DATE: February 2021 Vol. 74 No. 01
Very esteemed life members on the Tree Trunk Gorge track, 20 December 2020 Photo: Graham Lyon
Please submit your March 2021 H&V articles to the editor by 29th February 2021 HVTC Postal Address: PO Box 30-883, Lower Hutt: Clubrooms: Birch Street Reserve, Birch Street, Waterloo Internet: http://www.hvtc.org.nz E-mail: [email protected]
President: Dennis Page 970 6901 Secretary: Murray Presland 562 8194 Trip Coordinator: Chris McMillan 569 9019 Treasurer: Jim Cousins 586 2135 Editor H&V: Bruce Miller 563 5966 [email protected]
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CLUB NIGHT PROGRAMME Starts 8.00 pm promptly
3 February : Jo Greenman – A Day in Life of a Ranger For a number of years Jo was the go-to Ranger on Matiu/Somes Island who co-ordinated the club work parties. Now she is a Ranger with Greater Wellington Regional Council and has regular contact with those club members who help with local conservation efforts. 10 February : Graeme Lythgoe – South Island Tramp in March (cut short by Covid-19) Graeme’s annual southern tramp took the form of visiting huts that he had not been to before, largely because they have not fitted in with earlier extended tramps. The group enjoyed just over a week before Covid “lockdown” was announced forcing a premature return home. Come and see which huts they managed to visit. 17 February : Nina Sawicki – Eastern Nepal Sales Table run by Graeme Lythgoe. Bring your cash and your saleable items. 24 February : Steve Tallon (NZTOPO50 App Creator) – Phone/GPS Navigation Steve will be giving a brief overview of how the GPS system works and how it is being applied to backcountry use on modern devices. Based on experience writing a mobile phone app using the LINZ Topo50 map series he’ll cover topics including off-line use, battery life, data privacy, some key tips and tricks, and a few of the more interesting applications he has come across. There will probably be a few stories about getting lost as well. 3 March 2021 : Andrew Robinson – Christmas Tramp 2020/2021 Andrew Robinson decided to take his merry band of wanderers on a picturesque section of Te Araroa while it hopefully wasn't overrun with Te Araroans. The chosen route was from Maling Pass, up the Waiau River and over Waiau Pass to Blue Lake, then out to Lake Rotoiti via the Sabine River West Branch and Travers Saddle. The questions the group had were, how many Te Araroans would be on the route, how bad would the sandflies be, is Blue Lake as blue as it looks in pictures and would the weather be good for the two passes to be crossed?
FORTHCOMING TRIPS
TRIP CATEGORIES Tramping D Day walk or evening stroll T Overnight or longer tramp Dog Friendly
Grade 1 Relaxed pace with plenty of rest stops. All terrain types may be encountered, occasionally off-track. Duration depends on the terrain and conditions, but is usually for no more than 6 hours per day. Grade 2 Steady walking pace with regular snack and drink breaks. Terrain may vary from flat river valleys to ridges above the bush line. Off-track travel may be involved. Up to 8 hours walking time per day, depending on conditions. Grade 3 Brisk pace with few drink and snack breaks. Terrain encountered is as for grade 2 trips but the distance travelled is usually much further. More than 8 hours walking time per day. Family Family trip. Very relaxed pace with plenty of rest stops. Suitable for small children. WP Working Party. Overnight or for a day. Voluntary work on HVTC Ruapehu Lodge or a conservation project.
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Cycling (helmet essential)
Very Easy. Smooth surface, broad track, basically flat. Any bike will do. Easy. Quiet roads and/or smooth gravel tracks; occasional hills. Medium to wide- tyred bike recommended. Intermediate: Usually includes off-road sections that may be rough and/or narrow; good-sized hills. Mountain bike recommended. Advanced: Off-road on loose surfaces, steep climbs, lots of obstacles. Mountain bike necessary.
NOTES Where there is no leader given for a trip, please contact the Trip Coordinator to volunteer to lead a trip, either as shown or an alternative.
