Club Report – August 2012
There were several trip cancellations in the last few weeks because of wet weather.
If members wish to receive cancellation notices they should give the secretary their email addresses.
A First aid course is being held at Camp Iona 7th to 9th September, cost $145. Contact Neville Corry Ph 4372531. These are becoming hard to organize, and may not continue.
A new addition of “Safety In The Mountains” is available for the bulk price of $5 each.
Janis Russell and her partner are walking the “Spine of the South Island” next year and have requested organizing help from the club and any one else interested.
A planting day is being held at the Orokonui Scenic Reserve on the 2nd September. Contact Dave Mellish, Ph 43 95895.
Trip reports. Several car loads visited The Orokonui Scenic Reserve, and similar numbers next week went ice curling in Naseby.
Wednesday Walkers trips have been to Boundary Creek, the Seacliff-Split Rock-Green Point circuit, Mt.Shrives(858m) in the Hunter Hills, and the Domett loop with the saddle in cloud and snow lying.
Coming Trips. 19th August, a bike ride from Port Chalmers to Aramoana. Contact Noel Pullan.
25 – 26th August, Big Hut in the Rock and Pillars with the Otago Tramping Club. Contact Maurice Gray.
2nd September, Snow Craft Course at Awakino. Contact Neville Corry.
Our Guest Speaker Dave Mellish spoke on his fishing trip with 11 other blokes to Vanuatu. Based in Port Vila, they made several boat trips among the coral islands, swimming and snorkeling. However the main reason for the visit was big game fishing, and they managed to catch two tuna, having hooked four all at the same time, and some barracuda, but lost the one marlin they hooked.
Dave was impressed with the gorgeous flowering plants on the islands, the Brahman cattle grazing under the coconut palms, and the attractive fruit and veggie markets. He found the locals very friendly and helpful.
The highlight of the trip was a visit to the active Mt. Yassur volcano on Tanner Island. At only 330m above sea level, he was able to climb up and look down into the glowing crater which let off a reasonable explosion every two to three minutes. He captured it live on video with rocks flying up in the air, though fortunately the wind took them in the other direction.