conditions.  Departing at 12.35pm we headed down the track passing the Alternates and continuing on until we came out on the Summit Road to enter Omahu Bush at 12.55pm.

Omahu Bush was formerly part of the Otahuna Estate owned by Sir Heaton Rhodes and was purchased by a charitable trust and opened to the public in 1997.   Omahu, meaning “running silently”, “escaping” and “a place of healing” was the Maori name given to the area following an escape through the bush by several of the followers of a Maori chief who had been killed in a skirmish on Coopers Knob. A feature of the Omahu Bush is the very many Kōtukutuku, apparently the world’s largest fuchsia, growing amongst the other trees.  They looked stunning with their trunks covered in thin flaky orange bark. The flowers are rich in nectar so are loved by birds such as bellbirds and silvereyes, and the dark purple berries are edible and taste like tamarillos.  There is also Mahoe, Kahikatea, Kanuka, silver tree-ferns and juvenile lancewoods growing in the Bush and all the plants were looking very green and healthy. We saw a lot of predator traps along the Crater Rim Walkway as well as in the Omahu Bush. We could hear quite a lot of birdsong so hopefully the traps are having the desired effect of keeping predators such as possums under control.  Possums are particularly fond of the Kōtukutuku (Tree Fuchsia).

We made our way down Kirk’s Track then on to Nelson’s Track arriving at Annie’s Waterfall. We exited the bush to make our way up Rhodes Track, a steep grass track, before entering the bush again and following the top of Kirk’s Track to arrive back at the Summit Road.  The cold wind was strengthening so it was nice to get on the warm bus parked in the Gibraltar Rock carpark.  We stopped for coffees and ice-creams at the Sign of the Kiwi and departed 3.45pm for home.  It was a great day out and we were very pleased that the cold southerly conditions predicted for some time in the afternoon did not eventuate while we were tramping. Txt by Judy

Morning tea on the trail

On the way to Cooper’s Knob for lunch

Onward & Upwards towards Cooper’s Knob

View across the plains to the snow-capped Alps

Annie’s Waterfall in Omahu Bush

Team observing Annie’s Waterfall

Stats: distance 15km, ascent 475m, time 4hrs 40mins

Today’s walk was fully subscribed with no visitors.  Many of the trampers were wearing gaiters in anticipation of muddy conditions, as advised by our president Bev. Thanks to Margaret who generously donated two pair of gaiters.

After setting off from Christchurch on a sunny, calm morning we arrived at the Washpen Falls walk where it was also sunny but with a rather strong northerly! The two groups set off about 10:00 am with a 34/16 split (Standards/Alternates).

The first part of the walk was steadily uphill through a few muddy patches, into a pine forest which was thankfully drier underfoot.

At 10:30am the Standards group stopped for morning tea in a cave situated beneath an overhanging bluff. They were joined for some of this time by the alternates, a great spot to share.

Upon leaving this cave there was a short climb up into the sunshine …. and wind. The first view across the plains was magnificent and the first of many to come. Both groups deviated from the Washpen Falls track onto farmland and walked to their respective lunch stops. For the standards the lunch setting was in the lee of the Snowy Peak below the summit to get some shelter. Clear views looked out over the braided Rakaia River towards the ocean.

After lunch we descended the same way. As soon as we passed through the Snowy Peak gate the Korimako/Bellbird could be clearly heard even above the wind.  Just before the view of the falls there was a deviation past the Do Not Enter sign to a wooden platform and for some, through the Strictly No Admittance sign onto the platform.  There were no keen bungy jumpers!

At Stone Lake today’s intrepid rower was Chris. He looked fairly handy with the oars. Beyond the lake on a lower level, Bill S was quite taken with the intricacies of the old Pelton Wheel, a legacy from the First World War. The wheel was driven by water from Stone Lake and connected to a vintage submarine generator [circa WW1].  This provided power for the farm for over 40 years! (Information courtesy the Washpen Falls brochure).

