Distance 12km; duration 4hrs 45 min (approx); elevation gain 630m

The 44 trampers booked for Awa Awa (including visitor Mijung) equalled the number in 2023, but it was hoped that that was where similarities between the two tramps would begin and end. President Judy welcomed all, and the ever-reliable Victor had us at the Reserve, and ready to walk by 10.15am. This despite him parking the flash newer bus on the roadside, out of harm’s way from the overhanging trees. We were grateful for the extra 50 metre warm-up as it was almost straight into the steady climb with little time for the lungs and legs to adjust.

A layer of misty cloud overhead did not dampen spirits and there were the usual interesting snatches of conversation and laughter to be heard as we made our way upwards. Despite perspiration making inroads on the SPF, a further application was not necessary as only glimpses of the sun were seen during the day. Before too long, brief halts were called as layers had to be discarded despite the cool conditions.

The 31 Standards were ably led by Lynne R who maintained a steady pace. When we eventually reached the saddle, the clouds swirling up and over us confirmed it was not going to be the day to capture great shots of Mt Hutt, or the Canterbury Plains. On reaching the top, which coincided with the lunch call, we found that we did not have the place to ourselves. Not one, but two other groups were already dug in, and looking unlikely to relinquish the favoured dining spots. On hearing that one of the groups was the Over 40’s Club, one of our number happily announced that we were the Bishopdale Under 40’s! “Oh, if only” we all thought!

As usual, the descent was much more hazardous with the dampness underfoot providing plenty of opportunities to slip. When one of our number eventually came off second best in this “tramper versus terrain” tussle, there was a collective held breath until the thumbs up was given. In the meantime, the Alternates were a smaller group under Les’ leadership. Les had his first walk with the Club on this tramp in 2022. Both groups had a very enjoyable day in the Canterbury high country.

Research tells me that the McLennan family settled in the area around the 1880s when Alexander McLennan secured a position managing the 36,000 acre Blackford Station. A whole other story is that he managed this feat, without feet, having lost them to frostbite! He built a home in the bush and hence the name, McLennan’s Bush. The rhododendrons were first planted in 1968 with The Awa Awa Rata Society being formed in 1970 to maintain a rhododendron park. Shrubs continue to be planted and it was a pleasure to see the bushes, some still in full bloom. It is generally acknowledged that rhododendrons originated in the Himalayas, so no wonder they looked at ease in today’s temperatures. For those who think such botanical beauty should grace the gardens of a stately home, well … you’re just going to have to make do with the very impressive new toilet block.

Author’s note to self … in future on arrival at Bishopdale reconnoitre the carpark fully and do not pull into a space next to the President. It makes it too easy to be bushwhacked – i.e. asked to do the trip report!

Text by Steve Bw

Standards enjoy morning tea

Standards advance towards summit

Alternates lunch stop

Standards lunch stop

Standards on return walk

Careful descent on loose rock

Alternates on return walk

McLennan’s Bush Blooms

Distance 17km; duration 5hrs (approx); vertical ascent 410m

On a cool November morning, 48 trampers, including visitors Lisa W and Jacqui D, boarded the bus at Bishopdale for our Sign of the Bellbird/Sign of the Kiwi to Evans Pass tramp (the reverse of January’s tramp). Our driver was Callum.

A quick trip through town, up Dyers Pass, and then over to the beautiful new lookout to drop off the 29 Standards. The lookout is named after John Jameson, the grandson of Harry Ell. During World War II, the reserves Mr Ell helped establish were grazed and the rest houses fell into disrepair. Mr Jameson championed the formation of a society to protect and expand on his grandfather’s legacy and was a leading figure in the Summit Road Scenic Society for nearly 70 years.

Sign at new John Jameson Lookout

The Standards departed the bus and had morning tea at the Sign of the Kiwi at 10:35. Janice was described as “off and away” which suggests the tramp moved along with pace. Lunch was just before Castle Rock above Horotane Valley and out of the wind. A few stumbles occurred on the tramp, but no serious injuries (nor names). Finally, recognizing that the Standards are older, Janice made sure all of them crossed the road to the bus safely once they got to Evans Pass (I did not make this up; it was reported to me in those words by a Standard walker).

The Alternates also moved speedily with leader Ray setting the pace. For the most part, we eschewed walking on the road, choosing to traverse the hills. Lunch was at the top of the Bridle Path out of the wind, after which most donned more clothes as the wind had picked up. The ascent to the base of the Gondola top station building led to a break to remove most of the extra clothes. We continued through herds of sheep, past the gun emplacements and finally down the long hill to the bus.

