Getting Out There – Devils Elbow, 19th October 2014

Lunch on Round Knob, Mt Miserable behind

Thirteen trampers left from the parking area on Tulliemet Road and set off up the track in cool (6 deg C) but fine weather.  Obi and Siberia were in cloud , but otherwise visibility was fine.  After the short climb, the track led across the rolling tussock-clad tops in a south-easterly direction.  After an hour or so a trig came into sight and a branch of the track led off to the west to the Devil’s Elbow itself.  Time was taken there for a snack and to admire the views in all directions (except Obi),  particularly those down into the steep valleys of the Waianakarua North Branch and its tributaries, and the rugged rocky outcrops all around.

The trampers then backtracked to the main track and followed it down to a boundary fence and then up and down along a spur which, after another half hour, took them up to the Round Knob.  The sun was out, air temperature rising and, with the shelter of the rocky knob, comfortable spots were occupied for a relaxed  lunch.

The return trip followed the track out through tussocks whose colours were changing with the sunlight. By now conditions were warmer with the temperature in double figures and the cloud had cleared from Obi to complete the vista.  The cars were reached by 2 o’clock.  This easy introduction to North Otago’s accessible high country was enjoyed by Noel, Theresa, Michael, Vanessa, Marcel, Bill, Jane G,  Neville, Melvin, Roz, Jac, Jane M and John.  Thanks to Hamish Patterson of Mt Stalker Station.

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