Trip Reports, Oct-Dec 2019

INDEX of TRIP REPORTS:

1. Mt Arthur Hut - Flora Hut Loop Tramp, Kahurangi National Park
2. Sylvester Hut, Kahurangi National Park
3. Lake Lockett, Kahurangi National Park
4. Mt Arthur, Kahurangi National Park
5. Nydia Saddle, Marlborough
6. Ellis Basin & South Twin, Kahurangi National Park
7. Dragons Teeth, Northbound, Kahurangi National Park

6th Oct 2019 | Mt Arthur Hut - Flora Hut Loop Tramp, Kahurangi National Park

Leader: Graeme Ferrier

Fifteen enthusiastic trampers, including 9 visitors met at Flora Carpark to undertake the “Easy” loop walk back to the carpark via Mt Arthur Hut and Flora Hut on a somewhat cloudy Sunday.

The well benched track to Mt Arthur Hut provide a good warm–up for everyone and especially the visitors who had not previously been on that track. It was also a great opportunity for people to introduce themselves and have a chat with their fellow trampers.

After a short break at MA Hut, the group ventured a short distance along the ridge above the hut to hopefully gain a good view of Mt Arthur and the Tablelands. However, a clear view of the mountain did not eventuate, much to the disappointment of the visitors. However, Gordon’s Pyramid and the distant tablelands with its snow-capped mountain backdrop were visible.

The group then returned down the ridge to complete the descent to Flora Hut. This part of the loop is well used but unformed, and after recent wet weather it was quite slippery in places. Several of the visitors found this part far from ‘Easy’! However, there was great patience in the group and all eventually reached Flora Hut. (Thank you Debbie Hogan for being the helpful ‘tail-end Charlie’.)

A longer break at FH included a lateish lunch that allowed some recovery for those whose bodies were starting to feel a bit sore and tired. Then the final half hour back to the cars.

Trampers: Debbie Hogan; Uta Purcell; Marie Firth; Chris Tilley; Kim Eunhee; Graeme Ferrier (Leader) plus vistors - Gill Harker; Mel Millard; Christine Wanke; Liz Todhunter; Martina Konnecke; John Ward; Karen Marshall; Jennifer Lunsford; Maaike van Hoeflaten

19-20th Oct 2019| Sylvester Hut, Kahurangi National Park

Leader: Debbie Hogan

After several postponements, this trip finally ran once road works on the Cobb Valley Road had been completed. It was almost 11:00 before we were ready to leave the car park; pleased to note that there were no other vehicles parked there, meaning we could leave our sleeping mats in the car. 

It was a fine day with a cool breeze but because we were in the bush until the ridge top section to the hut no one seemed to overheat. Sylvester Hut altitude 1310m has views to the North West round to South East but was nestled into the trees to the south. We were soon into lunch and a hot drink. Debbie had bought a card version of Monopoly and she and I tried to familiarise ourselves with the rules while taking lunch. We then went out for an exploration of the lakes area and with only two packs between the group we made good time, We started by regaining the road which led to Lake Sylvester but soon took a north-westward course toward the ridge that formed the northern boundary to the basin containing the three main lakes. There we had the chance to observe the antics of two introduced mammals, the juvenile form of the Swiss rock-hopper. This species seemed to have limitless energy and found the terrain much to their liking. Debbie had thought that getting to overlook Lake Sylvester might be enough for the afternoon but we made such good progress we walked all the way to Iron Lake travelling along this ridge, to a high point about 1500m, before finding a way down to the lakeside, with only minor obstacles to sidle round. There was time for a snack, photos and rock building at the lake before we descended a gentler, undulating slope, mainly tussock covered but with a few Leatherwood plants (the first I had seen in the South Island). This ridge separated Little Sylvester Lake from its bigger namesake and we had to negotiate several boggy areas between the lakes, heavy rain late in the week possibly made this area wetter than usual? Eventually we managed to cross over the main lake outlet pipe (some still with dry feet), a relic of the failed attempt to use this lake to keep the Cobb Reservoir levels up in dry periods. The track, now well-formed, climbed up the side of the ridge we had sidled earlier and then dropped down to the hut. Several sections of snow banked up on the track diverted some (now the Swiss snow-hopper). We were back at the hut about 17:30, after a good three hour wander.

