Please note — address all correspondence pertaining to Club business to the Secretary

OFTC

Newsletter 352 June 2010

Over Forties Tramping Club, PO Box 6505, Upper Riccarton, Christchurch 8442

Established 1978 Affiliated to the Federated Mountain Clubs of NZ

www.oftc.org.nz

Note the deadline to the editors is the 20th of every month for them to prepare the following newsletter Newsletter to Sue Townsend - 942 9196 at eus@paradise.net.nz and copy to mavis.airey@xtra.co.nz

Trip details by the 15th of every month to Trip Planners: Sunday trips to Judy Miles - 327 9010 at garyjudy@kol.co.nz

and Saturday and Wednesday trips to Marj Pollock - 389 4059 at marjpol@xtra.co.nz.

NEXT MEETING

22 June 2010

at 7:30 pm

Horticultural Hall South Hagley Park

Guest Speaker:

Mike Crean

Off The Road

Mike is a well known journalist with The Press who specializes in writing articles about out of the way places around New Zealand. He will share

his experiences with us at our forthcoming Club meeting.

OVER FORTIES TRAMPING CLUB INC

MID WINTER NOSH Where: Naval Point Club, Lyttelton When: Wednesday 23 June at 12.30 pm Once again the successful Mid Winter Nosh is on. Tramps on the day will tie in with the event. All participants to bring a cup. The Middle Group to pro-vide vegetable soup, and the other groups to bring food for a shared lunch. Non tramping members most welcome to join us. For more information contact: Jan Leitch 384 9018, Beris Whelan 358 5873 or Gavin Hampton 343 1291.

A note from the editor Regular readers of Going Places will be accustomed to finding the Club Captain’s report on page 2. This month the report is a little longer than usual so I have put it on the back page. Our Captain Stu gives us some very valuable reminders about leadership and its importance in tramping safety both for the individual and for the group. It’s well worth a read. Thanks!

Bowenvale planting work continues

On Thursday 20 May a team of 22 Club members planted 200 trees in the Bowenvale Valley. This is more or less in the same area that Club members have done previous plantings and weed-ing. Port Hills Ranger Di Carter led the team and showed us how to best plant the trees. The planting only took 1.5 hours plus the time to walk in and out. A grand effort in helping to future proof the planet, with coffee afterwards for some. It seems an enjoyable time was had by all the paticipants. Many thanks.

Text—Colin Mackie Photo—Cathie Graves

Summit Road Society

Members are invited to join the Summit Road Society for work on the Port Hills tracks and reserves. Date: 22 June or 29 June if wet Meet: 9.00 am 3A Longhurst Terrace, Cashmere Hours: 9.00 am to 3.00 pm or as long as you can provide Bring: Secateurs, branch loppers, gloves, lunch, drink, warm clothing etc as you will be exposed to the elements Contact: Ian Fussell on 358 3724 for further information

Chairman’s Report

The bi-monthly Club meetings we have at the CHS Hall are a natural extension of our interest in tramping, our love of the outdoors and all the associated interests we have. At our April meeting, Biddy Pollard shared her enthusiasm and passion for Borneo, in particular the flora and fauna. Thank you Biddy for an interesting

presentation and for any members who were not at the meeting and have an interest in this part of the world, Biddy would be delighted to encourage you on your way. It is clear that the ‘bring and buy’ table is popular at meetings, judging by the number of sales noted – we should continue with this. On 20 May, 22 club members planted 200 native shrubs at the Bush Head restoration site on the Port Hills, in ideal conditions. It is very satisfying to see the success of previous plantings and no doubt this latest planting will be equally successful. An interesting comment from a Port Hills Ranger: ‘that plantings done by volunteer groups such as our club have a higher success rate than those done elsewhere on the hills by contractors’. Yes, we’ve got good skills! Continuing on the theme of assisting with work on the Port Hills, there is a notice elsewhere in this newsletter of an opportunity to assist with track maintenance work in June. Considering the number of tramps which we enjoy on the Port Hills, this is a chance to give something back. As we approach the middle of the year and the shortest day, for those who tramp on Wednesdays we have our mid winter event just around the corner. It is always a great event, catering for all abilities. A notice with all the details is elsewhere in the newsletter and I encourage you all to be part of it. Along with the recent subscription notice a questionnaire has been included. There are many opportunities for members to be involved in the various aspects of club activity so please complete the form, indicating where you can assist. In a similar vein Jack Watt, the Backpacking Coordinator, will soon be compiling the future programme of backpacking tramps and base camps. Please give it some thought and if you have any ideas, make direct contact with Jack. To conclude, the Club has a a range of equipment available for the use of members. All of these items are detailed on the membership list and you are encouraged to make use of them. I have two backpacking tents in my care and in two years, I have not had one request. They are here to be used! Regards to you all Warwick Scadden

