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 15^th 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

Track signage

Brief water stop/tailender catch-up

Setting off after morning tea

Panoramic views of Mt Cheeseman area

Stds on track

Views !

Stds enjoy lunch with a view

Return descent after lunch

We received an early warning that our scheduled Glenafric tramp was cancelled due to the danger of fire and we soon learned it was to be replaced by this new tramp. The Standards disembarked at PMH and did a wander uphill (mostly) before looping around and entering the Canterbury Adventure Park (CAP). Meanwhile the Alternates were dropped at the start of the CAP track that leads through the park and eventually to Worsleys Road. The temperature forecast was for 29 degrees so all 35 trampers were keen to get cracking before the sun reached its zenith.

The Standards, looking for a convenience stop at morning tea, found that most of the many toilets at the Park’s HQ were locked, requiring some to explore other options, including the café’s loos one of which required passing the delicious food and wine on display. Resisting temptation, we reconvened and were soon setting off up the track. At this stage, we were all feeling a lot of love (it was February 14, remember) for those who had designed the path with the many switchbacks enabling us to master the increase in altitude without much difficulty. Unfortunately, as the zigzags disappeared and the steeper grunts presented themselves, falling out of love came a lot easier than the steady uphill climb which was now our reality. A big thank you to our fellow trampers who patiently assisted those for whom the going was getting tough!

The Standards had lunch at the top of the track beneath a large shady tree with a pleasant breeze to cool us as well. At the end of the day, when the two groups met up at our destination, some were astonished to learn that the Alternates had pressed on to the Sign of the Kiwi for lunch. Here, a former member met up with her husband. How lovely we thought – a romantic assignation on this special day! But no, there had been no expectation of actually seeing each other, and Margaret and Eric ate their lunch at separate tables. The Alternates then walked around Coronation Hill before reaching the start of the Governors Bay Downhill Track.

Having been assured at lunch that “It is all downhill from here” some of us did wonder later if this remark had been a rather bleak comment about the person’s own future, or perhaps directed at those lying semi-comatose around him, rather than an accurate description of the topography. However, reaching the same track as the Alternates ahead of us, we found that it was indeed mostly a downhill walk with some very hot open sections interspersed with beautiful cool bush and cheering birdsong to lighten the mood.

Stopping for the obligatory photograph at the Reuter Park Memorial to Horst and Christa, there was a lot of interest in the pair. In the course of googling – the local Reuters gifted 23 ha of land above Governors Bay to the City Council in 1994 – I can tell you it’s best to avoid Reutter Park in Michigan USA where there have been three shootings in the last year!

And now for those who deal in stats: Standards walked approx. 14.1 km (sounds very specific for an approximation); elevation gain 745 metres (surely that should be a 9 at the start of that number); and took 4.75 hours. Alternates covered 12km approx.; climbed 540 metres and were out and about for 4.16 hours (4hrs 10 mins for those who can’t find the calculator). And Gary was able to tell us that at the turnaround at Worsleys Road we were 1501ft (457.5m) above sea level. In a nutshell all that is really important is that the Alternates beat the Standards to the bar at Ōtoromiro Hotel by 35 minutes! Well done! And thank you for leaving plenty of cool refreshments for the second team home.

Starting the homeward journey, it was evident that not too many had been able to postpone gratification, i.e. save Linley’s birthday chocolates until later. Whenever they were consumed, we enjoyed the treat. Thank you, Linley. As we bused down Dyers Pass Road (thank you to our driver Viktor for navigating the road and hill-parking) it was very sobering and worrying for us all to find that having our expected tramp cancelled due to the risk of fire, we were now looking at what appeared to be a large fire in much the same area as we had just been walking. We are thinking of all those families who have had to be evacuated in the face of this rapidly moving threat and hope that it will be contained and extinguished before reaching the disastrous proportions of the Port Hills fire seven years ago.