FEBRUARY
6 – 8 WAITANGI WEEKEND 4 – 8 T2 Kahurangi John Evans 027 464 1824 5-9 T2 Putara-Kaitoke, S-K Andrew Robinson 586 2438 Sun 7 D1- Korokoro Stream Leader needed
Harcourt Park -Mangaroa Jackie West 027 473 9199 Tue 9 Harcourt Park -Cannon Point D1 Walk Julie Lewis 021 293 2118
Baring Head Overnighter Work 11 – 12 / Graeme Lythgoe 479 6630 WP Party
13 – 14 RUAPEHU 12 – 14 WP Ruapehu Lodge Work Party Kate Brownsword 562 0177 Sun 14 D1- Korokoro Dam Loop Leader needed Patrick Sun 14 D1 Clothes Optional 567 0157 Fotheringham
Redwood Station to Bothemley Michele Lythgoe 02 7359 1377 Tue 16 Park Polhill/Hawkins Hill Andrew Fisher 027 449 3661
20 – 21 TARARUA – RUAMAHANGA / THE PINES 19 – 21 T1 Ruamahanga Campout Jim Cousins 586 2135 Mitre – Park Forks T2 Murray Presland 562 8194 (Waiohine headwaters) Sun 21 D1 Mangaone walkway Dennis Page 970 6901
Tu 23 Belmont School - Hill Road Leena Stowell 027 672 1604 Belmont Trig -Belmont Tops Andrew Fisher 027 449 3661
27 – 28 RUAPEHU 26 – 28 WP Pinus Contorta – Pine pulling John Simes 027 464 1824 Sun 28 D1 Trip needed
Waiwhetu Stream - Cemetery Tu 02 Wrights Hill Paul Labett 027 344 2906
MARCH
6 – 7 TARARUA FOREST PARK - WAIOHINE T1 Totara Flats Campout Jim Cousins 586 2135 T2 Neill Forks – Hector Forks Murray Presland 562 8194 Sun 7 D1 Hemi Matenga Circuit Tony & Jo 021 228 4430
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Catchpool to Baring Head Tue 09 Lighthouse Makara MTB Park Mark Mills 027 405 1188
Appreciation for our Trip Leaders A huge thanks to Sam Visvalingham, Graeme Lythgoe (6), Jim Cousins (3), Murray Presland, Marina Skinner (2), Paul Wolstenholme, Andrew Fisher (3), Margaret Aitken, Sharman Robinson, Andrew Robinson (3), Michele Lythgoe (2), Mark Mills, Ann & Neil, Emma Dobbie, Julie Lewis, Tony Birtwhistle, Tony & Jo, John Smeith, Leena Stowell, John Evans, Paul Labett, Chris & Jackie, Chris McMillan, Murray McMillan, Michele & Graeme, and Russell Clayton for organising and leading trips during November, December and January. Occasionally unforeseen events lead to the cancellation of a trip. Appreciation to Jackie West, Paul Haines, Phaedra Upton (3), Chris McMillan, Graeme Lythgoe, and Pamela Campbell for organising a trip even though it didn’t go ahead. Ten trips were cancelled or postponed during October because of rain. Instruction Be sure to put aside Wed 24 March, the usual club meeting at 8pm, and Sat 27 March for Map and Compass Instruction with Patrick Fotheringham. Thanks to Dennis Page for running the Bushcraft Instruction weekend 12-13 December attended by 12 members and to Murray Presland for the River Crossing Instruction day Sun 20 December attended by 11 members. Lots of fun and learning was had by all and new skills have already been practised on trips. Trip Schedule Leaders are urgently needed for day trips – please refer to my email sent 27 January requesting trip leaders during February and March primarily for day trips. Looking ahead: Ideas are being discussed for Easter trips. Please contact me if you might be interested in a South Island multi-day Grade 1 tramp over the Easter period. Please let me know your ideas and offers for trips for the winter trip schedule. Chris McMillan [email protected]
UPCOMING EVENTS
RUAPEHU LODGE WORK PARTY 12 – 14 February 2021 The first Ruapehu Lodge work party of 2021 is scheduled for the weekend of 12-14 February. Here is your chance to help with the maintenance that keeps the lodge running for you. The "après work" facilities are outstanding. So come and join in the fun. We are looking for 10-12 able bodied persons to undertake thorough spring cleaning of the lodge, food stock take, changing mattress covers etc. Extensive maintenance skills are not a requirement. We won’t have the benefit of using the chair lift for access this year so all tools and materials will have to be carried, although we don’t expect to have too much of this. 4 BJFM/H&V/Vol74/No01