The most common word from trampers as they boarded the bus was “long” usually followed by “but a good walk”. The rain held off and the sun came out. What more could you want.

Information about lookout courtesy of Warren Gregory.

Text by Michele

Standards on the way to the Sign of the Kiwi.

Looking down Lyttelton Harbour

Alternates pose for a picture

Standards Lunch time

Standards stride out past the top of the Bridle path.

Standards at the top of Mt Pleasant

Alternates on track

Distance 14 km, elevation gain 609m, time 5 hrs

Dear Fellow Adventurers,

I hope this letter finds you well and filled with the spirit of exploration. As the sun painted the sky in hues of blue and gold and the warm breeze whispered tales of distant landscapes, I found myself compelled to share the awe-inspiring experience of our Mt Vulcan hike in North Canterbury.

Firstly, let me express my sincere regret that the trails we traversed are not open to all trampers. This was an exclusive expedition – on private land with restricted access – a privilege afforded to us by the Bishopdale Tramping Club – many thanks to our friendly farmer. We were 50 strong, driven by Alan and we welcomed new visitor Mijung.

The Standards, a spirited group of 33 trampers, embarked on a journey that unfolded like a tapestry of New Zealand’s finest landscapes. Our undulating tramp led us over expansive farmlands and meandering tracks, a symphony of rural charm under the vast sky. Outcrops of bright white limestone were many. As we steadily climbed, anticipation of our carefully chosen lunch stop hung in the air, a moment of respite before our ascent to the top of Mt Vulcan – where our intrepid leader chose not to yodel on the mountain top!

At the top a visual feast awaited us—rolling hills adorned with lush greenery, azure coastline extending to the horizon, and the distant silhouettes of majestic peaks. The summit was not just a physical elevation; it was a pinnacle of shared achievement and appreciation for the beauty that our efforts had unveiled.

The Alternates, a group of 17 intrepid souls, embraced a different but equally enchanting path. Sidling around Mt Vulcan, they ingeniously avoided the challenging climb to the top. Their journey was no less spectacular. The landscapes they encountered, the valleys they traversed, and the unique perspectives they gained showcased the diversity of our exclusive tramping experience.

While low cloud obscured Motunau Island for most of our walk, the cloud did eventually lift  sufficiently for us to see its lower half. The steeply-sided island is about 300m x 100m rising to a distinctive flat top 25m above sea level. Geologically it consists of Tertiary rocks, capped with loess and gravels and is surrounded by eroding cliffs and wave-cut reefs. A nature reserve, it is a breeding site for several species of seabird including the threatened little penguin/kororā,

As I write this letter, I can’t help but want to encourage you to seek out your own tramping experiences. While Mt Vulcan may be a closed chapter for now, Canterbury is filled with hidden gems waiting to be explored. The Bishopdale Tramping Club has shown us the magic that can happen when a group of like-minded individuals comes together to explore the wonders of our province.

So, fellow adventurers, don’t miss out on the magic. Either find your own tramping experience, and may your trails be as breath-taking as the one we forged on a fine November day to Mt Vulcan – or join the Bishopdale Tramping Club to experience what we do every week!

Yours in the spirit of exploration,

Brent M – with the help of my increasingly trusted ChatGPT friend

Trampers rally under blue skies

On track above low layer of cloud

Navigating overgrown sections of farm track

Designated seating for lunch

Return leg of the tramp

Distance 12.5 km, elevation gain 650 m (approx), time 4 hr 45 min and 5 hr 20 min

A club walk up Bealey Spur is a relatively rare event occurring only about once every two to three years.  One reason for this is the need to have reasonably good weather which can be harder to find when close to the high mountains of the Main Divide.  On this spring day a north-west wind was blowing and there was an expectation that the day might be cloudy and possibly with some rain showers.  It was a good call by the weather team to go ahead and we were rewarded with a dry and reasonably sunny day – good tramping weather.

The Bealey Spur walk is a classic high country walk although gentler than those closer to Arthur’s Pass.  It begins alongside State Highway 73 and climbs 620 m to Bealey Spur Hut over 6 km.  The track is managed by the Department of Conservation who rate it as an ‘easy’ walk of 2 ½ hours to the hut.  In days gone by, club members have carried on further up the ridge but in recent times the hut has served as the lunch stop and the turn-around point.  Even so, the walk requires an 8am start from Christchurch and a 5.30pm return.

