Winter Fun

Quarterly Journal of the Wanganui Tramping Club (Inc) In This Issue! Advertisers’ Index

New Members...... 6 Andersons ...... 16 Club Activities Explained...... 8 Aramoho Pharmacy...... 38 Tramping Trip Requirements ...... 9 Caltex Gt North Rd ...... 39 May - August Trips List ...... 10 Display Asscociates ...... 53 Information for New Members...... 18 Guthries Auto Care...... 45 Outdoors News...... 19 Hanton and Andersen ...... 57 Condolences ...... 21 Long Drops Pack Talk-August...... 22 Hunting & Fishing...... 59 Harry Claughton Obituary...... 26 Masterbuilt ...... 38 Maule Aircraft Crash...... 28 Mitre 10 Mega...... 13 Photos from Our Trips ...... 29 Parnells Café ...... 16 Wanganui High School Tramping...... 33 Possum Lodge ...... 15 Armchair Tramper - Bookworm ...... 36 Stirling Sports...... 2 Facebook Instructions...... 37 Stephen Lace & Asscociates ...... 58 Quiz ...... 39 The Bike Shed...... 27 Trip Reports...... 42 Wanganui Tyres and Alloys ...... 52 BOMBS ...... 53 Annual Club Activities...... 56 Wilsons ...... 7

Cover: Sunrise from Mana Isl (Heather Mackenzie), Merilea and Ricki Wainhouse climbing Taranaki, Parikino - expecting rain, Margret fencing, Taihape trip.

The opinions expressed and articles published in ‘The Wanganui Tramper’ are not necessarily the views of the Wanganui Tramping Club Inc. The Wanganui Tramper Official Magazine of the Wanganui Tramping Club (Inc.) P.O. Box 7324 WANGANUI 4541 www.wanganuitrampingclub.org.nz

Issue 250 AUGUST 2016 - OCT 2016

Annual Report Wanganui Tramping Club AGM, 1 June 2016

Though our club is following the nationwide trend – ie, the majority of our members are in the older age bracket - our membership numbers remain strong and steady. Participant numbers for midweek activities are excellent, along with our weekend one-day trips, proving that many people still love the NZ outdoors. Days spent pushing personal physical boundaries, getting soaking wet or sunburnt, enjoying our flora and fauna, are labelled as "great days out". And doing these things with friends and like-minded folks is the icing on the cake.

A thriving club does not happen by itself. It takes the dedication, time, expertise and caring of many people to keep it running so well. Tonight I would like to personally thank those people:

Dorothy Symes - for her untiring work as our secretary and treasurer. Keeping track of the finances is a time- consuming job, and Dorothy's local knowledge of people and businesses is of great value.

Bruce Thomas and Dick Mitchell - for keeping our vehicles on the road in excellent running order, despite a troublesome side door on our new van - ex mechanics do come in handy!!

Russell Donaldson - for keeping tabs on vehicle fuel running costs and producing figures for passenger charges, to be sure we are covering expenses and building up finances for replacement vehicles.

Basil Hooper, Dorothy and Bruce - for the continued development and maintenance of the Waitahinga trails: liaising with the District Council regarding trail boundaries, the possibility or necessity of toilets, and the better positioning and size of the carpark. These trails are a wonderful asset for the Wanganui area and we must keep the Council believing that. Barry Francis and Peter Miller - for their dedication to our beautiful Mangaturuturu Hut. Their continued maintenance and upgrading work keeps the hut in tiptop condition, even if Barry has been slowed down a little over recent weeks!! (Perhaps tramping is safer than canoeing.) With the proposed closing in of the President’s Report Continued: veranda and a revised Memorandum of Understanding between WTC and DOC due shortly, the club may have to revise our collection of finance.

Brian Sixtus and Bruce Thomas - for their tireless care and maintenance of Possum Lodge. Regular trips there are often unspoken about until they report on work done. Our little Raurimu cottage is a fantastic family getaway destination, close to Ruapehu and National Park, with numerous walks and cycle tracks nearby.

Midweek tramping and cycling leaders and organisers, particularly: Earle Turner (Thursdays); Barbara Gordon (Thursdays and Tuesday cycling); Margaret Walford and Carolyn Shingleton (TT2 walks); Sandra Rogers (organizing leaders list for Wednesday tramps); Margret McKinnon (co-ordinating Wednesday tramps).

Roger Kealey - for visualizing, organising then doing, little by little, the Lower North Island portion of the Te Araroa Trail. At the time of writing there are two sections to go to the Cook Strait. Then, is it ‘South Island here we come’?

Tracey Hooper, Mike Cole, Mark Kennedy - for organising and leading mountainbike trips throughout the North and South Island. Tracey has set up some amazing trips over past years, the logistics of which are often more difficult and detailed than for tramping trips.

David Scoullar and Brian Sixtus - for putting together our three monthly, weekend tramp and activity schedule, giving us usually two options every weekend. Also for organising and encouraging club members to lead these activities. David Scoullar - for the many and varied, fun, educational and interesting articles for Tramper magazine, including of course the dreaded Longdrop’s ‘Pack Talk’. These articles do not just drop out of the sky, they take a lot of time and research to produce. Dave also combines with Margaret Walford to produce the monthly Billy Tea newspaper article, promoting the club’s up and coming activities. We get many enquirers from Billy Tea , often leading to new memberships.

Barbara Gordon - for dealing with these enquirers and giving out relevant information.

Chris Maher - for editing our great quarterly Tramper magazine, no easy task when many of us leave sending in copy until the last moment. Chris stepped up at very short notice to do the magazine and is doing a great job producing our outstanding mag.

Barbara Gordon - for her meticulous proof reading for the magazine. Betty Luff and Jacky Evans – for preparing the magazine for distribution: stapling, labelling,and sorting all ready for us to pick up, take home and read. The magazine gives all of us many hours of enjoyable and informative reading and provides a ready reference for names, contacts, trip details etc.

Basil Hooper - for that very welcome cuppa at the end of our meeting, a time to catch up and enjoy a chat.

The WTC Committee – for keeping the day to day running of the club in order. Margret McKinnon - for filling in for me when I "Go Bush"; tramping is what it's all about.

To many other individuals who contribute in so many ways, whom I have not specifically mentioned.To every member of The Wanganui Tramping Club for being part of our present and thus ensuring WTC’s future -THANK YOU.

The Wanganui Tramper 4 August - Oct 2016

WTC Officers 2016 – 2017 LIFE MEMBERS: Neill Simpson,QSM Dave Brockway Iain Elliot Dave Scoullar Doris Hamling Derick Matthews Colin Watson FOUNDING MEMBER - Margaret McGuire ------PRESIDENT Valarie Wackrow 027 688 8801 or 06 212 0910 VICE PRESIDENT Margret McKinnon 344 3899 IMM. PAST PRESIDENT Bruce Thomas 345 6532 TREASURER Dorothy Symes 345 7039 SECRETARY Frances Gibbons 345 8952

COMMITTEE: Cherry Channon Frances Gibbons Basil Hooper Helen Chitty Mark Kennedy Dick Mitchell Earle Turner Barbara Francis ------MAGAZINE EDITOR: Chris Maher

NEW MEMBERS: GUEST SPEAKERS: Barbara Gordon - 348 9149 Margret McKinnon - 344 3899 WELFARE OFFICER: SUPPER CONVENOR: Sandra Rogers - 348 7630 Basil Hooper - 346 5597 TRIP PLANNERS: MAPS: Dave Scoullar - 343 2836 Basil Hooper Brian Sixtus - 342 4843 EQUIPMENT / GEAR (Loan / Hire) : FMC LIAISON, Dick Mitchell - 344 4406 LIBRARY, FIRST AID: PERSONAL LOCATOR BEACONS, Merilea Wainhouse - 342 7664 LONG TRIPS/VAN USE Co-ordinator: VEHICLES: All - Val Wackrow 027 688 8801 Bruce Thomas - 345 6532 or 06 212 0910 Dick Mitchell - 344 4406 ------Sub Committees WAITAHINGA TRAILS: MANGATURUTURU HUT: Basil Hooper(chair) - 346 5597 Barry Francis - 345 3588 Dorothy Symes - 345 7039 Russell Donaldson - 344 2275 Bruce Thomas - 345 6532 Valarie Wackrow - 027 688 8801 or 06 212 0910 Earle Turner - 343 9848 Peter Miller - 343 6291 Margret McKinnon - 344 3899

POSSUM LODGE: Bruce Thomas - 345 6532 Brian Sixtus - 342 4843 Doris Hamling - 343 6901

PLB ( Personal Locator Beacon ) POST ACTIVATION: Dorothy Symes - 345 7039

The Wanganui Tramper 5 August - Oct 2016 Club Nights Club nights are held on the first Wednesday of each month (except January). Meetings are held in the Hunters & Deerstalkers Hall, 100 Peat Street at 7-30pm

Club Night Programme For details of the Club Night programme please see either the “Billy Tea” column in the Wanganui Midweek newspaper (generally the week before) or the “Club Notices & AGMs” notices in the Wanganui Chronicle on the Monday or Tuesday before Club night. All are Welcome

Pleased to Meet You! New Members Margie Chiet, John Fox, Julie Hamilton-Gibbs, Rosemary Higgie, Don Kilpatrick, Walter Lennox, Graeme Lythgoe, Tim Stubbs, Marie O’Leary, Brian and Lynley Shaw ------Are the details we hold for you (address, email, phone, etc) correct? Our membership database needs to have the correct information so we can keep our members informed and up to date. If there are any changes to your contact details please let Barbara Gordon (membership, ph 348 9149) or Dorothy Symes (treasurer, ph 345 7039) know as soon as possible.

The Media Team Tasked to produce The Tramper, upgrade the Website, and generally keep our members informed: Tramper Editor Chris Maher Communications Dorothy Symes Assisting Frances Gibbons Data Base and Advertising Dorothy Symes Proof Reading Barbara Gordon Distribution Jacky Evans / Betty Luff Advisor Dave Scoullar Website & Facebook Diane Harries/Heather Mackenzie
Copy
for
the

November
2016

Issue
of
the

Wanganui
Tramper

to
the
Editor
by

October
16th
2016.
(Earlier
appreciated!)

The Wanganui Tramper 6 August - Oct 2016

The Wanganui Tramper 7 August - Oct 2016 Club Activities MIDWEEK Wednesdays: A more challenging midweek day tramp is offered weekly, planned by rostered leaders. The coordinator is:

Thursdays: A tramp every second Thursday. No bush bashing, generally over better tracks and a little easier. Planned and led by Earle Turner. Coordinated by:

Coming months’ Thursday trips will be on the following dates:

August 11 & 25 September 8 & 22 October 6 & 20 November 3 & 17

TT2’s (the second Thursday walk): Alternate Thursday mornings. Leader is Margaret Walford. Carolyn Shingleton will advise the meeting place and time. Easy, ideal for the more senior member / recovering from injury / or for that extra walk with companions.

WEEKENDS Stayover trips (overnighters) and longer: These tramps are advertised in the Tramper along with the leader’s contact details.

Weekend day trips: Being trialled to cater for weekday workers and mostly advertised in Tramper . Ask to be on the email list if you are interested in weekend day trips. Contact Dorothy Symes 345 7039

Mountain biking: Mountain bike trips are advertised in Tramper. Enquiries to Mark Kennedy 927 5417

The Wanganui Tramper 8 August - Oct 2016 Tramping Trips Confirming your place For ALL trips, you must phone the leader to confirm your place on the trip. For day trips the latest you can phone the leader is 7pm the night before the trip. For weekend trips phone by Wednesday evening.

What you will need Good waterproof clothing including leggings or over-trousers is necessary. Woollen balaclava or hat and suitable mittens or gloves are essential for mountain trips. You should carry your own immediate first aid supplies. Check with the leader for more details of what is required for the trip. Take lunches for each day, and your drink requirements, plus emergency chocolate, sweets and/or scroggin. On overnight (s) trips, all other food is supplied by the leader.

