Fifty enthusiastic trampers set out on the Dry Acheron Stream walk, part of the Korowai-Torlesse conservation park. The history of this area is available on previous trip accounts.

Masks de rigueur for the bus with driver Geoff eventually stopping alongside the DOC track marker. Split into two groups we set off, somewhat briskly, along the shaded track, pine tree shelter belt to the left, cattle and sheep to the right, being investigated by curious cattle as we walked.

Maureen had indulged the group with birthday treats and after our delayed pickup and distance from Bishopdale, it was a welcome break to have morning tea within a short time of starting out. Our viewpoint overlooked the river, snow glistened in the distance with a build-up of cloud visible towards the Main Divide. Closer – Big Ben, accessed from a route that continued beyond our day’s outing. Recent snow dusting remained visible on some lower slopes.

Numerous river crossings and boggy sections were cautiously undertaken as we tracked orange markers, avoiding matagouri and bramble before making our way up the ten-minute side track to Clay Valley Bush Covenant. A bit of a scramble further on as we negotiated a short climb – resulting in a retreat, – was quickly rewarded by observing a pair of tui in a kowhai tree.

Standards lunched upstream at a shorter distance than usually walked (the usual little stream flats and crossings largely obliterated by recent heavy scouring of the terrain had made the going slower), while the alternates sat and ate on a high terrace. Both groups briefly combined into one bubble on the return walk, largely remaining on higher tracks to avoid the rocky river bed. Listening to the quiet chatter and murmur of the flowing river while lunching in the sunshine it is easy to appreciate the lure of the tramper’s re-creational activity. As the braided river glinted in the afternoon sunshine, the alternates were treated to the sight of a small mob of horses keeping apace on the opposite river bank.

Although there were a few minor mishaps as people slid down banks, slipped on boulders or sustained scratches, “a great day out” was voiced at the end of the day. President Jan admitted to a dunking. The shorter 9.5km walk and earlier finish afforded opportunity for refreshment stop at Darfield. Txt: Marie-Therese

As the fully packed bus, 50 trampers and driver Geoff, headed northwards for a new walk, many remarked on the gift of another beautiful, clear, sunny, windless Canterbury day. Bill S. sent round birthday treats. Perfect, what more could we ask for??

We were heading for the Pegasus Trail which links Kaiāpoi to Waikūkū Beach and is located mostly in the Tūhaitara Coastal Park which stretches from the Waimakariri River to the Ashley River. Small settlements are dotted along this coastal area.

WAIKŪKŪ was home to a rope and twine works using flax from local swamps. This closed in 1987. An annual sand sculpture competition is held here in January.

PEGASUS TOWN was proposed in 1997 and should house 6000 people when finished,

WOODEND was named because it was on the end of Maori bush or after an early settler, Thomas Wooding. No one knows for sure.

KAIĀPOI with nearly 12,000 people is the largest.  This was a precolonial pa run by Ngai Tāhū nobleman, Tūrākautāhi. The pā was a great centre of knowledge, economics and natural resources with a highly complex social structure. It was decided to swing food (kai) over the pā’s wall (poi) as they were in the middle of a swamp. Hence Kaiapoi meaning “ economics”.

The Alternates disembarked first at Pegasus Beach followed by the Standards further northwards at Waikuku Beach. The beach was isolated apart from a couple of horses and riders as we headed to Pegasus Beach. Small surf was running on the outgoing tide of the Canterbury Bight and a few seagulls squawked overhead.

After morning tea on Pegasus Beach, we walked for a short time towards Pegasus Town before turning onto the Tūtaepātū Trail just after the horse trail. We passed the Te Kōhanga Wetlands (near Pegasus Town) and viewed the Tūtaepātū Lagoon (a vision of early swampy Christchurch) before skirting a caravan park in Woodend.

Here we returned to the beach until we stopped at the Pines Beach exit for lunch. Only a couple of cyclists came into view as we headed across a bridge and out to the Waimākāriri mouth. Walking on the top of a long stopbank, punctuated with sewage ponds and fishing spots, brought us into Kaiāpoi where the bus was waiting, and the Alternates were out exploring Kaiapoi. Quite a few us visited Paris for the Weekend, a café in the relocated railway station.

