Meeting of the North Otago Tramping and Mountaineering Club – September 2012
Club night was attended by 33 people. There were various notices including information about Project Gold with a talk by John Barkla on an initiative to grow kowhai trees as part of conservation week. The future of the web site was discussed and a new proposal outlined for how to develop this. Various members commented and the subcommittee will meet to take this forward. The President emphasised the need for all members to look at the website and make suggestions on improvements they would like to see. The booklet on safety in the outdoors has been delivered and those requesting a copy need to pick up and pay Neville.
There was a recent first aid course and several club/ Wednesday walkers attended. Two club trips were reported on. 15 people went on the bike trip from Pt. Charmers to Aramoana enjoying reasonable conditions and observing the pilot boat going out and a passing container ship. 6 members went on the mid-winter trip to Big Hut in the Rock and Pillar range. The route up was via leaning lodge in windy, overcast conditions reaching the snow line and then across the ridge with its spectacular rock formations. Pot luck desserts were enjoyed by all, in the hut that night and the following morning there was short trip to Stonehenge and Museum rock in icy snow before a windy descent. There was a brief report on the tramps with Weston School in Herbert Forest. Wednesday walker trips included Hamden beach, Cattle Creek in the Haka valley giving splendid views in the gap between the Kirkliston and Grampian ranges as well as the Hunter hills and Big Ben in rough, windy conditions. Forthcoming trips to Mt Stalker and the Huxley Forks hut were described.
Trish Pope and Gail Papps gave a talk on their recent walking holiday in Ireland. The trip was dominated by rain but the party of 12 and their Irish guide didn’t let that spoil what was an extensive tour of some of the most picturesque counties of southern Ireland and an excursion into the Northern province to see the world famous Giants Causeway. Highlights included the Dingle in County Kerry and a boat trip in 4 metre swell to Skellig Michael a small island of the West coast famous for the puffins and an ancient monastery dating back to the 8th century. There were some dramatic photos of walking across the Burren a limestone area with an abundance of flora. The traditional Irish hospitality was much in evidence wherever they went and helped to lighten the mood after some very wet looking days.
Big Hut Annual Pilgrimage – August 2012
After the drive to Middlemarch and a car shuffle we began the trip from the Lug Creek car park. The party of six spread out finding their own pace for the long journey up the 4WD track. The day was overcast with a fresh Northerly wind increasing as we approached the Rock and Pillar tops. Sheltered behind a rock at the snow line we refuelled ourselves and donned parkas to protect against the bite from the wind off the snow.Our route took us via Leaning Lodge ,which is now under renovation by the OTMC From the hut there is now a marked track which will be helpful in foggy conditions but it was clear for us with the snow firm to icy in places. Once on top our party separated to take photos and view this stunning landscape also meeting up with two members of the OTMC out XC skiing while on our way to Big Hut.
Out of the wind and a brew on it was time to settle down and catch up with Bruce Mason the hut warden. Bruce and the Big Hut Trust have done a grand job improving and managing the hut, with the reclading and other renovations the hut is now a lot warmer. If all else fails there is table tennis to get you warmed up. Last year two of our party from England (poms) played two from NZ (kiwis) and the poms won. A whole year we have had to suffer this humiliation. This year change of rules, we would play singles.I am pleased to report the kiwis won both singles rubbers returning the Big Hut TT trophy back to NZ.
The kitchen was the place to be ,with the evening meal cooking and the thermo siphon warm air system operating the temperature reached 9*c. With the main course over it was time for the pot luck deserts. Such a spread there was easily enough for all the five others in the hut. Some of the dessert I was carrying didn’t make it to the table as it decided to escape into my pack.(The things you do)
Retiring early to a warm sleeping bag listing to the wind attacking the hut thankful that I was not in my tent tonight.Noel and Robbie were up early to capture the sunrise in photo,returning later cold and wind battered. You have got to be keen.
Breakfast including some left over dessert was had before heading out on Bruce’s Hobbit Trail leading to Stonehenge and Museum Rock. Well wrapped up against the very strong wind we made our way to this very picturesque place. Cameras recording the amazing rock formations. The return journey with snow softening and head wind was a bit of a grind.But back at the hut after early lunch hot brew, pack up and down the hill with the wind unrelenting. Retrieving the car from Lug Creek car park we were at the end of another great trip to Big Hut.
Thanks to : Noel, Phyllis, Ann & Steve, (poms) Robbie & Maurice, (kiwis)
Weston School outing to Herbert Forest – August 2012
Maurice did some basics to start with on safety and watching out for stinging nettles and bush lawyer and then we got them to orientate the map and we were off. The track is good with only a few muddy patches. There is one fallen tree right at the start but the kids just leapt over it . We pointed out a few things on the way up but the decibel level was not exactly conducive to bird watching . Still there was no doubt they were having fun and especially so at the caves where we had a quick drink and more of Maurice’s barley sugars . Our time was good so we set off back down the otherside of the loop in nice sunshine. A couple of them slipped over in the mud and fell into the gorse much to the amusement of the rest .
Just before the carpark they all decided to test their whistles . I can tell you ….they worked . All very worthwhile , enjoyable and some learning . Back at the school 2.55 and perfect timing for the school bus. Steve
Bike Ride From Port Chalmers to Aramoana
Back off the Mole a broad sweep of beach stretches along sand dunes known as ‘The Spit’, to the narrow entrance of the harbour itself. The tide was low and sands hard so we rode to the end of the beach and around to an old jetty where we found a sheltered posie from the now rising N.E wind to have lunch. A container ship entered the harbour for our entertainment. It was so close that we could hear the crew calling to us from the ships railings. We continued around the harbour-side of the beach and back into the township to visit the Memorial for the people shot by David Gray, a sobering moment. To top off our Aramoana adventures we tootled around the streets having a good nosey.
A delightful coffee stop at the Carey’s Bay Pub topped off our ride back to Port Chalmers. Temptation to explore further took us to the steaming mountain of wood chips at the wharf and on to circle around the shoreline of Port Chalmers Township back to the cars parked on the Main Street.
A great day was had by all fifteen adventurers.
By Tricia Pope
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.