Trip grading Trips are graded using four categories but these are a guide only. The terrain and weather conditions can make a difference to the difficulty of the trips. The best idea is to check with the trip leader or one of the midweek contacts. Easy: Moderate: Up to 3 hours tramping per day. 3-6 hours per day. Fit: Fitness essential: 6-8 hours per day. 8 hours plus per day.

Trips and Destinations Are determined by the leaders and details passed on to coordinator to advise you of trip details for you to decide and assess whether or not you want to participate. If you are not sure of any locations, best to google first for an idea. You can also contact the leader or co-ordinator for guidance. The planned day may change to suit those going on the trip or the weather prospects.

Fashion Notes Knit a head band with wool scraps (mohair is ideal). Keeps out cold wind when a beanie would be too hot. I knitted together two strands mohair and one strand sparkly yarn on 6mm needles; width 9 cm. Cast on 15 stitches: garter stitch (plain knit) throughout. Moss stitch would be good too. Slip first stitch of each row. Keep going until it’s a snug fit around your head (not loose), cast off and sew up.

The Wanganui Tramper 9 August - Oct 2016 Rules For Those Leading Weekend Tramps

The destination and brief location, plus the list of participants, is to be placed on the notice board at the club rooms before leaving. These details must also be emailed to the four PLB contacts:

Need help? For people with computers, with Barbara’s help we have put together a template. For those who don’t compute or have emailing facilities, phone details to Barbara Gordon 348 9149 or Dorothy Symes 345 7039. Both have answer phones if out and will be able to send your details to the PLB contacts. If preferred, Barbara’s email is [email protected] and Dorothy's [email protected]

August 2016 to October 2016 Club Activities

Note: Trip Cost Estimates Are Based On 8c Per Kilometre

August 6 or 7 Waiinu Beach Diane Harries/Royce Johnson 343 2222 Sat or Sun The walk from Waiinu Beach to the Waitotara River mouth has become a favourite, so there should be a good turnout. Di and Royce will choose the better of the two days weather-wise. Easy Approx cost $6

August 6-7 Gourmet Meal Trip Juliet Kojis/Dave Scoullar 343 2836 Sat-Sun Another mouth-watering menu is in prospect for our annual Gourmet Meal Trip. The venue will be Waiaua Gorge hut in Egmont National Park. Enjoy walking in this wonderful area and hopefully we should have time to visit the impressive Brames Falls. Easy/mod Approx cost $21 + hut fees ($15)

August 13 or 14 Tongariro Crossing Esther Williams 347 8456 Sat or Sun An opportunity to achieve a winter crossing of the fabulous Tongariro Alpine Crossing, if the weather is favourable. Club ice axes and crampons available. Mod Cost to be calculated

August 13 or 14 Rewi Alley's Cottage Ridgway Lythgoe 348 7507 Sat or Sun Rewi Alley's cottage is a straight forward hill walk into the Moeawatea Valley at the back of Waverley. The papa road down into the valley can be slippery after rain and is closed to vehicles in winter. We will park at the end of the metal road and it's a good tramp in native bush down to farmland and the historic cottage. Mod Approx cost $12

The Wanganui Tramper 10 August - Oct 2016 August 20-21 - Possum Lodge and Whakapapa Ski Field - Mike Cole 344 7275 Sat-Sun Stay at Possum Lodge Saturday night, then walk up towards Crater Lake from the top of the Bruce on the Sunday. Snow skills required. Mod/fit Approx cost $28 - junior $17

August 20 or 21 Ruatiti Bruce Thomas 345 6532 Sat or Sun Bruce has had to postpone his trip to the Oliver's farm because of lambing. Ruatiti Valley remains the destination but he will now lead us up the old road line into the entrance to the Mangapurua Valley, with the destination Bob and Maureen McIntyre's hideaway house. Easy Approx cost $18

Aug 27-28 Te Araroa Stage 9 Roger Kealey 348 8141 Sat-Sun This stage 9 is from Porirua City to Mt Kaukau, Johnsonville. It's getting near the end! The group will travel to Porirua by van, complete the tramp to Johnsonville and return by train. Overnight accommodation needs to be arranged in Porirua so please give Roger expressions of interest as soon as possible. Sunday to be decided by the group -- possibly a short walk around Porirua inlet, sightseeing or shopping. Mod/fit Cost to be calculated

Aug 27 or 28 Totara Block and Rotokare Dorothy Symes 345 7039 Sat or Sun The day starts with an explore to a new destination for the club, the Totara Block Reserve to a Forest and Bird Hut, 6km return. Then we travel to Lake Rotokare, near Eltham, to enjoy again the lush native reserve there, where from the highest points on the track views of Taranaki's mountain are enjoyed on a good day. 8am start. Easy to mod Cost to be calculated

Sept 3 Pot Luck Dinner Sandra Rogers 348 7630 Sat Everyone is invited to a pot luck dinner at the home of Sandra Rogers, 1 Lancewood Place. We've been hosted there before and know that Sandra's hospitality is second to none. No need to phone, just come. 6pm start.

Sept 3 or 4 Manawatu Gorge Sue Campion 345 0204 Sat or Sun After choosing the best day weatherwise we'll leave at 8am for a 9.30am start. This is a very pleasant 10km walk which takes between 3 and 4 hours, depending on how long we stop for the views and lunch. We'll walk through to the Woodville end where the van will be waiting to take us to a nearby café before leaving for home. Easy Approx cost $15

The Wanganui Tramper 11 August - Oct 2016 Sept 3-4 Kiritaki Hut Dave Scoullar 343 2836 Sat-Sun The Wednesday group has gone part of the way to this Ruahine hut along a recut track through thick leatherwood. Now Dave plans to complete the journey. Spend the night in a classic cosy six bunk tramping hut. Mod Approx cost $18 + hut fees

Sept 10-11 Winter Wonderland-Esther Williams 347 8456 Mike Cole 344 7275 Sat-Sun The focus is on the central craters and Ngauruhoe. Esther will lead a day trip into the area and Mike will take an overnight trip, staying in Mangatepopo Hut. You decide if you want a day in the snow in South Crater or a full weekend. There will be a chance to tackle Ngauruhoe. If you don't have an ice axe the club has a selection. If the weather isn't suitable, Esther has alternative dates of October 8 or 9. Easy/fit Approx cost $20 (day), $40, Junior $12 (weekend)

Sept 14 Trips meeting Brian Sixtus 342 4843 Wed You know the drill. Contact Brian or turn up at 7 Wairere Rd at 7.30pm to work on trips for the months of December, January and February.

Sept 17 Rangitikei Reserves Graeme Aitken 343 5063 Sat The day will be a number of small walks through bush. We will visit McPhersons and Sutherlands Bush in the Turakina Valley. Just south of Hunterville there is Bruce Reserve as well as Pryce's Reserve. A pleasant day out in spring. Easy Cost to be calculated

Sept 17-18 Kapakapanui Hut Roger Kealey 348 8141 Sat-Sun Roger plans to lead the tramp from Mangaone car park behind Waikanae to Kapakapanui Hut. This is a good track, forming a long, fairly gentle climb to the summit, with good views on a clear day. The group will overnight at the hut and return the same way. Mod/fit Approx cost $24 + hut fees

Sept 24-25 Possum Lodge Brian Sixtus 342 4843 Sat-Sun This is the first weekend of school holidays so an ideal time to pack up the grandkids and whisk them off for a rustic weekend at Possum Lodge with Brian. Lots of attractions nearby including, of course, Tongariro National Park -- the ultimate playground. Easy Approx cost $40

Sept 24 or 25 Atene Skyline Track Barry Hopper 345 3969 Sat or Sun The Atene Skyline Track, a perennial favourite, was closed by a huge slip near its northern entrance in June last year. Now that it is open once more Barry wants to lead a team around it. Mod Approx cost $6

The Wanganui Tramper 12 August - Oct 2016 Sept 26-27 Oturere Hut Esther Williams 347 8456 Mon-Tues On the eastern flank of Tongariro, the hut is popular on weekends. Why not fill your pack and enjoy the spring environment during the week? Mod/fit Approx cost $25 + hut fees.

October 1-2 Taranaki Weekend Dave Scoullar 343 2836 Sat-Sun Off to Ferdinand country again. This trip will follow the usual pattern: we will do our own thing on Saturday; in the evening go into New Plymouth for a meal and movie; and on Sunday join New Plymouth Tramping Club for a walk in Egmont National Park involving both tracks and off-track. Mod Cost to be calculated

Oct 1 or 2 Old Coach Road Frances Gibbons 345 8952 Sat or Sun Enjoy the start of spring with a stroll with Frances on this perennial favourite nestling beside Tongariro National Park. If we get enough people -- and we usually do on this one -- we will do a crossover. Easy Approx cost $17

The Wanganui Tramper 13 August - Oct 2016 Oct 8 Pot luck dinner/games night Julie and Trevor Kearse 345 0142 Sat It’s back to 1 Parsons St for another fun night, starting with a pot luck dinner and going on to enjoy the wide variety of games that Julie and Trevor Kearse have on hand. They'll also throw in a tour of their stately house. Don't miss this evening! 6pm start.

Oct 8 or 9 Marton Sash and Door Tramway Dorothy Symes 345 7039 Sat or Sun It is intended we explore the total 19 km loop for this day trip. The trail starts at National Park café with promise of a great variety with native bush, old tramway, some dirt roads, some pine forest at Erua and Waikune and a section of old railway line. Hopefully we'll finish with a nice coffee at the café where we started. On a good day there are great mountain views. Easy/mod Approx cost $21

Oct 15-16 Trains Hut Basil and Tracey Hooper 346 5597 Sat-Sun A trip to Trains Hut is a great way to check your fitness for the coming tramping season. Four hours scenic walk along the Waitotara River to the hut taking in the Terereohaupo Falls on the way. Out the same way on Sunday. Mod Approx cost $18 + hut fees

Oct 15 or 16 Raumati Escarpment Roger Kealey 348 8141 Sat or Sun Graeme Aitken led this walk 2 years ago on Roger's behalf, but Roger still hasn't managed to do the whole thing. The group will start at Whareroa Farm, along the Raumati Escarpment through to Coastlands in Paraparaumu (no shopping!) to the beach. Then south along the beach, through Queen Elizabeth Park and back to the van. A loop walk to see a different part of the Kapiti coast. Easy/mod Approx cost $25

Oct 22-24 Matemateaonga Track Helen Chitty 347 1902 Sat-Mon It's Labour Weekend and the Matemateaonga Track is a great opportunity for people wishing to tackle a multi-day track which isn't too taxing. This track, starting at the back of Stratford and running to the Whanganui River, follows an old road line much of the way and is mostly flat. Enjoy some beautiful bush and good company. Helen plans to stay at the lodge on the Sunday night and get a jet boat to Pipiriki on the Monday. Mod Cost to be calculated

Oct 24 South Beach Dave Scoullar 343 2836 Mon We tend to under-rate beach walks and South Beach is right on our doorstep but we seldom go there. Dave is putting that right. Pack a lunch and your thermos and we'll see how close we can get to the Whangaehu River mouth. An ideal trip for the grandies. Easy Cost to be calculated but it'll be cheap!