If you are interested please contact Ian McIlraith on ph. 4758458 ([email protected]). As the lodge will be open that weekend, if you wish to come up and enjoy the mountain but not participate in the work party, the usual very cheap summer rate of $27.50 per night applies and there are plenty of yummy roasts in the freezer to be eaten! Book with the Booking Officer in the usual way at [email protected]. ======SALES TABLE 17 February Please bring along items that you wish to donate to this effort. Home baking and preserves are especially welcome. Garden produce is also popular so bring along all the excess from you vegetable garden. Everyone else bring some cash to purchase some goodies with. ======ADVENTURE WEEDING WEEKEND: MOUNT RUAPEHU 26 – 28 FEBRUARY For over 40 years the club has been active on the southern slopes of Mt. Ruapehu eradicating wilding pines. DOC host us and pay for the transport. We stay in their Lodge at Ohakune on Friday and at their bush camp (beech forest) within the park on Saturday. They provide fresh meat (usually venison) and bbq facilities and a toilet. DOC provide tools and high visibility jerkins which we must wear for Health and Safety reasons. We are under their control but that is a good thing as they are nice folk to be with! The terrain can be rough at times but interesting and the pace is gentle. This year Whanganui tramping club will join in with us again. Friday: Some depart at midday Friday to allow for a leisurely journey up and a visit to a point of interest on the way and then dine out in Ohakune. Others working that day will tag on behind departing at 6pm and likely dine in Levin on the way. Late contingent usually arrive at 11pm. We will stay Friday night in the DOC Lockwood chalet in Ohakune. Saturday: Breakfast (own) over by 8am and ready to drive to Karioi Forest entrance by 9am. We will set up camp at Tufa campsite. We will have lunch (own) away from the campsite so a day pack for your tools and food and drink is essential. Shared/supplied evening meal with DOC and Whanganui tramping club on Saturday night. Sunday: Breakfast (own) and then back into the field for more weeding. Morning tea and lunch (own) usually in the field. We pack up camp early - mid-afternoon and make our way home. What will be provided: Milk including for cereal if you bring that, tea, coffee, Meat and salad, couscous and potato for the evening meal. Cream and yoghurt for dessert. Drinking water. Chemical toilet. Club flys and billies. What to bring: Bring two breakfasts (milk provided), two lunches and drinks and scroggin for the day’s work. For the evening bring nibbles and a tipple to share before dinner. Fresh fruit for a fresh fruit salad. Any embellishments to the modest menu that you so wish! Your wit or maybe a party trick. Gear to bring: Plates, mug knife and fork. Water bottle. Boots and storm gear but also sunblock and sunhat and shades. Torch, water bottle, day pack, sleeping mat and bag. Tent if you wish, I will have club flys. Gardening gloves if you have tender hands. Contact John Simes if you have queries or needs out of the ordinary. 027 464 1824 or [email protected]
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FROM THE GENERAL COMMITTEE February 2021 Training Courses: Training courses have been organised in Bushcraft (managed by Dennis Page in the Orongorongo Valley, 12-13 December 2020), River Crossing (run by Murray Presland in the Hutt River, 20 December 2020), and Navigation with map and compass (managed by Patrick Fotheringham, Wed 24 and Sat 27 March 2021). These have been/will be opportunities for Club members to add to their abilities to tramp adventurously and safely, learning from the skills and experience of the instructors. The General Committee is grateful to those who have shared their knowledge in providing these courses.
