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Broderick Pass, Labour Weekend 2015
Tuesday, October 27th, 2015
After initially having 7 people interested in this weekends trip to Broderick Pass near the head of the North Huxley River this was whittled down to 4 of us in the end. The weather forecast was a bit of a mixed bag so the expectations for the trip were by necessity flexible and we were equipped with tents and snow gear for a possible ascend to the Broderick Pass. However after driving in to Monument Hut on Friday night and spending a relaxed night there it was decided in the morning to leave the tents in the truck which then confined our options to staying in a hut.
A pleasant walk to the Huxley Forks Hut on Saturday morning, marred only by some clambering around wind-fallen trees on the Hopkins section, saw us arriving at Huxley Forks by 11am for an early lunch. The Hut-book indicated at least 3 people already at the Broderick Hut so it was decided to flag going up there to stay and we called the Forks Hut home for the next 2 nights.
After the early lunch, 3 of us set out for a walk up the South Huxley with the idea that we might get to the South Huxley Hut. Two others accompanied us but were quicker and ended up overtaking us. The South Huxley is quite a wild place and great views of the surrounding peaks were had including Rabbiter’s Peak and looking back the Broderick Pass with it’s surrounding peaks. We ran out of time to reach the hut and had a pleasant break on a sunny flat and returned to the Forks Hut by about 5pm. Phyllis had stayed behind and reported that another group of 4 had gone to Broderick, vindicating our decision to stay.
A pleasant night was had but sleep was hard to come by in the updated and insulated hut after the fire did its job even though outside temperatures were low with a chilly SW wind. The hut has been relined on the outside and has a new roof but the porch has been changed to the opposite side of where it used to be which puts it on the cold and windy side ensuring no shelter when it rains. New aluminium joinery completes the upgrade leaving the inside as it was more or less.
The following morning was bleak and blustery with overcast cold conditions which meant that any thoughts of reaching the top of Broderick Pass were shelved and we contented ourselves with just a walk up to the hut and a bit beyond and this was what we did. The erosion on the true right of the North Branch is stunning and involved climbing great heights to get over slips and dodging overhangs and rocks that could shift at any time. Truly a moving landscape and a very fragile one. We had another early lunch at Broderick Hut and went on to the start of the ascent to the Pass before turning back for the Forks. Another 5pm finish and another pleasant night with another 2 joining us in the hut making it too warm again for easy sleep. The day had gradually cleared and the evening provided a spectacular light show on the Naumann Range.
Monday was fine but the forecast was for rain after lunch, so it was just a straightforward walk back to the truck at Monument Hut choosing the walk down the riverbed in preference to the high track. The rain didn’t happen but it wouldn’t take much rain to make the 4WD track impassible, some of the sections are very boggy again. So after an icecream stop in Kurow we were back home quite early. This was a pleasant trip with good company in a fantastic place. Thanks to John, Maurice and Phyllis. Robbie
A2O Bike Ride, Duntroon to Oamaru
Monday, September 21st, 2015
20th September 2015
A late decision to use the backup day of Sunday giving a better weather forecast was used and the final number of riders only known on the day made for interesting organising.
With 14 cyclists assembling at the car park, bikes loaded onto trailers we set off for Duntroon and on arrival we met Uwe who had already had a warm-up ride biking from Weston.
As we set off in fine overhead conditions with a cool southerly breeze our first stop was at the Maori rock drawings less than 1km away. Mel’s borrowed bike had a puncture and a flat front tyre requiring a quick tube change and some warm up pump exercise.
The peleton moved on to the next stop in the valley of John Hore’s farm without further incident. After a snack in the warm sheltered valley it was tempting to stay but the show had to go on.
The steep zig-zag section leaving the valley saw some walking their bikes while others challenged themselves biking and won.
The off-road section continued across Grants Road and onto Duff Farm where a gentle down hill stretch exited onto Prydes Gully Road and another regrouping. Sarah had a woopsie on the loose pine needles, but that was soon sorted with a couple of sticky plasters and Sam had had an altercation with a stick getting caught in the back wheel but no damage to bike or rider.
A short section of tarseal took us back off road following the Karara Creek through farmland with lots of new lambs to Cants Road.
