Stats: distance 13.2 km, elevation gain 583 m, time 4 hrs 30 mins

We left on the bus from the Bishopdale pickup at 8.30am. Our bus driver for the day was Keith.  Once we had picked up the rest of our trampers at Barnett Park we had a total of 48, including one visitor, David. This was more than recent tramps and it was great to see such a good turnout. The bus continued to Pony Point and dropped off the Standards (who numbered 30) at 9.30am.

The weather was warm and overcast with a northwest wind as we set off. After a comfort stop at the very well-maintained facilities at Cass Bay we made our way to the Lyttelton waterfront where we had morning tea.  It was sad to see on our walk to Lyttelton that there were a lot of polluted water signs dotted around Cass Bay warning people to keep out of the water.

After morning tea we set off upwards through the streets of Lyttelton eventually arriving at the start of the Major Hornbrook Track. Passing the Alternates on the way up and tackling a series of daunting steps we made it to the Summit Road at 12.05pm and had lunch under a rocky outcrop. We were quite sheltered and the sun popped in and out of the clouds every so often. Peter won the sandwich competition in our group but had some very close contenders.

The views across Pegasus Bay to the mountains were amazing, with the sea coloured various stunning shades of blue. You could tell there was very heavy rainfall happening on the West Coast. The wind was quite strong and gusty when we first reached the Summit Road but died away after lunch as we walked round past the aerials on the top of Mt Pleasant and on down to the Eastenders Track.  When the sun came out it was very warm.  Descending the Eastenders Track to Barnett Park where the bus was waiting we again passed the Alternates. Various other walkers that we met during the day were quite overcome with the size of our tramping group as they stood to the side in awe while we filed past. We arrived back at Bishopdale at 3.00pm after a very enjoyable day. Text by Judy R

After dropping the Standards at Pony Point, our bus driver continued onwards to Rapaki for a turning bay. We 18 alternates imagined that the Standards would not be within cooee, but as we drove back to Corsair Bay drop off point, the Standards were spied making good progress along the coastal track.

The popular walking track to Lyttelton was left behind as we took to the streets for our morning tea stop at Three-Piece Suite Reserve. A much appreciated break, unfortunately one or two were shy of their muffins which had been left at home. We were able to enjoy people, property and port watching as we soon resumed our stride to Major Hornbrook Track. Other walkers were encountered, many having changed plans to avoid the inclement weather in the mountains.

The front of our pack herded several quail along Harmans Road. What to call this collection of birds? A quintet of quail was suggested, or as the more visually able were able to count six in number, maybe a sextet. Google informs that the collective noun for such a group is “A bevy or covey of quails”.

Tailender Moira was kept busy counting the group, a big responsibility when the upward grind towards the Summit Road started impacting on the speed of walkers and one of the Standards joined the group. As usual the spirit of the club was to the fore, we were more than an amble of walkers, with encouragement and some double packing briefly undertaken. Lunch was enjoyed in the sunshine below the Summit Road. Our route continued along a section of the Summit Road below Mt Pleasant, before the descent on the sun baked Eastenders Track to Barnett Park. Text by Marie-Therese

Lyttelton wharf area

Alts morning tea break at Three-Piece Suite Reserve, Lyttelton

Alts on Major Hornbrook Track, stds half way up to gondola

Colourful rocks tell a story of long ago.

Another stile to conquer.

Through a sea of tussocks.

A hot downhill section at the end of the day.

 Stats: distance 13.4/12km, vertical ascent 280m, time 3hrs 45mins

We set out with Keith our driver on a Torlesse bus (less rattley than the last),and with  numbers reduced to 34 due to Covid and sickness. It was a clear spring morning. Anticipating warmth, the easterly wind gusting through the pines at the outset was an  unwelcome surprise.

The Standards (19) warmed up quickly enough when we turned the corner and had the wind at our backs and settled into the day’s business of wading through the wet bits and  clambouring over the knobbley bits of the bed of the Dry Acheron Stream.  We were accompanied by, and mindful of sheep and new lambs throughout. Top count was a sheep with quadruplets! We reached the little lake at lunchtime, opting to eat in the lee of the hill among the matagouri, sheltered from the wind and overlooked by the Alternates.

The return was mostly the same route aside from putting up a pair of Paradise ducks and our Leader mixing it up a little taking us up a hill and down a cow-pugged slope. All round an invigorating walk.