 Debbie instructed Mathis and Phileas in the proper use of the axe and later the lighting a fire so we had a warm hut for the evening. After preparing and eating our dinners Debbie produced some carrot cake and several rounds of Card Monopoly filled in the time until about 20:30 when we retired for the night.

A bright red sunrise greeted the early risers on Sunday. A leisurely breakfast still allowed pre 9:00 am start for a trip on the western side of the lake system. The idea was to be back at the hut by 13:00 at the latest and then have a quick lunch before setting off back down the hill. We back-tracked the route of the day before, avoiding the worst of the swampy areas as we now knew the dry route through, we were able to gain the ridgeline overlooking the top of Cobb Reservoir and the Cobb Valley. Debbie had bought some mini crampon style spike sets for her boots and was anxious to try them out. The frost overnight plus a light southerly meant that the snow patches, when we reached them, were firmer than the day before. Several people tried out the spikes on the way to the hill marked on the map as Peak 1619m. In the process we crossed a band of the Ultramafic red rock similar to that of the Red Hills of the Richmond and Olivine Ranges. We wandered over to the ridge edge to look down on Trilobite Hut and a good part of the Cobb valley flats. We returned to the hut for a quick brew and lunch and people started on the way down from about 13:15 but the last to leave were still around in time to greet Ian Morris’s group from Lake Lockett.

By 15:20 we were on our way out with minor stops, and a stop for ice creams in Motueka.

Trampers: Debbie H, (Ldr) Sibylle, Scott, Mathis (11 yr) & Philéas (11 yr) B, Kim E, David C (scribe)

P.S Despite having 2 broken toes in addition to his previously broken bones, David walked very well over the rough ground. Hard to keep an old tramper still. (Debbie)

19-20th Oct 2019| Lake Lockett, Kahurangi National Park

Leader: Ian Morris

It’s always a long drive up into the Cobb Reservoir but it’s such a beautiful area that it is worth it. The road has finally opened up after much roadworks and it is in great nick.

We parked up at the Sylvester car park and walked up the road to the quarry. We wondered amongst ourselves what the quarry was for?

A well-marked track with red triangles led off from the top of the quarry and we followed it along sidling the hill until the track dropped down into the Diamond Lake Stream. There were a few side creeks to cross and the main creek to ford and we were a little concerned as there had been a heavy rainfall the day before but we were able to safely cross. We then climb steeply to Lake Lockett where there are multiple campsites on offer and even a half-barrel/toilet seat long-drop which was great to see as it is obviously a popular campsite and it’s nice to have the poos in one place instead of ruining the pristine alpine basin.

We gathered some firewood and set up camp to enjoy the lovely evening around a campfire spinning yarns.

The next morning a few of us decided to follow the rest of the track up to Diamond Lake. It was a quick half hour sidle to another stunning alpine basin and lake with another great campsite and stony beach.

We returned to Lake Lockett, broke camp and then descended off of the marked track to cross the Lockett and Diamond Lake streams before they merged into the valley floor. We sidled up through a bush bash, following Ian and Mike to reach a cairned route up to the ridge above Sylvester hut where we met up with the other NTC group led by Debbie Hogan.

We strolled back down the Sylvester track chatting away and we were soon back at the car park for our return trip home.

Trampers: Ian Morris (leader) Kate Krawczyk (scribe), Sarah Collins, Clare Quested, Mike Drake, Chris Gadd, Madeleine Roeher

24 Nov 2019| Mt Arthur, Kahurangi National Park

Leader: Barry James

Ten starters squeezed into 2 cars and headed for Graham Valley. Barry took the scenic route Tasman-Harleys Rd-Ngatimoti and well justified on a fine morning with views up to the Arthur massif. However, the sky was lightly overcast, almost misty from the Australian bushfires and strong westerly winds were already apparent at Flora carpark. Our party swarmed up the beautiful track to Mt Arthur Hut where the wind was not too apparent. But after we carried on up to the exposed ridge, the wind became very strong and some other parties were already in retreat. On we soldiered to near the track to Gordons Pyramid. The wind really was unpleasant with gusts almost knocking us off our feet.  Mt Arthur and Winter Peak were now obscured by mist. So we decided that the summit was for another day and we went back down, stopping for lunch in a tussocky spot out of the wind just off the ridge. As an alternate we made a circuit by going out via Flora Hut. Calm, mild, dry track conditions, plenty of bird song and no rush so it was very pleasant. Some looked longingly at continuing on the Mt Lodestone circuit but the day was passing so we trudged back to the cars on the 4WD road. There was a compulsory stop in Upper Moutere for real fruit ice creams. Although mission was not accomplished it was an excellent leg stretch in good company (what a wonderful variety of backgrounds including Alaska, Switzerland, Korea, Taiwan).