Committee Reports

OFTC

2

Membership Report

Changes of address Cyril & Alison Fifield 349-9305 43 Aberdeen Rd, Prebbleton 7604 Diana Hudson 355 6114 2-36 Browns Road, St Albans, Chch 8014 Janis Russell 354 8382 137 Blighs Road, Strowan Chch 8052 Resignations We say farewell to five members this month: Liddon Richards (after 20 years of membership), Angela Cragg (after 15 years of membership), Keith Gunn, John Ruske and Keith Milne. New members Dorothy Aitken-Edwards 338 7743 7 Cumbria Lane, Westmorland, Chch 8025 Angela Bearpark 352 2928 5A Walnut Avenue, Strowan, Chch 8052 Carey Brown 384 9853 4 Laing Crescent, Heathcote Valley, Chch 8022 Laraine Eskett 339 0748 51C Halswell Road, Hoon Hay, Chch 8025 Carmel Harris 337 4352 201 Ashgrove Terrace, Somerfield, Chch 8024 Ruth Reid 382 2054 158A Marine Parade, New Brighton, Chch 8083

These six women qualified for membership after completing an overnighter to Woolshed Creek on 15-16 May. We hope that they have many years of enjoyable tramping with us.

Fay Jackson

DAY TRIP PROGRAMMEDAY TRIP PROGRAMMEDAY TRIP PROGRAMMEDAY TRIP PROGRAMME The tramps are listed in order of difficulty, with the easiest first, then moderate, then harder. If you are unsure of a tramp please check with the tramp leader.

NQ means that this tramp is not a qualifying tramp for prospective new members. All other day tramps are qualifying tramps.

Please note: It is club policy that these day tramps and the tramping programmes detailed in the newsletter are for members only.

Also times given are indicative only and do not include car travel to and from the tramp.

CANCELLATIONSCANCELLATIONS

Listen to

NewstalkZB 1098

after 7am

TO CANCEL A DAY TRAMP

Phone Newstalk ZB phone (03) 340 1098—for all trips—before 6.45am

and state the destination. Our club code is 47.

LOCATOR BEACONS

Collect and carry these. Please note — they are collected from the Shell Petrol Stations at Belfast or Yaldhurst, or at Princess Margaret Hospital - at front vestibule desk. And for any private use of these beacons please contact the Club Captain to arrange.

AT THE END OF THE TRAMP

Please send list of participants and numbers to

Mary Brinsdon at 366 9119 or to 33 Hewitts Rd, Chch 8014, or brinsdon@clear.net.nz

Reminders to Tramp LeadersReminders to Tramp LeadersReminders to Tramp LeadersReminders to Tramp Leaders TRAMP PLANNERSTRAMP PLANNERS

Note — Please forward your draft list to the Club Captain by the 20th of each month

Saturday Colin Garthwaite 360 3770

Wednesday Veterans Pat Tapper 348 5553

Heather Spence 337 1690

Middle Anne Fullerton 339 2448

Clive Morriss 358 2753

Cathie Graves 339 0881

Beverley Ruddick 337 3390

Hard Diana Kirpensteijn 332 7534

Sunday Easier Mary Brinsdon 366 9119

Carolina Kol 03 3127970

Middle Alison Chambers 332 9755

Hard Ian Fussell 358 3724

Steve Dakin 329 6695

Ilam – Avonhead Ramble NQ

Cost: nil Follow parks, sports fields, spring fed streams and pedestrian ways. Depart: Sayers Crescent beside north boundary of Upper Riccarton Domain at 9.30 am Time: 3 – 4 hrs Leader: Alf Farrant 342 6094

