Distance 14km; elevation gain 662m; time 4hr 15min

A bright cool day greeted 38 trampers at Bishopdale where Alan stood ready to take us to Sumner. Of those, we had no visitors as Les, David, and Brent have become full members of BTC and joined us on the tramp. Congratulations and welcome!  Four other members met us at the Scarborough Clock Tower (bringing our total number to 42), and off we went, the 20 Alternates being taken up to Evans Pass to start, and the 22 Standards starting up the zig zag course up and over the hill. The bus was remarkably quiet once we left Sumner. Just sayin’.

It was a beautiful and relatively cool day with a few clouds and a breeze providing respite from what could otherwise be a quite warm tramp with few trees between Taylors Mistake and Evans Pass. The Alternates’ route took them up, over, and through the Scarborough Reserve where we saw gun emplacements and stunning views of Lyttelton Harbour where two tugboats stood ready to guide a tanker into Port.

We passed the Standards just as we arrived at Godley Head (having taken the option for the longer tramp) for an early lunch at 11:30. Apparently, the Alternates missed the 3.3 earthquake whose epicentre was pretty close to Godley Head as we packed up to continue around noon. Our tramp took us by the Scott House, down the path past Boulder Bay (“I’ve never seen it from this perspective”), the cutoff to the penguin habitat (now fenced off to protect the penguins from trampers), and through the just-past-prime gardens of many baches at Taylors Mistake.

For the Alternates, the last hour was the trek up and over to the Clock Tower at Sumner, not an easy task! Apparently at about the same time, one of the Standards took a slight header as they descended to Evans Pass, but fortunately suffered little damage. The Standards, having finished about 30 minutes before the Alternates, were bused back to Sumner where they had time to admire the architecture of the homes and apartments in Sumner and the wind surfers out on the Bay.

And just because I know you’re dying to know, the cornerstone for the Scarborough Clock Tower was laid 14 December 1934. The clock and tower were donated to the Borough of Sumner by Richard Edward Green, to perpetuate the name of his father Edmund Green who had arrived in Christchurch on 4 August 1859 to install the first telegraph system in New Zealand. The clock, like many others in Christchurch, suffered damage in the earthquakes to both the building and the workings of the clock leading to a restoration process in 2018. Fun Fact: the hands of the clock are manually moved forward and back to accommodate daylight savings time.

A trip to The Valley Inn for a quick refreshment, and we were back to Bishopdale by a little after 4. Another good day’s walk.

Txt by Michelle

Standards muster at beginning of Godley Head track

Standards lead en route to to Godley Head

View of track from Taylors Mistake to Godley Head

Alternates negotiate a section of the Crater Rim track en route to Godley Head

Alternates enjoy an early break for lunch

Standards take a break at Scott’s Cabin, Godley Head

Distance <13.4km; vertical ascent m; duration 3hr 35min

Forty six trampers set out from town for Banks Peninsula/Horomaka with Alan driving. Our number included Associate Member Sun and visitors Les, David, Brent and Peter. We arrived at Pigeon Bay at 10.50am. For some of us it was all new.

Māori legends about this place include Tūterakiwhānoa a benevolent god whose task was to make Te Waipounamu habitable. His work included the creation of bays, harbours and estuaries, among them Pigeon Bay.  Another involves Maui who, resting after fishing up the North Island, was confronted by an evil giant. Maui cast the giant into the sea and heaped mountains upon him. Throughout the winter the giant remained still but in summer he stirred causing the land to split forming Akaroa Harbour. Maui subdued the giant again by piling more mountains on top of him until the next summer when he stirred again forming Pigeon Bay.

Ngāi Tūahuriri, a sub tribe of Ngāi Tahu were living in the bay when Europeans began arriving in the 1800s. Whalers were followed by French settlers and then in 1842 the Sinclair and Hay families from Scotland arrived. Descendants of the latter still live here.

It was a blue sky turquoise sea sort of day at the bay. Hot enough for boots to kick up dust – a marked contrast with the mud of the previous week’s walk. We started out from the Boating Club following the water’s edge and then climbed onto grassland. A grove of eucalyptus provided welcome shade for our morning tea stop. Then it was up a track to meet the farm road. There were views of the mussel farm and of boats on the horizon whetting appetites to be sailing (one walker recounted past adventures sailing from Lyttelton to Pigeon Bay) or eating something delicious from the sea.

