Trip Reports
Gentle Annie Hut
Sunday, March 12th, 2017
Gentle Annie Hut
5th March 2017
Two vehicles left Oamaru and three vehicles arrived at Mt Stalker station yards. Jane M hopped in and we continued up to the end of Tulliemet Road to the “T intersection”. From here, it was easy to see the route for the day and nine of us began our descent into the gully via an old 4WD track. As we continued down towards the Gentle Annie Hut, Jane found some berry laden Coprosma. Some Herefords were keen to get past us so we let them through. We reached the Gentle Annie Hut late morning so we sat in the sun and had brunch while contemplating going up onto the west ridge to cut down some wilding pines which were a fair size. The ridge was a fair size too so we flagged it. We then, back tracked for 10 minutes and started up the zig zag which is to the south east of Mt Stalker. At the top, the lookout is towards Macraes Flat, Puketapu, Conical Hill etc. From here we walked back to the vehicles via the Otepopo spur 4WD track. Going through the last gate, the same Herefords from the morning, were seeing us on our way. Thanks to those who came along. A short, pleasant outing.
John C, Linda, Colin L, Mark, Stewart G, Jane M, Jac, Roz and Bess
Grampians
Friday, February 3rd, 2017
29 January 2017
If asked to sum up this trip in one word -it would be ‘windy!’. But with the crazy summer weather we have been having, and that this was the first trip in almost 2 months, I think all 10 of us were just happy to be out in real mountains without rain.
It took a couple of hours to get to the top of the Haka Pass after picking up Bronwyn, Helen and Rodney and rearranging 4 cars into 2 at Duntroon. Boots on and we were on our way -all up for 2 ½ hours of steady climbing up 1000 odd meters to 1921m near Black Rocks. Some of us spied the rear ‘black daisy’ and Bronwyn many other species she could name.
Lunch was had with our back to the marvelous view of 7 [imaging one could see Middleton] but shelter was essential. Photos were taken, but I found it difficult to hold the camera steady.
With the wind increasing in intensity, we carefully braced ourselves to maintain our standing during the first section of our descent. After that it was all down at various speeds, averaging about 1 ¾ hours. Replenishing our bodies, those with mathematical/accounting skills were delegated to work out the complexities of the petrol. These 2 functions were completed at Kurow in a pleasant 29 degrees.
8 of the 10 had not been up the Grampians, and by the pain in my quads. a couple of days, it was obvious some had not been up 1000m recently!
Thanks for the company of Jim, Colin, Maurice, Phyllis, John, Bronwyn, Neville, Helen and Rodney. Jane G.
A20 Bike Ride Duntroon to Kurow and Back
Monday, November 21st, 2016
20th November 2016
After driving to Duntroon five cyclists rode through the wetlands and along the A2O trail towards Kurow in perfect weather conditions.
The first obstacle to confront us was the Otekaieke River which was cloudy and running higher than normal after the recent heavy rain and snow melt. Four cyclists appeared on the other side and while we searched for a safe passage across they proceeded to come over to us crossing the several braids and confirmed that the other 2 river crossings were negotiable. After pushing and lifting our bikes through the, at times, knee-deep water we made it across safely and continued on towards Kurow. Some of us had changed into crocs especially for the river crossings but as they were quite comfortable and our feet dried quickly we carried on without changing back to our original footwear.
The Otiake River was running clear and easily forded. After a pleasant ride along the flats we then cycled through the vineyard and across the cloudy Kurow River without any problems. Three more cyclists met us at the Te Kohurau Cafe for lunch and we all left at 12.30pm to cycle to Duntroon with the sun and wind behind us. The trail was in good condition apart from the odd rut considering the amount of rain that had fallen in the last week. One of the ruts caused a “Fly over the handlebars” for one but the only other casualty was a broken gear cable which was fixed temporarily using a stick and some strapping tape.
Thanks to Jane, Bron, John, Heather, Karyl, Jac and Maurice for their company.
Phyllis