It must be said that this walk had an abundance of toilet facilities along the way for which Moira was grateful after a bird dropped a present on her head !!!!

Alternate Group march along the beach

Easy walking along the beach

Morning tea on the beach for the standards

Tūtaepātū Lagoon

Stately collection of Cabbage Trees

Lunch stop with a sea and river outlook

Tūtaepātū Trail

It was one of those classic back-country winter days: crisp, clear, little wind and spectacular scenery.  A bunch of 54 (a bus full plus 2 cars) spritely trampers eagerly alighted at the Mistletoe Flat campsite at Craigieburn to tackle a favourite walk: Dracophyllum Flat.   President Jan acknowledged driver Geoff, welcomed visitor Chris H and handed round chocky birthday treats from Nicky.

The ground was frosty hard but with occasional glimpses of sunlight glinting off snowy tops and enough filtering through the cool green beech trees to warm bodies, we soon got into our tramping rhythm.

After morning tea and on the Dracophyllum Flat track now, we headed along the root-gnarled section of track which eventually evened out.  From then on we meandered up and down through the beech on a somewhat muddy track that gradually led down the terrace after Jack’s Pass, descending into Broken River.  Recent heavy rainfall had damaged the bridge, so the crossing was limited to one at a time. We climbed upwards again to break out of the trees on to the flatter open terrace of Dracophyllum Flat.

Dracophyllum [Epacridaceae {heath family – containing 27 native species] is often known as Turpentine Bush or Inaka and the variety found on the flat is most likely Dracophyllum Longifolium, the largest group and is abundant in sub-alpine areas.  The shrubs usually have needle-like shiny green or bronzy coloured leaves which are used by weavers for decorative features.  There may be many different variations because they hybridise with other Dracophyllum species.  The shrubs are tough and can live to more than 200 years. (Ref: NZ Landcare Research).

Wending across patches of open ground and snaking through beech and scrub patches, we eventually reached Texas Flat.  We took some time here over lunch to take in the views of the ski fields and the other peaks in the Craigieburn Range or across the way to Hog’s Back.  Snow cover was noticeably more sparse on the tops than usual.

With lunch over, we picked our way around the forest edge easing up to a low saddle through scattered matagouri. The sidle down into Tim Stream eventually led to the descent into Broken River on a rather precarious track snaking the edge of the gully.

In the meantime, the Alternatives were heading for their bridge crossing of Tim’s Stream and then to follow the Cheeseman access road which would get them back to the bus.  When the standards came to their crossing point of Broken River, it was obvious that a great deal of care would be needed: the river had scoured out the bank and divided into three braids.  The three crossings were deep with run-off and the current swift, but everyone managed them safely with good technique.

Now the arduous climb out of the creek via a very steep muddy incline on to the terrace began. Whew! What a relief when we all reached firmer level ground again after all that sliding and tenuous footholds. Once on the farm road after a breather and a snatch of energy food, it was a fast slog in squelchy boots out to the road to wait for the Alternates and the bus.

What another wonderful spring day in the mountains!  A change out of wet boots into dry socks later and we were all on our way back to Christchurch.  Txt: Chris

Flood-damaged bridge

Ice crystals under foot

Enjoying the day and conditions

On our way after lunch

Long ridge down to the valley

River crossings ahead

River crossing

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

The day began frostily and with some roles for the day’s tramp yet to be filled, however by the end of the bus ride people had warmed to tasks and put their hands up. President Jan welcomed visitors Chris H and Jae Hyun and the group numbered 46 strong.

The walk from Huntsbury Avenue started up a pretty little valley with bush in the middle, the first of several thriving blocks of bush we saw which BTC members have been involved with planting and/or tending  over the years. The valley walking was something of a scramble with tussock handholds and muddy sticky bits underfoot.

By morning tea time we could feel the sun and the effects of some exertion. We had the call of riroriro /grey warbler  for company until the two-minute call – or when President Jan had finished her coffee – had us moving on.

It was a glorious winter’s day for walking, blue skies and no wind. We wound our way up the shared track making way for occasional mountain bikers and stopping to admire four plump kererū perched overhead and very close, prompting talk of pigeon pies.