The walk is mostly open grassland with a little coastal scrub and the occasional group of watching cows. We were brought to a halt at 12.30pm by a cattlestop and signage advising that private property Annandale was over the brow of the hill.  Annandale’s website advertises that it offers “luxury villa accommodation with total privacy and relaxed informality in a historic and dramatic landscape”. We opted for a relaxed and informal lunch on the hillside with dramatic landscape (and seascape) in front of us.

The Alternates, numbering 24, walked the same out and back route as the Standards. Along the way Sun lost the sole of her boot and running repairs needed to be done. Sadly Sun’s repaired boot didn’t last the distance.  Happily a passing farmer offered Sun a ride back to the beginning where some of the Standards had time to dabble hot feet in the sea before the rest of the Alternates returned.

Text by Jen

Sources:

Banks Peninsula – Cradle of Canterbury, Gordon Ogilvie, Government Printer, 2007

Old Maori place names around Akaroa Harbour by Louis J. Vangioni; with supplementary notes by D. J. C. Pringle

Morning tea in the shade

Onwards after the morning tea stop

Sun’s boot sole requires running repairs

On the trail & heading towards the lunch spot

Enjoying lunch & expansive seascape views

Negotiating a stile near a grove of eucalyptus trees

Distance 9.74km; vertical ascent 714m; duration 5hr

With Garry as our driver we set off at 8.00 am from Bishopdale with a pickup at Yaldhurst.  The early start was due to the distance we had to travel to Mt Alford Scenic Reserve.  We had a lower turnout than normal with just 30 keen trampers including one visitor, Brent M. The day was overcast and humid. Road works slowed us down on the Main South Road and Thompsons Track (which involved a detour) but at 10.00 am we had arrived at our destination.

The track alternates across public and private land and is a steady climb (600m vertical) through beech forest then tussock and sub alpine scrub to the top of Mt Alford (1171m). The Standards numbered 16 and the Alternates 14. In our two groups, we set off across a short section of farmland before entering the Alford Scenic Reserve. We all climbed up steadily through the beech forest. The track was very muddy in places. One member’s pristine new boots were not looking so good after a few metres but she was very happy with the comfort level of her toes!!

We had morning tea at 10.40 am in an open grassy patch and were pleased with the cloud cover as when the sun popped out occasionally it was searingly hot.  We set off again at about 11.00 am through an open scrubby section following a fence to a 4WD track . We crossed the track and followed marker poles up another ridge to an open grassy area with a rickety picnic table and what would be good views of the Ashburton River on a less cloudy day.  The Alternates were walking to this spot for lunch then returning from here on the same track to the bus. The Standards who arrived ahead of the Alternates kept on to the summit.

From here on it was quite a climb and 14 made it to the top for lunch arriving at 12.30 pm.

Although, apart from small glimpses, due to low cloud cover we couldn’t see the promised amazing views across the Canterbury Plains and inland mountains, we were all very pleased to have made it.  The fact that there were no midges swarming around made the walk much more pleasant than last year although the humidity made it a very hot and sweaty experience.

At 12.50 pm we set off down the same track.  The Spaniard grass was in full flower and very spiky so was to be avoided.  The track through the beech forest was even muddier on the way down and we all took advantage of a small stream to wash as much mud off our boots as possible. I took the prize for the muddiest legs. We stopped to put on jackets at one stage as a drizzle set in but it didn’t last long.  We arrived at the bus at 3.00 pm.  The Alternates had been waiting for about an hour for our return. To avoid the roadworks Garry took a different route going through Windwhistle to get back to Christchurch. It was another great tramp enjoyed by everyone.

Text by Judy

Kitted up & ready to go..!

Onward & upward through Beech Forest

Standards break for morning tea

Alternates enjoy a break together on the acscent

Standards head upwards above the observatory

Birthday Boy & Standards Leader, Alan, on Cloud Nine

Standards descend through tussock after lunch

Negotiating the muddy track on the downhill leg

Distance 14km, elevation 514m, time 4hrs 40mins (Standards)

With 46 trampers on the bus, including visitors Les G and Brent M, our new driver

Gary delivered us safely to the start of the Weka Pass Farm tramp, after a slight detour on the way through the residential streets of Woodend, due to the north bound lane of the main highway being closed for road works.