The Wanganui Tramper 14 August - Oct 2016

Oct 29 Rhodo Ramble Sandra Rogers 348 7630 Sat A chance to take part in the annual Taranaki Garden Festival. We will look at some gardens around the Eltham and Stratford areas. Bring your morning and afternoon teas, plus lunch. You will need extra money for admittance to the gardens, plus van fee and maybe a café. 8.30am start. Easy Cost to be calculated

Oct 29 or 30 Mangaehuehu Hut Barbara Francis 348 4720 Sat or Sun Mangaehuehu Hut is on the Mt Ruapehu's round the mountain track, accessed from the Turoa ski field road. There is a well-formed track with quite a lot of boardwalk. Barbara aims to get to the hut in time for lunch. A good but not too difficult workout. Mod Approx cost $18

Nov 3-9 Upper Hutt Margaret Walford 344 5412 Thurs-Wed The Upper Hutt area boasts a lot of tramping opportunities. Margaret has lined up a number of day walks in the Belmont and Kaitoke regional parks. Trip is full but you can go on waiting list. Easy Cost to be estimated

The Wanganui Tramper 15 August - Oct 2016

The Wanganui Tramper 16 August - Oct 2016 Nov 5-6 Penn Creek Hut Shane McCulloch 021614753 Sat-Sun We haven't been to Penn Creek hut in the Tararua for a while and it's associated with hair-raising moments crossing horrendous slips. Shane assures us there will be none of that on his trip as he is going in and returning via Field hut. Penn Creek is a standard six bunk hut in an attractive location. Mod/fit Approx cost $27 + hut fees

Nov 5 or 6 Rimutaka Rail Trail Sue Campion 345 0204 Sat or Sun After choosing the best day weatherwise we'll leave at 7am for the 2.5 to 3 hr drive to the Hutt Valley end of the track in one van, and the Featherston end in a second van. This is a 18km crossover walk (about 5 hours walking) which requires a reasonable level of fitness due to the length rather than the terrain. The track takes us through several former railway tunnels, so wear good boots and carry a torch. Wet weather gear is essential. Mod Approx cost $40

Nov 9 Trips meeting Brian Sixtus 342 4843 Wed Time to look at trips for March, April and May, folks. Brian is waiting by the phone for ideas. Or come along and share them at 7 Wairere Rd at 7.30pm.

Nov 12-13 Pine-clearing Ridgway Lythgoe 348 7507 Sat-Sun Another marvellous weekend wandering the amazing volcanic landscape of Tongariro National Park, camping in beech forest and eating fabulous food! Pine-clearing sounds a chore but it's really one of the best outings on our tramping calendar. Rangitikei Tramping Club will join us. Mod Free!

Nov 19 or 20 Turakina Beach Mike Cole 344 7275 Sat or Sun Walk up the beach in the sunshine for a couple of hours and back through the forest for some welcome relief in the shade. Easy Approx cost $5

Nov 26-27 Te Araroa Stage 10 Roger Kealey 348 8141 Sat-Sun The final stage of Roger's Te Araroa experience from Palmerston North to Wellington takes the group from Mt Kaukau in Johnsonville into Wellington city. The trail goes right into the heart of the city so if the group is keen there may be a celebratory coffee at the end! Overnight accommodation needs to be arranged so please give Roger expressions of interest as soon as possible. Mod Cost to be calculated

The Wanganui Tramper 17 August - Oct 2016 Nov 26-29 Kaimanawa multi-day Basil and Tracey Hooper 346 5597 Sat-Tues A four day Kaimanawa walk starting with the Te Iringa track to Oamaru Hut , Boyds Hut , Cascade Hut and back out to Clements Mill Road. Mod/fit Cost to be calculated

Information for New Members

Wanganui Tramping Club organises tramps of varying difficulty every Wednesday, alternate Thursdays and at weekends, with a gentler walking group fortnightly Thursdays. Mountainbike trips are arranged for one or two weekends every month. Email advertising and booking systems are in place for Wednesdays and Thursdays. Weekend and extended trips are advertised in the club’s quarterly magazine and enquiries are made directly to the specified leader.

You must have adequate and appropriate gear for the tramp and be of appropriate fitness level. The leader will rule on these.

What you need to take:

Warm woollen or fleece clothing, not cotton or jeans Plenty of layers of clothing, woolly hat, gloves, sunhat, sunscreen Waterproof rain jacket, not a light nylon parka Sturdy footwear, not light trainers Plenty of food for lunch and snacks Plenty of water, maybe a thermos in winter

You must take any personal medication and basic first aid supplies in your own pack. A change of footwear and clothing left in the van is ideal for after a tramp. Remember our weather can be very changeable.

The club offers one or two tramps as try-outs before you need to become a financial member and thus covered by our public indemnity insurance.

Bookings are made by email or phone: Wednesday by 7pm Tuesday night Thursday by 7pm Wednesday night Overnight tramps by the Wednesday prior to the tramp

Check out the club’s website The official quarterly Tramper magazine can be viewed on the website.

Club meetings are held on the first Wednesday of every month except January: 7.30pm at the Deerstalkers Hall, 100 Peat Street, Wanganui.

The Wanganui Tramper 18 August - Oct 2016
Outdoors
News
DoC funding -- up or down? Conservation Minister Maggie Barry insists DoC funding is not cut despite money put aside for conservation in the Budget dropping from $472m to $430m. She said $20.7m of the "perceived shortfall" was new funding for the Battle for our Birds programme and another $20m was carried over due to unexpected delays in several projects. DoC director-general Lou Sanson accepted the department needed to be clearer about its budget but said funding had definitely been on the rise. However, Greens conservation spokesman Kevin Hague hit out at "creative accounting" and said transferring money from previous years was not an increase in funding. Also expressing disappointment, FMC president Peter Wilson said one-off funding increases were not an excuse for ongoing core funding cuts.

Ruahine access issues need resolving Public access to the north-western Ruahine Purity Hut - Ruahines range remains a huge concern, according to the FMC annual report. Recent turnover of both DoC and Walking Access Commission staff had not helped, the report said. FMC had been assured that resolving these issues remained a priority for DoC while the Wellington Conservation Board had also pushed for a resolution. The status quo of severely restricted access to the Hikurangi Range, the highest ridge in the Ruahine, was unacceptable, the report said. A ban on road access to Kawhatau Base has meant it is difficult to access such huts as McKinnon and there have been no Wanganui Tramping Club trips in the area for some years. Similarly, landowner restrictions on numbers has meant the club has not been lately to Purity hut or to Mangaweka peak -- often visited on day trips in the past.

The Wanganui Tramper 19 August - Oct 2016 Warden rumbles hut swifty When a group of Kiwi families invented a dozen infants in order to fully book out a hut their plan was stymied by DoC volunteer warden Hedley Timbs. He was expecting a full house at the 26-bunk Waitawheta Hut in the Kaimai Mamaku Forest Park but only 14 people turned up. Timbs checked their booking and worked out what had happened. Waitawheta Hut "They had booked in a dozen non- existent infants. They tried to tell me they had friends coming but their car had broken down. Then later they offered me food and wine – it was really embarrassing how they tried to dig themselves out of the hole." Timbs was annoyed because this stopped others from being able to use the hut. "The problem with the online booking system is that people might want to go for a tramp, see the hut's full and think there's no point in going." He had no authority to force payment, but reported the actions to his superiors in Tauranga.

Veteran guide in DoC sting Tactics used in a DoC sting operation against a veteran Taranaki mountain guide have been likened to entrapment by his lawyer. Ian McAlpine pleaded guilty in New Plymouth District Court to a charge of breaching the National Parks Act. The department employed two people to pose as fictitious visitors and engage McAlpine's services on a nine-hour tramp around Mt Taranaki after his guiding licence was cancelled. His lawyer said McAlpine had devoted his entire life to mountaineering particularly on Mt Taranaki - where he had completed 1854 summit climbs. The 65-year-old had also been involved in search and rescue operations for about 50 years. He required a DoC concession to guide on the mountain but this lapsed at the end of 2014 when he failed to pay $1100 as he had been suffering from poor health. He had later tried to pay DoC but they had returned his payment.

New Great Walk plan finalised The route and huts for a Great Walk in Paparoa National Park in memory of the 29 men who died in the Pike River Mine disaster has been finalised. Environment Minister Nick Smith said the 65km Pike29 Memorial Track will go from Blackball to Punakaiki, including part of the existing Croesus Track

The Wanganui Tramper 20 August - Oct 2016 and the popular Pororari River Track. It will include a 9km side track to the Pike River Mine, where there will be an information centre at the amenities area and a discreet memorial at the mine portal. The new track will be to Great Walk standards, include two new 20-bed huts on the Moonlight Tops and on a ridge between the Pororari and Punakaiki River catchments, and will be open to walkers and mountain bikers. It is hoped to begin track construction late this year and to open the Pike29 Memorial Track in late 2018.

CONDOLENCES We convey our condolences to the following members of our tramping family… John Newton on the death of his father, Ken. Doris Hamling on the death of her daughter in law, Kerry. Murray Laing on the death of his mother, Elsie. The Claughton family on the death of Harry. The Bunker family on the death of Clayton. Tracey Hooper on the death of her mother, Beryl. We apologise if we have overlooked any deaths.

Barbara G has a dream It’s a favourite hobby: cooking and eating. And then there’s my secret fantasy, and yes it involves MEN.

Our club potluck dinners are always a great success and not to be missed. But who makes them happen? Principally the womenfolk. You know, we girls (at least those who do the lion’s share at home) would love to come along – just for once - to a meal prepared entirely by the boys. The girls’ contribution would be to line up with plates and lavish praise.

You chaps CAN cook. Lack confidence? Ask Chief Cook in your household : open a recipe book (if you can read, you can cook) : consult Mister Google : discuss amongst yourselves. So, gentlemen, are you up for the challenge?

The Wanganui Tramper 21 August - Oct 2016 PACK TALK AUGUST

Don't worry about avoiding temptation. As you grow older it will avoid you. - Winston Churchill

Congratulations to the organisers of the club's annual dinner. With a new venue (Laird Park Bowling Club rooms) and a new time (Friday night), it was a bit of a punt but it came off with some 50 people enjoying a great evening of fun and frivolity and the singing of entertainer Darren Wallace.

Guess who emerged as the maestro of the dance floor at the club dinner? Why the Earle of Turner, of course. Our own Fred Astaire!

What a hoot! Old timers' afternoon in June was a bit experimental. Would it be supported? Would it what! Some 50 clubbies and past clubbies had a great two hours yakking away, looking up old photo books and club mags and telling lies. And what a wonderful afternoon tea. Let's do it again next year!

It was a tight race for the minor placings but clear winner in our annual Quiz night was the team of Trevor and Angela Stratton, Stephen Hormann and Virginia Cameron. What people will do for a Moro bar!

Following complaints about quiz night clashing with an All Blacks test, the quiz master has promised to ensure that there will be no such divided loyalties in 2017.

Wow what a turnout for Dorothy's traverse of the Old Turakina-Fordell rail route. Thirty folk for a day tramp is a splendid effort and shows that efforts to beef up day trips at weekends is appreciated.

Counting candles … John Newton and Bruce Thomas both turn 70 in October. Roger Kealey and Jan Pavarno slipped below the radar last issue but we can report that they both turned 70 last May.

Almost a loaves-and-fishes dessert at the last pot luck dinner. Pot lucks usually and miraculously balance out, but not this time: only one person brought a dessert – and that boringly diabetic-friendly. So Jim was despatched to fetch two jars of home preserves (“no added sugars”) while Brian nipped across the road for ice cream. Dorothy had a pineapple - ripe enough - and a banana. No pavs and no cheesecakes, but the multitudes ate, and were satisfied. Notably, a young Kennedy grandson, head in the ice cream carton and licking out the last dregs.

The Wanganui Tramper 22 August - Oct 2016 History was made at a Thursday tramp when men outnumbered women by one. It took threats of thunder, lightning, hail and heavy rain to do it, though.

Heard the latest word invented by the Wednesday group -- "tree-wee"? No more looking for a tree, folks, you're off to have a "tree-wee".

Cheers! The Kowhai Park dairy re-opens following last year’s floods. Thursdayers have sorely missed this convenient ice cream stop.

How come, when all the rest of us are spattered with mud and ordure, does Walter Lennox appear to have just emerged from the Andersons Menswear fitting room?

Ady Gilbert had a hair-raising introduction to the Sledge Track when she was showered by a small rockfall. One rock hit her pack. No damage done but a story to bring home.

Now we know! Wayne Vincent is being lured away to bowls from tramping because you don't have to get up so early in the morning to play bowls!

Sorry Kev, it's taken. That's Ross Creek on the Sledge Track. Bragging rights were claimed earlier this year by Ross McBeth, a couple of months before Kevin Ross made his maiden tramp on the track in June.

Meanwhile, Kevin Ross is the Wednesday group's snakes man. That's snakes as in jelly snakes. He hands them out after every tramp. Very popular, too.