The walk begins in beech forest and climbs quickly to more open country revealing great views of the surrounding river valleys and mountains.  An hour of steady uphill climbing brings the walker to a morning tea stop overlooking the Waimakariri and Bealey River valleys and the snow-capped mountains of Arthur’s Pass National Park to the north.  An hour or so further on is the hut and a welcome lunch break.

Why is this ridge named Bealey Spur you may ask?  According to Wikipedia the river, the small settlement at the base of the spur and Bealey Avenue in Christchurch are named after one Samuel Bealey, a 19th-century Superintendent of Canterbury Province and pastoralist.

The standard group of 29 members with Chris bounding along in the lead reached the hut soon after 12.30 and were well-through their sandwiches when 11 of the 14 strong alternative group led by Ray arrived at the hut, having left three of their number relaxing a bit lower down the hill.  The standard group welcomed the chance to have an extended lunch break then headed back down the hill followed soon after by the alternative group.

As far as this writer could determine, nothing dramatic happened during the day other than Maureen snapping the top off her walking pole.  All 43 walkers including visitor Peter and newly returned member Michele had an enjoyable day out in the mountain air.  Thanks to the 8 members who led, mentored, understudied and tail-ended the two groups and thanks also to new bus driver Stuart who drove us safely and smoothly to Bealey and back.

Text by Warren

Trampers prepare to hike from bus drop-off

Arthur’s Pass is that way

View up Waimakariri River Valley

Ascent through beech forest

Standards line up on the wetland boardwalk

Standards take in expansive views

Lunch in the sun at the Bealey Hut

Stats: see below

The bus left the Bishopdale carpark at the early time of 8:00 to give the Standards a fighting chance at knocking off Mt Oxford. I, however, today was and will forever be an Alternate whenever Mt Oxford is on offer thanks to past distant history of repeatedly and unsuccessfully trying to “Knock the bastard off.” Another good reason to avoid said Mt Oxford was that this was my first tramp in about two months (daughter’s wedding in the UK, thanks for asking, yes, it was absolutely wonderful, I’ve got some photos here somewhere…).  So, a clear, sunny, windless day saw us heading out along Tram Road with the crisp snow-covered foothills ahead. We reached the Cooper’s Creek carpark on Mountain Road out the other side of Oxford and off we set at 9:20 to walk to Ryde Falls and back. We were joined by a new visitor who added to the growing Peter collective.

It’s a great walk, is Ryde Falls, with a bit of everything. You start off out in the open, climb over a bluff or two as you head upstream, then after about 20 minutes you turn hard left and start into the bush which is mixed but mostly secondary growth beech with all that lovely honey dew.  And no wasps at this time of year, yay. There’s a fair bit of upping and downing through the bush and you mustn’t be confused by a couple of intersections but if you read the signs you will head the right way and eventually get to Ryde Falls. Simple.

Alas, although the day was glorious, the weather in recent days has been unkind. Rain yesterday and whomping great nor’westers in the last couple of weeks turned a usually rather muddy experience into a wildly feral one in many places. A large upturned tree early on set the scene as we tried various tacks and ended up scrambling round its enormous upturned roots. And so it went. There were a lot of trees broken along the ridge and plenty more along the track requiring a range of anatomical manoeuvres to traverse them. Oh and all the mud: there was mud for Africa. BTW this kiwi expression totally baffles my new African son-in-law (I may have mentioned I recently went to a wedding). What I meant was, it was muddy as, bro.

But we’re a hardy bunch and we got to the falls a bit after noon and settled in for kai time. No sandflies this time, can’t believe it. They’re always at Ryde Falls. Then, with empty packs but protruding puku, we sloshed back across the river and trip trapped home again.  There was a bit less chit chat on the way back so we could listen to the occasional birdsong. This was mostly pīwakawaka but there were intermittent bursts from other small twittering varieties. We got back to the bus at 3:20 and waited for the Standards to reappear. During this time we discovered that the Ryde Falls sandflies had migrated en masse to Coopers Creek, solving that puzzle.

Many thanks to Bev for her leadership, the other important office holders, Wendy and Ali, and to Min who brought up the rear and ensured that the group size remained at a steady 25.

Today’s Stats:

Some of this data collection was outsourced to more numerate trampers.