Without the coolish wind that was present at Bishopdale the day was already warm, and would get hotter still.

Before setting off the farm owner Richard Murchison gave us a brief overview of the farm and history of the area.

The property consists of two farms and is stocked with 3200 sheep (which was evident during the morning tea stop) as well as a few deer and cattle. He also mentioned they had a lot more grass than usual, which was also evident when walking through some of the paddocks.

The two groups set off up the farm track above the creek onto a rolling limestone ridge, before stopping for morning tea higher up on the hillside.

On the way the Standards arrived at one of the many gates, which appeared to be locked, so a scramble through the wire fence was called for. With everyone assembled unscathed on the other side a shout could be heard from behind. Looking back, the Alternates could be seen proceeding through the now open gate.

After tea the Standards carried on up the hill, while the Alternates backtracked and took a slightly shorter route that would avoid the steep downhill that could possibly be slippery.

At the bottom of the slippery slope, the Standards carried on through the empty deer paddock and on to the farm road at the other end. From there it was up and down the farm road, and through more gates (unlocked), paddocks and a couple of minor streams until reaching the usual lunch spot at the hay barn. On some tramps it has been used as a buffer from the wind, but on this occasion it was the shade it provided that was welcomed. The limestone outcrops the area is known for could be seen on the hill nearby.

After lunch it was more of the same. Easy farm road and paddocks and gates with a few gentle slopes, until reaching the top of a slight incline where the bus could be seen below us.

With the Alternates having already arrived there would be time for a refreshment stop in Amberley after a very pleasant day in the hills.

Text by Sally W

One of many farm vistas encountered during the day

Alternates trek up one of many open ridges

Alternates rally for a group photo

Standards follow the leader along one of the farm fence lines

Standards rally at a high point following morning tea

Standards on brink of steep downhill descent

Standards follow a farm track on the homeward leg

Distance (approx)17km; duration 5hrs 40min; vertical ascent 410m

As driver Alan took us across the city to Sumner, some juggling of leadership roles was undertaken with members continuing to succumb to the persistent Covid.

38 trampers including visitors, Brent, David and Les, alighted the bus at Bishopdale. We were dropped at Evans Pass where a 39^th member joined us. We walked westward along the Crater Rim walkway, which is also part of the 360 Trail. Good cloud cover and a following breeze made for ideal walking conditions although there was an immediate climb.

There’s something about these uphill stretches where head is down and what is seen is tussock grass, clover, yarrow, dried docks, blue flowers, yellow flowers, backs of legs, boots, rocks, socks, packs, with only the occasional glance to expanded views over harbour or city. Or so it seems.

The track took us ever upwards with Standards reaching the morning tea stop sufficiently ahead of the Alternates for them (or at least one, sorry Judy) to be ousted from their chosen rocks. Standards disappeared from sight, the Alternates resumed their walk. In the far distance a strimmer was audible, City Council workers maintaining the track, cutting and tossing aside straw.

A cruise ship was in Port, the consensus of walkers was that it would be far preferable to be walking the hills than queuing for a ride for a brief visit to the city.

Lunch was a relaxed affair, trackside overlooking the Woolston industrial area between Rapaki and Bridle Path tracks, so relaxed that one or two missed hearing the two minute call to walk. Sarah, an obliging passer-by at the top of Rapaki Track obliged by taking a group photo of the Alternates, whereupon we all bunched up, posing in the sunshine.

There was a brief discussion to (a) walk up Mt Vernon or (b) walk around Mt Vernon. Route (b) was taken by the Alternates, whereas the Standards walked up, over and down. The temperature climbed and there was some small relief in the pockets of pine and bush, before the cool and shade of Mitchell’s Track. We briefly watched a harrier hawk, wings outstretched, spiralling effortlessly upwards on a thermal.

On arrival at the Sign of the Kiwi, Leader Norma informed us that the bus was waiting further along the Summit Road, increasing our walk to nearly 14 km. Meantime the Standards walked down Harry Ell Track to the Sign of the Takahē where they had about a ten minute wait.

The Standards were canvassed for an account of their walk. “You should ask the Tail Ender!” Alas Kay had been left off the count at the Sign of the Kiwi when she had diligently been placing rubbish in a bin. Kay’s “Where’s the others?” was soon followed from Harry Ell Track with “Where’s Kay?” A phone call between parties established that Kay would go in the bus along with Janice who was forgoing the extra 4 km.