The final part of the walk back to the bus was also filled with Korimako/Bellbird birdsong.

A pleasant day’s walk for all. Txt by Joanne

Upwards through the forest

Morning tea in the cave

Onward and upward

Lunch with a view

On our way again

The Washpen Falls

Chris enjoys rowing across the green lake

Pelton Wheel

Stats: distance 14km

The Mt Vulcan tramp always seems to throw up some drama and this one was no exception.

As we cruised up into North Canterbury on a crisp and bright sunny day, newly anointed President, Bev, announced the leaders list for the tramp.   We had a full bus of 50 with no visitors and Dave B told us there were 3 waitlisters who didn’t make it, so we need to book early in future.

From the turn off into Reeces Road at Omihi, we enjoyed the verdant green of those undulating hills that provide protection from that beastly easterly and allow the vineyards of Waipara to flourish.

At the Mt Vulcan woolshed, 29 Standards were counted off the grid by our tailender Kate and strode up the limestone farm track leaving 21 Alternates in the capable hands of Leonie.

Somehow, the course of the Mt Vulcan tramp is one that many people seem unable to retain in their memories.  Many have done it (sometimes several times) but expressions of “I don’t remember this bit” were quite common as we passed the limestone quarry and continued the undulations towards the sea.

Even the morning tea site was greeted with “I don’t think we’ve stopped here before” but so beautiful was the day and so expansive the view, no one was complaining.

Soon the azure blue Pacific came into view and was our constant companion for most of the day along with the tiny (3ha) Motunau Island, just off the coast.  The Island is administered by DOC and is a refuge for many seabirds including many little blue penguins.

The farm tracks were muddy in places, crossed some small streams and necessitated the opening and closing of many gates, although there appeared to be few animals.  Small areas of regenerating bush, mainly manuka are providing valuable nectar for the bees in the hives sighted along the way.

As we were looking forward to our lunch spot, we were confidently sidling along a contour, knowing that we needed to head uphill to our left, but there was no obvious opening.  Eventually we reached a fence and we had to go up.  It was tough going……long grass (that brought back memories of that lost African tribe!), gorse, thistles and more.  The front people trod a track which others followed.  Fortunately, Dave R had his GPS and confirmed that we were going in the right direction.  At some point, one of our group decided to take a different course through the jungle and for 15 minutes or so we had a ‘lost tramper’.  He eventually emerged, chastened and scoured by the gorse.

The lunch spot on a grassy knoll in the sunshine was very welcome.

The post lunch tramp was less dramatic, following more farm tracks and passing beneath Mt Vulcan, which most of the group clambered up, to be rewarded with a magnificent 360-degree view, including Pegasus Bay and Banks Peninsula in the distance to the south.

The rest of the tramp across the farmland to meet the bus on Motunau Beach Road was uneventful, but the constancy of the sea views kept our spirits high.  The Alternate group had a shorter and more leisurely tramp and had patiently waited for nearly an hour for our arrival.

Text courtesy Selwyn 

Almost at the morning tea stop near the quarry.

Heading along the track after morning tea

Leader asks “Have we lost someone?”

Alternatives find a comfortable spot for lunch.

The very green paddock just below Mt Vulcan

The scramble up Mt Vulcan made easier with packs off.

Stats: distance 15.8km, ascent 728m, time 4hrs 30mins

Trip report for Hill top to Cooptown Nothing could dampen our joy at standing in sunshine above a sea of fluffy fog, or our anticipation for a splendid 15km hike through bush and farmland- not even Trusty Leader Chris’s dire warnings about the dangers of stiles, roads, muddy rocks and … falling over on slippery grass. So soon 27 Standards set off briskly uphill from close to the Hill Top tavern, while 21 Alternates set off further down the road.