Finally, a huge thank you to the Programme Committee for this new walk, and to the leaders, mentors and tailenders of both groups who kept us on the straight and narrow.

Text by Jan Bw

Alts drop-off

Stds rally at start of walk

Lyttelton Harbour views

Stds enjoy lunch in the shade

Stds at Reuter Memorial

Governor’s Bay views

Ōtoromiro Hotel refreshments

Fire near Worsley Spur area

Distance 10.3km; duration 4hrs 20min; vertical ascent 414m

For our first walk of the year we had 45 trampers including one visitor, Judy S. Our driver was Viktor. We welcomed the return of Selwyn and Pip following surgeries and injury. On a day like Wednesday was, this is a perfect first walk for the Club. Gentle ups and downs, sun and dappled shade and views of the  glacial turquoise of Canterbury’s biggest braided river, the Rakaia. The river was formerly known as Ō Rakaia meaning the place where people were ranged in rank, referring to the practice of strong men standing in line to break the force of the water when crossing. For Ngai Tūāhuriri of Kaiapoi it was a mahinga kai/food gathering place. Apparently at the river’s mouth up to 1,000 earth oven sites used for cooking moa have been recorded.

Mention has to be made of the wrought iron bridge – one of the country’s oldest. Constructed between 1880 and 1882 by Oamaru’s W H Barnes, the bridge features a timber deck and handrail atop its wrought iron plate girder and truss. The truss is unconventional in having no bottom chord and its ties fan out from the gorge’s edge carrying the load forces to the bridge’s anchors. It’s a handsome bridge.

It was a walk filled with catching up with summer goings-on, news of growing families and adventures had and planned, house moves and bathroom renovations. We do look forward to finding out who got first use of Brent’s new bidet! Punctuated by bellbird song and walking amid knee-high grass with Tussock Butterflies floating beside us talk turned to frequency of cat grooming, finding indestructible toys for dachshunds – and turtles.

Alternates and Standards all lunched beside the river and on our return walk some of us followed a side track to look at the old coal mine site. When all were back on the main track  our two groups had merged and we walked out together though a little crawling was required by some with a fallen tree over the track. One of our number was all over the fallen tree issue and once on the bus had reported it to Snap Send Solve by 1526 hrs. By 1600 hrs she had received five replies ultimately advising that the issue of the fallen tree is currently with ECan. Hopefully ECan will deal with the tree promptly. The track had been busy with mid-week walkers – domestic and international.

In response to our tramp leader’s enquiry the Hororata Café advised that they were short-staffed and closing at three so Viktor drove us home without stopping. A thoroughly enjoyable first walk for 2024.         Text by Jen C

Sources

Te Maire Tau, Anake Goodall, David Palmer & Rakiihia Tau. Te Whakatau Kaupapa: Ngāi Tahu Resource Management Strategy for the Canterbury Region, Aoraki Press, 1990

Aidan J. Challis, Ka Pakihi Whakatekateka O Waitaha: The Archaeology of Canterbury in Māori Times, Department of Conservation, December 1995

G M Jones; ‘Rakaia Gorge Bridge – The truss that isn’t‘ (PDF 1MB), Proceedings of the 1st Australasian Engineering Heritage Conference, 1994.

Heading out…

Old coal mine site

Trampers queue at a stile on the walkway

Lunch on the bank of the Rakaia River

Fallen tree

Sadly the weather on the hills was forecast wet, making hill walking slippery underfoot so we forewent our planned pre-lunch walk.

As in the two previous years we had booked our end of year/Christmas lunch at Ōtoromiro Hotel. Sixty people lunched including several long-standing members of the Club who have recently resigned, and our treasured driver Viktor. Thank you Viktor for the  festive manuka honey and ginger lollies.

Happily the sun made an appearance after we’d finished lunch so we took the opportunity to walk out to the end of the jetty. By 2.45 pm we were on our way home to the city.