In summary, another splendid day in the hills.

Text by Marie-Therese

Alternates & Standards heading towards Mt Pleasant

Standards rally at the start of the crater rim trail

Alternates by Rapaki

Standards head up the ridge trail towards the morning tea stop

Standards enjoy a break for morning tea

Standards preparing to resume walk after lunch

Standards negotiate the Crater Rim trail

As in 2021 our end of year/Christmas do was at Ōtoromiro Hotel. Sixty people including driver Viktor and Associate Members Sally, Neil and Derek booked for the buffet lunch. Viktor’s consummate bus driving skills were in evidence as he – with assistance from a number of trampers – negotiated the hilltop turn around trucks and workers busy with the construction of a new observation centre.

Various walking options were available: Some of those in cars walked up the hill to meet those (led by Chris and tailended by Janice) walking down, while others joined those walking along the waterfront. The walk from the Sign of the Bellbird via the Crater Rim and Faulkners Tracks undulated gently and then was steadily downwards, conducive to a walking song, putting some words to a tune that is as old as the hills (with apologies to Frederic Austin).

On the twelfth day of Christmas

My tramp’n club gave to me

Twelve river crossings

Eleven water bottles

Ten hills to climb

Nine leaders leading

Eight boots a-muddied

Seven morning tea stops

Six scenic bus trips

Fiiiive first aid kits

Four mountain huts

Three sixty views

Two walking poles

And a pigeon in a pūriri tree

Mercifully, we were soon at the bottom! Following a change of clothing for some, we all enjoyed mains and puddings and beverages too – and extra-convivial company on the bus ride home. Best wishes to all for the festive season.

Text by Jen C

Enjoying great company outdoors at the Ōtoromiro Hotel

Confirmed…on the right track!

View of Lyttelton Harbour from ridge line

Brief pause for the tailenders to catch up

Four Jan(ne)s enjoying a break together

Heading down the track towards lunch

Conversation in full swing at the Ōtoromiro Hotel

Enjoying great company indoors at the Ōtoromiro Hotel

Distance (Standards) 10.84km (with lake visit included); duration 4hrs 40min; elevation gain 634m

There were 44 walkers on the bus for the penultimate tramp of 2022. Our driver was Alan and we were delighted to welcome visitors Annette and Les. Happily Les was undeterred by the events of last week (President Bev had updated us in the days following with the news that the two injured trampers have had their injuries attended to and are now rehabilitating. We look forward to walking with them again in 2023). The catch-up chatter was loud on the way to Boundary Hill. We arrived and split into our habitual two groups.

After initially following a four wheel drive track, the Alternates plotted a course up the valley through matagouri, wild Spaniard/giant speargrass and bog.  There was vain hope that the tussock clumps underneath our feet might provide support. Often they didn’t and boots became caked in mud. Eventually the ridgeline was reached and the going became easier. From our vantage point we could see the Standards opposite, seemingly skipping their way along a formed track. At the Alternates’ lunch spot, a small group chose to continue to the top of Boundary Hill.   We all then regrouped and made our return via the fault line, albeit with a few navigational errors along the way. One member took a dip in the swamp, another a slow tumble down into a creek, resulting in a very wet pack as he landed on his back, being hauled upright. The circular route made a good day’s walk and everyone returned to the bus in cheerful spirits.

Marie-Therese

By comparison the Standards’ walk was uneventful. We climbed to the fault line enjoying the little golden Bulbinella spires and not so much the matagouri. A photo of us in sabre (read tramping pole) arch formation – on either side of the fault line – was called for and taken. Then it was lovely alpine pasture walking to the Alternates’ lunch spot and a short scramble to the top of the hill.

We ate lunch enjoying the 360 degree view and watching the sky darken and covered up with merino and waterproof layers before beginning our descent. It was just as well we’d “armoured up” because most of us did battle with Spaniards on the way down. Blood was drawn. There are some steep, and spectacularly coloured drop offs to contend with too. Cautious walking was required.

At the bottom we connected with various four wheel drive tracks, a small contingent detouring to look at the Red Lake, and we all eventually wound our way to the bus stop. We filled the wait for the bus with talk of pre-tramp routines including Epsom salts baths and eye masks and post-tramp wedding outfits. We look forward to the wedding photos.