Princess Margaret to Kiwi & beyond PH43 Cost: Nil

From carpark opposite Princess Margaret Hospital, follow hidden tracks & short cuts up onto the hills to Sign of Kiwi & beyond. Intimate views of the homes of our wealthy hill dwellers. A good workout tramp close to home. Grade: 2–3 Depart: Carpark opp PMH (river west) at 8.30 am Time: 4–5 hrs Leader: Clive Morriss 358 2753

Kaituna – Packhorse – Herbert shelter M36

Cost: $8 Climb up to Packhorse Hut & along CRW to Herbert Shelter or Mt Herbert. Then around harbour side of Bradley back to Packhorse & down. Bring pruners for some runaway gorse. Grade: 3 Depart : Carpark opp PMH (river west) at 8.30 am Time: 5+ hrs Leaders: Gordon Murray 960 6768 Liz Taylor 358 5995

JUNE 9

Mulgans Track and beyond NQ

Cost: nil Walking slowly on the steep parts of the track, and down the zigzag. Depart: Barnett Park Redcliffs at 9.30am Time: 3 - 4 hrs Leader: Julia Hall 355 0437

Old Coach Road, Porters Pass W04 Cost: $13

Leave cars at foot of Porters Pass, commence tramp on DOC land following the old stagecoach track up to the main road, then head south across slope to adjacent ridges. Mainly open tussock terrain. Grade: 2–3 Depart: Yaldhurst Hotel Carpark at 8.30am Time: 4–5 hrs Leader: Warwick Scadden 351 9779 Coleader: Dallas Ford 339 2308

Mt Grey, 934m, with a twist N 07 Cost: $13 M34

Round trip from Lake Janet. Climb to top then down Red Beech track & halfway up again on Mt Grey track to bypass track & back to cars. Grade: 3+ Depart: Belfast Hotel carpark at 8.30 am (meet Ray at Amberley) Time: 6–7 hrs Leaders: Ray Twist 03 310 7520 Diana Kirpensteijn 332 7534

JUNE 2

OVER FORTIES TRAMPING CLUB INC 3

WEDNESDAY TRAMPS

Spencer Park to Brooklands NQ

Cost: n il Pleasant easy walk through the wetlands to Brooklands Depart: Spencer Park carpark at 9.30 am Time: 3 – 4 hrs Leaders: Heather Spence 337 1690 Pat Tapper 348 5553

Bealey Spur W 08

Cost: $23 Gradual climb through beech forest with open tussock and tarns to restored musterers hut. Always a popular tramp with wonderful views, especially if there is snow. Grade: 2–3 Depart: Yaldhurst Hotel carpark at 8.30am Time: 4–5 hrs Leader: Charlotte Rivers 348 8846

Timu Timu Heads, Akaroa Heads BP 18 Cost: $15

Walk over farmland to Scenery Nook for lunch. Great views of spectacular cliffs, possibly seals. Then to Timu Timu Heads with some steep pieces before returning to cars over farmland. Grade: 3 Depart: Carpark opp PMH (river west) at 8.30 am Time: 4+ hrs Leader: John Hayman 335 0984

Midwinter Combined Groups Lunch at 12 30 pm at Naval Point Yacht Club, Magazine Bay, Lyttelton. Anyone who

hasn’t walked for a while is welcome to join us for lunch.

Veterans – please bring finger food to share and leave at the Naval Point Yacht Club before your walk. Bring a cup

for soup.

Magazine Bay to Cass Bay NQ

Cost: nil Walk from Magazine Bay to Cass Bay and back to the club for lunch. Depart: Carpark at Magazine Bay near Rugby Field 9.30 am (NB: nosh starts at 12.30 pm) Time: 2.5hrs Leaders: Pat Tapper 348 5553 Heather Spence 337 1690

Middle Group – please bring a thermos of vegetable soup for shared lunch. Also your own thermos of tea or coffee and cups. We will drop this off at the Clubrooms before

our tramp.

Lyttelton to Buckleys Reserve and beyond

Cost: nil From Lyttelton Museum up zig zags to Gilmour Terrace followed by steepish paper road to ridge. Then on an unformed, rocky steep track at easy pace to top. This is Alison’s secret track and you will enjoy it. Grade: 2–3 Depart: Naval Point Clubrooms at 9.00 am for carpool to Lyttelton Museum Leader: Clive Morriss 358 2753 Coleader: Joan Cornish 376 5146

SUNDAY TRAMPS

Top Group – please bring finger food to share, tea or coffee (optional), cup for soup.

