South Temple to Maitland Track Marking, 27th-28th October 2012
Due to the weather prospects as well as the avalanche danger in the East Branch of Steele, the advertised trip was cancelled.
However four intrepid explorers set out with tools packed to explore and mark out a route from the South Temple Hut towards the base of Mt Maitland. This trip has been done before by the club but there was always a degree of uncertainty near the beginning of the route. So the aim of this exercise was to remove this element as well as making it much easier for other parties to start this route, which also leads on to Watson Stream and on to the Ahuriri Valley.
The forecast was not great and was offering the full range of options. As it turned out it was not as bad as predicted and the 120km/h winds didn’t eventuate. Most of the heavy rain stayed away with just occasional skiffs coming over the divide.
Saturday morning saw us driving to the Temple car park and walking into the South Temple Hut. The Intentions book indicated that there were 2 hunters in residence, so a couple of tents were carried in for extra sleeping space. An uneventful walk in saw us arrive at about 1.00pm, and after a brew up and late lunch we walked up the valley directly behind the hut.
Following the side stream we eventually came to a fallen tree that allowed a crossing of the stream, and then headed downstream until we came to the second stream which we followed for some time, climbing some steep sections where needed. After some time we came to a spectacular waterfall of some 20 or more meters just where someone had whacked a piece of water pipe into the ground.
This is the stream which drains the valley that we would be working up the next day. Many photos were taken and we then walked back to the hut. The hunters had returned from their wanders too without any spoils as yet. The 2 tents were pitched to gain some space and after the usual food and tale telling, most were in bed by 9.
After a night with a bit of occasional rain, we were up bright and early the next morning and away exploring in some very wet and cold conditions to start with. Once we crossed the very slippery side stream by the hut, the climb up the exposed hill was just right for warming up.
When we got up a bit, a kea was spotted flying then landing and disappearing near the bush edge . This was unusual as none of us recalled having seen any kea in this area. We tried to see where it had gone, but to no avail and the thought was that it could be nesting here.
We climbed a bit further up the hill to the exposed ridge, and then dropped off to a long sidle to push through a route leading into the upper bush part, which eventually gives way above the bush line to the route to Maitland.
There were a few deviations but by and large we maintained a reasonable line which saw us reach the last patch of bush in good time.
Then the work commenced with us walking back exploring the best ways. We had not marked very much yet, and by and large ended quite a bit higher from where we had started earlier that day.
Then having a fairly clear idea of the best lines, we headed back in for the second time marking and snipping with loppers, until we finished back at the top of the bush line for the second time that day.
Then it was back along our marked and snipped route with much more snipping and marking, reinforcing what we were hoping to achieve until we arrived back at our starting point.
Now a large cairn marks the start of what we hope will turn into a track.
The day had been sunny at times but as it got later it got colder, and we were pleased to turn our faces hut wards and get back for hot drinks and dinner.
Much later the hunters returned and they too had had a successful day, having shot a young bull thar.
More yarns and tales were told as the weather gradually got worse. During the night it rained much harder on and off. Morning came with not much wind but the occasional rain turned into more persistent rain which then turned into snow. This followed us all the way out to the car park where it finally came to a halt.
This was an enjoyable and worthwhile weekend where we achieved exactly what we set out to do.
Thanks to Maurice, Phyllis and Noel. Robbie
Programme – Summer 2012 -13
December 2012
Sunday 8th
From 5:30pm
Christmas Party
Pot luck meal and BYO at the Weston Bowling Club
Bowling, eating, drinking and talking
Phone Bronwyn McCone 431 1877
Cost $ 5
Sunday 9th
Depart 8am from the Car Park
Mt David via Razor Ridge
A round trip taking in a special place of the late Ian Roger marked with a cairn.
Contact Maurice Gray phone 03 4346166
M
January 2013
Sat/Sun 12th/13th
Mt Domett
Depart 2pm Sat. afternoon from Chinamans Hut. Overnight at Hut, then day pack to Mt Domett. Home Sunday evening.
Phone Bill Bews ph437 8368
M $
Trip Planning
Monday 21st 7:30pm
20 Semple St, Kakanui
All club members are encouraged to attend, bringing at least one trip idea.
Let’s organise some great trips
! Contact: Dave Mellish 439 5895
Sunday 27th
Te Kohurau 2010 m
Climb the highest peak in North Otago. Starting at bottom of Ski field car park, ascending ridge overlooking Fluming Gully, returning via Ski field road.
Phone Neville Corry, 437 2531
M
Febuary 2013
Sunday 10th
Mitchell’s Hut to Clifton Falls
Depart 8am
Mountain Bike ride on 4wd tracks. Total 41 km, 90 percent down hill. Great views, but keep your eyes on the track.
Phone Noel Pullan 434 9679
M
Clubnight Monday 11th February
Swiss Peaks, French Alps and London
Speakers
: Margie and Brian Smith
Contact:
Supper Duty: Karen & Brent Wallace
Sat/Sun 16/17th
Mt St Bathans
Gentle walk on Saturday staying in Boundary Hut. Early start on Sunday to get up Mt Bathans or as far as time allows.