Shane McCulloch is a trier and he made it to Syme hut on his sixth attempt, rewarded finally by a magnificent weekend in June. He exchanged texts with Tracey and Basil Hooper, also enjoying fine weather at Oturere hut in Tongariro National Park.

A cheerful runner overtook a line of Wednesday trampers on the Manawatu Gorge track. "Who would you like me to push over?" he asked. No response from the trampers, though some may have been tempted to nominate someone!

Congratulations to Ridgway Lythgoe, latest recipient of the Boots Award for an outstanding contribution to the running of the club. The Boots, in memory of the late Raewyn Doughty, was first presented in 1987, which means the 30th presentation will take place at the AGM in 2017. The award is specifically for clubbies who are not committee members.

"You're contentious," laughed Graham Sutcliffe who declined to sit next to The Wanganui Tramper 23 August - Oct 2016 Dee Ess at the AGM. It must have been a prevailing thought as the two seats beside him remained empty.

Banging his head on a low branch, George Neil quipped: "Hear the hollow ring?" Yes we did!

Heard the term tramping/glamping? That's when on an overnight tramp you start day two by eating breakfast in a restaurant.

Deer deer! We hear that red deer roaring in the Mangapurua Valley made for a restless night for some of our Easter Weekend trekkers including Dorothy Symes.

Have you a Tom Luff poem tucked away, or a photo of him? If so Dave Scoullar would like to know. He is arranging a memorial booklet on Tom and is scouting around for material.

Good luck, Winston! We see that after he and about 30 householders in the Ruatiti Valley had their phone connections cut for a week by a lightning strike, Winston responded: "Now we want a refund on our accounts."

They are such a cruel lot are our trampers … one asked if the camera Brian Doughty was wearing around his neck was his pace-maker!

It’s a crossover, so put your change of clothes in the other van not your pack, Dorothy. No morning tea, no lunch = a begging bowl and unkind laughter from the rest of the group.

Our Hawke's Bay domiciled clubbie Athol Hughes says his new hip is coming along well but not well enough for him to host a tramp over Labour Weekend. We have fond memories of Labour Weekend visits to Athol in past years. Maybe next year.

Dee Ess got some flak over the Otaki Gorge Rd temporary track trip in May for his description of the route as "flat." It was anything but. We even came across 100m of rope to assist on the steep bush descent. So take his trip promotions with a dose of salt.

Take a bow Barbara Gordon for the best trip report in the Tramper over the past year. Judge Esther Williams awarded Sue McBride second place and Caroline Shingleton third. Barbara will be the judge for the 2017 awards.

One way to avoid the cold is to go where it's warm. Taking this option and enjoying Fiji have been Irene Back and Barry Nixon. Other wanderers include: To the USA -- Dorothy Symes; to the US and UK -- Robert Lakeland and Suzanne Roberts; to Oz -- Laurel Stowell; to Netherlands -- Lyneke Onderwater; to UK -- Sue McBride; to Europe -- Ridgy.

The Wanganui Tramper 24 August - Oct 2016 A mention by Billy Tea in Midweek resulted in Tracey Hooper being asked by Tourism Waitaki to share her experiences riding the Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail in the trail's monthly newsletter.

The recent death of former member Clayton Bunker is noted. Clayton, a professional painter, did a great job painting Possum Lodge in 2006, helped by sons Lewis and Curtis.

Meanwhile we pass our best wishes to clubbies who haven't been so well lately, including Marg Walford and Dick Mitchell.

Welcome home to our UK trekkers. We look forward to hearing all about your adventures.

Long Drop is not sure if Shane McCulloch's photo of an icicle-covered Syme Hut which appeared in the Wanganui Chronicle is the greatest advertisement for winter tramping. It looks freezing up there!

And the good news is that the Otaki Gorge Rd has re-opened after seven months and we can once again plan tramps to Otaki Forks and beyond.

Next time clubbies visit Tahupo hut in the Waitotara they'll find it's moved. But not far -- about 2m. This was necessary because the flood of June 2015 triggered a large slip in front of the hut, causing it to be closed.

Rangiora is also known as the bushman's toilet paper. So it was no surprise to see some rangiora leaves provided as an alternative to standard toilet paper in the toilet at the Sledge Track car park.

Wednesday trampers visiting Waiaua Gorge Hut in July noted a new wood splitting gizmo at the hut. Wanna see it? Join the gourmet meal trip overnighter to the hut the first weekend in August.

What was Dee Ess doing with a metal detector on the banks of the river below Landguard Bluff? Simply trying to find his lost specs. But the iron sand meant the detector was useless and the specs remain lost.

Helpful hint: Don't do up your boot laces properly until just before you start tramping. Feet and ankles enlarge after you get up in the morning. If laces are done up when you put on your boots they can be uncomfortably tight when it's time to set out and can cause discomfort to feet and legs.

The Wanganui Tramper 25 August - Oct 2016 HARRY A HAPPY MIDWEEK WANDERER By Dave Scoullar Harry Claughton, who died aged 91 on 18 June 2016, was an early stalwart of Wednesday and then Thursday tramping in the Wanganui Tramping Club. Harry wrote an article on midweek tramping in the club's 50th jubilee magazine in 2002. He recalled that midweek tramping, with the selected day Wednesday, began in March of 1988 with a core group of about 16, including him. With the intrepid Harry Stimpson a member, the Wednesday trampers were soon tackling some challenging exploring. This was often to little-known areas that in particular Harry S wanted to go to, some with no return visits! Margaret Walford recalls: "Often we would stop somewhere and the two Harrys would have their maps out to check their position before happily moving on, with the rest of the group dutifully following." Harry C was even known to have sometimes overruled Harry S in discussions on navigation. Always a gentleman, he was a great mathematician, very helpful and willing to pass on knowledge to those who were interested. Oriole, his wife, would usually accompany him on trips. In 1996 Thursday tramping began for those who wanted something less demanding. Harry C was a trip organiser and participant for a number of years. His leadership role was recognised in 2003 when he received the Boots Award, given each annual meeting to a member (not on the committee) for an outstanding contribution to the running of the club. A thoroughly deserving recipient, Harry will be remembered as a meticulous organiser and a knowledgeable and caring leader. In the words of Irene Back, he was someone who "kept an eye on you." Midweek tramping meant a lot to Harry, sharing these thoughts in his 2002 article: "For this veteran tramper, the midweek groups have produced a happy wind-down to a lifetime interest which would otherwise have ended abruptly several years ago." A teacher and later a school inspector, Harry served as an airman in WW2 and his death leaves Darrell Grace (ex-navy) as the club's last surviving veteran from that conflict.

Midweek tramping leaders the two Harrys -- Claughton (centre left) and Stimpson -- are flanked by Pam Watson (left) and Catherine Woodcock. Photo by Margaret Walford.

The Wanganui Tramper 26 August - Oct 2016

Limericks

Brenda's a lass from the farm Country life really does her no harm And a tramp once a week Means she's at her peak And it does, she says, help keep her calm

Editor Chris will give a hiss If the Tramper deadline you miss But if your story's on time Or you come up with a rhyme It'll be less hiss and more kiss

Russell was known for his heavy pack Strength and power he didn't lack But he was prone to get cramp Which could spoil his tramp And slowed his progress on the track

The Wanganui Tramper 27 August - Oct 2016 Continuing our missing aircraft series ... MAULE LOST IN MATEMATEAONGA FOR FOUR YEARS

By Dave Scoullar An aircraft which crashed close to the Matemateaonga Track wasn't discovered for more than four years. Maule Lunar Rocket ZK-DYA was on a flight from Ardmore on 27 July 1974 when it disappeared. This Maule had one of the shortest lives of any New Zealand aircraft. It was one of two Maules imported from the USA and assembled at Ardmore. After it was assembled and test flown, it went on its fatal flight the next day. The two new Maules were being flown together to Gore when they hit deteriorating weather in the central North Island. The other craft reached Paraparaumu to refuel but ZK-DYA disappeared and despite a huge search could not be located. It was discovered by pig hunters on 4 November 1978. Investigators deduced it had hit the side of a hill in level flight, shearing both wings off on trees as it went through the forest canopy. The sole occupant, pilot Roy Courtney, died from multiple fractures and head injuries. The crash site was within about 3km of the centre of the official search patterns and less than 200m from Humphries Shelter (a Forest Service hut now removed). But despite its Ken Howie (left) and Dave Scoullar with bright colours (red, yellow, white) it had remains of the Maule aircraft during a remained unseen for years. trip on the Matemateaonga Track. The remains of the Maule are easy to reach down a bank off the Matemateaonga Track. The last time a club trip went past the site it was identified by ribbons on trees.

To see the photos in detail and zoom in, click on the electronic version of this magazine from our website: http://www.wanganuitrampingclub.org.nz The Wanganui Tramper 28 August - Oct 2016 Rotokare lake Thursday trampers Pausing to Take in the view.

Paekakariki Escarpment Track Trip (Story Page 48) The Wanganui Tramper 29 August - Oct 2016

Mangahuia Wetlands Trip (Story page 51)

Tackling Basil’s Waitotara Farm (Story page 50) The Wanganui Tramper 30 August - Oct 2016

Leader Margret points out where her farm is (Story page 48, Otaihape)

The Wanganui Tramper 31 August - Oct 2016

Morning tea sheltering with the sheep dags(Story page 48, Otaihape)

Dave Scoullar,Brigitte Hund ,Val Wackrow travelling up Ohau River to North Ohau Hut(Story page 43)

The Wanganui Tramper 32 August - Oct 2016 Wanganui High School Duke of Edinburgh Gold and Silver Awards, December 2015

Fifteen students tackled the Queen Charlotte Track for their Duke of Edinburgh Silver Expedition, Ship’s Cove to Anakiwa. All enjoyed the experience, learned a great deal about themselves and others, and expressed gratitude to The Four Friends Trust.

Some highlights from Queen Charlotte ‘Silver Trampers’: Alister had the Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VXCcLR6oTvU responsibility of being ‘Tail End Charlie’ and may have preferred the rain to the hot sun ? Meeting the crew of Spirit of New Zealand was a lot of fun, and really getting to know the group and looking out for each other. “I learned a lot about myself and other people.”

This was Olivia’s first time in the South Island – the water taxi and dolphins impressed and an 8.5h tramp will stay in her memory. “I’ve had an amazing experience and can’t wait to do the Duke of Edinburgh Gold.”

Six students paddled the Whanganui River from Taumarunui to Pipiriki for their Gold Expeditions. They thoroughly enjoyed and benefited from their experience and were very grateful for assistance from Four Friends Trust.

Alannah soon developed sore arms from unaccustomed paddling and enjoyed the first of the rapids. But the first real challenge was being capsized and eventually rescued – cold, shaky but still laughing. It wasn’t long before a second capsize!

Mathmi too discovered her shoulder and arm muscles, but stayed upright and afloat. She especially enjoyed the very beautiful and serene, calmer stretches of water.

The ‘Gold Paddlers’ learned river history and enjoyed meeting overseas visitors at campsites. A stop at the Bridge to Nowhere and hearing about the Maungapurua settlement was memorable. An unexpected challenge was taking care of a very sick tour guide. There were other challenges to confront – including poor Grace whose foodbag was left outside the tent and eaten by possums. Everyone successfully negotiated Ngaporo, Autapu and Paparoa rapids. In Mathmi’s words, “our river trip remains forever in my memory.”

The Wanganui Tramper 33 August - Oct 2016

KIWIS WELL OUTNUMBERED ON SOME GREAT WALKS Kiwis are becoming a minority in their own backyard on the Great Walks. DoC figures show while Kiwis remain the biggest group by nationality using the Great Walks, they are using the tracks less frequently and on some tracks made up only a quarter of the total walkers.

In the 2014-15 Great Walks season, 2957 New Zealand walkers took to the Kepler Track in Fiordland National Park. New Zealanders made up only 24.77 per cent of the 11,936 people who walked the track in total that year. The previous season, 3301 New Zealanders walked the Kepler Track. Of the 7107 walkers on the Milford Track during the 2014-15 season, 2522 were kiwis.

