Staircase Ridge 12 May 2024
Seven trampers turned out for this walk which does have quite strenuous climbs in it. It was a fine chilly morning as we set off down the hill to the Middle Branch of the Waianakarua River. Birdsong was unusually loud and the big descent was undertaken in good spirits. We had been joined by two younger potential members so some observation was required to see if they were going to be ok going up the Staircase ridge. As many members will know, the river part of this trip is particularly slippery at this time of the year, but luckily there had been no frost and fairly dry conditions meant it wasn’t too bad.
It was the same for the very steep climb out of the river bed going up the initial part of the Staircase ridge, probably as dry as I have seen. One of the young fellows developed blisters fairly early on which were dealt with on a few occasions during our walk, hopefully it didn’t put him off altogether. The track had ben trimmed since the last time I was there and the going was relatively easy.
DoC has taken on the maintenance of both the Tabletop and Staircase tracks and the track markers put in are probably better than ever, well done to the 2 local rangers responsible. This group set no speed records and by about lunchtime we had reached Pt 499 which provided some good views and a good place to have a leisurely lunch and the chance to have look around and pick out the various landmarks.
It was decided to return from whence we had come at this time and a pleasant, mostly downhill journey brought us back to the river and the last grind up the hill back to the vehicles by 3.30. A very pleasant day’s walk in good company with good accompanying birdsong along the way. Thanks to Neville,Neil, Helen, Rodney, Henry and Archie for coming.
Robbie