Phone Brent Wallace 434 2326, Uwe Grasmueck 434 9066
E-M
Sun 24th
Working Bee in the Herbert Forest
Help to get ready for our next Open Day on 28th of April
Depart 8 am Car park
Contact Maurice Gray phone 03 4346166
March 2013
Sunday10th
Hoods Creek, Podocarp Track
Starting at Glencoe Reserve
Phone Robbie Verhoef 434 6353
E/M
Clubnight Monday 11th
Zambia, Building under the African Skies
Speakers name: Ann Leidecker
Contact: Margie Smith
Supper Duty : Tony Wood and Colin Wollstein
Otago Anniv. Sat/Sun/Mon 23th-25th
To Mt Alexander
(Goal)
On road to Lake Brunner – 3-4 hours to Hut with outside bath. 2.5 – 3 hours to top of ridge, then 4 to 5 hours to Mt Alexander
Depart on Sat 7 am
Phone Dave Mellish 439 5895
M-F
Easter 29th-1st of April
Alps to Ocean Bike Ride
Some Sections – Options
Phone Robbie Verhoef 434 6353
Silver Peaks, 14-10-12
With the cars parked at the locked barrier, a few showed their skills at kicking a flat rugby ball around which had been dumped along with other rubbish on the side of the road. Not a pretty sight.
A five kilometre road walk bought us to the start of the Tunnels Track.Underfoot was wet and slippery on the steep descent to the Waikouaiti River South Branch but most were able to stay upright. After the below knee-deep crossing of the river we made our way up the ridge through the trees and bush until we came to the new 4 bunk Philip Cox Memorial Hut where we had No1 lunch at 11:45 am. It is a delightful hut and a fitting memorial to a well-liked man who was known to some of the members of the party.
Onwards and upwards, the Yellow Hut site was bypassed as we headed up to the junction of Rocky Ridge and the Gap. Because of the time factor, all selected to walk along Rocky Ridge so didn’t venture over to The Gap. Conditions were cool and windy but clear on the ridge where at times we became separated as we followed the vague tracks over scrubby undulating ground while the keen photographers had plenty of opportunities to get some scenic shots.
The Hermit’s cave was sighted off track but time didn’t allow us to visit it. Jubilee Hut could also be seen in the valley.
Lunch No2 was taken in the tussocks out of the wind. Later after leaving the ridge, we passed by Pulpit Rock and on towards the Green Hut site for a quick rest stop and snack. The wind had calmed down considerably by now.
At about 6pm, thirteen trampers arrived back at the cars after more than an eight hour circuit in the Silver Peaks
Thanks to Browyn, Robbie, Noel, Linda, Ross, Bill, Mark, Colan, Els, Dave, Wendy and Maurice for the company on a great trip in a great place.
Phyllis
Club Night – 08/10/12
33 people attended the recent monthly meeting of the North Otago Tramping and Mountaineering Club. Members heard about the relaunch of the web-site and were invited to send any comments as well the success of the recent programme with Weston School taking pupils into the Herbert forest. The president reminded members about the pot luck Christmas dinner on the 8th December. Recent trips included Mt Stalker with 13 people initially starting in foggy and cold weather but soon clearing for a long circumnavigation via the Gentle Annie and Cayenne huts with marvelous views out toward the Pigroot. A breakaway group of 5 went directly up Mt Stalker on the south side meeting up with the others and then finishing on a gently undulating ridge walk. There were a couple of independent trips to Mt Kohurau from the bottom car park up a steep spur directly to the top with the final third in snow. Both trips were eventful as far as the weather was concerned and reminded us all on how changeable conditions can be and to always be prepared. The first group suddenly experienced complete white out conditions on the descent to the Awakino ski field making navigation difficult and the second group a week later had to contend with near gale force winds.
Wednesday walker trips included Studholme bush in good weather and a new route for Deep stream starting in a nearby gully up to a ridge and back down the stream. The last 2 walks were Sheepwash creek off the road to Ben Lomond in fine weather until lunch and then turning quite foggy by the end and last week the Weston escarpment. Most Wednesday trips have been enjoyed by over 30 people.
Bronwyn McCone was our speaker and described a trip to the Galapagos Islands off the coast of Ecuador and a jungle experience near Coca in the Amazon rainforest. We had a short history of the Galapagos made famous by the visit of Charles Darwin in 1831 as well as the geography sitting nearly on the equator between several major sea and wind currents and between 2 main plates. The trip was a combination of snorkeling, biking and walking on several of the 6 main islands. The photography was simply stunning with a rich variety of flora and fauna both in the sea and on land . Most notable were the bright pink flamingos,dolphins, giant tortoises and very prolific and colourful iguanas. There was a spectacular crater and lava tunnels and in the towns, not just in the sea, the ever present sea lions.
The jungle trip showed just how dense and diverse the environment is but also how vulnerable to both large scale tourism and the exploitation of natural resources, in this case oil and gas. A highlight was the canopy walk giving a different perspective on the rainforest below. Again the photography was superb with close ups of various species some of which, including a tarantula and piranha, you might not have taken quite as calmly as the presenter appeared to do.
For more information on the club go to www.notmc.org.nz.
Mt Stalker
Thanks to – Robbie, Els, Uwe, Sylvia Maurice, Phyllis, Steve, Ann, Sam, Bill, Linda, Colin
and me Neville
An Unauthorized Version
News has come through of a remarkable first ascent of Mt Stalker in a remote mountain range in the South Island of New Zealand. The expedition group included 3 New Zealanders and 2 English climbers and the successful ascent was via the south face , previously thought technically impossible . The expedition was lead by Maurice Gray and the Verhoef express and later the group joined 6 others in an equally arduous circumnavigation of the area . The day was marked by a complete absence of what has become know in elite mountaineering circles as the Leidecker view.
Notices have been placed in the Times of London , The Mail of Oamaru and the Saint- Emilion gazette. Congratulatory telegrams have been sent by the Governor General of New Zealand and the Queen ..