Trampers: Barry James (leader), Nina Solter, Pat Holland (scribe), Debbie Hogan, Mary Hsu. Visitors: Sam Young, Eunhee Kim, Sibylle H, Anne Lim, Mike Daly.

23 Nov 2019| Nydia Saddle, Marlborough

Leader: Uta Purcell

A Saturday tramp and good weather brought out 6 keen and fit trampers to follow their Leader, myself, on an easy tramp. Speed I could not offer, but beautiful scenery and some historic interest. The latter was a brief stop at the Rai Valley Cottage on Opouri Road, built by the first European settlers in that area. We peeped through the windows of the totara and beech slab construction. 

Next stop on the Opouri Saddle was mandatory and the view of the Sounds much photographed. The drive to the car park leads through impressive bush.

The track from Duncan Bay around the peninsula provided us with super water views through the trees. Morning tea at the shoreline was followed by uphill efforts to the Saddle at 347m. From here on the Leader stayed at the back, arriving ½ hour after the group, enjoying lunch while the others were sent downhill towards Nydia Bay for views and more leg stretch. We were unanimous in accepting that the view from up the tree was best. Returning downhill to Duncan Bay the way we had come and the day warming up to 25°C, we stopped at Pippi Beach. A paddle in the water could not be resisted while we snacked and observed boats and summerly water activity. Social chatter during driving and walking, getting to know a bit of our backgrounds, was genuinely enjoyed by the participants.

Trampers: Troy Dixon, Richard Benfield (visitor), Maaike Van Hoeflaken (visitor), Glenys Henry (visitors) and her family members Juanita Mackie-Lynch and Matt Mackie-Lynch, and Uta Purcell (Leader & scribe)

13 -15 Dec 2019| Ellis Basin & South Twin, Kahurangi National Park

Leader: Silvano Lorandi

Only four takers for this excellent trip that Silvano ran as a repeat for his one 11 months prior. Flora carpark was filling as we arrived and off we set in good order for a morning break at Mt Arthur Hut. The weather was fine but overcast with a dubious forecast for later in the day. On up the beckoning ridge track we went and had lunch at the start of the traverse to Mt Athur where the track rises out of the tussock onto the karst. Thence up to the sign pointing us to the Ellis Basin with a short rise over Winter Peak. We did not tarry as the wind was strengthening and the overcast sky was thickening. So a steady descent was made over the karst and then down the steep tussock into the basin. As we reached the valley floor a light drizzle started and we headed quickly down to the Ellis Hut at the forest edge (7 hours including stops). Views up valley to Mt Arthur and left to the North Twin. We had the hut to ourselves except for the cheeky pair of resident wekas. The drizzle petered out and Silvano decided to pitch his tent. The rest of the afternoon was spent with local exploration or rest/reading. That night a tremendous wind got up that shook the hut and kept Silvano awake and fearing for his tent.

However, by morning the wind had died down and we made our start for the climb of SouthTwin in clearing weather (enough blue to make the sailors trousers). The route south around the base of North Twin starts in the forest just below the hut with a rough track marked with decaying ribbon. Easy going for an hour and then we emerged into the huge jumble of karst under the Twins with many small pinnacles and spurs flanked by tomos, scree and mountain scrub. It is a grand if confusing landscape. There are several routes around under N.Twin and we took the high one that has cairns of dubious reliability as guides. Boots grip well on the karst rock so we made steady progress but there was a lot of up and down. After rounding a steep spur with beech forest, the South Twin finally came into view above us. There were a couple more major downs then ups before we were on the tussock scramble to the main ridge, passing some unusual karst formations including a full arch. Lunch was had in the lea from a steady cool breeze with a lone kea making a brief visit. Leaving our packs, we went up the long, relatively gentle slope leading directly to the peak.  Silvano's 15-20 minutes to the summit was extended to 30 minutes for the aged in the party but eventually we were all staring down the steep bluffs to the col and up the even steeper face under the peak of North Twin. An abortive attempt was made to heliograph Mike Drake down in Tadmore/Tapawera using a CD disc as a mirror. However, the sun was weak and the angle not good for the reflection. There were grand views out across the Motueka Valley and Tasman Bay, and South to Mt Loveridge and beyond to the Mt Owen massif. So it was time to make our return to the hut taking essentially the same route by whence we came. It was balmy in the afternoon sun and we thoroughly enjoyed the travel through the unusual karst landscape and admired the hardy plants in the sheltered hollows (buttercups in glorious iridescent yellow; gentians, celmisias, mountain celery and Maori onion just starting to bloom). 9 hours return. The successful ascent and Pat's birthday were duely celebrated that evening with whisky and sherry accompanied by chocolate.