The Alternate and Standard  groups connected briefly at The Sign of the Kiwi. A comfort stop was made. The Standards followed the Crater Rim Walkway through forest of māhoe, whauwhaupaku/five-finger, kōtukutuku/tree fuchsia and kānuka. We lunched in the open with the harbour stretching out beneath us and news that at the Tokyo Olympics’ Sea Forest Waterway our women’s double had rowed their way to  a silver medal!

After lunch at the top of Mt Vernon, the day was so clear we were rewarded with views of the Inland Kaikoura ranges. We descended to the Mt Vernon carpark via the farm track.

During the day the paths of the Alternate and Standard group intertwined making it possible for one walker to choose to move from one group to the other and for the Standard’s tail to arrive at the pick-up bus before its head! Happily, true to BTC’s best practice, throughout the day there were constant communications between all those with roles of responsibility and walkers had been conscientiously counted on numerous occasions.

Ice-creams and drinks at The Brickworks were a welcome end to what turned out to be a perfect day for walking in the hills. Thank you to driver Jeff and all who contributed to the organisation of the day. Txt by Jen

Standards having a break.

Lyttelton Harbour with Mt Herbert in the distance, the location of our tramp last week.

The standards at the shelter in Mt Vernon Park.

The alternatives just below Mt Vernon.

The alternatives follow the standards down to the Summit Road.

Leader checking that all are present

Standards on the summit of Mt Vernon

In 2 groups we set off from the Purau Saddle at 10.20am, with the Monument (a large rocky knob) towering above us. We soon found that the entire track has been enhanced by orange markers, and signs at all major intersections. Morning tea at 11am beside the sole, struggling kowhai tree provided panoramic views of Lyttelton Harbour and Pegasus Bay. The steady climb in mild conditions caused layers to be shed. The tight-knit Alternatives (17) arrived at Mt Herbert for lunch at 12.40pm, as the Standards (27) moved on. A fresh, cold Easterly got all clothes back on. More panoramic views now included Kaitorete Spit, Birdlings Flat and Lake Ellesmere.

45 minutes into the long descent to Diamond Harbour, Soo (our popular songstress with the cute hats), had an unlucky fall on some greasy ground and could not continue. Ray initiated phone contact with rescue services, Bruce set off the Personal Locator Beacon, Norma made phone contact with the Standards, Leonie and Eunju made Soo as comfortable as possible, and everyone else in the team helped in small ways or by keeping out of the way. Around 2.45pm Soo was evacuated by helicopter and waved her 4 minders goodbye.

Meanwhile the depleted team of 12 pushed on, and was rejoined by Ray, Norma, Leonie and Eunju around 4.10pm, reaching the bus at 4.20pm. The Standards had been waiting about 1.5 hours which gave them ample time for sustenance and to support the Diamond Harbour economy.  All this on top of Charlie’s generous birthday shout of choc bars!

(The good news is Soo did not break a bone but has a bad sprain and should be back with us in a few weeks.) Txt by Bruce

As the Alternatives carefully made their way down from Mt Herbert a little muddy patch proved to be Soo’s undoing. Attempting to get up it was very evident that all was not well her ankle.  A valiant effort to continue with sticks and shoulders volunteered by fellow trampers just proved that another form of transport would be needed. Sitting pad, survival blanket and feather jacket were applied. Ray on the cell phone, beacon set off and a helicopter was despatched 10 to 15 minutes ETA.  

Leonie, Enju, Norma and Ray staying with Soo, Bruce leading the other 12 set of for the bus. On time a lovely yellow helicopter landed, out popped the Paramedic and up the hill to Soo a quick assessment found the Yelp spot, yes X-ray needed.  Helped her up and after a few steps handed his medic pack to Ray and piggybacked Soo to the helicopter and up up and away.  Four then had a brisk walk catching the 12 as the tracked crossed the road.

Yes it is possible to return a survival blanket to its bag, but easier to throw it out and get a new one.  Cheers, Norma

Lyttelton Harbour with Lyttelton in the distance.

Time for a break, nearly back to the bus.

Walking past the only Kowhai tree on the track.

Phew, that was steep, time for a rest.

Bye Soo, hope you make a speedy recovery.

It looks good in this yellow/black livery.