Midwinter pot luck at Naval Pt Yacht Club NQ

Head up ridge and Kahukura Track to Castle Rock, then onto the ridge above Cass Bay. Descend via Whakaraupo and Stan Helms Tracks to Harman Road. Continue on roads to Naval Point. Return by own means [Gold Card for bus back or over Bridle path]. Grade: 3 Depart: Bridle Path carpark at 9.00 am Time: 2.5 hrs Leader: Diana Kirpensteijn 332 7534

Allendale to Sandy Bay NQ

Cost: $2 A pleasant walk along Governors Bay waterfront Depart: Carpark opp PMH (river west) at 9.30 am Time: 3 - 4 hrs Leader: Diana Dryland 981 4843

Mt.Alexander from Foxdown, near Scargill

Cost: $15 A steady climb to the peak at 748m for lunch. Return by circular route. Good views of Amuri Plains, Waikari Valley & Scargill Hills. We hope there will be the opportunity to view the homestead museum with old machinery & implements. Grade: 2–3 Depart: Belfast Hotel Carpark at 8.30 am Time: 4.5 hrs Leader: Warwick Scadden 351 9779 Coleader: Cathie Graves 339 0881

Gebbies Pass to Mt Bradley via Eye of the Needle

Cost: $4 Around harbour side of Mt Bradley then direct climb up to Bradley through the Eye of the Needle & back along ridge. Grade: 3 Depart: Carpark opp PMH (river west) at 8.00 am Time: 5 hrs Leader: Gerry Burgess 351 9883

Orton Bradley – Herbert Dress Circle BP 51 G

Cost: $4 plus park entry fee $8 per car Steady climb through eucalyptus trees to Tablelands and pack-horse track towards Mt Herbert, down Mt Herbert walkway track. Grade: 2 Depart: Carpark opp PMH (river west) at 9.00 am Time: 5-6 hrs Leader: Carolina Kol 03 312 7970

Mt Horrible from Cass W84

Cost: $18 From near Cass turnoff, up Mt Horrible (1234m). Should be good views up Waimakariri. Probably return by the same route. Grade: 3 Depart: Yaldhurst Hotel carpark at 8.00 am Time: 5 hrs Leader: Phil Adams 347 8153 Coleader: Gaye Morton 332 2284

4

JUNE 6

JUNE 16 JUNE 23 (continued)

JUNE 23

JUNE 30

OFTC

JUNE 13

Mt Ben More from the East

Cost: $13 From Thirteen Mile Bush Stm to Benmore Hut then through bush to ridge leading to point 1593m and Ben More (1655m). Return to the Thirteen Mile by ridge to the north. Tracks for part of route. Grade: 3 - 4 Depart: Yaldhurst Hotel carpark at 8.30 Beacon to be collected from Shell Yaldhurst & meet leader at Springfield 9.00 am Time: 6 hrs Leader: Stephen Sheen 03 317 9291 (please let him know before 8.00 am Sunday if you intend coming)

Tiromoana bush walkway N 56 Z

Cost: $10 Follow walkway through wetlands and forested areas to the beach for lunch. Return via the cliff tops. Spectacular views of Pegasus Bay. Grade: 1 Depart: Belfast Hotel carpark at 9.00 am Time: 5 hrs Leader: Annemarie and Digby Scorgie 03 312 0096

Gebbies Pass to Omaha Bush PH52

Cost: $3 From Ahuriri Bush carpark to Omaha Bush, down bush and back via Gibraltar Rock, and across to Coopers Knob. Back to Ahuriri Bush carpark via different tracks. Grade: 3 Depart: Carpark Opposite PMH West at 8.30 am Time: 4-5 hrs Leader: Jon Roberts 377 5151 Coleader: Helen Conroy 337 4354

Combined middle/top groups—Stony Bay Peak from Akaroa Cost: $15 From Akaroa take Purple Peak track to crater rim then onto Stony Bay Peak. Descend partly by same route then take side track to Stony Bay Saddle & descend by Stony Bay Road to cars. Grade: 2-3 Depart: Carpark opp PMH (river west) at 8.30 am Time: 4-5 hrs Leader: Don Mee 359 8605