On our last day, we made the famous early start as the forecast was for rain later in the day. We retraced our steps on the marked route to Winter Peak and then scurried down the ridge track to Mt Arthr Hut in the regulation 4 hours. After lunch we returned to the vehicle on the first-class main track through the delighful forest. A wonderful long weekend in a splendid and unusual alpine environment.  

Trampers: Silvano Lorandi (Leader), Pat. Holland (Scribe), Kath Ballantine, Sam Young (visitor).

30 Dec 2019 - 5 Jan 2019| Dragons Teeth, Northbound, Kahurangi National Park

Leader: Mike Drake

Day 1, Monday, December 30, 2019

Author: Don & Nicola

Start: Tribolite Hut           End: Waingaro Ridge, 250m above Fenella Hut

Vehicle logistics: Cobb bound – Mike and Sue’s car took us to Trilobite Hut. Pat’s car taken from Nelson to Quartz Range (?) Farm (Lead Hills route and our destination) by southbound group. Mike’s car collected from Trilobite Hut and taken to Quartz Range (?) Farm by southbound group led by Andrea.

Two vehicles left Kate’s place with 9 trampers shortly after 8.30am in bright sun, with the vehicle logistics having been successfully organised by Mike (and Andrea). Stopping at Riwaka for an extended - due to the inconvenient location of the toilets - coffee (and occasional pie) we headed for Golden Bay. A good run until we turned into the road to the Cobb, where we got caught up in a queue of camper vans and over-packed cars heading for the Twisted Frequency Music Festival. They soon realised we weren’t part of their crowd (age, attire, nature of vehicle, no picnic table on the roof) and we squeezed past and had a very scenic drive to the Cobb and Trilobite Hut, arriving around 12 pm– so we had lunch. The car park was pretty full, so we knew Fenella would be crowded and we would probably be camping. The walk along the Cobb valley was in the best weather we could possibly have – warm and sunny, not too hot and little wind. Track conditions were good and we were accompanied by fantails, robins and the yellow Māori onion (Bulbinella) along much of the route – as well as a few groups of trampers going in and out. A great warm-up for what was to come.

We had break stops at the historic locations of Chaffeys Hut, Tent Camp and Cobb Hut and arrived at a very crowded Fenella around 5pm. Joe and Lawrence from the Club were already in residence, and said they would join up with us the next day. As there were few good camping spots around the hut, Nina advised us of a great site near a tarn on the route out to Lonely Lake. After a short but quite rigorous climb, mainly through steep bush and across a boggy stream, we gained the ridge where there was indeed a flatish, sheltered grassy area perfect for camping – just off the route back to Sylvester Hut. The tarn was a bit elusive, even for Sam running ahead to find it. We pitched tents around 7pm and then went in search of the tarn, which was located further along the ridge about 10 minutes from the tents. Fed, washed and watered we slept well in fine conditions – with the promise of an early start for Lonely Lake the next day. Thanks to Nina for suggesting such a magnificent and peaceful campsite.

Day 2, Tuesday, December 31, 2019

Author: Pat

End: Lonely Lake

After a moonlit evening at our lovely campsite, the mist came down as some of us slept. However, it began to lift as we breakfasted and Waingaro Peak came into view. By the time we broke camp and made our famous early start, the day dawned bright, clear and still. The long sidle on the Western side of the peak was thankfully in shade as we toiled away on a fair track that had a lot of up-and-down. A couple of hours later found us on a vertical pitch in the bush leading to the long ridge under Kakapo Peak. Another hour and we were at a high point on the track with a route on our right leading up to the Peak. We dropped packs and made the scramble up scree and loose rock to the summit (1783m). Back within the hour for lunch, we then headed along the ridge of the Douglas Range. The drop under Pt 1610 was quite abrupt and travel became rough along the spur. Then Lonely Lake came into view and although it was still 1.5km away, we had a bit of a spring in our step (and one or two minor route errors with the crude track in bush along or under the spur). Then a short final plunge and we were at Lonely Lake biv, resplendent in yellow after the recent renovation by Golden Bay Tramping Club.