Fiordland National Park operations manager Greg Lind said there could be a number of reasons why fewer New Zealanders were using the great walks. One reason was that tourists would book their trips months in advance when setting travel plans, whereas New Zealanders might leave it to the last minute and miss out. While there would initially be disappointment when missed out on the Great Walks, they would soon find other places to tramp. "There is growth on the other tracks," Lind said.

DoC staff in the visitor centres would direct keen walkers to other tracks, and could even book accommodation at the huts or campsites if needed, he said. "New Zealand is highly regarded for its tramping so if overseas visitors can't get on a track they will go somewhere else."

At the Fiordland National Park Visitor Centre staff could redirect walkers who wanted to do the Milford, Routeburn or Kepler Great Walks to other tracks, like the Hollyford, Greenstone Caples or Hump Ridge tracks. There had been a noticeable increase in popularity of the Great Walks since DoC partnered with Air New Zealand, Lind said. With the number of tourists on the rise concern about pressures on conservation land has led the Conservation Authority to consider a

The Wanganui Tramper 34 August - Oct 2016 user-pays system to cover the increasing costs of handling those numbers.

The Milford, Routeburn and Kepler tracks did cover some of their own costs, with the revenue from hut and campsite fees in excess of $3million each year, Lind said. DoC was considering a user-pays system, but that was a decision that would come from a higher level, he said.

Venture Southland tourism team leader Warrick Low said other tracks like the Hump Ridge or Dusky had the potential to grow. "The more they get used, the more they are managed, the more they get marketed." There were many other tracks out there of a similar quality to the Great Walks, but the Great Walks just had bigger established brands, Low said. DoC bringing in a user-pays system made business sense to him.

"It alleviates the pressure from the taxpayer."

Some national parks in other places - such as parts of Europe and the United States - charged for entry, and Low believed that created value for users who were more likely to appreciate something if they paid for it. Visitors to New Zealand could take our parks for granted because access was free, he said. "It would be nice for everything to be free but that's not a reality."

While the Great Walks are flooded with visitors, some private tracks are struggling. Mark Wilson, who manages the Hump Ridge Track near Tuatapere, said the track was operating at about 40 per cent capacity. "When it opened, there was a lot of publicity, but it's sort of drifted away," he said. We have only two or three days a year when we're completely full. You can walk the Hump Ridge and go an entire day without seeing another person."

Wilson said part of the struggle was the fact the track did not rank highly on Google searches compared to the Great Walks, and that it was not advertised as extensively as the Great Walks. He also said Air New Zealand's partnership with the Great Walks provided marketing muscle the Hump Ridge Track could not match.

Footnote: Kiwis are doing better on the Whanganui Journey. In 2013-14 they were 4702 of the 7204 total; and in 2014-15 they were 5103 of the 7866

The Wanganui Tramper 35 August - Oct 2016 Armchair Tramper Fascinating nuggets about ranges

BY BOOKWORM

Did you know that in the Tararua Range ...

• Possums were liberated at Featherston, the first Wellington area release, in 1872. • Miss Compton became the first Pakeha woman up Mt Holdsworth in 1874. • Chooks were liberated at Totara Flats in 1889 but soon died out. • Sayers Hut was erected at Totara Flats in 1909 -- the first private hut in the range. • The first Pakeha women completed the Southern Crossing in 1921. • When a woman hurt her leg near Neill Forks in 1967 it took 50 trampers to stretcher her out to the Holdsworth road end. • Otaki Gorge Rd was closed for 30 days in 1998 after rain havoc -- 645mm of rain recorded over four days.

These are facts gleaned from the 6th and latest edition of A Chronology of the Tararua and Rimutaka Ranges by Ross Kerr. This booklet, new in our library, traces developments in the ranges year by year. It may not have much of a plot but it has a host of fascinating nuggets such as those quoted above. The detail is incredible with information also on every hut. Bookworm's verdict: If you want information about developments and incidents in this range, this is the source.

George Ross -- His Story: Bushman, Tramper, Storyteller The last Tramper carried an obituary for master bushman George Ross. Now the club library has a copy of Anne Flutey's book about George. Like George, it is direct and to the point -- a short tramp through the life of a man who belonged to a dying breed of skilled backcountry wanderer. It all began for George at Werewereonga and this area including the Waitotara Valley and Waverley backcountry became his life-long stamping ground. Full of yarns -- George once shot two pigs with one shot -- and interesting photos, this is a story worth telling and Anne has done a great job. Our club also figures as George acted as a guide for us, particularly the Wednesday group, on many occasions and the book has some of his trip reports and one by Margaret Walford. Bookworm's verdict: You've read the obit, now we have the book -- next the movie, with second cousin Baz Hooper playing George!

Ngamatapouri to Moeawatea: A Scrubcutter's Dream This is another Anne Flutey compilation of backblocks memories, this time from Graeme (Gay) Annabell. From a family with deep roots in the district, Gay's background included scrub cutting, bulldozer driving and contracting when he bought 1200 acres in the Moeawatea Valley in 1953. What a worker! He cut scrub seven days a week and once worked for three months in a row without a break. It was four years of continual scrub cutting.

The Wanganui Tramper 36 August - Oct 2016 In size this is a modest book but as a record of what a generation of farmers achieved in our backcountry by hard work, effort and sacrifice, it's a major contribution. Well-illustrated, too. Bookworm's verdict: A tale of true grit. Read and marvel.

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The Wanganui Tramper 37 August - Oct 2016

The Wanganui Tramper 38 August - Oct 2016

Senor Dave’s ‘Trampers’ Trivial Test’ (Answers on page 40) 1. Name the track which was surveyed and cut in about 1900 as a pack track to enable materials to be taken for the construction of Holly hut? 2. When you enter the Tararua via Putara Rd, which river do you walk beside? 3. Who was the oldest person to climb Mt Taranaki ? 4. In February this year which cycle track was voted NZ's favourite place to cycle? 5. In which national park was NZ's first wilderness area established? 6. What is the claim to fame of Terror Falls, west of the Milford Track? 7. We sometimes call it the NZ ash but what do Maori call it? 8. In 1975 the tramping club protested against mining where? 9. What is the name of the flat about 20 minutes walk from Mt Holdsworth car park? 10. A tramper had 17 fleas. All but nine died. How many did he have left?

The Wanganui Tramper 39 August - Oct 2016 TRAMPING TUCKER BY UNCLE HAL

Prunes

Either cooked or raw for spitting purposes -- stone more easily removed if cooked first. Method: All sit in semi-circle or better still on opposite sides of the hut. Each tramper chew prunes and fire simultaneously. Prune stone will be propelled at great velocity until some obstacle is hit, either water for your brew, or tomorrow's breakfast. After much practice you will be qualified to spit stones at each other. Note: He who knows, covers meal while being bombarded. Credited to Arthur Bates in the Wanganui Tramping Club's recipe book.

Senor Dave’s Test Answers (Questions on P39) 3. 3. 2. 2. 1. 10. 10. 9. 9. 8. 8. 7. 6. 5. 4. NZ's highest waterfall, a good Otehake Wilderness Area was Otago Central Rail Trail Nine Nine climbed to the summit in 2014 (agedSan 82) from who Japan worthy is note Noruoof Fukai H in Reed 1961 at age 86. Also climb to the summitwas Alfred The oldest person recorded to Mangatainoka River Puniho track Donnelly Flat Red HillsRed Titoki Falls 200m than higher Sutherland wasstatus removed in 1995. established in Arthur's Pass National Park in 1955 and this

The Wanganui Tramper 40 August - Oct 2016 DANGERS OF GIARDIA

From our archives… April 1992 Asked about the danger of catching giardia from a flowing mountain or hill stream, a Health Department officer gave a personal opinion that trampers were in no real danger. You would have to catch 10 giardia cysts in your billy before you could be infected, he said.

TT2 Trip Reports by Margaret Walford

Thursday Trampers Two / TT2 Another three months has flown by - again - and mostly the weather has been kind to us as we have wandered up, down and around, happily spending the morning out and about our city. My thanks to Carolyn who has led a couple of trips when I have been unavailable, and to everyone who has turned up on the day. Hopefully, I will see you out next time .

Here is where we have been since the last report:

12 May: 19 turned up for a wander up, down and around Bastia Hill in mainly fine weather. Our thanks to the Picketts for the use of their verandah for our morning tea. 26 May: Although the forecast wasn't good, 21 walkers and one biker turned up to follow Linda Norton around some of the tracks in Araheke Mountain Bike Park by Wiritoa Lake. A good walk in spite of some heavy rain. 9 June: A cloudy day saw 25 out for a walk around part of Chesswas' farm, Western Line, which was a new area for us. 23 June: In spite of inclement-looking weather, nine ladies - NO MALES - met at the club rooms for a walk up by St Joseph’s Retreat to then follow the top track around Virginia Lake to the rotunda for morning tea and back via the streets of St John's Hill to the vehicles before rain fell late morning. 7 July: A different meeting place was at the I-site where 19 walked up the Braeburn steps - some did Durie Hill ones - then out to Portal Street, down Durie Vale and back, and on to Kowhai Park for morning tea. Back to the vehicles via Dublin Street bridge. Pleasant weather but could have been longer.

Hope to see you out again in August. Cheers, Margaret Walford

The Wanganui Tramper 41 August - Oct 2016 W.T.C.
Trip
Reports Easter Odyssey - Te Araroa Trail, King Day 3. Serious tramping now into the Country historic Kaiwhakauka / Mangapurua Fri-Wed 25-30 Mar 2016 Valley, the streams tributaries of the Scribe: Dorothy Symes Whanganui River. The valley has a very Participants: Murray Laing, Dorothy sad history of WW1 veterans who were Symes, Jacky Evans, Helen Atkinson, offered land, settling with hope and Tresh Newman, Brian Sixtus, Maureen expectations of a good start for the future. Johnson These pioneers cleared much virgin native bush and transformed it into farmland. At Odyssey – A journey planned by Brian the peak of settlement there were 45 Doughty: unfortunately a “little cardiac families. Eventually poor access, constant incident” intervened. But, fixed up, Brian erosion and the depression years forced was at my place the day before we left, most of the farmers to abandon their ensuring we were ready to go and now efforts. The few remaining were forced to under the leadership of Murray. leave in 1942 when the government refused Day 1. Thank you Dick for delivering us to invest any further funding. The efforts of to Palmerston North to board Northern these pioneers have provided a unique Explorer to National Park – an exciting trip historic quality to this valley, and a with wonderful views of Mangaweka walking/cycling track now enjoyed as part Gorge and viaducts. Arrived 1.30pm and of the world-renowned Te Araroa Trail. booked into the very comfortable and For the first two hours we traversed friendly Ski Haus. After dinner at Park private land before entering Whanganui Hotel we watched half the rugby before an National Park, our destination the Mosley early night and final preparations for the homestead site. We had already passed walk ahead. several sites identified with signs erected Day 2. Back to the hotel for breakfast at by Friends of the Whanganui River some 6am, we were confronted by lockout, with five years ago, a project that Murray was the fire brigade checking alarms that had involved in. He was able to share the gone off. We were wrapped up and warm interesting history of the settler families. while waiting, unlike guests in jarmies and This was the first of our three campsites, rugs, some wrapped in towels - not good on with a very good DoC shelter, water and a cold and dark National Park morning. toilet. At this point Brian and Tresh Breakfasted, we crossed the railway line to returned to their work commitments, Fishers track, starting with a 3km uphill leaving five trampers. before descending over 10km of Day 4 . We continued to Cootes’ magnificent views over the hills beyond. At homestead, crossing many small bridged Purua Road corner we waited in sunshine side streams and passing the old Tobin for our pickup by the Steeles for the 30-odd homestead and its chimney stack. A steep km to Whakahoro. Passing Retaruke we 3.5km climb through undisturbed forest came across the local sports day at Kaitieke brought us to the junction of the old – and some welcome refreshments. We Kaiwhakauka and Mangapurua roads. To stayed overnight in the Steeles’ shearing the left, Ruatiti; we went right for about quarters, dining at The Blue Duck Café and three hours, with stops for magnificent Restaurant. views to the north and behind us. We