A gravel hill climb to Peaks Road saw the party spread out but regrouping before the enjoyable fast downhill ride to Rakis Tunnel. The dark tunnel was negotiated with the aid of several torches and red rear flashing indicators which took us to the “light at the end of the tunnel” where an obstacle course of pine cones and a wind fell log was crossed before arriving at Peaks Road.
The gravel lead to Windsor township and a short ride up to the old church, God’s Old House, where Roger and Carol’s new venture of coffee making for the tourists was sampled in a sheltered courtyard along with our own lunch. A pleasant setting,with bodies refuelled it was back on the road where the riding was easy going, following Pig Island and Burnside Roads linking the next section of offroad trail beginning at Whitstone and connecting the old railway line through Weston. It was here where the vehicle drivers and some of the locals finished their ride, while the rest continued onto the Oamaru Harbour, riding through the gardens, streets and historic part of town.
Rumour has it that some of the finishers ended up at Scotts Brewery for well deserved refreshments.
Thanks to the transport drivers and all who attended an enjoyable day ride in pleasant surroundings.
Uwe, Bill, Robbie, Sam, Kate, Pete, Sylvia, Chris, Ross M, John, Jane, Phyllis, Mel, Sarah.
Maurice.
Kakahu Bush
Friday, September 11th, 2015
Sunday, 6th September
Arriving at Kakahu Bush at 10am, the historical lime kiln presented itself boldly. Made of stacked stone, approximately 20 metres high, of a cylinder shape and built in 1876. This area is rich in limestone and also coal which together are used in the kiln to produce burnt lime. Coal and limestone are alternately layered and at 1000 degrees, the calcium carbonate is driven off and the remainder is calcium oxide, useful for agricultural lime. This kiln was used until 1900. We set off and soon were at the Pinnacles Look out which was a 10 minute side trip. We stopped for lunch on top of the Pinnacles with fantastic views of South Canterbury. On to the next stop which was the Balancing Rock hidden amongst large trees growing up the side of the cliff face. After this walk, there is a 10 minute Escarpment Track which is worth the stop. Also Waitohi Reserve is an old track, being amongst a Podocarp forest, so we had a 20 minute walk here but there is a 60 minute option also.
Thanks to Linda, Bill and John for the company. Bess
Cape Wanbrow & Beach Walk
Sunday, August 30th, 2015
In dull overcast conditions five members left the Medway Street carpark on foot, crossing under the Thames Street bridge, following the track by the steampunk headquarters and along to the end of Test Street. We then made our way up through the recently felled Cape Wanbrow forrest on various tracks, some bike trails and down to meet up with Graves Track. As low tide was timed for 9.30am, we didn’t waste too much time walking along the beach to the bluffs before Bushey Beach, passing several fur seals on the way. A light mist had started to fall as we picked our way around the rock pools without getting our feet too wet to reach Bushey Beach. More seals were present among the rocks and we also watched one swimming out to sea. Two pairs of oyster catchers were foraging along the tideline. The hide made a welcome stop for an early lunch. After retreating along the tops, we arrived back at the gun emplacements and after exploring the old lighthouse and forts we walked to Lookout Point and emerged onto Test Street once again. From there we strolled along the beachfront to a shelter at the playground where we had another lunch. The weather had improved as we explored the shops in Harbour Street. After admiring the engine at the steampunk headquarters, John set off the flames and steam, much to our amusement as we watched the reactions of some visitors. The walk ended after stepping across some concrete filled buckets which took us across Oamaru creek and back to the cars at 2pm.
Thanks to John, Linda, Bryce and Maurice for your company on a pleasant Sunday walk.
Phyllis
Mt Te Kohurau
Wednesday, August 26th, 2015
Sunday 23rd August 2015
Early start at 7am with 10 on the trip, Robbie, Maurice, Ross, John, Jane, Jane, Rodney & Helen, Tim & Noel. It was great to have Rodney & Helen Meiklejohn travel up from Dunedin and Tim met the troops at Kurow.
We lset out from the bottom gate at the Ski Field in perfect conditions. We followed the ridge all the way to the top and when approaching the snow, Jane Green and Helen tried crampons for the first time. Unfortunately the snow was very soft but they learned to walk in crampons in soft snow and across rocks. The views of Mt Cook and Aspiring were very clear, not a cloud in the sky. We had lunch at the top whilst taking in the views. We returned via the same route back to the cars. Some chose to stop at Kurow for icecreams. A great day had by all.
Noel
Summit of Mt TeKohurau