The Montgomery reserve was a delight to walk through, and the ancient totara tree along the way never fails to astound (thought for the day:  would our girth extend to something like nine metres if we too lived to be 2,000 years old?) After emerging from the bush, the graveyard of ghostly, long-dead totara may even be more memorable than that solitary remnant of the forest that once covered these hills.

Our morning tea spot was a little further on than usual, but well worth the effort. Enthroned on rocks on top of a hill in warm sunshine, we enjoyed panoramic views enhanced by the blanket of fog below. The going became a little difficult at times, having to negotiate monolithic stone steps designed for giants, and cowpats the size of small coffee tables.

Lunch was enjoyed in another spectacular spot, with the added bonus of being spent in the company of our Alternate buddies who were already making the most of the sunshine and views. Also a pleasure to see soon after was the kereru surveying us haughtily from the skeleton of a once majestic totara. Our leaders guided us ably downhill towards Cooptown, despite there being little in the way of a track. The going became rather muddy in places, but it was the stinging nettle that caused the most consternation (Note to self: avoid, it does not actually sting, IT HURTS!!)

One of our newer members cottoned on to something he really should have noticed months ago; the partner of El Presidente has the mysterious ability to teleport himself repeatedly, so as to be the person at the back holding the gate open until the last tramper goes through, then seconds later reappearing to hold open another gate further down the hill. Just one of his many talents!

After all that mud (and those impressive cow pats) it was a pleasure to slosh through a little stream to give our filthy boots a bit of a clean, before walking quite a distance down an actual road to the bus.  Other than the occasional moan about the stinging nettle, (mainly from me) everyone seemed to be raving about what an absolute joy our little jaunt had been.

Sunshine, birdsong, companionship, and no helicopters needing to be summoned for ankle injuries … who could wish for more. I have elevated my Enjoyment Rating for this tramp in my personal tramp journal to a ground-breaking 5/5, (despite that cursed stinging nettle!).

Standards ready to go

Family photo at the historic Totara Tree

Bush starting to regenerate on the way to lunch

Lunch almost finished. Fog still lingering

Finished lunch & on the way down before the bush

Heading down back into bush after lunch

Cleaning our boots. At the end of the bush.

Stats: Stats: distance 13.4km, ascent 750m, time 4hrs 50mins

Today’s tramps to Camp Saddle (option 1) and Helicopter Hill (option 2) didn’t provide much fodder for this diary writer.  The weather was benign, no one left their lunch at home and the route finding was easy – nothing much to write about!

The big news is that once again the club had a highly successful trip on which 39 trampers had a great day’s walking in the mountains in glorious autumn weather.  Since joining the club in 2015 I’ve completed the Camp Saddle tramp six times and remarkably, the weather has been fine and calm every time!  2022 was no exception – it was a cool start and there were signs of frost on the ground as we crossed Broken River, but the day was sunny and calm – perfect weather for the high tops.

After a 1 3/4-hour trip from Bishopdale, Viktor dropped us off at Mistletoe Flat in the Craigieburn Forest Park and the group of 39 split into two with 20 aiming for Camp Saddle and 19 Helicopter Hill.  After a very pleasant walk through the beech forest that lines the Broken River skifield road, the standard group gained Camp Saddle at 12.35 but decided (a few needed gentle persuasion) to carry on a little bit higher before lunch.  At lunchtime we sat on the 1550 m highpoint of the ridge with a view of the Castle Hill Basin spread before us.  Continuing along the ridge after lunch, everyone safely negotiated the tricky descents and short steep climbs of the undulating ridge, looking out for (and adding rocks to) the rock cairns that mark the route. Soon after 2 pm we were at the top of the scree slope that is the way down towards Lyndon Saddle.  This is the part of the tramp that many relish but which others find rather nerve-wracking.  The opportunity to run down the loose gravel and lose ~200 m of height in just a few minutes is truly exhilarating for some!  This year we had several trampers who hadn’t conquered the scree before, and all accomplished it with aplomb.