Text by Jen C

Chatting after lunch

Governor’s Bay Jetty

Walk

Views

Fresh air & sunshine

Distance 11.5km, vertical ascent 665m, time 4hrs

The 22 Alternates did not need the digitalis in the lovely foxgloves lining the path to get their heart beats up as leader Ray led us up through the slash and on to the trail headed up Mt Grey. For those of us who were under the belief that this was an easy trail (including Jacqui D, completing her third visitor tramp), we were in for an awakening. We quickly discarded jumpers and other extra clothing.

Ray allowed a few breaks before our stop for morning tea, albeit tea was before the lookout which has been the goal in the past. Two morning tea breaks is not necessarily a bad thing, and we were challenged by a non-BTC tramper at the lookout to meet him at the top.

And meet him we did, arriving at the top by noon for spectacular views across Ashley Forest. We were followed shortly by our driver Viktor (who had stopped the bus on the shingle road to rescue an extra set of keys to the bus from the wheel well left by an earlier driver). About mid lunch break, we saw the 19 Standards lead by Bev winding their way up the hills. Not wanting to be passed by them on the way down (and because we had been there 30 minutes), we quickly concluded lunch and then formed a “military sword salute” with our hiking poles to recognize the Standards’ sweaty faces as they arrived. Well, most of them were honoured as we could only wait so long.

Per a source in the Standards, nothing happened worth reporting on their tramp.

The only reminder for the Alternates was that the trail was as steep on the way down as it was on the way up. Fortunately, only a couple of tumbles occurred in the slippery mud spots, and we all arrived at the bus in good shape.  The Standards arrived within 30 minutes, and we were off to Bishopdale after a short stop requested by Judy to allow two hitchhiking bees to escape the bus and continue their pollination activities, arriving back in Bishopdale by 4pm.

Text by Michele S

Alternates form a guard of honour for Standards, Mt Grey Summit

Lake Janet

Lake Janet Sign

Standards:  distance 7.3km; duration 4hrs 30min (approx); vertical ascent 824m

Alternates: distance 10km; duration 3 hrs

Alan was our driver picking us up at Bishopdale at 8am. There were 43 of us on the bus including visitor Jacqui and guest John. The Alternate group was walking around Lake Clearwater for the first time, rather than up the Stour River as in 2022.

The 13 Standards were laughing nervously at the start as we were wondering if you lot were being much smarter than us! But I don’t think any of us regretted doing the Barossa option. Yes. It was just up up up all the way to the top, and we were in thick fog almost all the way from morning tea. And so cold after lunch we had to dig out all our almost-forgotten items from the depths of packs, like zip-off pants bottoms and neck warmers.

But there were plenty of highlights too: the incredible limestone tors at the top, singing a silly song together on top of one of those massive rocks, the gorgeous shards of quartz rock in pretty pastels lying around like discarded treasure,  the delightful tiny sub-alpine flowers, witnessing from afar the hundred head of black cattle complaining loudly as they held up the traffic and leader Brent’s wacky idea to march (supposedly in unison) back to the bus!

Text by Shirls

After dropping the Standards at the bottom of a mist-covered ridge the Alternates sat on the bus for long enough for there to be some ‘Are we there yet?’ moments. We reached Lake Camp/Ōtuatari and some of us mistaking it for Lake Clearwater/Te Puna a Taka were surprised. It is a very small lake. Would we do several circumnavigations? Others knew it well, from earlier water-skiing days. It is the only lake in the area where powerboating is allowed.

There’s a cluster of fishing baches on the shores of Lake Clearwater. Brown trout apparently. And it’s a pretty walk around it. Sadly the lake’s future may not be so pretty. Without urgent action its imminent death has been heralded (David Williams, Newsroom, 18/02/2023). There are indications that due to land use, cow numbers and intensive farming, the lake could be flipping – transitioning from a clear, macrophyte-dominated state to a turbid, algae-dominated state. However over the past two years this transition has been slowed by ECAN and local landowners working together to encourage relocation of winter grazing to lower-risk areas, fencing waterways to restrict cows’ access and farming sheep.