Sumner to Godley Heads PH 02 A

Cost: nil To Taylors Mistake for morning tea and via the coastal walkway to Godley Heads. Return via bike track. Anyone wishing to join at Taylors Mistake will be welcome. Grade: 1 Depart: Sumner clock tower (park in Head St) at 9.00 am Time: 5 hrs Leader: Sue Townsend 942 9196

Combined middle/top groups—Old Coach road Circuit/

Rabbit Hill W04

Cost: $15 Map K35 Terrain open tussock tops. We will be running two groups, one going up Old Coach Road and round ridges to the head of the stream, lunch in bush and return to the cars. The second group

OVER FORTIES TRAMPING CLUB INC 5

Scene from a recent tramp including Paua, Gough’s and Fisherman’s Bays on Banks Peninsula. Despite strong winds, a great day with interesting geology, an abandoned farm house to explore, plenty of seals and native bush.

Photo— Warwick Scadden

JUNE 27

SATURDAY TRAMP

will go on a longer tramp at a quicker pace to Trig M, Rabbit Hill and down to Lake Lyndon for a car shuttle back to start. Grade: 3/3+ Depart: Yaldhurst Hotel carpark at 8.30 am Time: 5 hrs Leaders: Gavin Hampton & Sally Timms 343 1291

Pines Beach to Woodend N50

Cost: $3 From Pines Beach along the beach to Woodend for lunch. Return through the pine trees. Grade: 1 Depart: Belfast Hotel carpark at 9.00 am Time: 5 hrs Leader: Pip Boleyn 354 2007

Mt Oxford from Coopers Creek BP28

Cost: $11 Steep climb from Coopers Creek to Summit then return to cars same way. Grade: 3 Depart: Belfast carpark at 8.00 am Time: 6 hrs Leader: Don Mee 359 8605 Coleader: Wendy Hughes 388 3295

Mt Hamilton & Beyond

Cost: $19 Climb Mt Hamilton from Broken river ski field road & depending on conditions explore beyond. Ice axe & crampons may be required depending on snow conditions. Grade: 4 Depart: Yaldhurst Hotel carpark at 7.30 am Time: 5 hrs Leader: Paul Knox 339 2997

Woolshed via Bus Stop & return

Cost: $23 Woolshed Creek, Rhyolite Ridge track to Bus Stop & Woolshed Creek Hut. Grade: 3

Depart: Yaldhurst Hotel carpark at 8.00 am Time: 6 hrs Leader: Colin Garthwaite 360 3770

JUNE 20 (continued) JUNE 6 (continued)

JUNE 20

JUNE 26

6

OFTC

MOUNTAIN SAFETY COUNCIL October Outdoor first aid - 1 day course (revalidation) June, September, November Outdoor first aid - 2 day course (a few places left in June) October Navigation - 2 day course

IN HOUSE August Snow craft - details later (June Going Places) October Navigation - details later (August Going Places) November / December River crossing - details later (September Going Places)

Contact Stu McHugh 323 6333 to register your interest

Training courses available in 2010

Mungo — a hut too far!