Jen

Standards cross a creek at near the beginning of the tramp

Lone Snow Daisy blooms

Hiking Poles over the Alpine Fault

Alternates reach the summit of Boundary Hill

Standards enjoy lunch & the view across to Lake Coleridge

Standards negotiate a steep ridge descent, matagouri, & wild spaniard

View to one of the Red Lakes

Distance (Standards) 12km; duration (without incident) 4hrs 45min; elevation gain 634m

President Bev welcomed the 44 trampers aboard the coach with a special welcome to visitor, Les, and our ever-popular driver, Victor. It was a longer than usual trip with road works almost the whole distance it seemed. There was a double chocolate shout, with Judy celebrating a birthday and Nicky marking her final walk with our club.

Victor was understandably cautious at the entrance to the Reserve. Successfully negotiating the narrow bridge, the sound of the trees scraping on the roof and sides of the bus heralded our arrival. The very wet ground on either side of the driveway underscored his questioning the team in the front seats as to where he would be able to turn. With a great deal of sang-froid he was reassured that there were no problems, and to push on.

Just after 10.30 and in sunshine, the two groups moved off and quickly set into the task of negotiating the steady climb with the significant step-ups proving a true test for those with shorter legs. The track has plenty of exposed roots and stones to trip the unwary, and recent rain made for boggy and slippery conditions underfoot. Morning tea and lunch stops were reached with some relief, and most were happy to leave the hard work behind and enjoy the descent through the beech forest.

The Alternates were the first to have a mishap. The whistle blast alerted those further along the track to stop and wait, and word filtered through that one of our number had slipped and almost certainly broken a wrist. While we waited, the leading group from the Standards caught up with us and one produced the bottom two-thirds of a walking pole and asked if anyone had noticed they had lost it. The owner was unaware and very pleased to have it back, taking the consequential ribbing well. While we were exchanging news, a second alarm was heard. One tramper identified this as coming from a different whistle to the first, and sure enough one of the Standards had also fallen with a more serious injury. Inquiries as to whether or not we had a doctor in our midst elicited a “Yes, several,” but with degrees in chemistry, entomology etc, we didn’t feel they should be asked to “step up” in this instance. Thankfully we do have a former orthopaedic specialist nurse – a big thankyou to Kate, and to Jan our ex-pharmacist who managed the pain relief, to Bev, our tail enders, and the team who took charge of backpacks and helped this second casualty negotiate the remainder of the walk to the bus. We were all delighted to see him upright (with the help of two tramping poles, and gaffer tape) and managing a smile for us. The wonders of modern medication!

It was reassuring that we had the physical and human resources to manage these two injuries until we could get the members to their families and medical attention. It was a sombre trip home with Bev thanking everyone for their help and reassuring our visitor that this had not been a typical day in the life of Bishopdale Tramping Club. We wish our two companions a speedy return to full health.

Text by           Jan Bw

Standards pause to enjoy the view across the plains

Onward & upward above the bush line

Leading Standards negotiating a steep section of the track

Awesome views towards Mt Hutt

Standards ascend towards lunch stop

Standards enjoy lunch with Mt Hutt in the background

Reflecting on the day’s events in scenic Awa Awa Reserve

Les punches the air after an epic return journey with leg in splint

  Distance: 13.2 km                      Duration: 4 hrs                            Elevation Gain: 510 m

We left Bishopdale carpark at 8.30am with our driver James. Picking up more trampers at Yaldhurst we had a good turnout of 46.  We arrived at Mistletoe Flat Campsite at Craigieburn at about 10.20am. In the car park we met a group of Medbury School pupils who were staying at Lyndon Lodge.

It was a lovely day with no wind, slightly overcast and a nice temperature for walking.

The 22 Standards set off along the mountain beech-forested ski field road. After morning tea at 11am we followed the Dracophyllum Track – nice and dry in most places – through the beech forest. Descending to Broken River we crossed the bridge one at a time for safety reasons as it is still in need of repair after flood damage to its structure.  Climbing again we came out of the trees to the open terrace of Dracophyllum Flat. We had our lunch at 12.20pm. As we took in the views of the surrounding mountains, the sun came out (as well as a surge of bugs) and a chirpy bellbird could be heard nearby.