Distance: 15 km

100 boggy bits one way

16 trees down, requiring clambering over or under or round

5 streams

Large fauna sightings:

2 separate large friendly dogs with accompanying support persons

One monospecies couple (human)

Casualty list:

Slips, trips and falls: 5

Sticks in the eye: 1

Text by Jaki

Following an early start we picked up two more people from Mandeville which took us to 46 passengers on board. Two bags of chocolates (thank you) were passed around the bus. Congratulations to Dave and Shirley on the arrival of their first grandchild. And welcome back Chris after a break.

We arrived at the base of Mt Oxford at 9.10 and set off up the track five minutes later at a cracking pace. Our morning tea stop was at 10.00 after negotiating several fallen trees and branches across the track. Also dealing with very muddy conditions under foot.

A beautiful clear sunny day gave us great 360° views as we climbed out of the bush line.

Before our lunch stop we had encountered smatterings of snow on the ground.

By the time we stopped at 12.35 for lunch in the snow sheltering from a keen breeze with a stunning view of the summit of Mt Oxford it was clear, sadly, that we were not going to make it to the summit this time.

We headed back downhill at 1.05. It was very steep and slippery in parts.  We arrived safely back at the bus at 4.05 where the Alternates were waiting patiently for our return.

Thanks to our Leader Glenys and to Graham and Brent and our Tailender Dave F.

Text by Lynn B

Alternates pause to take in the view

Alternates enjoy morning tea in the sun

Luscious fern glade

Alternates negotiate stream crossing

Ryde Falls

Standards Navigating fallen trees across the track

Awesome views on a brilliant sunny day

Distance 13.1km; elevation gain 780m; duration 5hrs

On a brisk morning, with all aboard the bus driven by Alan, Min handed out some treats in celebration of her 26 years with the club and 35 years in New Zealand. 43 members and visitors Ming Ming, Lisa W and Peter D had signed up for what is a favourite tramp for many – Dracophyllum Flat in Canterbury’s high country.

The Standards group of 24 trampers embraced a challenging route that wound through beech forests and alpine pastures (including lots of Dracophyllum), following the trail nearly to Texas Flat. From there the group crossed the babbling Broken River three times, before reaching Highway 73.

Simultaneously, the Alternates opted for a slightly different adventure. After following the trail to Texas Flat and briefly meeting the Standards for lunch along the way, the group then traversed the Cheeseman Ski Club access road which led them to the Broken River Bridge on Highway 73. The Alternates walked 12 km, gained 510m in elevation and their start to finish time was 4 hours 30 minutes. The day presented few challenges with mild spring temperatures and little wind. Check out here for a list of the flora of Dracophyllum Flat.

By way of history, after the construction of the Hogs Back and Sidle 73 tracks by the Castle Hill community, the Dracophyllum Flat mountain track was developed to complete the mountain biking link between Castle Hill Village and the Broken River skifield road in the Craigieburn Forest Park. That said, the track is currently closed to bikes due to mud/frost-heave.

The trampers regrouped at the end of their respective journeys exchanging stories. The quiet return on the bus probably reflected that many had had a physical day out and were taking the opportunity for a well-earned rest.

Text by Brent (with the aid of AI – and that’s not Artificial Insemination!)

Alternate’s enjoy morning tea

Alternates rally after morning tea

Observing the footbridge load restriction

Group photo of happy Alternates

Standards arrive at lunch spot

Last road bridge on return journey

Distance: 13kms (approx), time: 5hr

On a radiant spring morning we embarked on a lovely tramp to explore some of the captivating landscapes of Banks Peninsula. With 22° forecast promising a warm spring day (the previous 10 day average high was just 14.1), 44 enthusiastic trampers set out. Several trampers had returned from fantastic overseas journeys and Hetty was welcomed back after a difficult year.

The Standards consisting of 24 members set out from Morgans Valley to Lyttelton via Major Hornbrook Track and then on to Urumau Reserve, Evans Pass and down to Sumner. This route promised a day of elevation gain (and pain), panoramic vistas and a touch of wilderness magic. As they traversed the trails trampers were treated to the vibrant hues of spring blossoms.

Meanwhile the Alternates, a lively assembly of 20 members and visitors, opted for a slightly shorter yet equally scenic route. Their journey also led them from Morgans Valley, and then on to Urumau Reserve concluding in picturesque Lyttelton – where there was the opportunity for a well-earned coffee or ice cream.

Native flora was on display including these I’ve since identified (hopefully correctly): mahoe, kōhūhū, akeake, five finger, lemonwood, ngaio, red matipo and Coprosma robusta . While Banks Peninsula also supports unique fauna such as the jewelled gecko, forest gecko and spotted skink these little critters weren’t keen on making obvious their presence.