Outdoor First Aid: Instruction in First Aid now needs to be professionally provided. We are exploring providing a 1- day Outdoor First Aid Course - run by Peak Safety Training The program includes the following topics, held in an outdoor setting. Participants will need to use lateral thinking to manage emergency scenarios. • Accident site management • Patient assessment • CPR and basic life support • Fracture assessment and treatment, bleeding and wounds • Spinal assessment and treatment • Head injuries / Concussions • Common medical conditions • Environmental conditions and management It will be possible (at extra cost) for attendees to gain qualification for NCEA Unit Standards 6400 and 6401. The course can accommodate up to 20 participants. The General Committee is willing to subsidise the course fee, from the Natusch Bequest Fund, reducing the cost to Club members to $80 per person – but we need to know that sufficient numbers of Club members are keen to take up the opportunity before we proceed. The course would be run during a weekend in April or May. If you are keen to improve your knowledge of Outdoor First Aid please register interest in this Peak Safety Training course with Murray Presland (ph 562 8194; e-mail [email protected]) by 28 February 2021.
Tararua-Aorangi-Remutaka Huts Committee As noted in previous articles, the function of this Committee has changed greatly since it was set up in the 1980s between outdoor clubs and the Department of Conservation. Derrick Field, who many of you will remember, was the District Manager for DoC in the Wairarapa at that time. He has long since retired but remains very active, especially with a group of former employees of the N Z Forest Service. Derrick has recently become Chairman of TAR Huts Committee and is keen to establish a wider purpose for it - “I see it as encouraging clubs, groups etc to help with huts (and tracks), and, where we have funding, support those groups. The committee developed a strategy that was adopted by DOC into the previous Conservation Management Strategy virtually as is. I’d like to be able to get DOC to participate in reviewing that strategy, and developing a plan for the future. The committee has lost some of its ‘partnership’ with DOC, and to be useful. The group needs to be considered a partner for all hut work (and tracks) and DOC to meaningfully consult on their intentions.”
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Essentially it would become a grouping of clubs and people interested in recreation and conservation in the ranges of the region, meeting regularly with DoC and contributing to the management of their interests.
Present projects being undertaken under the auspices of TARHC are: • Complete renovation of Renata Hut by the ex-NZFS Group. • A new biv has been constructed, ready to transport into the site on Winchcombe. • Improvements to Burn Hut and Mangahao Flats Hut are projected. You can keep informed about projects being undertaken in the region by visiting TARHC internet sites: Website: https://tarhc.org.nz/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TARHC- 109758387387144/?view_public_for=109758387387144 The General Committee welcomes your comment on any Club issues at any time! Murray Presland ([email protected]) MEMBERSHIP MATTERS
Please welcome new members Shane Harrison, Roland and Dagmar Oldengarm, Peter Wilson, Zuzanna Chmielewska-Barlow and Cindy Carrad. We look forward to enjoying days in the hills with you all.
Doreen Courtenay Membership Officer LOST AND FOUND Lost One of the pruning saws issued over the Christmas break has, as yet, not come back to the gear room. Could you please have a look for this item, it is a BAHCO brand, orange in colour and marked up as HVTC#1.
Found A set of keys handed to Gear Custodian, one of which is a hall key. As yet no one has claimed the keys. Doc Watson Gear Custodian TRIP REPORTS
COLONIAL KNOB – KAUKAU Thursday 3rd December 2020 Graeme Lythgoe
One had to have a lot of faith in the Metservice at 0500 hours that morning as it was very miserable with clag and rain but the forecast for the day was excellent with even a temporary drop in the wind included. By 0700 the sky had cleared.