After legs had recovered and stones were emptied from boots, it was a short (but steep) walk down through the bush to Lyndon Saddle then an easy 45 minutes down the Mistletoe Track to the waiting bus.

While the standard group was walking the skyline above them, the alternative group walked up the skifield road, along The Luge track to Lyndon Saddle then up to the top of Helicopter Hill for lunch.  After lunch and a tricky descent from the hill (when apparently a bit of controlled sliding was in order), the group returned to Mistletoe Flat via the tracks and road that skirt the eastern and southern sides of Helicopter Hill.  Warren G

Well out of the bush just before Camp Saddle

Made it to Camp Saddle

Steep descent just after lunch

Follow the leader single file up the narrow ridge line

Great views at the top.

Heading down the scree

Heading back into the bush after the scree

Stats: Stats: distance 17.6km, ascent 594m, time 5hrs

Our bus driver was Alan and we had 46 trampers with no visitors.  On arrival first impressions of Flagpole, an attractive long gradual tussocky ridge to the top, belie the sustained grind of the route the Standards took. The walk followed farm and forestry roads, passed a disused silver mine, climbed up, up and up through forest to our lunch spot.

Walking was hot and made hotter for those of us who’d overdressed. Welcome distraction came from reading Wendy’s copy of Lady Barker’s 1865 account of her Flagpole expedition to see the sunrise. It included a list of food taken: cold leg of lamb, tea, sugar, cake, pigeon pie, two bottles of whiskey and a tiny bottle of lemon essence to make a toddy (a cheese and relish sandwich for lunch now seemed not so appetising).

Further distraction arose from discussion of the merits of sushi for lunch, and preferences for hot over cold rice and how rice might be cooked. Thermettes were fondly recalled. Chris suggested a prototype of his hat for a solar panelled heat source – swiftly dismissed as a potential fire hazard by those responsible for negotiating BTC’s indemnity insurance cover.

Lunchtime was quiet, filled with contented eating. The short following climb was well worthwhile with panoramic views including Mt Hutt, Foggy Peak, The Gap and dramatic cloudscapes too.

With the bus soon visible our descent was quick though loudly shocking at the bottom for one of us who in peering at the swede crop leant too heavily on a fence.

A cheerful group of Alternates maintained a steady pace along the undulating track which occasionally rose above the Selwyn River before our morning tea stop. There was a brief orientation while the leader consulted as to the wisdom of dropping down to the river.

The more experienced walkers remained at the top of the rise before we all continued along the same path. Apart from one minor topple, no walker came to any harm along the way, although a few biting insects were noted. Several head counts were taken by the chief Count, the Tailender having abdicated this responsibility, the number 27 was agreed on, with an uncounted number of assorted poles that aided momentum.

A leisurely lunch was enjoyed at the river’s edge, followed by our return along the same route. A thoroughly enjoyable outing on a warm autumn day.

Txt: Marie-Therese and Jen C

Morning Tea

Climb through the forrest

Enjoying the view

Hill Top

On the flat almost back to the bus

Stats: Stats: distance 7.3km, ascent 824m/13km, time 4hrs 30mins

The bus departed at 8.00 am from Bishopdale (instead of the usual 8.30am) and, after a further pick-up at Yaldhurst, we had a total of 48 including Alan, our bus driver for the day.

The Standards were walking Mount Barrosa (a new tramp for the Club) which is an easily accessible peak (1364m) with good views on a fine day out across Hakatere Conservation Park and even to Aoraki/Mount Cook.  Hakatere Conservation Park is centred around the Ashburton Lakes District between the Rakaia and Rangitata Rivers. It covers nearly 60,000 hectares of rugged mountain country, tussocklands, beech forest and sparkling clear rivers and lakes between the Rakaia and Rangitata Rivers.  Seventeen km west of Mount Somers, the Barrosa track starts from a small car park on Ashburton Gorge Road, about 500 m east of Blowing Point Bridge. The car park gives access to public conservation land after a walk of 780 m.

