Big Ben
Big Ben
Sunday 18 August 2013
Four hardy souls gathered in the car park on the second day of north-easterly rubbish. They departed optimistic that the weather either would be better inland, or would improve as the day went on. As they travelled up the Waitaki Valley, they were encouraged by a glimpse of the top of Station Peak above the low cloud. They set off from the car just after 9am in dry weather and an apparently brightening sky. The fools. Soon the cloud closed in and, as they climbed, the wind got colder and the rain heavier. After about 1 ½ hours they stopped for a snack and were astounded to see Bill emerging from the mist – or it may have been a cloud of steam – having slept in and made up half an hour on the main bunch.
Given the poor visibility, the intrepid five stuck to the track rather than attempt shortcuts. Nevertheless, they reached the peak about 11.45 to be greeted by a classic Leidecker view. Lunch was eaten quickly, photos taken, and the return journey commenced. It proved to be straightforward, notable only for some visibility returning in the lower reaches and a brief encounter with three teenage hunters with two dogs, an ATV and a trail bike. The cars (now two) were reached just after 2pm. All agreed the experience had been much better than sitting in front of a roaring fire watching television. The optimists were John A, Brian, Sam, John C – and Bill.