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We left 2 cars at Khandallah and met the others at the Elsdon car park at 0945. It is a lovely climb through the bush with the gurgling steam nearby. We had a snack on the Knob enjoying the
glorious views with everything clear except the Tararua Range. It was very nice to be up there in only a gentle wind. Then down and across to the Spicer forest for the zig-zagging route through to Ohariu Valley Road. Forty five minutes later we were having lunch in the grounds of the Holy Trinity Anglican Church. It was a short walk to the junction and we took the Rifle Range road which wends its way up on to Mt Kaukau. The afternoon was very warm but the NW wind was re-building which helped keep us cool. A final rest on the summit again enjoying the 360 degree views. Back at the carpark I was fortunate that Sam could squeeze the others into his car as I had a date with the “Panto” at Circa and would have been late if I had had to drive to Porirua. The enjoyable walk took a total of 6.25 hours. Those on the tramp were: Rosie Doole, John Fox, John Simes, Sam Visvalingham, Derek Richardson and me. Photo by Sam. Graeme MT REEVES CIRCUIT Thursday 17th December 2020 Graeme Lythgoe I had cancelled this tramp the previous week but encouraged by Chris I decided to run it again. It was a beautiful Wairarapa morning and a hot climb up to the turnoff on the Cone ridge, where we stopped for refreshments. The route along to Reeves was dry and the ground trail easy to follow. On Reeves we got good views in all directions although the hazy air prevented great photos. A cool light southerly breeze was welcome while we moved but we had lunch hunkered down in the scrub. Then it was downhill for about 10 minutes to where the new plaque is concreted in to the ground to mark the centre of NZ based on the continental shelf (rather than the land mass) although for convenience (not having to cut a special track) the site is about 250 metres NW from the true site. The spur 8 BJFM/H&V/Vol74/No01
down to Coal Creek is always pleasant travel followed by a somewhat awkward final plunge into the actual creek. Then a very short sharp climb back to the track and the bridge crossing. Stats from Andrew: Distance 12.6 km, Ascent ~1,000m, Descent ~1,000m, Min temp 17.9°, ave temp 19.0°, max temp 21.0° Those on the tramp were: Chris and Murray McMillan, John Fox, Anne-Marie Kay, Andrew Robinson, Sam Visvalingham, Murray Presland, Graeme Lythgoe and Dash. Photo by Sam. Graeme
McKERROW - WHAKANUI CIRCUIT Sunday 20 December 2020 Graeme Lythgoe
I like to end the year with a decent leg stretch, given the likely excesses of the festive season to follow. So, with a fine forecast six of us got away to a prompt start and were climbing up the Whakanui track by 0820. Despite all the spring rain, the track was quite dry in most places with the recent short spell of fine weather. An hour later we were heading south to McKerrow where we stopped for a late morning cuppa. An hour or so down to the 5-mile and out onto the Orongorongo riverbed. This area was popular with several groups around but above Big Bend it was just us again. There were many rata trees out in various shades of red along both sides of the valley. We had lunch at the start of the Whakanui track in the shade as by now it was very warm. It was hot work climbing up the Whakanui ridge with the light southerly very welcome to help cool us down. Then it was the steady downhill back to the cars by 1700 hours. Approx. stats calculated by Rosie: Distance walked 22kms, total time 8 hrs 40 mins, Total ascent 1,250 metres. Those on the tramp were: Heather Eskdale, Rosie Doole, Catharina and Andrew Fisher, William Liao, Graeme and Dash Lythgoe. Photo by Rosie. Graeme
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TRIP TO PLANE WRECK JUST BELOW THE SUMMIT OF SHINGLE SLIP KNOB, TARARUA RANGE. 