It was lovely to lounge about in the late afternoon at such a superb and remote location. The two remaining bunks were soon bagged (two already taken by Joe and Lawrence, ‘independent’ NTC party) and the rest made camp in various locations in the bush or the tussock basin. After lake swims and dinner, a small quantity of whiskey was consumed for 2020 but none of the tired party saw in the New Year. However, it had been an excellent if hard day as the views from the Douglas Range were spectacular, the country delightfully varied and the destination superb.

Day 3, Wednesday, January 1, 2020

Author: Mike

End: Bush, Below Adelaide Tarn Saddle

Today would be the longest and most challenging day of the trip, where we diverge from the high route to head down into the Anatoki River, then up to Adelaide Tarn. As we ascended towards Drunken Sailors I reflected on the previous two trips; December 2007 we descended in rain and in March 2014 we encountered snow. This time I had the views, and taking seven days, plenty of time to absorb the surroundings. At the Drunken Sailors we turned right and followed a route that sidles under the Drunken Sailors. Joe perhaps took the easier route, following cairns down into the basin and joining us where the track starts along the ridge. Descending into the Anatoki River was fairly straightforward, just watching out for and detouring around a few bluffs. We had lunch immediately after crossing the peaceful Anatoki River. Tying a piece of 2mm Dyneema around the front of one of Don’s boots resolved the problem of the sole further parting company with one of his boots. [Note: I repeated the same mistake; pulling some boots out of storage for an 8 day trip up the Wanganui River and onto the Bracken Snowfield. Both soles started to part company on Day 2! Dyneema cord saved me on this occasion, plus some screws “borrowed” from the coat hangers in Smyth Hut. The moral of the story is don’t take boots that have been in long term storage for a walk; it is a known fact that rubber deteriorates in storage. If you do, take along some Dyneema cord and a multitool.] Don’s boot survived to the end of the trip. The single piece of 2mm Dyneema cord lasting the rigours of the Lead Hills.

There was an option to camp at Pt 744. This was duly discussed, but we decided to plod onwards and upwards. The track was less defined than I thought, from my recollection (12 years ago). We continued up, deciding to pause every 100m height gained. We followed cairns through the house size boulders and then on upwards, but then they stopped. Rather than religiously follow the GPS we searched around for cairns. By this time we had been going for a while and with only a couple of hours daylight left, the topic of camping came to the forefront. Joe and Lawrence (travelling independently but with us for the day) decided to press on. After dropping a very short distance back into the river valley we found some flat spaces and home was quickly established. Brews, dinner and a plunge in the creek (for some) ended a long day, but placed us well for a short day tomorrow to Adelaide Tarn.

Day 4, Thursday, January 2, 2020

Author: Madeleine

End: Adelaide Tarn

Everything seemed to be clear in the morning, we made our way uphill through the bush keeping close to the stream. It was quite enjoyable going and it didn’t take long until we saw the bluffs looming through the trees. A big cairn and a light trail led us up through the last steep tussock terrain to the ridge. And wow what a view. The Dragons Teeth were a bit further away now and in front of us in a basin, beautiful Adelaide Tarn. The timing was just right, with the Southbound group climbing up from the lake to the ridge as we got there. What a magical moment. After a good chat and information exchange we parted and strolled downhill through tussock to examine the hut and camping space. Adelaide Tarn Hut with 4 bunks was basic but in good order. The sunny afternoon was spent with cups of tea, swimming and taking photographs. ……...

Day 5, Friday, January 3, 2020

Author: Sue

End: Boulder Lake Hut

Our day began with a loud knock on the door of the hut and demands from our esteemed leader as to why we weren’t up having breakfast and packing for the next leg of our journey. As I remember my sleepy reply was, we thought the weather was too bad! How wrong I was. The winds from the previous night had completely dropped and a beautiful day lay ahead. After a quick breakfast and superfast pack up we said our goodbyes to our rather nice hut companion who had come in cold and wet the night before, we ladies made sure he was well looked after.