After lunch we made our way up to a low saddle, avoiding the matagouri.  There is quite a steep descent to where we were to cross Broken River so everyone took extra care making their way down.  We crossed the river three times. It was shallow and calm so this was not a problem.  The climb up a steep, muddy bank onto the terrace after the final river crossing took some effort and some helpful hands at the top pulling us up the last part were much appreciated. After a bit more of a climb up to the terrace it was an easy walk in squelchy boots back to the highway to the bus pick-up point. The bus arrived at 2.55pm having already picked up the Alternates and it was back to Christchurch with everyone having had a very enjoyable day tramping.

Text by Judy R

There were 24 Alternates. Linley made a great job of leading as did Kiwan at the tailend.

Some discussion was had about an alternate “second half” avoiding the 6 km long, winding, dusty metal road to the bus pick-up. The suggestion that after lunch we return the same way we came generally found approval. A consideration would be how wet/muddy the track was.

Text by Jan Bw

The one-at-a-time bridge.

Confirmation that we’re in the right place.

Up through the beautiful bush.

Lunch spot for the standards

Carefully down towards Broken River

A refreshing river crossing.

Down towards the road at the end of tramp.

Distance (Standards): 14.5km            Duration: 5hrs 30min                       Elevation Gain: 577m

With the weather threatening to ruin this tramp planned for last week, it was swapped with one on the Port Hills.  This week we could not have had a better day – well done weather team!

We set off with 43 trampers, including visitor Xia, as our driver James, drove us out past Springfield to Benmore Station. With an even split in the groups we set off to walk this new tramp.

The first couple of kms is on a farm track, relatively flat with a few washouts and muddy spots to stop us getting too complacent. We then cross a stile onto the 13 Mile Bush Track for a short time before heading across another stile onto the Annavale Track. This track is a recently opened farm track (commonly known as a public easement) that gives access to two peaks on the fringes of Korowai/Torlesse Tussocklands. This highest peak Sugarloaf is at 1205m.

We were not aiming to climb to the highest point, and at the first major sharp switchback along the track, we reached an elevation of 831m. This point has some great views and provides an ideal spot for morning tea. As we continued on (and on) up the track the Standards could see the Alternates reaching the same view spot.

After climbing to 966m we reached the turn-off to Benmore Hut. Benmore Hut Link Track goes between Benmore Hut and the Annavale Track. Orange poled markers are followed along the tops and then orange triangle markers throughout the bush all the way to Benmore Hut. The bush track is steep in places and there is quite a lot of tree fall requiring some careful negotiation.

We were all pleased to see the bright orange Deerstalker’s Hut and enjoyed some shade for our lunch break. We hadn’t been there long when the Over Forties Tramping Club (OFTC) arrived.  Having seen them ahead of us when we started, we were surprised to see them arrive after us – they blamed taking a wrong turn! We were pleased to be heading down the track and not back up to the Annavale
Track as the OFTC were.

When the reccie was undertaken on this track 12 months ago, the storm damage was very evident, sadly it appears this is not a priority track for DOC to have cleared.  Scrambling over, under or through trees across the tracks, along with stream crossings meant slow going until we were out of the bush. We then headed back to the bus, the same way we had started.

Everyone seemed to enjoy the variety and challenges this tramp offered and we certainly felt as if we had had a good workout. Text by Jan Bbr

Following Leader Leonie’s huddle at the carpark, 20 of the Alternates set forth up the track under a clear blue sky and the sun at our backs. Our first stream crossing was welcomed by those whose feet required cooling. After the regulatory 10 minute morning tea on a terrace above 13 Mile Bush Stream it was uphill to the first saddle. Great views were had eastward down the valley that we had just walked. We retraced our steps to the Annavale / Benmore Track junction where we turned upriver on the Benmore Track.

After approximately forty minutes walking upstream the track became difficult to traverse owing to flood damage and fallen trees. Lunch stop was called with a choice of either shaded or full sun beside the stream. A pleasant return walk was had as we recrossed the stream a number of times, this keeping our feet cool. All 20 made it back to the bus. A most pleasant day’s tramp. Well done everyone.

P.S. “Alas, no tales to tell out of school” – damn. Text by Les

Hard slog up finished.

Time for a pause in the beautiful bush.

Another stream crossing on the way down

Bush bashing just before lunch

Tricky muddy patch to negotiate.

Out of the bush then just walk to the bus.

Alts waiting at Torlesse bus, Torlesse range in background.