Text by Jen

Departing the bus at 10.20am with Linley Trapp as leader, the Alternatives (15) followed the Standards along 2 pine tree shelter belts and down to the Acheron riverbed. We crossed the river up to a dozen times and edged gingerly around a difficult bluff above the river before we reached the Clay Valley Covenant turnoff on the right. By taking this track above the river we avoided further river crossings which had been slowing our progress. The easy ascent took us eventually to a shingle road which we continued to follow. By about 12.15pm Linley spotted a great lunch spot overlooking the river. With sunny conditions overhead and a brisk breeze blowing we nestled in for lunch, content with our efforts thus far.

We could have returned the way we had come but the majority felt following the road back as far as possible was the way to go. No more boulder hopping or wet feet for us! We enjoyed a fabulous view of the upper Rakaia Gorge – a bonus for being at that higher elevation. Interesting too that we could watch the Standards at times picking their way back along the riverbed.

Back at the bus by 2.15pm with the Standards close behind – a great day’s walk for the whole group.

Text by Leonie

Setting off for the day

Stunning farmland views

Time for a chat along the way

Black Hole Lake

Lunch spot for the standards

Trampers negotiate crossings, rocks and banks

Heading back to the bus

Stats: distance 14.2km, ascent 919m, time 4hrs 30mins

DOC categorizes the Monument to Mt Herbert track as an “Advanced Tramping Track” (aka “Challenging day” per DOC definitions) and for many of the 37 BTC trampers, that was an apt characterisation. Our driver Victor left Bishopdale promptly at 8:30, we picked up a few more hearty souls at the Halswell Library, and we were on the trail by 10:20.

The Standards group was made up of 24 trampers; the Alternatives were comprised of 14. The route we take has been described by Nathan James, the blogger behind the website Adventures of the South (www.adventuresofthesouth.com/mt-herbert) as “Easy-Moderate”. Steady climb is a good description. The Alternatives included 4 OBE’s, so do not let this description dissuade you from this tramp.

After an initial grunt, both groups had morning tea in the same location.  Some of us looked over Diamond Harbour. Others looked up to the mountains that were our goal for the day and wondered what was to come.

Up and up we went, about 5K to the 920 m summit of Mt. Herbert, which DOC says is “the highest peak on Banks Peninsula. The summit is dominated by tussocks, with a few speargrass plants, scattered around a small antenna housing.” The track is quite well marked on the way to the summit.

The Standards arrived about 15 minutes before the Alternatives, and we all had time to recover over lunch. The wind began to pick up and the clouds started coming in from the East, so most donned gloves, hats and jackets before the descent.

The remaining downhill tramp is not quite as well marked as the ascent, but Alternative leader Eric brought us down over what seemed like 15 stiles and through one electrified fence which thankfully was not hot as we traversed it. We covered farmland with cows nursing their calves which looked askance at our invasion of their otherwise peaceful afternoon. Fortunately, the winds blew the clouds away and we had lovely weather.

Down and down we went all the way to the Harbour where the Alternatives were met with the sight of most of the Standards with boots off and eating ice creams. A painful sight, to be sure.

Back to Halswell and Bishopdale, and we ended a lovely great challenging tramp. Txt by Michele

Starting out

Protected track notice

Admiring the view near the top

At The top

Alternates group gathered on Mt Herbert

Stats: distance 11.5km, vertical ascent 665m, time 4hrs 40mins

On a dull and coolish day, 48 trampers set off from Bishopdale driven by our trusty driver, Viktor. It proved a rather noisy journey on a more basic bus than we have previously experienced with everyone having a good catch up. Dave started off the journey waving chocolates courtesy of Steve G celebrating his birthday. Happy Birthday Steve!

President Bev joined our group in Woodend. She announced of the 48 trampers three were visitors and welcomed David Hercus, Connor Paynter (nephew of Peter) and Ben Stribling (grandson of Janice and Warren). She also welcomed Keith back. Bev reminded everyone of the weeding day on Tuesday next week and also advised that Loanne had a water bladder to give away if anyone was interested.

Following our customary comfort stop in Amberley, we headed west to Mt Grey. Did you know that Maori had a poetic name for Mt Grey, “Maukatere” or floating mountain but in fact the peak was named after Sir George Grey, governor and premier of NZ between 1845-1879. (Information courtesy of Mark Pickering in his book “Walk Away – a guide to walking places in Canterbury”.

