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July 6 & 7, Big Hut, Rock and Pillars, Potluck Dessert Trip
Wednesday, July 10th, 2013
Too cold for shorts?
The prevailing snow conditions and an expected very high wind situation brought about a change of trip for this weekend.
Saturday morning saw 7 members heading out to go and do something around Mt Somers and when we collected in Geraldine for a quick coffee etc a discussion took place and we decided to head for the Pinnacle Hut. Hut tickets were bought at the Stavely Store and the request was made to drop back in on our return to report on conditions as no one had been in since the storm.
We were ready to go by 11 and away up to Duke’s Knob, we encountered only moderate damage to the trees and track at this stage. A deviation to Sharplin Falls was well rewarded with a spectacular display from the extra water in the river due to the meltwater. Lunch was had on the top of the knob with a view. We had gusty NW winds and fine weather but not overly warm. Down the other side and down to the Bowyer River, a brief encounter with an Iranian man who had returned after finding the track too hard to find beyond a slip made us slightly apprehensive. The damage to the track was now extensive with many trees having just fallen over in soggy conditions followed by a large snow dump. The snow was still there in many places and the track was quite hard to follow as it simply disappeared for extensive sections, it was also quite deep, deeper where the track beneath provided water channels and the snow had been hollowed out providing plenty of spots where legs vanished and were hard to retrieve, you know how that goes.
Up the last steeper slope and the little pass from where the hut can be seen, it looks so close from there, in good conditions taking just quarter of an hour. This time it took another hour to get here, the snow being quite deep. It was very good to get here by twilight, it would have been more difficult in the dark. The hut was well stocked with dry wood and some coal and it didn’t take long to warm the place and get hot drinks happening followed by food. The hut is usually serviced with running water in the hut but not now, the intake from the creek further up has probably come unstuck. Water was not far away with plenty of meltwater close by. Getting to the loo was also harder than usual and did involve close encounters with the cold snow.
We enjoyed a very good night up there, especially the very abundant dessert spread. One member showing exceptional abilities when it came to the consumption of whipped cream, not heeding in the slightest the many dire predictions made on the state of his intestinal tracts. We all ate plenty and felt very good indeed. Some merriment followed with the silly vegetable game providing plenty of laughs.
The following morning dawned with deteriorating conditions, more blustery wind and overcast. It was unanimously decided that a return the same way was the only thing to do given the snow conditions and the weather. It was much faster returning along the route clearly made the previous day and we were out for lunch in the carpark just as it started to clag in and looking backwards on the drive home the entire mountain was enveloped with cloud and it was clearly raining. Icecreams in Geraldine where it was fine and warm and home in good time. A very enjoyable winter weekend that provided plent of adventure and exercise. Thanks to Jac, Uwe, Sylvia, Maurice, John, Phyllis.
Robbie
The first of many for this member!!
Club Night June 2013
Tuesday, June 11th, 2013
Over 40 members and visitors attended the Clubs monthly meeting.
Trip Reports. Some trips were cancelled because of the weather, however in spite of an atrocious weather forecast, the Queen’s Birthday Kepler Track trip went ahead with seven keen trampers heading down on the Friday in a mini bus.
After being dropped off on Saturday morning at Rainbow Reach, they headed for Iris burn Hut, some 22km away. They were treated to a vibrant display of Fiordland fungi along the side of the track, which slowed the photographers down. They were kept awake by heavy rain and hut shaking thunder that night, but there was only light drizzle as they ascended the zig zag to the first shelter the next morning. The side streams were still raging though. However across the top they were accompanied by horizontal rain and slushy snow, and Luxmore Hut was a welcome sight. The sun came out during their descent to the control gates the next morning. A trip enjoyed by all.
The Wednesday Walkers day trips have been a Tapui farm walk including the old railway tunnel and Belmont Hill, the Waiho Walkway with lunch at the Waiho Forks Hotel, the Moeraki Walkway and along the beach to the South Kaik at times watched by basking seals, and Trig L near Palmerston. The number of people walking ranged from 12 to 32.
Coming Club Trips are Mt. Orr from Station Peak Road, and the annual Big Hut trip. Further information is available on the NOTMC website .
Our guest speaker was local mountaineer Nick Shearer, who spoke and showed photos of a N Z group’s Yangma expedition to Eastern Nepal in October last year, their aim being to climb two peaks near Mt. Kanchenjunga. They were assisted by seven Sherpa staff, and 34 local porters carrying 50kg to 125kg of gear each, some of them women.
The expedition left from Kathmandu on a 25 hour bus trip followed by a 12 day walk up a narrowing valley to base camp. Yaks were used as transport for the last section. The final village of Yangma at 4200m asl. housed about 50 people and was just two days yak travel over a pass to Tibet. Base Camp was a day further on at 4400m in a lovely alpine yak pasture.
The first mountain summit of Syao Kang, 6000m was an easy gradient though altitude was becoming an increasing hurdle. The second mountain, Chaw at 6400m proved too much of a challenge mainly because of avalanche danger, however two of the party climbed to a pass looking down into Tibet.