Both groups revelled in the fine weather and joy of shared experiences. Conversation flowed freely creating a sense of community. Laughter echoed through the valleys and friendships were forged amidst the beauty of Banks Peninsula. As the day unfolded, trampers in both groups marvelled at the diversity of the terrain — from lush forests to open meadows, rocky slopes to serene coastal paths.

The bus picked up the Alternates from Lyttelton and then the Standards in Sumner before heading back to base. The day’s tramp was not just a physical exploration but also a collective celebration of nature, friendship and the spirit of adventure that defines  Bishopdale Tramping Club.

Text by Brent (50%) & AI (50%)

Standards ahead of alternatives on Morgan’s Valley Track

Alternates morning tea

Alternates view into Heathcote Valley at morning tea

Summit Road area viewing upper Lyttelton Harbour

Descending Major Hornbrook Track

Standards on Captain Thomas track to Sumner

Standards downwards at the summit road.

Standards on the way down on Captain Thomas track

Stats: distance 15km, elevation gain 676m, time 5hrs approx

Well! Your correspondent walked with the Standards today – and can’t possibly ever go back! It is just too embarrassing. Not only was an (unnamed) Standard wearing the same brand of new tramping boots, but they were also the same colour! The fashion clash was just too awful for words. Anyhow I managed to soldier on and kept up reasonably well with the pace set by the leader – Janice. Janice ran a good and very democratic ship. The democracy part did seem to be a little puzzling to some members with more authoritarian views. For instance one of the trampers was heard to shout “ecstatic” in response to a request on how did they feel if lunch was a little later.

Our group started off from McCormacks Bay gaining altitude at a breathtaking pace. It was interesting to note the chatter amongst the trampers dying off as the pace picked up. After some time, we arrived close to the top of Mt Pleasant and then descended to Evans Pass and finally on to Moncks Bay.

Some history about Redcliffs, McCormacks Bay, Evans Pass and Moncks Bay:

Māori used the Moa Bone Point Cave for shelter and the preparation, cooking and eating of food, including moa, seals, rats and shellfish. Areas within the cave appear to have been used for manufacturing artefacts of stone, bone and shell.

McCormacks Bay was named after William McCormack who arrived in New Zealand on the Charlotte Jane on the morning of 16 December 1850. He ended up buying about 50 acres (ca 20 hectares) of land in the area.

The road over Evans Pass from Sumner to Lyttelton was completed in 1857, and carried all traffic between the city and its port until the road tunnel was opened in 1964.

The first European owner of 100 acres (40 ha) in Moncks Bay was George Heath, who arrived in Lyttelton in March 1851 on the Isabella Hercus. He also had 500 acres (200 ha) of land on the hills behind.

Several trampers have let me know that they enjoy the trip reports. One even saying that he had to praise them because he didn’t want to do them!

The Sumner Steam Tram ca. 1904

Txt by Bill S

Standards Morning tea

View west from the Summit Road

Standards at Mt Pleasant gun emplacement

Alternates brave wind on Mt Pleasant

View East from Mt Pleasant Summit

Standards at Mt Pleasant summit

Looking down past our tree planting to Sumner

Standards: distance 9.5km, elevation gain 650m, time 5hrs

Your correspondent tramped with the “A” team today (aka the Alternates) along with 18 other souls. My earliest recollection of the tramp was reading the leader’s guide some years ago. What became etched in my memory was “a steady uphill climb.” Nothing at all about it being an “in your face grind with little relief.” Whatever, the views were as superb as the weather, with the brown tussock complementing the brilliant blue of the lake itself.  It was hard to imagine what it must have been like before humans arrived some 500 years ago and burned down the podocarp forest dominated by great trees such as totara and matai allowing tussock and scrub to take over.

The wonderful views evoked several wistful memories (wistful memories are one of the strengths of the Club). A memory, which was fit to print, involved one tramper as a 12-year-old on holiday near the lake paddling his kayak near the water intake of the power station and wondering why a whirlpool was close to his boat. When he looked up and read all the warning signs, he admitted to feeling rather chastened. The power station was one of the earliest substantial power stations in New Zealand. Currently (if you’ll pardon the pun!) there are five active turbines with two that are 100 years, or over, old.

By the way, Peak Hill itself is a roche moutonnee (or sheepback rock) which has been formed as outlined in the diagram.  This gives you an idea of the depth of the ice!

From the Standards: The views from the Peak Hill summit (1240 m) of Lake Coleridge and the snow-capped mountains beyond were great as usual but the wind meant we didn’t linger long to view them.  We dropped down just a short way to a nice sheltered hollow where we had lunch.