The alternatives were dropped off at Lake Janet to begin their walk and the standards were dropped off a kilometre from the beginning of the Mt Grey track. At 10.10 the standards set off walking steadily upward on a well graded forest track to the summit at 934m. There were some rather muddy stretches to negotiate and a tricky climb through bush where a tree had come down making the track inaccessible. It was lovely to hear bird song as we walked along. We broke out into tussock as we got nearer the top but didn’t get to our destination at the top until 1 pm after zigzagging around the mountain. There was a cold wind blowing on the top which made our lunch break not so pleasant but we were soon up and following the alternatives down to Lake Janet via the lookout. We were pleased to get back to the forest and away from the wind as we negotiated our way on a good track (albeit with a few muddy stretches making sliding a distinct possibility).

Nearing the end of the walk, Alan H came to the rescue of our visitor David when the sole of one of his boots parted company with the upper. Alan quickly supplied some trusty duct tape and taped top and bottom together to allow him to continue!

Boot repair skillfully & successfully completed..!

We arrived at Lake Janet about 2.45 pm, unscathed but muddy, to find the alternatives already at the bus. Lake Janet was named after Janet Beattie who, with her husband Robert, visited the lake often in the 1880s. (Again, information courtesy of Mark Pickering’s book “Walk Away”). The weather did get brighter as the day went on and everyone, except maybe Ben (age 11) who found it quite a long walk, enjoyed stretching the legs and the bus was considerably quieter on the return journey!  Text by Janice

*The bus dropped off the 28 Alternates plus Mentor Alan H at Lake Janet in misty cool conditions. Several Standards had infiltrated the group, no doubt a result of missing several weeks tramping in the last month. This was the first time we had been able to use the Lake Janet track for a couple of years due to lack of maintenance.

The track winds through a cleared area of pine forest before entering the forest proper. Morning tea was taken on the track but unfortunately the view was limited due to the low cloud. At the former fire watch tower the group headed up through the scrub towards the summit. However on reaching the saddle between the two peaks the conditions weren’t ideal and only 10 continued on the summit of Mt Grey. Lunch was had on the sheltered side below the top before we quickly moved on to escape the cold wind and mist.

The return to Lake Janet was without incident and we were back at the bus in time to have a look at Lake Janet before the standards returned 45 minutes later. Despite the gloomy conditions the tramp was enjoyable and nice to be back on the Lake Janet track. Text by Ray

Negotiating muddy sections of the track

Alternates break for morning tea

Standards ascending Mt Grey track

Group of Standards make their way towards summit

Standards nearing summit of Mt Grey

View of communications tower from just below Mt Grey summit

Alternates gather at the Ashley Forest (former…) fire watch building

Alternates return descent through felled section of forest

Stats: distance 15km, vertical ascent 676m, time 5hrs 20mins

Some of our 41 trampers were concerned as to whether their fitness was up to scratch after a couple of weeks missed because of cancellations or injuries, and others that rain might come early.

However, this diary writer was worried that the day would be a ditto day to last year’s tramp, and there would be nothing new to write this time. Not that anyone was hoping there would be any dramatic events like an emergency helicopter rescue of course! Well, there were some differences, such as delightful celebratory treats from the Dunstans to celebrate a Significant Birthday, and the clever route our driver Alan took through the heavy Papanui traffic.

Twenty-five Standards were dropped off at McCormacks Bay Reserve (where there is just one miniscule women’s toilet in a vast building by the way) and the 16 Alternates were chauffeured up to John Britten Reserve to begin their expedition. There were lots of lovely flowers along Flowers Track, but not so much chatter as the Standards hiked at a smart pace towards John Britten Reserve and on to a morning tea spot with a great view. Leader Chris led us confidently with a few variations to the route, with the occasional short cut which no one complained about (though there might have been the occasional mutter about the steepness of the terrain).

At the Summit Road we detoured slightly to admire the view of Lyttelton before continuing on past the site of the old gun emplacements. Lunch was a little further on, in a lovely spot sheltered by prettily blooming yellow…gorse. The views of the estuary and Southshore were outstanding, as was the quarry on the hill above Evans Pass, looking like an amphitheatre for giants. Recipes and book reviews were exchanged as we relaxed and enjoyed the view, and some of us even harassed a random passing hiker named John on the merits of joining Bishopdale Trampers.

