2015/11 December Bulletin

posted 2 Dec 2015, 13:32 by Wakatipu Walker

Gibbston Cycle Trip 1^st November

With a 10:30am start to allow recovery after the early morning excitement of viewing the Rugby World Cup final, everyone was in good spirits as we started off from the Chinese Village in Arrowtown. The weather was good as we pedalled past the Arrow Junction and the bungy bridge, working up a good appetite for our arrival at Gibbston just after 12pm. Unfortunately it turned out that the tavern was closed, and we had to push back into a growing head wind to find sustenance at the bungy bridge cafe. After lunch, we made our way in a series of bedraggled groups back to Arrowtown for a relatively early finish, which was good as most of us had been up since 5am.

Party members: Peter B, Judy, Greg, Peter DLM, Pip, Joy and friend,

Adopt a Plot – Ben Lomond Monday 9^th November

For those that haven’t heard about Adopt a Plot – it is a scheme whereby local groups or individuals can adopt an area of tussock/alpine shrubland beside the Ben Lomond track and endeavour to eradicate wilding pines from that area.

Finally the weather allowed us to head up the Ben Lomond track and start work on the Tramping Club plot. We selected an area just beyond the tongue of beech forest and above the track. There were many trees about 4 years old that were too big for loppers, so much saw work was needed. We spent a good 4 hours on the area, by which time it was getting pretty hot, so an ice-cream was needed back at the Skyline.

It is our intention to continue this plot up to the ridge-line, so more sessions will be organised over the summer, and hopefully one before Xmas. If you are interested contact Peter De La Mare.

Party: Peter, Judy, Roger, Lorraine, Greg

Posing in front of our plot at end of session Photo: Judy

A couple of photos from a private trip to Martins Bay 13^th to 17^th November

Demon Trail completed, perfect weather

Fiordland Crested Penguin at Martins Bay

Pigeon Island 19-23 November

8 club members and 7 visitors were involved with this year’s working bee. Besides the usual planting, weed and track clearing, flash new outdoor seating was installed in front of the hut. Plenty of work done and a good time had by all.

Coal Pit Saddle – Mt Salmond 22^nd November

Alan, Paul and Peter D took Peter’s 4WD up the deeply rutted Coal-pit Saddle Road from the Gibbston Highway. Calling it a day at the coal-pit reserve we donned some extra layers against the cool conditions and walked the final climb to the saddle. From the saddle the track keeps to the 1000m contour above the Doolans valley for an hour or so before branching off to follow the old water-race to the upper valley. Easy travel followed for the next hour and being generally sheltered from the forecast winds, made for pleasant progress. The final hour was more testing as the race became increasingly overgrown and affected by slipping. Maintaining our contour we sighted the rarely visited hut after three hours travel from the saddle. The hut, around 70 years old and scrim-lined, proved welcome shelter for lunch.
The route to the summit of Mt Salmond is steep initially but eases somewhat from around 1500m. Unlike the wind which became increasingly strong and chilling as we gained the height. Pausing behind a sheltering rock outcrop we added more layers while admiring the views into the back of the Remark’s. The wind was now extremely strong and increasingly buffeting our 70 - 75kg bodies about. We were pleased that Sally had decided not to join us. Next stop South America.
Reaching the summit we hunched over at 45 degrees into the wind and stumbled along the ridge to join the high track back to the saddle. It was challenging to stay upright but exhilarating too as nature gave us a wild workout. As we descended the wind eased somewhat and clothing layers could be shed. Back to Peter’s truck after seven hours.

Report and photos: Alan

Following the water race route up the Doolans Right Branch - Remarkables glower beneath gathering clouds

Peter and Paul emerge from the lunchtime shelter of Raceman’s Hut. The climb of Mt Salmond begins here.

Roys Peak 29^th November

A beautiful high pressure system finally arrived and Sunday dawned clear and sunny after days of inclement weather. Pip, Judy F, Roger, Lorraine, Jude C, Sally, Di, Peter DLM, and Lindsay set off at 0800 for Wanaka. Roy’s Peak was our destination, and after a brief stop in Wanaka we started up the hill. It is a 1570 metre climb to the top, and we were soon ready for 1st lunch at 1030 rather than 11. Some of us felt like we had lead strapped to our legs, but we slogged on up, and eventually the magnificent views opened up in all directions. Mt Aspiring was visible as were all the other peaks. The track was popular, with many visitors toiling up and down. Lunch was enjoyed on the top looking out over Wanaka Town, and then we descended down all the way down to the bottom. Our legs were feeling it by then, and we felt that we had earned our ice creams back in Wanaka for afternoon tea.

Report: Lindsay

2^nd rest stop photo: Lindsay

Glendu Bay and Mt Aspiring photo: Peter

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