It was during the Townsend Track clearing expedition that we (Stu McHugh, Charlie Ledbrook and I) learnt that some of the tracks inland from Hokitika had been or were about to be cleared. So a plan developed that led to four keen types doing a reconnaissance in force partly to assess the suitability of the route for possible Club trips and also so that two of our group, John Wisker and Stu McHugh, could realize a lifelong ambition to finally get into the Mungo hut, a remote hut up the Mungo River that gets about four to five visits a year. We planned our 5-6 day trip for early May and anxiously watched the weather forecast as this is definitely not a place to be in rain. It rained the whole of the week prior to departure but there was a significant period of fine weather forecast so off we went, with lots of ad-vice from various quarters as to how to tackle the various river crossings etc. We started up the Toaroha River in perfect weather just after lunch and reached Cedar Flats in good time, on a well used track. There are two huts there, one new and the other an older style hut, faithfully restored. Not surprisingly we stayed in the new hut! Stu and I sought out the hot pools nearby and enjoyed a relaxing soak while the others coaxed a fire to life out of some wet wood. I was delighted to see our son’s name in the hut logbook, 9 years earlier, when he and a friend did the reverse circuit to us! From Toaroha Hut we headed up the Toaroha River to the top Toaroha Hut. It was brisk in the morning with a good frost which encour-aged us along as we boulder hopped up the river. Another good fire was soon underway when we reached the very pleasant hut and we settled in for the night, listening to adventurous tales of years gone by, recounted by Stu and John, both of whom grew up in Hokitika. and played the second round of Crazy Euchre. Next day saw us head of towards the Mungo hut which entailed climbing up a very steep track and then a route through untracked tus-socks and spaniards to Toaroha Saddle and the minute biv there. The weather had deteriorated at this stage and started to rain although not heavily. We had considered taking a shortcut to Mungo Hut (described as ‘very difficult’) but the low cloud and rain led to us sticking to the track which, in the event, proved to be a good decision! The track descended steeply towards the Mungo River with some very tricky and steep sections until we reached the turnoff to Mungo Hut. The track from here was more challenging especially when we descended to the Mungo River which had a LOT of water in it. There is only one place to cross the Mungo and when we reached it, it was very evi-dent that we were not going to able to do so. It was running swiftly with a terrible runout so, reluctantly, we retraced our steps and headed off to Poet’s Hut, further down the Mungo. Poet’s Hut is an older style hut with an open fire which generates a lot of smoke and flame but very little heat. By this stage, we were rather damp so spent most of the evening drying clothes huddled around the fire. Next morning was fine and crisp and we set off in good spirits down the river and across a new, flash six wire footbridge. The track from the river up to Bluff Hut is described as one of the steepest DOC tracks about and we soon understood why. It was very steep indeed, averaging about 35 degrees, and to use the vernacular, was ‘a bit of a grunt’, especially for certain members of our party who took a wrong turn! Bluff Hut is stunning and was worth the effort. It is two years old, double glazed ,insulated and has a fantastic view. It was warm and had a lovely stove and heaps of firewood from the remains of the old Bluff hut. It doesn’t get a lot of use; in fact we were the first people there in a month. We dried our gear in the warm afternoon sun and had a quiet afternoon followed by dinner and more Crazy Euchre. The morning was crisp and cool again and we set off up the Hokitika River on what was to prove a longish day, heading eventually to Frew Hut on the Whitcombe River. The going was treacherous at first with ice covered boulders and we all had a few slips until the sun came into the valley and thawed the ice. The track up to the Frew Saddle was another grunt but the views were outstanding when we the top and while we lunched at the small biv there. The descent down Frew Stream to Frew Hut took about 4 hours and was somewhat chal-lenging at times, alternating between bush bashing and stream travel, not made any easier by some very slippery rocks. We were defi-nitely ‘over it’ by the time we reached the largish (10 bed) Frew Hut on the very impressive Whitcombe River, which was running reasona-bly high. It took an age to get any heat out of the fire in the hut, but once we did, we roasted! After dinner another card game took place with John winning-for the second out of four sessions despite protesting that he didn’t know the rules! The walk out down the Whitcombe the next day was also challenging with more slippery rocks, lots of boulder hopping and several creeks to cross. Rapid Creek Hut was our lunch spot and then we had the fun of an aerial cable car crossing across the swollen river, which was followed by the long trudge to our car. In summary, an excellent and, at times, challenging trip where were entertained by John and Stu telling us tales of heroics and hardships endured long ago. Of course, we didn’t believe most of them, but they certainly made a good story. They achieved their ambition to com-plete this circuit — well done guys, no mean feat. So, is it a Club trip? Yes, but only for experienced and fit trampers. You need to take gear and food for six days. I managed to keep my pack to 12.5 kg and the others weren’t much more.

Thanks again to Stu and John for organizing what was one of the better trips we have been on and also to Charlie for the use of his vehicle for transport. PS: It was good to spot Ray Twist’s name in one of the hut logbooks from a few years ago when he came on a similar trip with a tramp-ing club from West Auckland. Well done, Ray.