Downhill … just what we needed, following a track obviously frequented by sheep, down to Evans Pass, and then….up, looping back round the hillside until we were back just below the gun emplacements. We got our first glimpse of the Alternates on their downward spiral towards Evans Pass, apparently enjoying themselves (though one of the OBEs accidentally did an impressive bit   of gymnastics I hear).

The drizzle we were resolutely ignoring became more like light rain as we followed the narrow track along   towards   civilization/Panorama   Road.   One of   the   Weather   Team   notably   did   not   don   a   rain jacket – just so he was able to declare it could not actually be raining if his jacket was not getting wet! We enjoyed walking down Clifton Hill, admiring some impressive houses and some gorgeous spring gardens.

Mulgans Track lead us down to Moncks Bay, our usual spot for finding our waiting Leopard bus, but alas, the road cones and masses of tradies’ vans were so numerous that we had to toddle a little further to Barnett Park to our beloved bus, soon to be joined by the small mob of Alternates.

So, a most enjoyable day. Yes, at around 15kms it was quite taxing when you haven’t tramped for a few weeks, and yes, it did rain, and no, nothing much different happened from the last time this diary writer recorded this tramp. However, it was so good to get together again and enjoy another part of our wonderful Port Hills backyard.  Txt by Shirley

Ascending in the rain from McCormacks Bay

‘Admiring the view in an orderly queue’ at the stile

Heading across the Summit Road with a panoramic view of Christchurch & beyond

Standards pose for a group photo on the ridgetop

Panoramic View of Lyttelton Harbour from the ridge above the Summit Road

Enjoying the sunshine & view from the historic Mt Pleasant AA gun emplacements

Onward down the track with upper Lyttelton Harbour in the background

Arrival at Moncks bay

Stats: distance 17.7km, ascent 600m, time 4hrs 20mins

After the light smattering of snow on the ground the previous morning, we again woke to a white landscape, only this time it was frost. With a clear blue sky and little wind, conditions were ideal for tramping. With our driver Robyn, not a regular, and an impressive looking large green bus from Clark’s, also not a regular, 44 trampers set off for the Little River to Birdlings Flat tramp. On the way treats were handed out courtesy of Ray who would reach OBE status with his upcoming birthday. Passing Lake Forsyth we struck the inevitable swarm of midges. They extended into the hillside where the rays of the sun caught them and turned them into swirling pillars.

After a comfort stop in Little River the bus backtracked to the standards drop off point on Kinloch Road, close to the turn off to Okuti Valley. The alternatives would continue on in the bus up the hill to the junction of Kinloch and Bossu Roads. The 20 standards carried on walking up the hill. It was a bit cool initially in the shade of the trees, but at 10.00am on the dot a sunny spot was found on the side of the road for morning tea. Uphill again and out in the open it wasn’t long before a stop was made to shed some clothing. Away from the trees the views were more rewarding with the bright green hills of the Little River Basin on the left and Lake Forsyth on the right, with the darker green of the pine trees at the bottom of the hill. Unfortunately, the murky green colour of Lake Forsyth spoilt the vista slightly. The water in the lake is constantly monitored for water quality as the potentially toxic blue-green algae is problematic.

After reaching the top of the hill, the tramp continued on to the right following the rougher shingle Bossu Road. Further along the flat section of road, the usual spot with a grass bank for seating and views of the coastline was again chosen for the lunch stop. By this time there was some high cloud and a bit of a cool wind, so before setting off for the long downhill, jackets were retrieved from packs. With the road traversing around paddocks of sheep, and areas of costal shrub there was a sense of deja vu as an anxious looking sheep was running up and down the fence line, with her young lamb keeping pace on the other side. After a couple of attempts by the lamb to get through, it eventually succeeded and was reunited with its mother.

Continuing on, Kaitorete Spit, which separates Lake Ellesmere from the Pacific Ocean, and the shingle beach at Birdlings flat came into view. Birdlings Flat is well known as a place to find attractive stones and gemstones but is also notorious for strong ocean currents and water sports are not advised. The alternates usually have a bit of time to explore the museum, or fossick for stones before the standards arrive. Once at the bottom of the hill, after passing the old wooden homestead in an idyllic setting, there was one last slog across the soft shingle before reaching the bus.

