Club Night October 2014

An evening to encourage prospective members to ‘give tramping a go’ was full of helpful information and it was good to welcome some visitors. Member John, told us why he’d taken up tramping and shared photos of some wonderful locations which are ‘right on our back door’. Other members gave practical advice on boots, packs, parkas, food, clothing (with Neville doing a spot of stripping! )and first aid. Being properly equipped is vital, as photos of a recent trip to the Hump Ridge Track so clearly reinforced. Club members are always willing to share helpful tips with newcomers.

Wednesday Walkers have been busy exploring various parts of Otago. The walk from Doctors Point, through magnificent coastal caves to Mapoutahi Pa and Osbourne, then up the hill to Mopanui was a delight. Other walks were from South Peak to Pigeon Bush, Table Top from the One Tree Ridge block and Studholme Bush in the Waimate Gorge and on up to the White Horse. A Waimate icecream before heading home is always a highlight.

It was good to travel over the new Kurow bridge to the Hakataramea Valley from where the group met the Hakataramea River at the end of Hatcheries Road and followed the river gorge back to Highway 82 before continuing up Old Slip Road.

NOTMC trips included a day on the Milleneum Track following the Taieri River for 2½  hours between Taieri Mouth and Henley (and return), and a weekend on the Hump Ridge Track, where nine members encountered blizzard conditions, water taps frozen and temperatures below zero. Prospective members – DO NOT be put off!