Leaving a dull Christchurch morning behind, driver Jeff soon had us on the way for another fence-clearing operation, this time at Flagpole farm in the upper Selwyn catchment.  President Jan had welcomed visitors: Jae Hyun, Chris H and Neville and we enjoyed chocky treats as a celebration of warren’s birthday.

Waikirikiri[river of gravel and stones] /Selwyn is part of Canterbury’s braided river system.  It is usually a benign trickle most of the time but at the end of May this year all hell broke loose and the tranquil Waikirikiri became a raging torrent, wreaking havoc across farmland along its course.  “We watched the swirling brown torrent rise pretty rapidly towards the house”, Cece told us, “And it got to within about 10 metres!”  She said she was worried it had wiped out their big pond, but they have been lucky (at least the ducks were happy).  Warwick said that the water had risen to such an extent that a little further down Flagpole Road (their only access), the water had reached the top of the fence posts and he only just got through at the last moment with the tractor.

Our task today, like that last time, is to clear as much debris as possible from the fence wires with grunt-work.  Once we got our instructions from the boss, we broke into two groups: one to work on the homestead fences and a smaller team to head down the road to Warwick and Cece’s other farm.

The damage was much like it was at Coalgate but compounded by a heavy frost having frozen the detritus on the wires (at least in the shade).  We all developed different techniques to achieve the same purpose: brute force, hammering, spade work, and so on but to keep slogging away meant that we kept warm and slowly the fencelines were looking much cleaner.  A little humorous banter added to the camaraderie too.  There was still going to be a lot of remediation needed; for example, Warwick told us that further up the Selwyn valley where we tramp, the prime flat paddocks where he grazed his cattle had been buried beneath about a metre of shingle.  His access road there by the copper mine had also been scoured by the floodwaters.

After lunch, both groups joined forces in for a final push to clear as much of the remaining wires as possible in our time left then it was time to pack up and head for a most welcome afternoon tea (including some left-over club birthday cake).

Warwick said he was amazed that a bunch of older people had worked so hard and got so much done; and something maybe younger folk could learn from.  Cold hands, gorse and blackberry prickles aside, for us the effort was worth the chance of payback for the privilege of being able tramp on such great country.  Roll on the next adventure!

Large group hard at work

Time for a break

Tractor adds a helping hand

A fence near the river before…..

Many many hands at work

Partial success after…..

Delicious afternoon tea

Our scheduled tramp for today was Coalgate Forest – Frew’s Farm.  However, the farm was inundated with over 300mm of rain in a recent storm and conditions were very muddy for walking. The Club offered to hold a clean-up working bee on the farm instead of doing the normal tramp and this offer was very gratefully accepted.  Evan Frew and his family have been very supportive of the Club over a number of years and generally walk with us when we tramp across their farm Waeka which is next to the Coalgate Forest.

It was dull and cloudy when we departed on the bus from Bishopdale with our driver Alan.  After picking up the rest of our crew at Yaldhurst, we had 49 eager volunteers on board including three visitors. The bus picked up Evan at Darfield and we continued on to the farm where we were introduced to the Farm Manager, Andy Keating.  He gave an overview of what they would like us to do which was basically a farm fence clean-up.

There was a lot of debris in their fences from where the Selwyn River had come through across their farm and we needed to clear all the fence wires of this debris.  There had been so much water pressure that fences were collapsed in places.

Everyone got stuck in with enthusiasm. It’s certainly true that many hands make light work. We started at 10am and had a quick break for morning tea at 10.45am before continuing on until 12 noon when we stopped for lunch. Our packs containing our lunches were delivered by the farm ute, so we didn’t have to walk back to where we left them at morning tea which everyone appreciated. The sun had come out and it turned into a pleasant day especially after the polar blast we had experienced the day before.

We were back on the job by 12.30pm and we had all the fences cleaned up to be back in the farm yard by 2pm.  Tractors worked away shifting flood debris around and a digger will be needed for the hard stuff but overall the fences looked very clean compared to when we arrived. Hopefully the fences will now be easier to fix where the posts were broken and the wiring collapsed.

Evan and Andy kindly put on a BBQ and some drinks in appreciation for our assistance. Jan our President said a few words thanking them and Andy responded thanking everyone for the work they had done as it was a great help to them.  Txt by Judy R.