9th January 2021 Mike Wespel-Rose Trip members – Mike Wespel-Rose and Murray Presland Gerald from the Tararua Tramping Club had put a trip on the fixture card to visit the plane wreck on Shingle Slip Knob during later 2020. Having never been there I was enthusiastic to take part. However the trip did not go ahead. Now it is January holidays. There is a good weather window in what has been a poor spring and early summer for tramping. Let’s go. Murray was the only one able to come with me. Leaving Wellington just after 2pm on Friday afternoon, we are tramping by 4.15 heading for Jumbo hut this evening. The walk in is in misty drizzle. Arriving about 7.30pm and pretty damp, there is still plenty of daylight as we cook our dinner. Off by 6.45am the next morning. The weather is thickly overcast and dark. But there is no wind. First up to Jumbo (1405m). Then along to Angle Knob (1510m). I have passed this spot many times over the years, heading north, but never “around the back” to the western side. Over the top and west we go. I have a trip report from a Wellington Tramping and Mountaineering Club trip to the plane wreck site 2 years earlier. From the summit of Angle Knob a narrow craggy steep sided ridge drops 150 metres to the flatter ridge that leads over to Shingle Knob. The WTMC had had problems descending this ridge finding very steep and challenging slopes on the left south eastern side. When they returned up the ridge they came up the north western side and found it much easier. So thanks to that report we stayed right. After heading down the ridge crest for a few minutes we came to the impassable pinnacle they had described. To the right was a steep gut filled with fine scree. We slid down this to get us below the steep rocky spurs coming off the pinnacle and were then able to traverse under the rocky ridge but still on steep slopes. Half way down the ridge I climbed back up to have a look and saw a route that would probably “go” on the ridge, but we chose to continue below the ridge. Reaching the saddle we continued over point 1412, maybe 100 metres drop into another saddle and up onto Shingle Slip Knob. There was no ground trail through this area Fuselage wreckage and it was hard at times
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working through the deep tussock. The plane wreck is accessible just 30 metres below the top of the Shingle Slip Knob. On old maps it used to be suggested that it could be an emergency shelter. What’s left does not look much use for that now. It was fascinating to explore the wreckage with tail section , wings and engines - but sad to contemplate the event where 2 young lives were lost in a moment in this remote mountain location The crash occurred on 17 February, 1955. Here is a short report that was issued at the time. After taking a few photos – not easy on the steep slope- it was time to return. From point 1412
The crew was performing a training flight and left Ohakea Airbase at 0917LT. Apparently while returning and flying over the Tararua Forest Park in poor weather conditions, the twin engine airplane hit the slope of Mt Shingle Slip Knob at 1011LT. The wreckage was found three days later a few meters below the summit and both crew members have been killed. It is believed the aircraft was off track at the time of the accident and the crew was unaware of the presence of the mountain due the lack of visibility. Crew: F/Lt Edward Casey, F/Lt William Trott.
we had an excellent view back up the rocky ridge to the top of Angle Knob. I could see the ridge section which I had inspected on the way down but not climbed down. It seemed reasonable to travel up the ridge, just to the left of the spine and then, at a point where we could see a rock wall, to head now left / north west and traverse below the pinnacle. I expected that we would end up climbing back up the scree gut we had descended on the way down. Travel along the ridge went well- there is a reasonable ground trail but it petered out near the top of the pinnacle. Dropping off the ridge to start the traverse, we could not identify the correct gut (the one we had come down) to climb back up to the ridge beyond the pinnacle - mist had now also come in, restricting visibility. So I explored another steep gully further to our left which eased out higher up onto an easier slope. In the poor visibility I was sure I could see the vague silhouette of the peak of Angle Knob above. How often have you heard “I am sure that is the top” on trips in the hills?– often mistaken. At the top of our slope we came across the footpad that heads from Jumbo around to MacGregor and the Broken Axe Pinnacles. We had ended up a little further north than expected but it
Looking back up ridge to Angle Knob was all good. We sat down for a well deserved second lunch.
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Then back to Jumbo and Jumbo Hut where we collected our overnight gear and headed down to the Atiwhakatu river. Although a bit tired the walk down the highly developed and easy river track to the road end was very pleasant after the rough country we had been through. 26 hours in the hills. What a great little adventure!