The Wanganui Tramper 42 August - Oct 2016 climbed a short track to Mangapurua Trig all lay very quiet. Murray estimated that (second highest in the park), finding a cave this roar came from a red deer only about where dynamite and gelignite were stored five metres away. Maureen, from her during road/track-building. Back down, we experiences in the wild, was able to identify had lunch while soaking up magnificent responses and communication between the views out west, where we were heading. animals. As the night went on so the roars The next campsite was at Johnsons with its faded. Thankfully they weren’t interested in DoC shelter and good facilities. Here we us, so we slept on until woken by our discovered two well-established hunters’ rooster morepork again. . campsites so took advantage of one, Day 6. Our last day on the track was lighting the fancy iron cooker for the quite short, around 45 minutes before evening meal – and a cosy fire for the turning a corner to the Bridge to Nowhere. evening. There we boiled up for a cuppa and Day 5. Up early, re-light the fire for finished what was left for morning tea. We porridge, and off into more beautiful idled there reading the impressive scenery through dense forest, passing interpretation boards, with views of the spectacular papa bluffs and deep ravines. bridge. The remains of the old suspension Each day the weather had been fine and hot bridge must have been vital in transporting and we were well off for water. Our next supplies to the lower valley before the stop was Hellawells where we expected to settlers abandoned their dreams. Then the pitch our tents. Whoops!! – no water at this last 40 minute walk to the Mangapurua DoC campsite. Midday and our first Landing before boarding the jet boat consideration, water! We’d just passed a downriver to Pipiriki. A lovely cuppa at diversion to Waterfall Creek, so dumped Ken and Josephine Haworth’s little café, our gear and walked up to the waterfalls but then along came David Davidson and Fred the track was too overgrown. So, down Verschoor, up from Wanganui to take us again just in time to see a DoC officer home. A very memorable “Odyssey”. passing by on his bike, …… and thanks again to all who made it checking out nuts and bolts on swing just that ! (“Big job eh Murray?”) bridges. He off-loaded all the water he had and advised us to go on to a bridge Ohau River builders’ campsite with macrocarpa shelter. Sat-Sun 23-24 Apr 2016 Very cosy indeed, and water springing from Scribe: Dave Scoullar the bank a short distance away. This was at Bennetts historic site and we pitched tents, The Ohau circuit in the western Tararua set up for dinner and looked forward to an didn't go quite as planned but all the easier day tomorrow. participants achieved red lines. Day 1 was We’d heard significant bird song all the up the Ohau River and then the north arm way from Whakahoro, and at night the calls to North Ohau hut, reached in four and a of moreporks and the kiwi were very half hours. We wondered if anyone else impressive. There was no real evidence of would turn up at the four-bunk hut but we possum or trap lines – maybe controlled had it to ourselves. using 1080? Although we knew it was roar It rained quite hard at times overnight season, we’d heard nothing until now. which was to eventually impact on our trip. Holy Toledo !! Around 11.30pm there However, all began well on Day 2 as we sure was a performance. The first roar headed up the informal track behind the woke and scared the hell out of us, and we toilet, helpfully marked by ribbons.

The Wanganui Tramper 43 August - Oct 2016 Reaching the top of the range we headed and had an abundance of orange markers, south, past the Deception Spur turnoff and but a well-used highway led some of the along a well-padded though unmarked track experienced trampers the wrong way. We until we hit a big windfall. regrouped at the top of the trig and after Strangely, we were unable to find the some ‘debate’ the party split, with the track beyond the windfall. This coincided larger group, including myself, carrying on with an unexpected downpour. At this stage to the shelter where we stopped for smoko. we decided to return to Deception Spur and The smaller group returned down the steps. we headed back down the spur to the Ohau We continued on to the bulldozed track and River, which was running higher than the a gentle walk with only one small slip to previous day. cross. After some deliberation and checking the The Atene Track was officially closed due time, the consensus was that our progress to a huge slip caused by very heavy rain up to South Ohau hut would be too slow to last June. DoC had advised us not to make it before dark. So we headed attempt a crossing so our group returned to downstream, getting out of the river right the vehicles, taking a route down a gorse on dark. The last hour plus along the track track and through some farmland. was by torchlight and we reached the van Those enjoying the day: Bruce, Cherry, about 7.15pm, going on for 11 hours after Earle, Felix, Sebastian, Sue McB, Sue H, leaving North Ohau hut. Ridgway, Nelson, George, Margret, Laurel, So we returned home a day early with Kevin, Ken, Helen A, Grandad and myself. some unfinished business. On trip: Dave Scoullar, Mike Cole, Val Lake Surprise via Horopito Track Wackrow and Brigitte Hund .(Photo pg 32) Wed 4 May 2016 Scribe: Ken Howie Atene Skyline Wed 27 Apr 2016 With enough trampers signed up for this Scribe: Jack Abbott trip for two vans, it was decided to make a crossover trip from Horopito to Ohakune While enjoying time off school, I decided Mountain Road. With the van parked at to visit Grandad (Graham Ellett) at Waiinu Bishops’ farm entrance on Matapuna Road, Beach. After countless hours of working, I we set off on foot along the old access road started to question whether I was actually to where the carpark used to be - this walk having a holiday. Grandad proceeded to now takes about one hour. Here the show me how old people have fun and the crossing of the Makotuku River usually answer was to join the Wednesday tramp means wet feet but today the river was dry. along the Atene Skyline. The track and area around the old mill site After an early start for us at 5.30 am, I is now more overgrown than I remembered, swallowed down a quick breakfast, but still well marked. Next the dreaded travelled the 40 km to Wanganui and joined swamp but again this was the driest I have the other 16 trampers ready for their 7.30 ever seen it and we got through with dry departure. After a short journey we feet. Even some of the old experimental branched off the main road and followed a floating batten sections we pegged down narrow road beside the river. more than twenty years ago are still usable. “Here we are!” was the comment, “Out The track gently climbs to the spur leading and Up”. There were many steps. Up, up onto the ridge. This is not so gentle with and up! It was a crisp morning, needing a washouts making for some high steps, but few warm layers. The track was overgrown the ridge travel is good. At 12n we met up

The Wanganui Tramper 44 August - Oct 2016 with the southbound group. Having lunch were assisted on this descent by about were Barry Hopper, Bruce Thomas, Cherry 100m of rope. Channon, George Neil, Helen Atkinson, From the road it was another kilometre to John Hamling, Kevin Ross, Stuart Kelly, the forks where we lunched at Parawai Sue Haden, with Margret McKinnon Lodge. Six of the party of 18 opted to leading south and Ken Howie leading return while the others walked the Arcus north. After lunch we soon dropped down Track before retracing our boot prints to the to the Mangaturuturu valley and our club vans. Despite some drizzle and patchy rain, hut. Our downhill group had given it a we enjoyed a good day out. quick clean and it was looking very tidy. On trip: Dave Scoullar, Juliet Kojis, From here it’s up and over the cascades and Andra and Andy Beck, Bruce Thomas, then up to the Mountain Road with relief to Cherry Sutton, Dorothy Symes, Esther see the van. Williams, Graham Ellett, Heather McKenzie, Helen Atkinson, Jacky Evans, Otaki Gorge Road John Hamling, John Newton, Kevin Ross, Wed 11 May 2016 Margret McKinnon, Sandra Rogers and Val Scribe: Dave Scoullar Wackrow.

The focus was the temporary access track Shaws Property, Parikino to Otaki Forks which DoC built in response Thurs 19 May 2016 to the chronically unstable slip that closed Scribe: Sharron Prouse Otaki Gorge Rd. The 5.1km route began at Eleven trampers left 9 am for the Shaw Shields Flat, climbed steeply through pines farm up the Whanganui River Road. Rain on a bulldozed track and then plunged expected: ready to start walking when down a bush ridge to rejoin the road. We down it came, so out with rain gear. After

The Wanganui Tramper 45 August - Oct 2016 crossing a little bridge we were met by a The first day of Winter 2016 and our herd of curious steers, a little intimidating intention is to stack firewood at club hut and it looked like they weren't going to Mangaturuturu, off the Turoa skifield give way. We headed for the hills, road. Tuesday’s weather forecast was real stopping for morning tea before starting on mean and wet, and only two were brave the steep hill tracks. The wind was enough to commit to Wednesday for which blowing but the views got better. At the the forecast was sun and cloud, snow down top, after much huffing and puffing (on my to 1100 metres - about where the hut is. In part anyway) we could see for miles. The the end we had eight hardy souls to see to terrain is very steep and rugged, with quite the task and, well wrapped up, on their a few slips, and spectacular views all way to Ohakune. around. Then along a ridge with forestry Clear blue skies met us at the mountain on one side, and straight down on the but we were greeted with “Road Closed other. The track took us around hills and from 9 km”. Bother !!! Off down to I-Site across some slips before we found a to get an update - we needed to get 15 or sheltered spot for lunch. There was 16 km up that road to make our way to the discussion about which track to take, Earle hut. saying we “hadn't been going long enough So, Plan B - The Marton Sash & Door and it was still early” so we continued on, Tramway. Off to Erua: Left off SH4 to up and down, before taking a last steep Erua Road, right at Cuff Road, and park up downhill. on to the walk/cycle track. It was Ray had been watching out for extremely cold and very fresh, with the mushrooms and filled his lunchbox. Down magnificent displays of snow-covered on the flat there were more, and several of Mount Ruapehu, and Hauhangatahi just us helped fill a plastic bag. (I hope you dusted; very pretty indeed. enjoyed them Ray.) The walk itself is very pleasant with Then through a gate to a delightful bush numerous interpretation notices conveying walk. The birdsong was lovely and we all the track’s logging history. There is commented it was the most we had heard evidence of machinery on the trackside and for a while. We returned to the paddock we you can see what could have been their had started from (no sign of the steers, just method of moving logs for milling. We sheep), paused at the family memorials, encountered one hardy volunteer working and reached the van just as the rain came on the track who told us of another track down again. Earle drove over to farm which would extend our day. At the shed, giving us shelter to remove boots. On completion of the loop we could take the the way home we stopped at the cafe at van back to Cuff Road, turn right there and Upokongaro for much needed hot drinks, travel one more km up to explore a track and a good day was had by all. clearly pegged ‘Sash & Door’, downhill to On the trip were Earle Turner, Barbara & the left. This track took us on well- defined Jim Gordon, Ray Walton, Don & Katy logging access down to the bridge we had Gordon, Margaret Walford, Margret crossed just off the State Highway. Some McKinnon, Murray Laing, Walter Lennox, of us went back up the hill to retrieve the Sharron Prouse. van and met the others coming up the road. It was now around 2 pm, so time to head Marton Sash & Door Tramway home with the usual icecream on the way Wed 1 June 2016 and the club’s AGM later. A most Scribe: Dorothy Symes enjoyable day. The eight icebreakers: Andra Beck,

The Wanganui Tramper 46 August - Oct 2016 Bruce Thomas (driver – thanks), Cherry Sledge Track Channon, George Neil, John Hamling, Val Sat 7 May 2016 Wackrow, Laurel Stowell and me. Scribe: Dave Scoullar

Old Coach Road New Plymouth Tramping Club didn't Sat 30 Apr 2016 make it but the Sledge Track retains its Scribe: Frances Gibbons popularity in our club with 13 punters lining up for this visit to the Kahuterawa Trampers: Frances Barrie, Sue Campion, Valley. We completed the 3.3km Toetoe Ron Chapman, Margie Chiet, Brian loop in five hours. As far as I am aware, Doughty, Rachelle Enderby, Barbara & we have yet to do the newish 7.9km Jim Gordon, Barry Hopper, Michael Otangane Loop which would be good for a Hopper, Brigitte Hund, Christine Lace, summer visit. Michael Lace, Jeanette Maskery, Ross On trip: Dave Scoullar (leader), Mike McBeth plus two grand-daughters, Cole, Roger Kealey, Rob Lott, Ady Raewyn Sharratt & Hamilton Ngapo, Bev Gilbert, Helen Chitty, Virginia Baillie, Sinclair, Bruce Thomas, Frances Gibbons Ross McBeth, Brian Doughty, Hamilton (leader). Ngapo, Raewyn Sharrock, Juliet Kojis and Departing at 8am, we planned a cross- Barbara Francis. over tramp, thus approaching the track from both the Horopito and Ohakune ends. Old Coach Road Fine and soon-warm weather provided Wed 18 May 2016 glorious conditions to tackle this historic, Scribe: Esther Williams evocative walk and for many, it was a