Although not as demanding as some tramps, it is a very social tramp with the wider roads allowing for plenty of conversation. After changing out of clean dry boots, everyone boarded the bus and we headed back to town.  Txt by Sally

Heading down Bossu Rd with panoramic views of the coast, spit, & Lake Ellesmere

Standards enjoy views of the coast during the break for lunch

Standards on the road from Little River

Alternates heading along Bossu Rd

Standards arrival at the shingle beach on Birdlings Flat

Taking in the view down the length of Kaitorete Spit

Onwards & upwards towards the Bossu Rd junction

Stats: distance 15.5km, ascent 420m, time 4hrs 20mins

Chocolates from Wendy who had returned from a trip home were a good starter for this walk on the last day of winter. After a 45-minute drive across the city the bus arrived at PMH, passengers donned packs and set off with those waiting – 34 in total.

Standards maintained a steady pace uphill from behind The Princess Margaret Hospital through a glade of fruit and nut trees, to Lady Polson Lane, and Cracroft Reserve lookout. Within a short time the alternates also arrived to their well-timed 10.00am morning tea stop.  Alternates’ leader Bruce gave a brief history of Cracroft Caverns, secretly constructed during WWII in response to the Japanese threat. Once sealed after the War their existence was largely forgotten, although there was enough rumour for their presence to be re-discovered. The location provided a stable environment for a joint research programme for The University of Canterbury to conduct   ring   laser   experiments.   Prior   to   the   Canterbury   earthquakes, the   caverns   had   been periodically open for visiting, currently there is no access; weblinks as follows: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cracroft_Caverns http://www2.phys.canterbury.ac.nz/~physrin/content/cashmere_cavern_laboratory.php

Our circuitous route took us to Latter’s Spurs track. Outside a Longhurst Terrace address Alternates’ leader set up a chant for club member Brian W to show his face. This was unsuccessful although other residents might possibly have enjoyed the rousing performance. Brilliant blue skies and an occasional breeze helped maintain a pleasant temperature. Among others, the honking of paradise shelducks, warbling of wax eyes, and singing of skylark made for diverse bird life along the tracks.

Rather than following the Standards’ route to the Sign of the Kiwi and around Coronation Hill, the Alternates chose to lunch opposite the Christchurch Adventure Park atop a small knoll on Cedric’s Track. From our vantage point we could observe a slow regeneration since the 2017 Port Hills fires, while a line of smoke lazily drifting in the distance had us calculating the possible location. Standards’ leader Janne observed that she had many mentors to guide her and make suggestions for their lunch stop. The two groups eventually spied each other in the distance as the Standards emerged from Mitchells Track while the Alternates clambered over a rocky outcrop.

As we descended Bowenvale Valley track, we encountered an agitated ewe separated from her twin lambs. Frantic bleating from mum and babies accompanied a brief aborted charge by mum. A few Alternates made a quick advance beyond the trio while good shepherding and a moment of patience was all that was needed for the family to be reunited. There’s nothing quite like unintentionally getting between a mother and her babies to momentarily unsettle passers-by.

Today our walk finished in Bowenvale Avenue, the early completion allowing for refreshments at the Brickworks area. Txt by Marie-Therese

Alternates break for lunch

View across upper Lyttelton Harbour

View Northwest from the ridge

View across City from Bowenvale Track

Rock scrambling

Bruce giving a track commentary

Stats: distance 12.5/ 8km, ascent 250m, time 4hrs

With a good forecast and the sun already shining 46 trampers with driver Alan were anticipating an enjoyable day at Coalgate Forest.

We last tramped here in 2019 as cxl due to weather 2020 & last year following the floods we instead volunteered for a working bee to clear the debris from the farm fences after the Selwyn River had burst its banks. It looked a daunting task with many collapsed fences with broken wires, but many hands made light work & on completion a sumptuous BBQ of venison & sausages with wine & beer was provided in thanks.

Our lucky day as two generous shouts, Margaret Coleman for a significant zero birthday & Brian Wells, the intrepid traveller to celebrate 10 years at BTC & an in- between birthday.

At Darfield as arranged we met Andy K the Farm Manager, our guide for the day.

We turned off into Bush Gully Rd where Andy advised that this year, we had permission from Bathurst to walk up the shingle access road to the open cast mine. This gave us a great perspective of the vastness of the operation seeing the size of the steep hillsides created & the depth they mine with an extensive large pool of water.