As we made our way up to the first ridge the views of Adelaide tarn with the Dragons teeth behind were completely stunning, no shortage of shots here! The route along the ridge was varied and interesting with great views, patches of bush, lots of dracophyllum trees and plentiful bird life. It was a nice surprise to see a number of Tui at this altitude. We eventually made our way to green saddle and found a warm sunny spot with views attached for a great lunch spot. After lunch we continued along the ridge a short way before starting our descent to Boulder lake. When we reached the Boulder Lake flats a jungle of high tussock awaited us, large holes hidden under tussock were numerous and we fell victim several times with much giggling and laughter.

Boulder lake hut was a welcome sight and it wasn’t long before water was on the boil for a welcome cuppa. We all took turns for a chilly and reviving swim at the waterfall behind the hut with plenty of time to relax and chill before turning in for the night.

Day 6, Saturday, January 4, 2020 - Sam’s day of adventures

Author: Debbie

End: Boulder Lake Hut

The morning dawned with a cold wind and clouds spilling over the ridge into the valley. Is the weather turning? Will it start raining, sleeting or snowing? Should we go home today, or hope for the best and spend another day in this wonderful environment? We stayed.

After a light breakfast, the morning commenced with Sam’s yoga class in the hut. Three yogi’s followed Sam in doing downward facing dog, pigeon pose and extended child’s pose among other stretches and poses, ending with a short relaxation moment, not long enough for a Nana nap. That completed Sam’s Yin program. Then it was up and out the door on Sam’s adventure # 2.

Five intrepid adventurer’s followed Sam up the hill behind the hut to do a spot of early morning canyoning in the river above the waterfall. The river was nestled in the womb of the earth, having cut a head high canyon into the soil, with trees arching overhead, creating a sacred and protected environment. In places the river had carved smooth and rounded shapes into the rocks, giving the space the essence of a sensual female’s body. We walked upstream and soon came to a series of deep pools with waterfalls cascading into them. Unperturbed, Pat lead us through the bushes around the side and we had soon climbed above the waterfalls. Above that was a section of the river that was completely enclosed by vegetation creating a narrow green tunnel for us to walk through. At the end of the tunnel we came to yet another waterfall, too high for us to climb around this time. We stood in the morning sun like lizards warming ourselves while a lone weka pecked for food around our feet, completely unafraid of us. He eventually moved off to fish in the river, which seemed richer pickings. Coming back downstream Debbie decided to complete the canyoning experience by jumping the two waterfalls and swimming the pools, much to the amazement and encouragement of the rest of the team, as the water was cold. Photos and a video were taken to prove it happened. Back at the hut hot tea warmed up cold bodies. So we completed Sam’s Yang program.

After lunch a lone female tramper, carrying a rifle arrived at the hut. “What are you hunting?” we asked. “Goat” she replied. “You are in luck”, we replied, as Sam had spotted a family of goats grazing on the lake water’s edge the previous evening. “Oh good”, she replied, “I have run out of food, so need to hunt for dinner today otherwise I don’t eat”. We asked her name. “Miriam” she replied. We soon worked out it was Miriam Lancewood, the Author of the book entitled ‘Woman in the Wilderness”. She went off to put up her tent and four of us set off on Sam’s adventure # 3.

We walked around the lake edge, Sam showing us where he had communicated with the goat herd the previous evening, to the now destroyed dam wall. The 10 – 15 m dam wall was built to augment the water supply to sluice gold claims on the gold mines on the Quartz Range goldfields, 6 km away. It was amazing to consider the hardy, (or fool hardy??) construction of previous generations. The outlet of the lake falls down a spectacular 65m waterfall within a steep gorge. We then went to clamber up the large rock slabs and boulders that form the base of the ridge up to Lake Clara and ultimately the Lead hills route out. Sam even had time to strike a yoga post on top of a large boulder, despite the strong wind. Mike joined us at this stage, and we all scurried around the slope looking for cairns to confirm our route the next day.

Back at the hut we drank more tea and Sam discussed the niceties of hunting with Miriam. Miriam entertained us with stories of her exploits before Madelaine breathlessly arrived back to announce “Miriam’s dinner is grazing at the lake edge”. Off Miriam went to shoot her dinner, while we prepared and ate our last dehydrated dinners. She was gone for about 2 hours, and we envisaging her gutting and skinning the goat before returning triumphantly for a satisfying dinner. Regrettably, the goats had gone by the time she arrived, and despite walking up one ridge then another looking for them, she came home hungry and empty handed. Sue was able to share her dehydrated dinner with Miriam, so she didn’t go completely hungry that evening. An early night for us, all packed like sardines in the hut, as we had an early wake up scheduled, to be on the trail home by 7am the next morning. It was with mixed feelings that I fell asleep…. Home – comfortable bed, good food, family and pets … compared to the companionship of my fellow trampers, the adventures of each day, the wonderful wildness of the surrounding mountains and of course, the feeling of being one with it all.