“first”. The track surface was dry and, Headline of Chronicle Wednesday 18 although shared with a few mountain- May: "Batten Down the Hatches … gale bikers, resulted in easy progress. force winds, thunderstorms and The name for today’s tramp derives from tornadoes." Our group headed up the the path taken by horse-and-coach Parapara to test conditions, tipping out at transport to fill the gap in the Main Trunk the Old Coach Road into cool driving rain. Railway line, which had been constructed The lush forest contained fungi, carpets as far as Raurimu and Ohakune. We were of karamu flowers and a large native amazed by stories of the work-force which worm. Further investigation of the worm completed that difficult last section and revealed it grows up to 30cm and lives marvelled at engineering feats of 115 years 1.5m down in big complicated burrows ago. Pictorial signs along the way clarify lined with yellow or orange glow-in-the- the extent of that monumental undertaking. dark mucus. They are found in the At intervals, clever rusted-metal southern half of the North Island and east silhouettes depict those who were in the South. involved, along with clever use of railway After two hours we met the return drivers sleepers as track markers and reminders and sought cold shelter in a disused tunnel underfoot of the original cobbled surface. for a kai break. Soon we reached the van, We met up in Raetihi post-tramp for the bound for the first hot drink cafe. As we traditional energy replenishment (ice parked in Ohakune, Rotorua trampers creams or coffee - Angel Louise cafe’s asked were we trampers and where had we carrot cake is to die for, I am told!) and been since they had been told the OCR were back in Wanganui soon after 4pm. route was muddy. We happily encouraged My sincere thanks to our drivers Ross and them to go and enjoy the firm walkway. Bruce. The Wanganui Tramper 47 August - Oct 2016 Participants: Andra, Bruce, Cherry, leader Margret and drivers for the day Dorothy, Esther, Jacky, Margaret C, Margaret W, Earle and Jacky. Margret, Sue H. Paekakariki Escarpment Otaihape Scenic Reserve Wed 15 June 2016 Thurs 5 May 2016 Scribe: Dave Scoullar Scribe: Bev Sinclair The weather gods smiled on us as we ‘Where is everyone?’ muttered Earle as tackled the Paekakariki Escarpment Track, 8am was fast approaching. With minutes to completing it in three and a half hours. spare they swooped in and bagged a seat. This was very different from Roger Two vans and a car. ‘I’ve got 25 on the list Kealey's earlier trip there which saw the and 26 people here,’ said Earle. It took a track crowded. We, however, encountered while to find Margaret W’s name off the only a half a dozen other people. list. Maybe the confusion arose from five Apart from the wonderful views of Kapiti Margarets tramping that day! Island and the South Island, the group also A two hour drive took us through enjoyed the train journey to and from beautiful countryside and mellow autumn Waikanae. Sadly, one member, who should colours, a thriving Taihape, and up and up have known better, forgot to bring his the final hill. (‘Thank goodness’ everyone Gold Card, an error which cost him $8.50. muttered.) Morning tea, including the first On trip: Dave Scoullar, Juliet Kojis, birthday shout – Suzanne’s - was enjoyed Bruce Thomas, Cherry Channon, John as some sheltered amongst the sheep dags Hamling, Barry Hopper, Nelson Tizard, in the bus shelter. Margret led us up and George Neil and Suzanne Roberts. around to the trig where we enjoyed the (Photo on Page 29) amazing 360 degree views of steep countryside including that of Margret’s Turakina-Fordell - farm. Then the wind got up, the Okoia Historic Railway temperature dropped, the rain started and Sat 4 June 2016 the coats came out. We wound our way Scribe: Dorothy Symes down to the lunch stop at an abandoned house, outbuildings and car fleet. We The day dawned overcast as 29 people munched, wondering about the tough life were shuttled to Turakina Bridge for the of the people who originally farmed in this start - no mean feat, with only two vans. remote spot. Margie cheered us up with the The trip was not a crossover nor a loop and second birthday shout. private cars and extra drivers helped knit As we made our way down over and together these more extreme logistics. under several fences Fred decided to take Great teamwork and thank you to those an extra trip, a very gracefully executed who helped. fall, with thankfully no more bones Safely delivered to the Turakina apple broken. People mixed and mingled as they orchard and kitted up for a crisp morning, made their way down. Chatter filled the we crossed the bridge and main highway to air and a great variety of topics were the first farm. Twenty-two farmers were covered and problems solved. contacted as our usual club courtesy and We enjoyed an icecream stop and chat all remembered the club’s summer trip two with the llamas at the growing complex at years ago. All supported our plan and some Flat Hills Café and were home by 5.30. It may even have joined us - but when had been a great day. Many thanks to invited “Oops, no! We won’t be as fit as

The Wanganui Tramper 48 August - Oct 2016 you guys.” Maybe next time? another day, I am sure. All round this was I was warned of damage from the 2015 a pleasant and successful day, with only floods. Probably the worst was at the first six from the last trip taking part. The day’s farm where considerable damage and tramp was about 18 km and took nearly six earthwork was evident, however all safe hours – an easy walk and very interesting. and negotiable. Great camaraderie too. On over more farms until we saw Ratana Taking part: Ady, Andy and Rhiannon Temple standing proudly in the distance. Becks, Sue Campion, Helen Chitty, Mike We decided to take an extra walk this time Cole, Brenda Collins, Anne Condon, Brian to view some of the village with its and Kim Doughty, Graham and Glenys impressive temple and huge community Ellett, Rachelle Enderby, Barbara Francis, centre. Frances Gibbons, Barbara Gordon, Linda Morning tea was in a very pretty rail- Hart, Judith Harrison, Barry Hopper, track grove of pines with welcome sunlight Victoria Kay, Ridgway Lythgoe, Ross filtering through. From here we arrived at McBeth, Jeanette Maskery, Kathy the site of the tragic derailment on Easter O’Donnell, Marie-Anne Sleyer, Earle Good Friday, 1938. Six passengers died, Turner and me. 40 were injured and 13 others taken to Wanganui Hospital. Among those admitted Otaki Forks - Emergency Access Track was the engine’s fireman who died in Queen’s Birthday, 6 Jun 2016 hospital, making a total of seven deaths. Scribe: Linda Hart NZ’s rail history is fascinating and I’m sure there would be more information on DOC made this temporary track to enable the web. One of the landowners also told access to Otaki Forks, as Otaki Gorge me “Millie Dean’s hangman lived in the Road has been closed due to a large slip. valley there below”. Work is underway to fix this, so we took We continued down Whangaehu Beach the opportunity to explore the access track Road and over the Whangaehu River before vehicle access is restored. bridge, then veered right for the second We set off on a cold and frosty morning Dorothy Symes stage of the walk. The Turakina track was and started at Shields Flat Historic closed because of increasing goods loads Reserve, walking by the stone walls built from Wellington. Some of the steepest during the depression in the 1930s. It was inclines in NZ were regraded and the curve a steady hike up (why is 'down' a four radius extended. Work started August letter word, and 'up' isn't?!) through pine 1937 and progressed until 1941 when war forest as the sun came out and rewarded us brought it to a halt with both manpower with lovely views out to the coast. The and concrete in short supply. Work track then led us down through native recommenced in June 1946 and was forest - steep enough that DOC had completed November 1947. Here we were provided a sturdy rope to steady ourselves in 2016 reflecting on the history and still with - for a descent of about 100 metres. able see some of the railway’s original Fortunately the four 'gentlemen' went on earth formations and cuttings. Some ahead to clear the way and did a good job concrete abutments and structures are still of helping the helpless frail ladies safely to there. the bottom (this didn't happen really.... Getting close to 3pm we decided to pull they were trying to hurry us up as it was the pin and not to continue on to Okoia. lunchtime..!!). Winter now - no daylight saving - and a We came out on the road and crossed a little disappointing for some. There will be swing bridge to our destination (and lunch)

The Wanganui Tramper 49 August - Oct 2016 at Parawai Lodge. Such a lovely spot, frost the end of the Matapuna Road at Horopito still in the shade but glorious warmth on for future reference. Finally, onwards to our backs as we sat in the sun on the home. verandah. An enjoyable weekend was had by Bruce Believing work on the slip was advanced Thomas, Doris Hamling, Pam Watson, enough, we thought we could find our way Anne Fulcher, and Trevor and Julie Kearse back via this route - but we were wrong, it looked as if work had hardly started. We Carrington Walkway therefore retraced our steps and pulled Wed 29 Jun 2016 ourselves up, one hand over the other, Scribe: Sandra Rogers packs and poles and legs getting rather Yet another weather forecast for wet entangled in the rope, all the way to the weather. Off to the fairly sheltered track of top. We would definitely qualify as army the Carrington Walkway at Stratford. An cadets. And so we came back through the enjoyable walk of about 3½ hours along a pine forest, paddocks and stone walls - and river. Very pretty bush and you felt as if our ice creams at Levin were well you were in the ‘middle of nowhere’ for a deserved. lot of the walk. The far end of the track Recruits were: Ridgway Lythgoe, Neil was closed due to maintenance, otherwise MacIntosh, Ross McBeth, Stephen it would have been 4½ hours. Back to Hormann, Dorothy Symes, Helen Chitty, McDonalds for a welcome cuppa Linda Hart. afterwards.

On the tramp were Sandra (leader), Andra Possum Lodge and Andy, Carolyn, Cherry, Dorothy, Sat-Sun 25 Jun 2016 George, Julie, Margaret W, Robert and Scribe: Bruce Thomas Suzanne, Graham and Glenys.

Crook weather didn’t matter. Plan B was Waitotara Mud to sit around a warm fire at our own Thur 30 June 2016 Possum Lodge. In overcast weather we Scribe: Julie Kearse went straight to The Chateau and Top of the Bruce, where some of us walked up to A day of MUD and JUSTS. Fourteen Hutt Flat. Snowmaking machines were all trampers were warmly welcomed by Bas around, sitting idle with only very small with hot drinks in the newly refurbished patches of snow. The ground had a farmhouse. crunchy, frosty feel to it. Back down to Just a bit of mud to get through first-off: a The Chateau. slow pace through the mud and rain. After lunch four of us walked up to Silica Just three minor falls as we carefully rapids and back. It was then on to Possum negotiated downhill through the mud. Lodge to get the place warmed up before Just a bit of a scramble as we climb down our evening meal at Station Café at to the waterfall. Just a bit more mud. National Park. A very cosy and interesting Just a bit of a wade through the creek. place, and a jolly good feed. Just a bit more mud. Sunday morning was raining. Doris Just a bit of a climb up to find a spot for planted some young totara up on the bank. lunch. Just a bit more mud. We then packed up and went up Fishers Just need to survive the next 300 metres. Road for a short walk to the lookout, Just a bit more mud. followed by a detour at Erua to where the Just a bit of a climb around the corner and cycle tracks begin and also to look down then we’re on the home run. As we