The next part of the trip from the summit down to the ‘corner’ where two fence lines meet and there’s a DOC sign saying ‘Peak Hill Conservation Area’ is a little bit rough underfoot as there’s no formed track and there are also many spaniard grasses to avoid (which not everyone did).  It was commented that it was much much easier than the descent from Boundary Hill however.  We made good time to the sign (about 45 min from lunch) and were there about 2pm.  At that point, we estimated we’d be back at the bus by 3.30 which proved about right. 

Note of thanks: As with virtually all BTC tramping trips the leaders, mentors and tailenders again performed an excellent job for which I for one was very grateful.

PS The much unloved spaniard grass is a member of the carrot family!

Txt by Bill S

Views to the east on the way up

Ascent with Lake Coleridge in the background

On the way up with Lake Coleridge in the background.

Not too much further

Last climb to the top

At the summit with expansive views of the upper Rakaia & Lake Coleridge

Standards lunch at the top

On the way down with views to the west end of Lake Coleridge

Distance 9.5km; ascent 250m; time 4hr

Vice-president Jen was at the helm again this week as we headed out of Christchurch on a day that promised sunshine and warmth. Our total of 47 keen trampers included Ming-ming, a guest of Frank W, farmer Evan and four extra local trampers we collected at Darfield. Driver Alan drove us all happily onward and we didn’t stress about the forgotten grey sign-up folder, nor the forgotten instruction sheets that describe the tramp. Evan would save the day with his guidance! And again this year, we’d been given permission to walk through the no-longer-mined Bathurst area.

The happy drive continued until – shock, horror – we reached a locked gate at a point that was not in a friendly bus-turn-around position!  The key that Evan was given did unlock a bright yellow padlock but another padlock determinedly blocked access. A very resourceful team of Evan, Alan and a couple of BTC men worked steadily for around 20 minutes to completely lift the gate from its hinges. They used a metal bar (which snapped a couple of times), logs and planks of wood, the bus wheel jack, and oil and overall they provided quite an entertaining stop for us on the bus.

Our walk started only a short distance further on, but Alan was able to turn the bus around at that corner and we all tramped as one group for the day. Evan had explained that he’d been on the farm since 1972 and was hoping to retire very soon. Coal mining by Bathurst stopped two years ago, but the process of remediation of the land and complying with all the requirements of Selwyn District Council and ECan means that the process of final sign-off and closure could take many years. At our morning tea stop by the manmade lake, we met Andy (our farmer guide from last year) and admired the stability of the hillsides that had been developed as well as the colourful rock waterways. Rayonier Matariki Forests have already planted some trees, but the timing of consents about where trees may be planted is making progress slow. In addition, there is a proposal to set up a covenant in perpetuity that includes native tree planting areas and a specific predator-free lizard reserve area. Native lizards apparently live in the area – though we saw none at all! All this has very complicated implications for landowners and most of our trampers agreed we were quite happy to be city dwellers.

We also saw the solar powered water measuring station that allows ECan to remotely monitor the purity of water run-off from the hillside. This water flows into a stream in the area that is home to the critically threatened kōwaro/ Canterbury mudfish.

After the ex-mine section, our tramp continued over a fairly familiar route, mostly on 4WD type farm roads and after an energetic climb we enjoyed a very pleasant lunch spot at 12.15pm with magnificent views in all directions. After lunch, as we climbed higher and traversed the farm’s hilltops, we battled a classic nor’westerly wind patch that made tramping very unpleasant for around 20 minutes.

Progress was steady after we descended out of the wind. Evan provided the magic key to unlock a deer fence gate that blocked our way and we continued down beside patches of trees, under and around fallen trees and eventually to a “new” fence crossing into a final paddock that led us to the waiting bus in Farr Street, Whitecliffs. It was another good day of non-technical tramping, with great views, and not marred too much for two or three trampers who found they had missing or empty shoe-bags at the bus, or poles nearly left behind, or a dropped car key discovered (thankfully) by driver Alan. And we even had time for a refreshment stop in Darfield as we dropped off the crew of extras. Most of us were home by 4pm.

Text by Janne R

Removal of padlocked gate by farmer in progress

Morning tea stop

Ascent of track towards lunch stop

Lunch spot with a view

View of restored coal mine pit

On track with distant views of snowcapped mountains

Trampers negotiate fence during return walk

Trampers queue to negotiate fence on return walk