Arrival and getting organised

A good kick helps dislodge the debris

Short break for morning tea

Attempt to dislodge the Ute – no luck!

Fence wires jammed with flood debris

Hard at work

Debris cleared away

Fences almost cleared

Obviously a very popular tramp as 59 of us fronted up!! Our wonderful committee and members accommodated everyone by taking 3 cars as well as the bus. The cars arrived at Castle Hill Village before the bus and two were taken to where the walk would end.

As the bus arrived almost on the dot of 10 am the sky cleared (as Gary predicted) and the sun shone, there was no wind and we were surrounded by white capped hills and mountains. At this stage it was a tad chilly but all was forgotten in the splendour of our surroundings.

Dave R (S. leader) walked us through the village to Enys Cottage which belongs to a cousin of Jenny A. We sat or stood in the grounds enjoying the sun whilst munching morning tea.  Once outside the gate the Alternates (25) headed off on a flat track and the Standards (34) headed uphill on the Hogs Back track.  Melodious birdsong accompanied us up and down through the beech forest and snow covered mountains peaked through the open spaces. The trees and bushes were looking lush and green in the fresh air and ice was lining the grass which made underfoot slippery and gluey  at times.

After crossing Thomas Creek we had a slight detour due to confusing notes but Dave R. and Chris turned us back to the main track which culminated in the “perfect” lunch spot – a slump, formed from glaciofluvial activity in the wider Castle basin – looking down on Castle Hill Village set in rolling hills and framed by white mountains and clear blue skies.  We were now warmed up and there was no wind!!   Perfection!!

Castle Hill Village was created in 1982 when the then farm owner, John Reid, developed a high alpine village near Thomas Bush, beneath the Craigieburn Range.  The village steadily grew to about 140 houses, mostly baches.  This is about to almost double with new dwellings and possibly a café, general store and short stay apartments.  Activities include 4 nearby ski fields, rock climbing, fishing, walking, bouldering, tramping, caving and mountain biking.

After lunch we climbed a fence into Castle Hill Station’s property (with permission) and walked up and down rolling hills to exit into the Castle Hill Conservation Area, Kura Tawhiti. These limestone formations from the Oligocene Age (30-40 million years ago) are remnants from when much of present day N.Z. was covered by sea.  They have special cultural, spiritual and historical significance for Ngai Tahu.

As we walked out to the bus and cars the air was starting to chill down despite the sunshine.  We all appreciated our perfect day in the mountains as we left for a coffee or beer in Darfield.

Enys family cottage for morning tea

Crunchy Icicles

Jumping the creek

Emerging from forest to sunshine

Picking our way to the farm track

On approach to Kura Tawhiti

Dist: approx. 15.5km Duration: 4.45hrs Elevation: max alt 748m min alt 289m

The forecast of rain earlier in the week did not sound promising for Wednesday but later this changed to fog, cloud and maybe some drizzle. After several mornings with thick fog Wednesday was another pretty gloomy start but with the promise of it clearing, we were hopeful of at least some views from Mt Alexander.

Bus driver Viktor with 47 on board plus 2 visitors, Chris H & Jae Hun Park soon had us at the pickup spot at Woodend to collect three more trampers. By this time the sky was noticeably brighter & when we reached the comfort stop at Amberley where we were greeted by the Riddlers & Whitmores who had travelled with them by car, the sun was shining brightly.

President Jan reminded us of the late cancellation fee of $10 to be paid to Norma and to book and pay for the Birthday lunch, deadline 28^th June, as currently only 30 bookings received.  Kiwan handed around a leaflet advertising a concert by the Garden City Orchestra in which he plays the trombone for the 20^thJune at Cashmere High School. Good luck Kiwan for an enjoyable successful performance as I know how much practice has to happen in readiness for a concert. After travelling through Scargill Viktor turned right in to Foxdown Rd and soon had the bus parked at the end of the road outside the museum.

Andy Fox, proud 5^th generation owner of Foxdown hill country farm established in 1877, along with farm dog Hash had us all gathered together to provide a warm welcome and inform us of the rules for the day. He is so passionate about allowing his unique farm to be enjoyed by others & always thanks us for eating his meat & using his wool. As roading contractors with huge trucks were working moving shingle we were to be watchful on blind corners and move from the road to allow them easy access.