One of the party had serious altitude sickness and stayed at base camp, eventually being helicoptered back to Kathmandu. The rest walked out via another scenic route.
We were treated to some spectacular scenery, a glimpse of the difficult country they travelled through, and an insight into the Nepalese friendly culture.
Nepal, like a lot of emerging countries is a mix of old and new, the people using yak transport and cell phones. Politics don’t affect the mountain dwellers, though new roads are bringing the benefits as well as the adverse effects of civilisation closer. For example health treatment is becoming easier to access but so are sweetened drinks such as coca cola!
Kepler Track
Saturday, June 8th, 2013
It has been 23 years since I last walked the Kepler Track so what has changed? Well the track is still in the same place with ongoing improvements and forced modifications. The huts were the most noticeable difference. It looked like they had been on steroids, being much larger now.
After departing at 2pm on Friday for the Te Anau Holiday Park we arrived as the rain began. The forecast for the weekend was awful but we are the optimists.
Saturday at 8:30am we were transported to Rainbow Reach by Tracknet where we crossed the Waiau River on a long swingbridge to begin our journey to Iris Burn hut 22kms away which would require most of the daylight hours. This was going to be a hard ask as the pathway was lined in a
“guard of honour” style with so many different coloured and shaped fungi to view and our photographers in the group were forever stopping to capture this amazing show.
The day was overcast with broken cloud, temperature mild and the bush ever so colourful after the rain: couldn’t have been better.
A snack at Moturau Hut and some more photos of the glassy lake with snow capped peaks in the background, a photographers dream.
The group had split up to do their own thing, but came together past Rocky Point for lunch.
While crossing the site of the Big Slip of 1984, it showed me how time and nature can repair the appearance of these major events, as I looked back on photos taken 23 years ago when it was quite raw.
At last Iris Burn Hut appears, no one in residence. After getting the fire going we walked 20mins to view the Iris Burn Waterfall, a short distance further on from the hut. It was turning on a great show as we were dampened by the spray.
The rain had returned as we were joined by four more people for the night in the hut. Our party retired early to ready ourselves for the uphill journey next day, but the weather gods had different plans to keep us awake. As the rain intensified the lightning show began closely followed by thunder. At the height of the front pasing over the thunder shook the hut, what an amazing force.
All to soon it was Sunday morning, rain still falling and misty on the tops. Breakfast over, hut cleaned our party moved out at their own pace heading for the many zig zags to the bush line. With the nights downpour we were treated to a spectacular show of force while crossing a bridge spanning a steep side stream of the Iris Burn. This white raging mass of water was a highlight in my many years of tramping. The bushline reached and ahead the many manmade ladders of steps await us. Once on the ridge leading to Hanging Valley Shelter the driving wind-blown rain attacked but it wasn’t long before we reached the shelter for an early lunch. The rain eased when leaving with the wind behind us now we made our way through some slushy snow across the exposed ridges to the Forest Burn Shelter. From here it was mostly downhill to the warmth of Luxmore Hut. While sharing the hut with a party of scouts who were staying for two nights it made for a very warm and noisey place. The afternoon cloud lifted revealing fine views of Lake Te Anau and its surroundings, giving cause for more photos.
A head torch start on Monday gave us a view of Te Anau township twinkling in the early light. The track was all downhill to Brod Bay passing the impressive limestone bluffs en-route. With the lake calm, air still and clear skies the last section to the Control Gates was walked reflecting on a very enjoyable tramp.After a shower at the holiday park and lunch in Te Anau we set off towards Oamaru.
The team of Bronwyn, Phyllis, Noel, Bill, Neville, Sam and Maurice.
Whats next ?
Mueller Hut, 13-14th April 2013
Tuesday, April 16th, 2013
It was all go for 14 excited trampers 8.00am Sat 13th Apr, as they sorted transport, parked cars out of the way of parking wardens, and met new companions. The weather was perfect, and it appeared that it would stay that way. We headed off eagerly anticipating what Mt Cook region had in store for us, and especially a night in the alpine surrounds at Mueller Hut.
After a good trip enjoying the autumn colours and crisp mountain views, we descended upon the DOC centre, wanting to acquire the necessary hut ticket and then head for it. I would liked to have seen our faces when we glanced at the ‘hut accommodation board’ to see that all the beads [beds] bar 3 were swooped across! Even those of us who are not too hot on maths could quickly visualise that 5 on 1 bunk simply would not be fun, even if allowed.
Team meeting time. The decision was made to make a day trip instead of 2 days, and 1 car would try out Unwin Hut even though we had been aware of a party being held there over the w/e. No luck…so back to join the others and start our ascent about 11.15. Steeply up she goes.. with the Sealy Tarns appearing 1 ¼ hours or so after stomping up 1814 relatively newly constructed steps, sometimes almost as steep as a ladder. The tarns provided a nice setting for a lunch break, plus being about ½ way.
That was to be the end of ‘the nice neat track’. Now we just scrambled and clambered up a reasonably well worn route following the poles. At least we didn’t need to concern ourselves about mud, snow, or cool biting temperatures. Personally I was somewhat pleased to reach the saddle, and then negotiate the rock on the other side of the ridge to reach the rather majestic looking Mueller Hut that was certainly much newer and larger, plus a bit further on, than when I was last there 23 years ago. All our sweaty backs appeared as we dumped our packs, found food and liquid, plus our cameras once again.