Coal has been extracted here for 30 years covering 50 hectares with the seams all vastly different in width & length. Coal was last extracted here in 2021 which will keep the determined protesters happy. Fonterra & other dairy companies now get coal from the West Coast & Indonesia. In the future Fonterra will use only wood burning fires which will necessitate a lot more forests & hopefully involve a process where wood from the whole tree can be utilised.

En route to the mine we walked past a pine plantation owned by Matariki. Any trees planted before 1990 do not qualify for carbon credits even when replanted. The job of shutting down a mine & restoring the land is a very slow process that can take many years before final sign off. There are so many areas of liability such as erosion, silt in the waterways etc.  We were able to see first-hand the huge effort that has already gone into restoration of the land with massive soil & rock movement, stabilisation & plantings using all the toys for boys. Andy said the pool of water created may be transformed into a lake where water skiing could take place with picnic areas on the shore. Each piece of land is carefully considered such as the planting of natives where viable. Good to hear that the farm & Bathurst share excellent relationships both with the same vision.

We all puffed up a steep grassy hill before we qualified for morning tea with a view at 10.50am. After the break we joined up with farm tracks used in previous years & reached the highest point of the farm with two large water tanks with soft green grass to rest & more glorious views for lunch at 12.25pm.

After lunch Chris proved a competent leader along tracks, through gates, across deer paddocks beside pine plantations heading towards the bus at Whitecliffs. One gate had the men stumped when Andy suddenly appeared in his vehicle with a key to unlock the padlock. This saved the day for the men as to hoist all the women over the high gate would have been a task! With the mountain backdrop we looked towards Flagpole a destination on another tramp. In the final stretch there were several large pine trees down to walk through & over. Andy appeared again now on a quad bike to check

we were on track for the bus which we reached at 2.15pm which allowed us time for refreshments at Darfield. Home in Christchurch at 4pm after a wonderful day in which we had gained a better understanding of all the processes at play in restoring the land after years of mining. Txt by Kate

 PS Andy’s website – WAKAEPA – sells lamb, venison, honey. Goes live in a month.

Striding past the machinery

Descent after morning tea

Remains of the open cast mine

Explanations from our Farm Manager guide

Remains of a coal seam

Trampers avoid more fallen pines

A tricky bank to negotiate

Onwards past more fallen trees

​

Stats: distance 12.8km, ascent 500m, time 4hrs 15mins

The BTC members faced another week of a possible tramp cancellation with the forecast far from friendly. The weather team, in conjunction with the “Re-programming” team, has done a sterling job of getting the Club out on Wednesdays whenever possible, only cancelling as a last resort. Today’s tramp was originally scheduled for 27 July but still necessitated extra work in contacting members and ensuring that all six leadership roles were filled.

The weather was overcast but our driver James, had us off from Bishopdale and on our way to the drop-off point with not a moment lost. Unfortunately, a rare oversight by the Comms department meant that James had not been advised of the pick-up point at PMH. A circuitous journey around, and then through the city excited much comment from those who actually took notice of the route. Eventually the second group of eager trampers were aboard and off we set.

The descent from Huntsbury Ave allows one to get into a walking rhythm before the inevitable happens, and the track starts its upwards progress. On prior walks, a brief stop at the shelter has allowed walkers to enjoy the view, but on this occasion the whip was cracking and on we continued. A few plaintive calls that the morning tea spot had been reached were ignored, and quite rightly as the cluster of tree stumps and branches is unmistakeable. As always, the morning tea chat proved interesting but as we age there are some mistakes made. One member, alluding to his “petite derriere” and where he could place it in comfort, was heard as saying “Pete’s derriere”. The small group in the vicinity duly studied this part of Pete’s anatomy, and happily shared their own assessments.

The steady grind up the valley to the Summit Road saw the Standards looking forward to the easier undulating track to Thompsons Bush and the Sign of the Kiwi where the toilet stop was welcomed by many.

After emerging from Mitchell’s Track, our leader decided that it was too early for lunch at the usual carpark/lookout and with the low cloud interrupting the view, we pressed on to where we could hunker down out of the wind with some tree and bush shelter.

