CLUB NIGHT APRIL 2014

A miserable night did not prevent a good turnout. General business included info on the Locator Beacon, tracks on the web page, and planning for the Herbert Forest Open Day.

Comprehensive reports were given by the leaders on last month’s trips: 3 day Arthur’s Pass trip weather great with close sightings of the elusive Blue Duck; Dromedary Hill with a falcon to entertain the 3 climbers as they rested after a long haul up; Herbert Forest Track working bee where 12 had a work out; and the A2O bike ride from Duntroon to Oamaru which pleasantly surprised all riders.

The Wed Walkers had climbed Dasher and its surrounds; walked Timaru’s coastal walks; had first walk on a new track developed by members in the Livingston/Dansey’s Pass area; joined the Pegasus group making 54 to walk at Shag point; and a climb up to the Kirkliston Range.

Some good trips are coming up if the weather co-operates, including 5 day trip at Arthurs Pass over Easter; 2 different trips over ANZAC w/e to Ahuriri and Temple areas; guided walk day in Herbert Forest, and our AGM. Information on these can be found on our excellent website: http://www.notmc.org.nz.

Club member Ross Milmine presented a visual feast on his childhood dream-that of visiting southern Africa to see its numerous animals, as well as the countryside and its colourful residents. To do this they visited 7 countries, travelled with a small group for 4,500 km in a house truck, another equal distance in a rental car, plus 12 flights. Ross’s skilful use of his camera took us over these routes and what they had to offer- often a mix of the old Africa and the new. Apart from the animals, markets, pollution from burn-offs and main fuel charcoal, and the friendliness of everyone, the following 3 aspects caught my attention. The visit to their World Vision child, doing things manually and purposefully to employ the maximum number of people, and seeing some Nelson Mandela’s life story. Thanks Ross!

Jane