You will note that the spelling of Barrosa differs from the Australian spelling of “Barossa” Valley near Adelaide which is confusing.  Both seem to be named after Barrosa in Spain, the battle site of the Peninsular War by Colonel William Light, South Australia’s first Surveyor General. The Battle of Barrosa was fought on 5 March 1811. Barrosa Station when it was known as Clent Hills, was a huge property that extended from the Stour River valley to the eastern shoreline of Lake Heron and took in the western flanks of the 2333-metre Mount Taylor. When the Clent Hills run was broken up early in the 20th century, the Clent Hills name was retained for the Mt Taylor portion and part of the Lake Heron basin. The remainder (which included the actual range still known as the Clent Hills) was renamed Barrosa. The 25-room homestead was damaged in the 2010 earthquake. When Barrosa pastoral lease completed the tenure review process in 2010, some 4,840 hectares became public conservation land, and the remaining land was sold as a going concern.

As the Alternates were walking the Stour River track, they were dropped off first and the bus continued on a short distance to the carpark at the start of the Mt Barrosa Track. The Standards set off at 10.15am.  Unfortunately, Mt Barrosa was shrouded in low-lying foggy cloud cover so once we started climbing up the well-marked track any views disappeared. Some of us were a little worried about the tramp being a steep climb but were pleasantly surprised that we had no problems climbing up.  The track is 7.3km long with an ascent of 824m to the summit of Mt Barrosa. We arrived at the summit at 12.15pm and sat amongst the rocks eating our lunch looking into the foggy surroundings imagining the wonderful views we were missing out on. It was a little chilly, but the cool wind was doing nothing to shift the cloud cover.

Setting off after lunch we were a little disoriented because we were immersed in fog and couldn’t find the start of the track back down but after some scouting around found the orange pole and fence line. After a headcount to ensure all present and correct away we went. On the way down the cloud cover broke giving us spectacular views before surrounding us again.  Coming down was a little slippery in places with nasty spaniards hidden in the vegetation to make it interesting! We arrived back at the bus at 2.45pm and then drove to pick up the Alternates arriving back in Christchurch about 5.15pm. Even though the weather was not the best we all really enjoyed the tramp and would be keen to do it again, hopefully getting to see the amazing views that everyone talks about. Txt by Judy R

Thirty alternates, consisting of regulars and those disinclined to attempt a steep ascent of Mt Barrosa, set off just after 10.00am. An easy walk along a track parallel to Stour River while hearing the chime of bellbirds/korimako and the zonk zonk of Paradise shelduck/pūtakitaki/pūtangitangi. Rhyolite rock columns made interesting features on the hillsides. Lunch was enjoyed near a fast-flowing ford before we returned, a cool breeze reminding us that the season is now autumn. There was momentary concern/merriment/relief as people resorted to the bushes for a comfort stop only to be told there was a DOC caution alerting of the possibility of live ammunition in the former army training area. All alternates arrived safely back at the bus pickup point about an hour before the Standards. Txt by Marie-Therese.

The alternatives had the sunshine.

Alternatives take a break.

Heading up the mountain into the mist.

Morning tea in the mist on Mt Barrosa.

The rocky river bed.

Stats: distance 10.1km, ascent 298m, time 4hrs

With 47 trampers on board the bus we headed west with driver Viktor. Christchurch forecast, rain and southerly late morning.

Jan welcomed visitor Madeleine and said she had great confidence in the Weather Team who promised the rain would clear at Castle Hill late morning plus reminded us of  an early 8am start  for  new tramp,  Mt  Barossa next Wednesday.

Approaching Castle Hill, the rain was more persistent necessitating a decision to

have morning tea at the Community Centre under the shelter of the verandah. After 30 minutes feeling a decision needed to be made Chris stated he would be happy to tramp in the conditions but as Leader felt responsible for trampers if they got cold and wet and announced we would head to the Darfield Bakery.