Mt Ollivier was calling those who had not conquered it in the past, and still had sufficient ‘up energy’. 5 of us negotiated up the rocky ridge, to occasionally peer down on the Hermitage that seemed to be immediately below us. Apart from the imagined ‘falling forever’ if I slipped in that direction –this scramble and the resulting views were the highlight for me, and made the tedious steps constant climb [and then down] all worthwhile.
Conscious that even in this supreme setting that ‘time does not standstill’, we had to face the reality that we were not here for the night, and had to make base before dark. Down we trotted, some faster than others. It was surprising to see quite low down, some still heading up for the night. Likewise how poorly dressed and equipped many of the day trippers were. I don’t think at any stage did we feel that we were off a popular tourist route, not that that detracted from the spectacular scenery or company.
On reaching the car/camping area, I lost the bod ahead of me, and to my embarrassment –couldn’t find the cars in the fancy landscaped car parks. So made myself useful by going knocking the Deerstalkers and Canterbury Mountaineering Clubs doors.[Some of our party were reasonably keen to travel home after cooking up a meal, as no one brought tents along. Others were keen to make it a 2 day trip still.] What a surprise to find the CMC club had a clean and comfortable empty hut, that had 16 beds, shower, carpet, lounge chairs, gas cooking, dishes as well as pots and pans etc. solar lighting, and a diesel heater had we required it. Any disappointment and tiredness seemed to be dispelled as we claimed beds, showered, and fed ourselves. The evening entertainment/games left us with sore laughing muscles to accompany the leg ones! Just as well we had the hut to ourselves!
Those who snored had a good night’s sleep. It was a pleasant change to have a relaxing wake-up, photo session of the sun rising on Cook and Sefton, breakfast and pack-up. I suspect the warden- who we hardly saw, also appreciated the nights takings .
A short trip and hike had us at the Tasman Lake. Another perfect day for absorbing and photographing the grand surrounds, as well as debating the causes of the glacier retreat, the large lake and the numerous icebergs floating in it.
A couple of hours were spent stooging around the village, with some going to the Sir Ed Centre and DOC centre, while others found the coffee and food somewhat attractive especially sitting in sun on a windless day with Mt Cook reigning supremely.
Midday saw us hitting the roads again; replenishing our tired bodies with icecreams at Kurow; arriving home in time to shower, unpack and load the washing machine before our evening meal.
Thanks Noel for organising a great adventure, and for everyone’s company.
Noel, Ross, Ross, Bronwyn, Phyllis, Maurice, Sam, Colin, Bill, Matt, Teresa, Judith, Els, Jane.
Avoca Hut 23rd-25th March 2013
Friday, April 5th, 2013
Trip Report
What do you do when a strong windy, wet NWer is predicted when your trip is to be to Mount Alexander on the West Coast? Well eight keen trampers were still keen to go somewhere. With consultation of likely spots and weather effects it was decided to go to Avoca Hut in the Torlesse Range 50km west of Arthurs Pass.
Not to be outdone by Karyl Robertson, the first stop was Geraldine for a good coffee, the second at Castlehill for cream and raspberry jam on scones. Avoca hut was only 10minutes from the car. It was first built as a homestead in 1906 and has recently been restored by DOC. It is a delight! After settling in, some in tents, the eight of us went on an exploratory trip to the ridges to the North East. Amazing views were observed of the railway to Arthurs Pass including two large high viaducts and 5 tunnels. After a good meal, many stories of the past were told with hilarity.
We were fortunate to have Bill Bews and Maurice and Phyllis Gray who had been in the area before. So our second day was planned to explore the relics and operation of the coal mine that operated, in the area from about 1915 to 1925. It was a full day with reasonable weather. Foundations of cottages and bridge remains were found as well as a steam engine and boiler at the top of a cableway. The track of the connecting railway line to the main line was visible. We followed the cableway(2 cables still intact) through thick bush, on quite a slope, down to the river. Noel Pullan our professional cameraman had plenty of features to photograph. After lunch it was up the river to a side valley to the coal mine. After exploring, we walked up to the Broken river hut(4 bunks) which is mainly used by hunters. On returning we practised our river crossing skills and walked back to the hut. A great meal was had by all. We could only marvel at the determination and hard work of the early coal miners. The stories that were not told the first night were told the second!!
The final day involved packing up and heading to Cave stream by Castlehill. With head torches on and split into two groups of four we walked through the cave system about 1km. The water was cold (the shouting was loud), in places it was deep with several small waterfalls to negotiate and an interesting ladder climb out, but all quite exciting.
Geraldine provided a warm welcome coffee, on the way home, as well as a visit to Barkers.
By the way the weather was as predicted with strong winds at high altitudes so Mounts Torlesse and Alexander beckon for another day.
Thanks to Bill, Noel, Phyllis, Maurice, Anne, Rod and Wendy for great company and making it a trip to remember.
Dave Mellish