High on a hill in the middle of the farm is the newly built Foxdown Hut which is 5-star luxury accommodation with many wonderful rustic touches, outdoor tub & log burner. The first guests were welcomed in October 2020 & the glowing reviews are a great endorsement to what the family have created. Currently they had guests in residence so we were asked to respect their privacy. I don’t think anyone had the urge to climb an extra hill.

At 10.20am Standards set off (30) followed closely by the Alternates (21) in a very steep ascent for the start of the day up to the water tank, instead of the more gradual farm road, as this was being used by the contractors. That had the majority puffing & already beginning to strip off. As some had planned for the worst scenario & worn 5 layers that left them plenty of scope for strip poker as the day progressed. At 10.55am we were ready for morning tea after the uphill start with an ideal grassy bank to enjoy the sunshine & views. When a large truck came up the road a couple on the lower bank moved to higher ground to avoid any chance of amputation.

We continued up the well-formed farm tracks which after the steep start had a more gradual incline on our way to the trig on Mt Alexander. As is often the way when we spotted the trig it appeared relatively close but as we rounded another corner the distance seemed far greater.

The bright sunshine had gone behind the clouds & the return of the fog created an eerie atmosphere as we walked towards the summit.  Looking to the left we spotted a rainbow with halo shaped rings of colour with our own shadow in the middle. This is called a “spectre de brocken” (thank you Norma for knowing the terminology) It is some times called a “mountain spectre” which appears on a misty mountainside or a cloud bank. The magnified shadow of the observer is cast upon clouds opposite the sun’s direction & water droplets retract & back scatter the light. Quite exciting to witness & made me feel quite spiritual.

Lunch was at 1230pm beneath the trig in wonderful sunshine as most of the cloud had cleared with good views in most directions apart from the east where Pegasus Bay wasn’t visible. Mt Grey is to the south, north the Scargill Valley & Hurunui River & looking to the west over the Amuri Basin the mountains looked spectacular in the background rising above a solid bank of cloud. It wasn’t a surprise to have Viktor join us for lunch as we know his enthusiasm now to make the most of his day out.

Just as the standards were leaving the alternates arrived so they had made good time in reaching the summit. The cloud was beginning to return but pleased to hear later they did enjoy some sunny patches.

The standards commenced downhill on an eastern track providing a loop back to the bus. The downhill didn’t last for too long as was interspersed with several steep uphill sections which meant we continued to play the game of strip poker. The views were quite haunting as the terrain drifted in & out of the cloud. We saw one large flock of sheep (Andy has approx. 4700 ewes) all very well-trained walking in single file up one of the steep farm tracks. We had no tricky encounters with any cattle.

We were back at the bus at 3pm & the alternates arrived at 3.15pm after retracing their steps on the return journey.

This gave us time to look at the incredible array of artefacts in the museum. Different types of barbed wire to radios, cameras, cooking utensils, gardening tools, farm implements, washing machines, bottles, petrol pumps, toys, board games, typewriters…………too many to name, better stop. If we ever go into lockdown again I’d be happy to spend a few days in there playing with the little tin soldiers, miniature farmyard animals with the cutest chickens & swans or the train sets. If the lockdown lasted a month, I could get the dusting done but must admit the dust adds to the appeal. Others looked at the many classic cars he owns.

As it was 3.30pm before we left Foxdown we headed straight back to ChCh after a wonderful day on the farm on dry tracks with just a few patches of mud on a perfect Winter day. (txt by Kate)

Gathering at Foxdown Farm base

Well behaved sheep

Farmland view

Summit of Mt Alexander

Retreat from Mt Alexander

Across and upwards again

Were this report to be only one word, it would have to be ‘variety’: a variety of weather; a variety of activities; a variety of plants; a variety of road conditions; a variety of tracks; and variety in our return route to Bishopdale Mall car park.

On a beautiful, sunny, winter’s morning, a group of over 30 planter trampers gathered at Bishopdale Mall car park to board our coach bound first for Princess Margaret Hospital to pick up the balance of our 47 trampers for the day’s activities.  However, our trip to PMH was very slow because we ‘copped’ every red light on the way and long queues at some of those lights so there were a few lights’ phases before we got through.  We did not arrive at PMH until after 9.00 am to be met by a group of rather cold trampers because the weather there was 100% grey overcast.