Our route - there and back. ps: Mike led the whole way. Murray ambled, flat-out, behind. Mike
COW CREEK HUT January 16th – 17th 2021 Tony Birtwhistle
Hot! Hot! Hot! All three weather sites promised a sweltering day for the Wairarapa on Saturday and their forecasters would not have been disappointed. Masterton peaked close to 30 degrees and the Tararuas felt only marginally cooler. Five intrepid HVTC members ( plus one prospective member) arrived at Kiriwhakapapa road end around 10.15 on Saturday morning – a little late as Tony had to water his tomatoes and ‘learn the ropes’ in collecting the van (did you know that the lights in the clubrooms and garage first require a master switch to be turned ‘On’?). The first 10 mins of walking were a doddle – a flat wide track amongst giant redwoods of all things but then came the climb and, boy, is it a climb. 800 metres of
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up, up, up with Anne-Marie setting a cracking pace until the sapping heat forced us to group up or risk ‘loosing’ back markers. It had been over ten years since Tony and Jo had undertaken a steep Tararua climb with packs and at one particularly sweaty resting stop they agreed to leave the next one for another ten! Not long into the walk one of Jo’s boots had its heel detach from the midsole. After a fine rendition of Kenny Rodgers “you picked a fine time to leave me Lucille (loose heel)” by Tony a repair job was done by Chris using a spare boot lace. All seemed good until the other heel gave way, again to be held in place using another boot lace. Then the left front sole detached itself to be followed by - you’ve guessed it – the right front sole. By now the soles and heels of Jo’s boots were only secured at the top caps (photo attached) but following further strapping Jo continued whilst those behind her kept an eye on any further deterioration. Anne Marie remarked that an article in Wilderness identified that boots often fell apart if not used for a long period. Maybe its editor would appreciate the photo? Midway to the Blue Range hut junction we met up with Maarten and Anja (BRUCE – please check name spelling here) who had overnighted and were returning. Their ascent time of 3 hours and fifteen minutes on Friday paled into insignificance when compared to their compatriot in the hut who boasted 1 hour and 20 mins. Wow! At the junction Jackie, Chris and Jo took a breather whilst the other three headed down to admire the view from the Hut surroundings. The climb back wasn’t so bad without the packs and once all were reunited, we headed on an upward sidle to our high point having lunch along the way. By now the heat was oppressive and extremely humid and the descent felt little better than the climb, so much so, that when Chris hit the river he thoroughly doused himself in the nearest pool. The track appeared to follow the river’s edge and Tony ploughed on up the creek however Zuzanna found the actual route through the bush and led the remainder of the party to meet up with Tony with at the impressive bridge over Cow Creek. All six trampers safely crossed the structure and collapsed in a heap at the Hut site. The hut was occupied by an all-female group from the Wairarapa undertaking the Duke of Edinburgh Gold program. The old Duke would be impressed by the ground they had covered in five days and, after staying in huts for five nights, they turned the hut over to us and slept out in the open. With the exception of Zuzanna they may have felt sorry for an older party sinking at the knees and dripping with sweat! Dinner was little later than preferred with Chris having trouble with his new-ish MSR white spirit stove. It appears that doubling the number of valves on these things can lead to quadrupling potential problems and Chris found most of them until resorting to reading the maintenance guide and finding that a damn good shake resolves most issues! Jackie then realised Tony’s fuel bottle was connected to the MSR and deftly and quietly replaced it with hers to lighten the next day’s load (Hmmm from Tony). In the meantime, Jo’s back up gas stove puttered away without drama to produce a welcome cup of tea. Zuzanna produced her membership form which we signed without hesitation in case she changed her mind following the next day’s exertions. Sunday started – and continued – cooler, with a fresh breeze and the return climb took 20 minutes less though no shorter or less steep. At one point Jo stood aside and motioned Tony to go on ahead but he declined, tactfully reminding his wife that he was carrying the Club Fly, its poles and pegs; a full MSR fuel bottle plus gas stove and cannister; her billy, its contents and the day’s food for both of them over and above her own payload!
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Approaching the final section of the downhill track we encountered a couple plus their two dogs who asked where the track led to. A brief conversation confirmed they had missed the sign for the loop track, had been walking for 50 minutes, and could have been going for much longer but for meeting us. At the road end we had just gathered in the shelter for lunch around 1.30 when the heaven’s opened. Good timing. The return journey was uneventful except for heavy rain whilst driving over the Remutaka range and Chris and Jackie had to be dropped off at their door to avoid a soaking. Overall a great weekend and a reminder to some of the arduous nature of the Tararuas.