Day 7, Sunday, January 5, 2020

Author: Sam

End: Road End

Please permit me to conclude our tramp along the “Northbound Dragons Teeth Route”. Afternoon rain was in the forecast for Sunday, the 5th of January, 2020, so we discussed our exit strategy the night before. The nine of us woke up at first light and promptly organized breakfast and our backpacks. Soon we had assembled our group in front of the Boulder Lake Hut ready to start the day’s adventure.

Reviewing back to day 1, where we hiked up the easy Cobb Valley track in the warm and sunny, not too hot with little wind conditions demonstrates how quickly mountainous weather and track can change. This morning we were bundled up in our warmest clothing ready to head out into the cold windy conditions. Pat commented that it could be a bigger challenge if the winds were blowing from the North. Luckily for us, the wind was blowing from a southerly direction. Straightway we started out off track by first crossing Suspicion Creek next to the hut and then Arena Creek at the head of the lake before high stepping up the traverse through the knee high bush as we climbed out of the Boulder Lake basin. The ridge we chose was near a large dome shaped rock located above Boulder Lake’s outlet to the Boulder River, which some of us had climbed the previous day.

Once everyone was on the spur, Mike took his usual command position as the Tail end Charlie. We hiked upward toward Lake Clara following Nicola and Don as they scouted out the rock cairns until we reached a decisive ridge. The group split up as some of us followed the ridge up and some of us crossed it to drop down to Amphitheatre Creek and fill up with water. It is no surprise that the bush covered terrain can swallow up a hiker from view in a matter of seconds. The two groups were out of sight of one another for some time before reconnecting beneath the Clark Peak amphitheatre near the shores of Lake Clara. This reinforced just how easy it is to get separated from the group in this environment. We took a short break using the large scattered boulders for protection from the wind. Nina and Mike confirmed that we were at the correct elevation (approximately 1100 meters) to begin side hilling across to the Lead Hills ridge. We didn’t take time to acknowledge that this was our last major uphill section, as we pressed on to the next windy challenge.

Reviewing back to the previous days, we were challenged with everything steep; uphills, downhills, and sidehills, valleys and ridges, some with track and some without. Over the demanding terrain, we consumed our food and tallied up the kilometres. Our packs changed from very heavy to less than heavy as we all gained strength and agility day by day. The group toiled away for some time in the wind and the steep sections of mountain side covered in challenging track and bush for nearly 2 kms. Sam scouted ahead like an Alaskan mountain goat over the rough terrain finding the well placed rock cairns that lead us safely through this rough land. The five women in the group: Debbie, Sue, Nina, Madeleine and Nicola demonstrated remarkable endurance to conquer terrain that only the hardiest of gold miners trudged through. This would be our last major sidehill as we looked out across the vast wild valley carved out by the Boulder River.

A narrow barren saddle finally appeared between the Lead Hills summit and the ridge we would travel down to enter the bush at the end of the ridge, where the cars were parked. Before we could reach the bush, we were exposed to the strongest winds of the day as we watched the rain coming toward us across the far valley. The ridge track was barren but well-marked with cairns. The steep loose rock made for slow going as we careful picked our way down to the bush line. We regrouped and confirmed our next route section was through the dense bush covered ridge. It was important for the group to stay close together so that we didn’t get lost or separated in this dense bush. We made our way along the ridge as a slow moving drizzle began to wet everything down. Parts of the track were tricky to follow, and we lost the path (and each other) at times but we were determined to find the end of the track where our cars would be parked. It was a long 3 km plus trudge, at one time needing to climb down a steep incline hanging onto handfuls of ferns. By the time we walked out of the bush onto the road, we were wet, muddy, and likely all had a tumble or two. The rain was steady by this time, so it was a quick change into dry clothing as best as possible, down the hill through the farmer’s paddocks of sheep and out to Collingwood. We stopped for comfort food at Takaka before heading home for a welcome bath.

The team: Mike Drake (leader), Pat Holland, Debbie Hogan, Sue Henley, Nina Solter, Don Morrisey, Nicola Harwood, Madeleine Rohrer, Sam Young.