The Wanganui Tramper 50 August - Oct 2016 reached the top of the final hill the rain What a wonderful country! A cool crisp which had been with us all the way eased start to my day as I waited at Waitotara - off slightly and we enjoyed the views. all the spade work done in town by Bruce Back to the farmhouse for another very and Royce our other van driver. Low welcome hot drink. cloud as we journeyed through Taranaki. A great day out. Many thanks to Basil for We passed by my first farm purchase back his wonderful hospitality, also to Earle and in 1980 (Oeo Rd), on to Ihaia Rd and up to Royce. the end. Well nearly, then 1 km of grass Those enjoying the mud, the bush and the and slush walk before climbing a steady waterfall were Anne C, Earle, Margaret L, grade of track and bush to reach an open Jude, Kate, Julie, Diane, Royce, Sharron, spot for our smoko break. The bush was Dorothy, Jan, Fred, Ray, Barbara G, Storm quiet of bird calls. Further up the track the and Bas. (Photo - Page 30) chimney of the old Oaonui hut site still stands near the Oaonui Stream. Another hour further on we crossed the Waiaua Rangiwhaia Stream and heard from Dave how a swing Sat 3 July 2016 bridge used to be the way across. Scribe: Sandra Rogers A short detour to the ladder before stopping for lunch at the Waiaua hut. Fifteen merry souls set off for Large – sunny - a toilet - a beautiful view Rangiwhaia and the new bush reserve with of the mountain, and everyone wanting a beautiful big rimu, totara and kahikatea return trip. Mike practised firewood trees - a little steep in places but well splitting. With a tight schedule some had a worth the journey. Recommended to take shortened lunch to allow time to venture one to one and a half hours. I was into the Avro Anson plane wreck of impressed how well marked the track was. September 1944. History – nostalgia – A lot of work has gone into it, even having passion – adventure - and sadness for the steps cut. couple of guys who lost their lives Next, off to the MangahuiaWetlands (Tramper Jan. 2015). We enjoyed our Reserve between Rangiwahia and visit and soon were on our way back to the Pohongina Valley East: a large man-made van. With an occasional look back at the lake with plantings and white swans. magnificent mountain, we felt close to Another delightful new area for us to paradise. At the van we were approached explore. by a local farmer's wife. Farming is fun Pohongina Valley East DOC camp was too, but apparently we must have had more last on our list. This one has the biggest fun than this exhausted farmer. She had tree of them all, a kahikatea. been mustering escapee young heifers Thank you to the 15 who accompanied much of the day. All ended happily!! To me: Margaret Walford, Pam Watson, Adie be followed by an ice-cream and home. Gilbert, Barbara Gordon, Delia Carrington, On the trip: Andra and Andy B, Barry H, Kathy O’Donnell, Jeanette Maskery, Bruce T, Cherry C, David S, Diane H, Caroline Shingleton, Jude Harrison, Andy George N, Jeanette P, John H, Juliet K, and Andra Beck, Ross McBeth, Barbara Kevin R, Mike C, Robert L, Royce J, Sue Francis, Dorothy Symes, and leader Sandra H, Suzanne R, and myself.

Rogers. (Photo - Page 30) York Loop Track and Stratford

Sat 9 Jul 2016 Waiaua Hut Scribe: Graeme Aitken Wed 6 Jul 2016 A 7.35am departure for the York Loop Scribe: Graham Ellett

The Wanganui Tramper 51 August - Oct 2016 Track, arriving about 9.30am. This walk McLay, Maura Skilton, Margaret was made interesting with signage and Silverwood and Ross McBeth. historic sites. Although the information booklet said ‘about three hours’, we The Kai Iwi tramp that wasn’t finished just before lunch including Thur 14 Jul 2016 looking at the sites and morning tea. Scribe: Barbara Gordon From there we set off for Stratford, with lunch at the park before starting the A foul, foul weather forecast – gales, Carrington Walkway. At the Western Loop heavy rain and maybe thunder - but Jan, we found the track closed for maintenance, Kate, Sharron, Jeanette, Earle, Jim and so back to where we started near the Barbara were prepared to give Ngarino netball courts and to the other side through Road a go. It can be pretty exposed there: to Swansea Street, then back to the van. how about Westmere walkway instead? The York Loop was through native bush. Oh, that will be muddy and slippery. Through the Stratford part was bush and Resolve is fading ... How about around- you would not think you were in a town. the-bridges? East of Broadway was more urban. The But the rain stops, blue patches appear, tracks follow the Patea River and were and the outcome is a dry, very pleasant fairly dry, but there was a south-easterly bridges walk ending with coffee at wind keeping things cool. Caroline’s - and just in time to avoid the Coffee or ice creams at Hawera before next heavy shower. arrival in Wanganui before 4.30pm. No dirty, wet gear to deal to and a picnic On the walk: Graeme Aitken (leader), lunch on our own living room floors. Not Nikki Wink, Barry Hopper, Michael so bad, after all. Hopper, Linda Hart, Pippa McLay, Derek

The Wanganui Tramper 52 August - Oct 2016 BOMBS ( Beautiful Ladies/Brawny Lads On Mountainbikes ) go from strength to strength. Frost-bitten fingers and toes are no deterrent for the 10 or so regulars who show up Tuesday mornings.

But with forays into the Brunswick and Okoia gullies the expeditions are becoming less leisurely, and after lingering over coffee heading for home via St John’s Hill is almost the last straw. Phew. Legs of iron.

Barbara Gordon

The Wanganui Tramper 53 August - Oct 2016 Wanganui Tramping Club Loan Equipment

Planning a trip, but haven't got the right gear? Maybe the club can help. We

have quite a selection of gear to borrow.

Items to borrow – Boots Parkas Waterproof Packs Trousers Crampons Ice Axes Bowsaw Compasses Billies Dixie Tea Pot Steamer Sleeping Bags Sleeping Small gas Climbing Mats cooker Ropes Personal Lo- Tiedown- Slashers cator Beacons Strop

Various pots, pans and cooking utensils.

Also for the small price of $5 per tent per trip we have a selection of tents: Alpine 2, Lower Level units 4, Flys 4.

In the store cupboard we have a 'Borrowed’ Book to record your details. For further information – Contact Dick Mitchell ph 344 4406.

CLUB NAME UNCHANGED A bid to insert the H in Wanganui Tramping Club was defeated by 40 votes to 23 with one absentian at the club's AGM in June. The motion to amend the club's title was proposed by Dave Scoullar and seconded by Ridgway Lythgoe. Dave spoke for the motion and Brian Sixtus against. Asked following the vote whether he would bring a similar motion at the next AGM, Dave said he didn't intend pursuing the issue in the immediate future.

fonganui

Correct pronunciation of the former New Zealand City of Wanganui. The new spelling of "Wanganui" is "Fonganui" as of 2015.

Question: Where were you born? Answer: Fonganui, apparently

A quote from Urban Dictionary: fonganui ... Ed

The Wanganui Tramper 54 August - Oct 2016 These guidelines supersede Tramper Issue 249, page 59.

Hiring a Van for Club Trips When both club vans are in use, a hired van may be used. Contact Harvey Round in Dublin Street, phone 345 0233. Vans must be booked in advance. To allow time for the leader to reserve a van, trampers must commit to the trip at least two days prior.

Cost:

The cost for one day hire is $130 but the leader will be asked to pay $230 when making the booking. $100 will be the returnable deposit and the remaining $130 will come from the passengers on the trip. If there is excess funding over, just use trip sheet for van hire for deposit.

To be financially viable a trip needs to be at least 200 km return and have seven or more participants, with the charges per participant worked out the same as when using a club van. The financial viability of using a hired van for a trip with fewer than seven would need to be assessed by the trip leader; using private vehicles could be a better option (similarly for overnight trips requiring a van for more than one day).

Use the designated hire van deposit satchel and yellow trip sheet.

For any further assistance, phone Dorothy 345 7039.

Banking – how to deposit proceeds of tramping trips * Westpac asks us to use the red Westpac bags provided. Cash may be deposited in the hole-in-the-wall/dropbox or via ATM in bank foyer - no queueing - and you can bank after hours too. Or you can deposit cash over the counter, or electronically transfer from your own account and retain the cash equivalent. Red cash deposit bags are available in the van glove boxes and in the appropriate satchel for van hire. (If stocks are down, phone Dorothy, 345 7039.) We live in an era of IT (Information Technology) = change and updates. So here is the process using the red bags as simply as I can portray: Preparing the red bag: The bag has two sleeves. The clear side for the deposit slip is filled out as usual – account number is read from the outside. The red side sleeve is where you place the money – notes, cash and cheques. Seal both ends of the red deposit bag, removing the plastic strips to expose adhesives. Now you are ready to make the deposit without queueing, and after hours too if you wish. 1 Prepared banking can now go into hole-in-the-wall/drop box, which is through the main door to the right hand corner inside the bank and opposite main door. 2 Using ATM after hours, follow steps below: To enter the locked foyer swipe any credit card at the entrance door. Proceed to ATM “DEPOSITS AND WITHDRAWALS” Important: Read and follow all prompts on screen : a) ‘Start’ – without a card b) ‘Deposit’ The Wanganui Tramper 55 August - Oct 2016 c) ‘Deposit Bag’ d) ‘Account Number’ - Type in from exposed deposit slip on clear side of red bag. Press ‘enter’. e) ‘Value’ - Type in total value. Check correct, press enter. f) ‘Cash Only’ – enter g) Light above comes up – scan barcode on bag. Check as requested. h) Open big drawer below, pulling handle - this will release and drop open for you to place the bag in and close. 3 Job done !! Need more help? Phone Club Treasurer Dorothy 345 7039 4 ANNUAL CLUB ACTIVITIES CALENDAR This is a bit of heads-up on what is coming up over the next year, and not set in concrete. There might be new ideas and some might be skipped, depending on what‘s happening. Club meetings are held on the first Wednesday of each month except January, often with guest speakers. JUNE Annual General Meeting; Quiz night JULY Midwinter club dinner AUGUST Gourmet dinner tramp; Tramper magazine SEPTEMBER Club T shirts and polo shirts offered; Pot luck dinner and social OCTOBER Taranaki weekend; Trip leader training and refresher NOVEMBER Tramper magazine; New members night; Pine clearing weekend DECEMBER Christmas BBQ / Dutch auction; Taumarunui weekend JANUARY Check out the Wanganui Summer Programme; Twilight barbeque FEBRUARY Tramper magazine MARCH Pine clearing weekend APRIL Photo competition entries submitted MAY Tramper magazine; Used gear sale; Results photo competition

TEN SIGNS OF AGE 1. Everything hurts after a trip. 2. You get winded putting on your pack -- and you haven't taken a step yet. 3. You sink your teeth into one of Dorothy Symes' fantastic meals and they stay there. 4. You know all the answers to the trampers' trivia quiz but you can't remember the questions. 5. Your knees buckle after a stroll around Virginia Lake but your belt won't. 6. You sit in your rocking chair but even with Brian Heywood helping you can't get it going. 7. The grey haired old man/woman who helps you get over the swing bridge is your husband/wife. 8. You get photographed by Margaret Walford and can't work out where you are in the shot. 9. You are so befuddled Esther Williams manages to sell you a Forest and Bird calendar. 10. You get exercise acting as a pall bearer for friends who exercised.

Adapted and updated from the Tramper Oct-Dec 1995 The Wanganui Tramper 56 August - Oct 2016

The Wanganui Tramper 57 August - Oct 2016

First Aid Kits

All trip participants must carry their own personal first aid supplies. You must also advise the trip leader if you have a medical condition that could potentially be a problem, including instructions on what is required if you are unable to communicate.

The club has three first aid kits for use on club trips.

Merilea Wainhouse and Juliet Kojis are responsible for the contents of the club kits.

If anything is used from the kits, it is the trip leader’s responsibility to see that items are replaced as soon as possible.

Items used should be written up in the notebook (kept in the sleeve on inside of cupboard door, clearly labelled ‘First Aid’).

The Wanganui Tramper 58 August - Oct 2016

OUT THERE DOING IT!

Boots, Packs, Clothing, Sleeping Bags, Dried Food, Coleman’s, Camping Accessories.

Seldom beaten on Written Quotations

64 Carlton Avenue Wanganui 4500

(Cnr Jackson & Alma Roads)

PH: 06 348 0400 FAX: 06 348 0410

EMAIL: [email protected]

The Wanganui Tramping Club is very grateful for the continued support of our popular club magazine. Our members are urged to support you.

The Wanganui Tramper 59 August - Oct 2016 Sender: Wanganui Tramping Club P.O. Box 7234 WANGANUI 4500

Photo taken Photo by Shane McCulloch en at 4pm at en afternoon the in on Queen’sBirthday elted. elted. weekend,the ice on front, the facing sun the had m Thisphoto of a is the shaded back tak of hut, Syme