On a happier note, the lake is also home to bitterns, wrybills and after receiving votes from a global fanbase Forest and Bird’s 2023 Bird of the Century the Pūteketeke or Australasian Crested Grebe.  Thanks for its newly acquired celebrity status in large part go to John Oliver. Some of us were out to spot a nesting pair. We didn’t. The closest we got was a sign describing them.

Pūteketeke signage

The wait in the bus for the Standards on our return was short and filled with speculation about who was who as we watched their descent. What happens on the bus stays on the bus. Despite not seeing the now famous bird, it was a fun day out and we were home shortly after 5pm.

Text by Jen C

Standards line-up

Standards ascend the steep Mt Barossa track

Standards break for morning tea

Ascent into low cloud

Standards pause close to the summit

Shoreline at Clearwater Reserve

Alternates break for morning tea

Alternates continue their walk back to Clearwater settlement

Distance 14.4km; duration 5hrs 30min (approx); vertical ascent 577m

Now before anyone gets the idea that this was an easy little toddle on the Port Hills, you should know the Sugarloaf in question is not the Christchurch one with a tower on it. It’s not the one near Motueka, nor the Otago one either. Sugarloaf just happens to be a popular name for many nice rounded hills. No, this tramp was a bit tougher than the Port Hills one, and far more interesting too.

Our two groups totalling 45 trampers including visitor Mijung, set off from Benmore Station carpark just before 10am. Let’s be honest, that farm track towards the hills seems to go on forever. At least the stream crossings were a bit more fun – especially when one of the Standards bounced over the surface like a skimming stone, before the inevitable ‘plop’ of going down (I heard an Alternate had a bit of a splash too).

It was getting warmish as we made our grunting-grumbling way up the steep Annavale track, which made stopping for a late morning tea with glorious 360 degree views all the more appreciated. When we got to the signposted junction it was good to know we weren’t taking the track up Sugarloaf, but rather the one on the right towards our goal, Benmore Hut. A shorter distance, and through rather nice bush, but with its own challenges. Especially the really steep downhill bits just before lunch – these were best negotiated with a low centre of gravity, whilst hanging onto handy little trees growing close to the track.

The best thing about the Benmore Hut is that you can’t miss it when you’re getting close. Whoever decided this rustic, easy to find hut should be painted in almost-fluoro orange must have had a good sense of humour. It is certainly located in a lovely spot, with plenty of shade perfect for cooling down as we ate our hard-earned lunch (no pesky wasps or Over 40s trampers this time!).

Downhill after lunch – sounds ideal if not idyllic. And the track through the beech forest offered lovely dappled light, a little birdsong … and lots of mud. It was interesting to see the many predator traps, including the new really high-tech ones. Even better was seeing that there was a very dead black possum caught in one of the older traps.

How many heads got bumped on the low hanging branches?  Only two that I observed, but there were most likely others (not me this week, tee hee!). Then there were all the tree trunks lying across the track which had to be climbed over (going under was fun too). And how many people slipped over when we constantly had to cross over the stream? – a few.

As for the return journey on that terribly long farm track we had traversed in the morning? Well, it seemed twice as long on the way back to the bus. It was 3.30pm when the weary Standards made it to our flash bus waiting back at the farm carpark, along with our driver James. By then the 17 Alternates had been waiting for an hour and a half. They too had had their fair share of steep uphill farm track walking, steep downhill farm track walking, rough tracks through beech forest, as well as lots of stream crossings (I did hear that they had also enjoyed two morning tea breaks, but that’s just a rumour).

After being undertaken three times by our club now, this tramp has likely earned its place on our yearly calendar, with its varied route and just enough challenges to stop us feeling we’ve easily mastered it.

Text by Shirls

Stream crossing on farm track

Glorious views during morning tea

Inside Benmore Hut

Return trek through beech forest

Standards cross a stream

…and again…

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