Paul Knox

OVER FORTIES TRAMPING CLUB INC 7

LG LG

Te Kahui Kaupeka Conservation Park – Thoughts on a Tramp on the Te Araroa Walkway

Day 1: Christchurch to Crooked Spur Hut Away from Christchurch by 8.30 am First stop Ashburton – toilet stop and coffee (counterproductive?) Second stop Mt Peel – ditto Third stop (and real start) – Rangitata River by Bush Stream lunch and pack weighing (how much?) farewell to Peter and the van crisscrossing up a fairly low Bush Stream too many clothes on! lovely varied rock colours and formations welcome break after an hour or so (lovely water to drink) zigzag or continue in stream? - opt for stream good scrambling – no water higher than short bottoms large hebes another break by a lump of concrete ex swing bridge we go up THERE!! steep scramble from stream bed up a ridge (presumably Crooked Spur) lovely views back to Rangitata welcome view of hut

Fourth Stop – Crooked Spur Hut holes in the walls from the reused corrugated iron bunks re scrimmed recently Richard wisely(?) deciding to sleep in the tent joined by a hunter (Wayne) – gun probably an excuse to get out in the backblocks as animals seen close too but not fired at views magnificent – don’t look where we are going tomorrow! explore horse paddock and dog kennels water from nearby stream (hole in the hut water container) wood for fire wherever you can get it after dinner round the fire trivial pursuit questions from Stu time for bed—ominous noises from scrim bunks followed by: a) hammering of reinforcement staples to hold the scrim and b) opting to sleep on the floor by a number of the party

Day 2: Crooked Spur Hut to Royal Hut disturbed night – lots of mice lovely sunrise – contemplated over breakfast farewell to Wayne away by 8.15 am steady climb up from behind the hut at first break claims by the Team Leader of rates of ascent that pilots would think were very acceptable highest point of the day reached before morning tea giving views of Stone Hut (’we’ll be there by lunch’) several Thar seen after morning tea wonderful big country snow grass can be difficult to walk through lunch by a pleasant stream ( though not all of us may think so) onwards after lunch is it going to rain? No, only spots from the north west suddenly a track and bridge (over Bush Stream) leading to Stone Hut Wayne (the hunter) nicely settled in 3.00 pm time for a brew-up get going again towards Royal crossing and recrossing Bush Stream WET ditto to comments about snow grass but even worse in the rain after an age sign post saying that halfway there and STILL AN HOUR TO GO! thank goodness for someone’s sense of humour (!?) hut in view may have broken windows, no fuel for the fire and a door that needs a stone to keep shut on the inside but it was a welcoming sight after an 8 hour day toilet placed away from the hut – watch the stream getting to it after the first collection of water from Bush Stream extra supplies topped up from the gutter above the door

toilet placed away from hut – watch the stream getting to it after the first collection of water from Bush Stream extra supplies topped up from the gutter above the door rain heavier then lighter, then stars by bed time more trivial pursuits with variations snug in bed listening to wind followed by the rain thank goodness I’m not team leader!

Day 3 – Royal Hut to Camp Stream Hut via Stag Saddle frosty morning with sprinkling of snow on the tops sunny day, you could watch the snow melt as the sun rose breakfast outside in the sun, gear drying leisurely start and away by 9.15 am crisscrossing Bush Stream again steady climb followed by steep portion – morning tea plateau with Stag Saddle in view glorious panoramas of peaks and valleys looking towards the Rangitata on the saddle for lunch – cool breeze views the other way down to Tekapo and the Main Divide and back through Bullock Bow saddle to Banks Peninsula promises of all downhill from now on (where have I heard that before?) off the rocks back into tussock Chamois heard but not seen magnificent enormous fantastic valley (with great views) competition to spot the next marker into another stream (Camp Stream) – my boots had almost dried where the hell is the hut? we go up there? lovely little hut down to the stream for water oh it was available closer! two opt for tents as only six bunks enjoyable evening with trivial pursuits and discussion around leadership round a good warm stove