The coach driver, Viktor, then took us up Hackthorne Rd and Dyers Pass Road to the planting site in Thomson’s Reserve – the first time that the club had been tree planting there was in 2001.  The latter part of that short drive had its challenges!  Because of extensive road works, including two further (temporary) red lights, Viktor had quite a challenge negotiating the red cones forming a single-lane slalom to the Sign of the Kiwi corner – spontaneous applause broke out at this point to mark Viktor’s success.  In the cloud around the parking area on the Summit Road at 10.00 am, we were met by three city park rangers who had, on the previous miserable day, prepared the planting site.  As a result of their efforts, 420 seedlings of various native species were waiting for our tender planting efforts.  After a demonstration on how to dig a hole and plant a seedling by the ex-Glaswegian of the ranger trio, armed with spades, we took to slope with gusto.

At each appointed planting spot, there was a bare, fairly flat spot, a seedling in a pot, a cardboard rectangle, three stakes and protective netting.  The soil was damp enough to be dug reasonably easily, except if one struck an odd stone or two.  After carefully placing the seedling, and back-filling the hole, the cardboard rectangle was placed around the plant’s stem and covered with mulch.  There was a difference of opinion among our supervisors over the better way to lay the two available mulches: dead grass first with commercial bark mulch on top or vice versa.  After 50 minutes, the lead ranger, Fiona, who is well known to club members, said we could have a break for ‘smoko’ (not a commonly used term in this non-smoking age!) and though some accepted the invitation immediately, others were determined to finish the planting at the first position before taking a break and stayed till that was achieved.  During the planting, the grey cloud began to break up a bit and some faint rays of sun returned.  After the non-smoking ‘smoko’, planting resumed at a spot slightly higher up the slope.  Within 30 more minutes all plants were firmly in the ground – 420 plants in 1.5 hours compared with 2020, when, under Covid-19 restrictions of only two groups of 10 planters could work, a similar number of plants took 4 hours work to plant them.  The plants were all eco-sourced, which means that they had been produced from plants growing naturally in the ecological area of the Port Hills.  There were 18 indigenous species among the 420 plants, including four species of Coprosma. We also planted some specimens of the widespread endemic kanuka species, Kunzea robusta (botanical taxonomists now recognise 10 species of kanuka in this genus; all of them have a ‘Threatened’ status, seven are ‘Nationally Vulnerable’ and three are ‘Critical’).  The tree seedlings planted were totara, Podocarpus totara.  Those club members who have been on a number of tree-planting days commented favourably on how well some of their previous efforts had succeeded.  Cabbage trees (tῑ kōuka, Cordyline australis) certainly seemed to have made significant progress.

The ’work’ part of the day complete, as one large group led by Nicky, we went round the west side of Sugarloaf and down to the Sign of the Kiwi, which is currently closed because of the road works.  However, all the outdoor seating and tables were there so we spread out to have an early lunch and enjoy the weather that was continuing its improvement until the cloud returned.  Back across the road, we followed the track round the south side of Sugarloaf and continued eastwards along the Crater Rim Track towards Mt Vernon.  At this point, we had a ‘high road’ and a ‘low road’; Norma took the Alternatives on the low road while the Standards took the ‘high road’ to Mt Vernon’s summit.  The two groups coalesced again for a while on the sloping track down from the Summit Road before another ‘low road, high road’ split.  As on the first occasion, and unlike the well-known Scottish song, the low roaders got to the destination first, but as was overheard on the coach (in another context) “It’s the journey not the destination”.

But the day’s variety was not yet finished.  After dropping off the PMH group, we were taken to see where our coach spends its time while not taking people around.  Viktor loudly tooted the bus’s horn to his colleagues as we passed the Leopard coach depot in a road probably few of us had ever travelled on.  Txt courtesy of Eric & Margaret

Dave focuses on task in hand

Ranger Fiona with the planting troups

Large group head for lunch stop

Convenient seat for Peter

Upwards to Mt Vernon

Summit of Mt Vernon