Club Night August 2017

Two New members were welcomed to the monthly Club Night.

Trip reports:

The Herbert Forest tracks were too wet to do maintenance on but the traps needed to be rebaited.

This resulted in a good catch of a large variety of pests.

5 members travelled to Alexandra and biked the Mellinium and Upper Clutha trails and 8 didn’t go to the South Temple because of heavy rain causing flooded rivers.

Wednesday Walkers:

There was a round trip to Cape Wanbrow in the rain, a cold walk on Kuriheka, a round trip across farmland in the Earthquakes area on a nice fine day and a circuit from Tapui Homestead to Davidson Road and back on an “almost Spring” day.

Coming Trips:

A new circuit in the Mt. Studholm area, a walk in to Liverpool Hut and a bike ride along the A2O to Rakis Tunnel and back via Victoria Hill.

The rest of the evening was an information sharing time.

John Chetwin led a discussion on risk management. He pointed out that risk equals likelihood multiplied by consequences. This was followed by a discussion on the risks of losing trampers, injury, and the weather.

Bess Allan showed us how to read a map and use a compass.

Neville Cory talked about crossing rivers. Always put safety first and don’t cross if it looks too dangerous. Study the river looking for the best place to cross, eddies, boulders and where to exit. This was followed by a demonstration on how to cross with others. Pointers emphasised were to have a strong tall person on the upstream side, take small steps and be prepared to turn around if the river looks like becoming impassable.

Members appreciated brushing up on these survival skills.