Day 4 – Camp Stream Hut to Christchurch some wind during the night, lovely fine morning you told me the tent only weighed 1.6 kg, Stu, when I car-ried it, why are you now claiming 3 kg when you are carry-ing it (navel fluff?) drop from the hut back into Camp Stream just after 8.00 crisscrossing again till we cross Coal River lovely shadows and colours as the sun changes on the tussocks and grasses from Coal River up the side of Round Hill views of Lake Tekapo, the Main Divide and tantalising glimpses of one of Aoraki’s faces (will it won’t it show – the answer’s no) there’s the ski field road and carpark no business - we are early down the road – are those old or new tyre marks right decision taken as there is the bus at the gate and Peter on his way up with coffee and apples lunch at Tekapo and so home

A lovely few days that I really enjoyed. It is quite demanding at times and is a poled track only and in some places the poles are few and far between. A matter of following your nose. We were fortunate with the weather as apart from the musterers huts used overnight there is very little shelter. Many thanks to my co-trampers for making this a memorable trip (and a first for the Club) – John Wisker (Leader), Jill Goddard, Mary Miller, Dave Collins, Greg Steer (we will see you back for more I hope), Stu McHugh and Richard Wisker.

Gavin Hampton – co-opted scribe

THE OVER FORTIES TRAMPING CLUB INC 8

Club Captain’s Report

Hello happy trampers At last month’s Club Night, which was attended by about 50 people, we asked ourselves two questions. Firstly - how can we help our tramp leaders? and secondly - how can tramp leaders help their teams on the day? Below are the uncensored results together with a few additions which we didn’t think of on the night!

Now that the weather is changing and becoming cooler is it vital to follow some simple rules before you go out tramping:

• Always have a nourishing breakfast and snack often. Remember that it takes 20 minutes for the water and food you take in to be available as energy for your muscles - by the time you’re thirsty you are dehydrated and by the time you are flagging your body needed food 20 minutes prior!

• Be fully aware of your current capability - if you are unsure talk to the leader a couple of days beforehand. • Be fit and properly equipped for the trip.

(Excellent work Sandra Knox and Lois Prebble in inspecting everyone’s first aid kit on the recent Godley Head trip - you go girls!) And remember, this is a great Club. We have a huge range of tramps available, and we are organised, up with the play, capable and techno savvy. AND we have fun. You are this Club. Enjoy! Cheers Stu McHugh

Your OFTC Committee Chairman: Warwick Scadden 351 9779 scaddens@xtra.co.nz Vice-Chair: Gavin Hampton 343 1291 salgav@xtra.co.nz Secretary: Karyn Brookes 354 0113 karynbrookes@xtra.co.nz Treasurer: Peter Street 352 5526 PeterStreet@paradise.net.nz Club Captain: Stu McHugh 323 6333 samchugh@clear.net.nz Editor: Sue Townsend 942 9196 eus@paradise.net.nz Membership: Fay Jackson 348 9276 f.Jackson@ext.canterbury.ac.nz Committee: Ian Fussell 358 3724 fussei@clear.net.nz Colin Garthwaite 360 3770 colmarin@iconz.co.nz Wendy Hughes 388 3295 wendy.hughes@laneneave.co.nz Colin Mackie 332 4587 mackiecg@xtra.co.nz Beris Whelan 358 5873 beris.whelan@xtra.co.nz

Ex Officio

Health & safety: Mary Miller 942 6371 celmisia@clear.net.nz DOC liaison: Ian Fussell and Colin Mackie contact details above Web editor: Paul Knox 339 2997 knoxps@ihug.co.nz Welfare Everyone

Club Equipment All of the following equipment is available for members to borrow:

Maps (a large collection) Meredith Stewart 332 5694 Emergency tents (three) Howard Harvey 342 9377 Stu McHugh 323 6333 John Hayman 335 0984 (it is recommended that these tents be taken on backing trips) Dehydrator Jill Goddard 337 1846

Books & tapes Ian Fussell 358 3724

Things we can do to help our leaders Things a good leader should do

• Follow the leader • Split the group if too big

• Stay together • Always have a tail end Charlie /s

• Keep an eye out for each other • Introduce and include new people

• Have the correct gear as listed • Always appoint a first aid person

• Advise leader of any health problem • Encourage breaks

• Support the leaders decisions • Use cell phones when there is coverage

• don’t take short cuts • Educate and inform the team about points of interest

• Advise leader when taking toilet break • Be flexible with route / time etc

• Show consideration for others and concern for the group as a whole

• Be fully aware of route / risks • Be guided by our Club guidelines