Jo's Boots Trippers were: Chris and Jackie (Leader), Jo and Tony, Anne-Marie and Zuzanna Chmielewska- Barlow. Tony GREYTOWN OVERNIGHTER 28-29 Jan 2021 Graeme Lythgoe After an impossibly hot day for cycling on Wednesday (35+ degrees), Thursday was over 10 degrees lower and with a change to the south forecast. After assembling and unpacking we headed along the walkway for our first hurdle - the crossing of the Waiohine river. That accomplished with no difficulty we headed into Carterton for morning refreshments at Wild Oats. 14 BJFM/H&V/Vol74/No01
Then we headed around the Ponatahi route to Martinborough, about 26 kms. There was a fresh westerly wind which helped our progress. We chose Medici for lunch and were not disappointed. We sat outside at the rear and while eating a few spots of rain fell. It was hard pedalling out of the town into the strong westerly until we took Wards Line and enjoyed the tail breeze and much quieter road. After a cuppa some went for a swim in the Waiohine before we all enjoyed a BBQ dinner, which we had to have inside as it turned cold southerly and began to rain. Friday morning was much cooler and still Photo Frank & Robyn Usmar showery so we delayed our ride until 1000. Gill and Stewart joined us for the day. We headed off along the cycle trail to Woodside and along to the Tauherenikau. The river was slightly higher than the day before but was no problem (there is no sign of the proposed walk/cycle bridge announced as being “shovel ready” some months ago) and then we had a final shower as we rode into Featherston for a warm-up and coffee at Everest. The ride to the Tin Hut was made easy with the southerly. There we met Michele and Gerard for an enjoyable lunch, spoiled only by extremely slow service. The remainder of the ride was made easier by the tail wind and we inspected our Club President’s section before having a cuppa at Brampton. Everyone enjoyed the rides. The weather could have been better on the second morning but we all agreed that 17 and showers is preferable to 35+ and no shade!! The rides were approximately 70 and 60kms respectively. Those partaking were: Ann Hayman, Vera de Graauw, Robyn and Frank Usmar, Martin Watson, John Smeith, Michele and Graeme Lythgoe. Friday ride only Gill and Stewart Atkinson and Gerard McGreevy for Friday lunch. Graeme
LAND SEARCH AND RESCUE IN NEW ZEALAND 1934 TO 2020 BY ROGER BATES
Following on from Patrick Fotheringham’s talk to HVTC on Wednesday, 20 January, Report on Experience – The SAR Perspective we thought Club members with an interest in SAR may be interested in the above book. Roger Bates belonged to the Tararua Tramping Club and later HVTC for a short period after he married to Margaret (nee Preddy) who was a member of HVTC. Roger’s involvement with SAR goes back to his tramping days and his book covers all aspects of Land Search and Rescue volunteers over the past 86 years from 1934 through to 2020. The book is divided into five sections with the first two covering the development of Land SAR from 1934 until 2020, showing how the training, equipment, technology has evolved over that time. The third section covers the procedures and what happens on an operation and the fourth
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section is Case Histories over the years. A fascinating segment that shows the huge changes that have occurred in searching and rescuing. The Final Section is supplementary information outlining the people who have been instrumental in the Land SAR organisation over the years. Organised search and rescue in New Zealand was first mooted by Federated Mountain Clubs back in 1934, when tramping club members would go and look for their own (and other club’s members) who went astray in the hills. From searches and rescues through to the arrival of helicopters and now PLB’s it is a fascinating look at how SAR used to be through to how it operates now – as outlined by Patrick. Roger’s book puts this information in one place to give a complete historical perspective of the organisation and will also be a great reference work. It also brought back memories of our Club’s SAR involvement – fun times on Club SAREX’s and WAMC (Wellington Associated Mountain Club) SARTESTS, putting those skills into practice for the “real” thing and joining with other Clubs on joint SAREX’s and for SAR operations. A very different era to how SAR operates today, but it’s still very dependent on volunteers. Roger also wrote his autobiography, Peaks in My Life in 1919. The life story of a fascinating and remarkable man, his family and adventures. For those who know Roger and Margaret and for anyone with an interest in SAR these books are available for purchase from The Copy Press, Nelson www.copypress.co.nz Pat & John Tristram
Orongorongo Rescue January 1961
SARTEST February 1989
The views expressed in the articles in this newsletter are not necessarily the views of the Hutt Valley Tramping Club. Any queries or comments should be directed to the writer of the article. Contributions to the Hills & Valleys are welcomed and encouraged but all are accepted on the understanding that the Editor has the authority to make minor changes if deemed necessary, refer back to the contributor for amendment, or return the contribution for amendment by the Writer.
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