After travelling only a short distance to our normal starting point miraculously

the skies began clearing and the rain almost ceased. Jan was not afraid to reverse the decision and announce the hike was back on. After perhaps looking like the occupants of a residential home on a bus outing we transformed into a keen agile group of trampers keen to get moving a little late at 11am.

The Standards (22) set off briskly down the farm road followed closely by the Alternatives (25). A new temporary bridge across the Porter River allowed us all to keep our feet dry. Velvet   black   steers   looked   striking   against   the   landscape   and   with   more patches   of   blue   sky   appearing   it   wasn’t   long   before   jackets   were   being removed. We left the road, crossed grassy paddocks, followed a fenceline and re-joined the road towards the base of Prebble Hill. A final steep grassy trudge to the summit, which we reached for lunch at 1pm. This is a truly magical place with all its limestone rocks of such incredible shapes, ideal perches for lunch to take in the awesome views of the Broken River area.

​Reluctant to move we made our descent through the monoliths and giant boulders, some   having “Lion   King” moments   and   others   could   feel   the adrenalin pumping as they looked at the anchors left on those vertical rock faces by the abseilers.

We had been warned about the matagouri as we made our way steeply uphill once we reached the Porter River, back across the bridge before the final hill to the bus which we reached at 3.10pm. approx. 15mins after the others. The Alternates who had followed the same route had found an ideal lunch spot about 10 mins after leaving the road towards the base of the hill.

The two Weathermen were the Superheroes of the day as without their persistence we may have only got as far as the bakery.  Txt by Kate

Recycled road sign.

Lunch is over time to move.

View towards Castle Hill Village.

Stats Standards: Distance 18kms, Elevation Gain 410m, Duration 5hrs
   Alternatives: Distance 14.4kms, Elevation Gain 326m, Duration 4hrs 20min

A long walk, but a good walk with nothing too strenuous and with views over both the city and the harbour ensuring that the 41 on the bus were looking forward to the above, plus the fresh air and companionship provided every Wednesday.

Our visitor Madeleine was welcomed, and driver Alan had us on our journey promptly. It was a novelty to be heading towards the Port Hills and the Summit walkway. The road works on Dyers Pass Road had taken many months but made for a less-hair raising journey as we made our way upwards road cone-free. However, the narrowness of the Summit Road saw a few inching toward the middle of the seat and as far from the view over the drop-off, as could be managed.

(This is now 129 words and having been admonished by Chris, not once but twice, to keep it to 350, I am half-way to being finished. I am wondering if previous writers have been similarly cautioned, or has my penchant for using ten words when one will do, caused me to be singled out?) [The answer is yes! And a deadline of Sunday or earlier is appreciated.]

The Standards were dropped at the viewing point above the Sign of the Bellbird and made good time to the Kiwi, enjoying morning tea there before continuing along Mitchell’s Track and the Summit Walkway.  Meanwhile, the Alternates were enjoying their stroll, with Basil having an unexpected meet-up with his daughter along the way.

At some point the Standards’ leader, Dave decided that walking on the “closed” section of the Summit Road was a treat we deserved and putting reservations aside we dutifully followed him onto the sealed surface. Walking in the middle of the road into blind corners required us to set aside survival instincts honed over many years, when sure enough we heard the unmistakable sound of an engine approaching from behind.

The two former school principals, freed from the constraints of the NZ Education Act and the abolition of corporal punishment, debated that a walking pole thrust through the wheel of what proved to be a motorcycle, would be a fitting punishment for the rider.

It seems that both groups had an otherwise uneventful day – no trips, slips or other excitement, thank goodness.

Your author, overhearing three walkers behind discussing cuisine has learnt that the best Thai peanut satay in Christchurch is a No 20 from …. Oops! Sorry, I have exceeded 350 words. To be continued next year.  Txt by Jan Brw