Refreshed and refuelled, off we set for our final challenge – the summit of Mt Vernon. Encountering our other group along the way we learned that they too had been enjoying the walk and at that point were pleased to relate that there had been no slips, trips or other calamities. Descending via the track in the Mt Vernon Farm Park, a number of knees were crying “Enough!” but again the conversations and laughter soon had us diverted from our woes.

On arrival at the pick-up point a rare sight was, a lack of transport! This was a first for this tramper, who usually has to be restrained from flinging her arms around the bus in gratitude. The Comms department was quick to the phone to find out if there had been a misunderstanding and whether or not James was on his way, hopefully with the bus!

The pessimists were busy calculating how many Ubers would be needed while the optimists divested themselves of their boots confident all would be well. And so it proved to be. A refreshment stop at The Brickworks was a pleasant finish to another great day in the hills. Txt by Jan Brw

Standards enjoy morning tea

Standards ascend towards the Summit Road

Onwards & upwards towards Sugarloaf

Standards leaders scaling Mt Vernon

Standards conquer Mt Vernon

Alternates enjoy lunch

Commanding view of Lyttelton Harbour from Mt Vernon

Stats: distance 13km, ascent approx. 400m, time 4hrs

A picture-perfect winter’s day today – sunny, cool, no wind. On the bus ride to Heathcote, Dave B took on the role of president in the absence of Bev and Judy. There were 36 trampers on the bus with 16 walking in the standard group and 20 with the alternative group. Viktor was driving.  Dave advised of the change of tramp for next week from Mt Richardson to Huntsbury/Mt Vernon. He also advised that the website now featured a page about the history of the club which made for very interesting reading.

We arrived at Heathcote to the sound of a helicopter hovering above the gondola building where it appeared work was underway.  At 9.13 am we set off up the Bridle Path, but it wasn’t long before a stop was necessary to shed clothing. We then trundled up to the Summit Road and enjoyed morning tea beside the memorial which celebrates the women who walked the Bridle Path after arriving by boat in Lyttelton. The memorial contains a relief picture of people making that trek with the following words:

“On this spot the pioneer women of Canterbury and their families rested after their climb from the port of Lyttelton and gazed with awe but with courage upon the hills and plain of Canterbury where they were to make their homes.”

Or these words from an 8-year-old which were on an information board at the beginning of the track:

“Our march out of Lyttelton that day resembled nothing so much as the flight of the population from some besieged city. Every article of household requirements, bedding, etc had to be carried on our backs.)

We then carried on to Pony Point which was going to be our destination for lunch past the shipyard, Corsair Bay and Cass Bay (with another viewing of the copper house). However, as it was only 11.30 am when we arrived, the decision was made to return to Cass Bay for lunch where we sat in the sun and relaxed with no time pressure. On our return from Pony Point we were surprised to see the alternative group appearing out of the bush as they had bush bashed up a different track to the one, we took. The usual track appeared to be closed but in fact it was the coastal track that was closed not the one we were on.

We carried on after lunch to the Stan Helms track and made our way uphill to the Summit Road on a fairly good track but not the highway of the Bridle Path. Steve, our first-time leader, kept up a good pace. We descended to Heathcote where our bus awaited and had time enough to indulge the hotel goers and the coffee goers in refreshments before arriving back at Bishopdale at 4 o’clock. A great day out enjoyed by all.  Txt by Janice

…and here’s a report from Ray on the Alternative’s day out:

The Alternatives gathered at the start of the Bridal Path with the anticipation of a hard climb to the Summit Road. Steady progress was made up the steep track with several breaks to look at the view and recover our breath. Morning tea was taken at about the half-way point and everyone was pleased to have the rest.

At the top the group went down the Bridle Path to Lyttelton and on to Cass Bay and Pony Point where lunch was taken. The track up to Pony Point proved more difficult than normal with the coastal track closed and some bush bashing needed to reach the reserve.

The journey back to the Te Ana Marina was a very pleasant walk with views across the harbour. At the marina there is an interesting Maori tauihu sculpture which is a traditional design signifying the prow attachment of a war canoe.

Standards ascend the Bridle Path

View of the mountains from the Bridle Path

Alternates group gather at the Bridle Path Women’s Shelter

Ridge top view of Lyttelton Harbour

Standards arrival at Te Ana Marina Lyttelton

Tauihu (Prow attachment) sculpture Te Ana Marina

Standards lunch at Cass Bay