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Home , Mount Owen (New Zealand), Spenser Mountains

Nelson Tramping Club august 2009

Newsletter of the NELSON TRAMPING CLUB Founded 1934, Nelson,

EDITORIAL COMMENT > New Blood With great enthusiasm I plunged into my new role as the newsletter editor. I switched on my PC, and logged into the club website. It was only after many long hours of wading through waist-high for- matting errors that I realised why no one else had responded so eagerly to Hec’s plea for a replace- ment. Hang, this job should have been rated at least 4.5 on the scale! All joking aside, it is a privilege and an honour to serve such a diverse group of trampers and walkers. If I can get your stories to read a bit better, and your photos to shine a bit brighter, then I will be a hap- py camper indeed. So ... don’t hesitate to email me anything newsworthy, along with those trip reports. It might be some breaking news from DOC, your favourite tramping tip, recipe, a superb photo, or a yarn from yesteryear. We NEED your contributions. MEMBER PROFILE > Uta Purcell If you haven’t yet, check out the club website. I’m featuring member’s photos, profiling huts, etc. 1. Place of birth: Germany As the new kid on the proverbial block, I hope to 2. Occupation: Retirement filled with many interests bring a fresh perspective to a 75-year-old club. And, 3. Been a member for: 19 years as the average age of club members continues to 4. How have you benefitted from being a member? rise relentlessly, I think it’s important to, well, repro- Challenged to leave my comfort zone, I acquired duce ourselves. Look out for new blood, prospective new skills, & enjoyed companionship members, and the like. Treat visitors well, be warm 5. Best trip: and friendly to them, and ensure they thoroughly Ball Pass, but as well many others enjoy their first outing with NTC. Shout them a cof- 6. Worst trip: fee, follow up with a phone call, etc. but don’t (God Facing Mt Alarm when it should have been forbid) leave them behind, last on the track. Mount Tapuae-o-uenuku We don’t get a second chance to make a first im- 7. Funniest moment: pression. Enjoying Grahame’s stories 8. Scariest moment: Raymond Salisbury Not scary, but disconcerting when the snowpoles EDITOR from Gordons Pyramid to Salisbury Lodge seemed to be invisible 9. Favourite tramping hut: Cupola Basin Hut 10.What wild place would you put at the top of WELCOME TO NEW MEMBERS > your ‘bucket list?’ Trekking a high circuit in view Pam Satherly and Paul Richardson of Kanchenjunga August 2009 > nelson tramping club

19 September Wooded Peak via Bullock Track - fit PROGRAMME (scale 3.6) $3 Tom Brown 548 7190 September/October 2009 An historic bush bash, leaving from Maitai Dam to Dun Saddle, then following GPS points to retrace Listed below are tramps & clubnights for September the Bullock Track, used in the late 1850s for the –November 2009. For further information please con- first copper mining attempts, to northern side of tact the trip organiser, or Programme Coordinator, Uta Wooded Peak, returning via Sunrise Ridge. Topo Purcell, Ph: 545 0280. Transport donation 8.3¢ per O27 kilometre. Visit the club website for info regarding ______bookings, trip classifications, responsibility & member- 20 September ship enquiries. www.nelsontrampingclub.org.nz Brandy Creek – easy, $7 ______David Blunt 548 6826, Margot Syms 543 3833 5–6 September Come and celebrate Margot’s recovery from leg Inland Track, Abel – medium surgery with a pot luck social lunch at Syms (scale 2.9) Crossover $18 patch, 140 Brandy Creek Rd, Dovedale (off the or Castle Rock Hut return $11 Dovedale – Wakefield road about 8km east of Jocelyn Winn 521 1238 Dovedale school). There will be a bonfire, so food Jocelyn is intending to run this trip (Marahau – wrapped in tinfoil can be cooked in the embers. Pigeon Saddle) as a crossover, due to transport After lunch, Peter will lead a wee farm tour of one logistics. If there are insufficient numbers, the trip hour max. Before arriving at Brandy Creek around will change to Castle Rock Hut return. The main lunch-time, there will be a Wakefield wander attractions of this route are the excellent lookout starting mid-morning at Faulkners Bush. Call points along with the changing character of the Margot if you prefer to go direct to Brandy Creek. environment. Depending which way you travel: ______Pigeon Saddle to Castle Rock Hut (8 bunks, 1 26–27 September ticket) approximately 500m over 18km. Rocks Hut – medium – (scale 2.9) $3 Marahau to Castle Rock Hut, 700m over 11km. Jo Kay 544 9666 Topo N26 or Park Map From Maitai Dam, leave cars at Caretaker’s, then ______on to Hut via Dun Saddle. Return same way with 6 September optional climb up Dun Mountain. Recommended Thomson Hill – medium (scale 2.0)$14 David short side trip from Hut to lookout. Topo O27 Blunt 548 6826 ______Another new one for the club. Drive to Baton Sad- 27 September dle (on the Wangapeka) to Baton Road and climb North Twin - hard; $14 (scale 4.2) $13 460m over 3km through paddocks, scrub and bush Pat Holland 539 1340 for excellent views at the top and along the way. From Flora carpark follow Mt Arthur track to It is hoped that a stopover can be made on the way saddle between Mt Arthur & Winter Peak then home at the original Luna Hut, now on the Hancock traverse along under the range to a large cairn on farm at Glenrae. Harry may even be present to give the ridge leading to summit of North Twin 1809m. us the history. Topo M27 Crampons & ice axe will be needed. 11km each ______way. Topo M27 12–13 September ______Belvedere Peak – hard (scale 4.5) $23 +gate 3–4 October Mike Drake 522 4458 Lake Caslani – easy (scale 1.8) $27 Belvedere Peak, 2114m, is located at the top of the Gretchen Williams 546 8328 Buller, Clarence and Wairau catchments. From Maruia Road, 1km South of Lower Maruia Day 1: Along the Rainbow Valley then Paske Creek Bridge, cross farmland and through bush, follow to Hut. Day 2: Attain Paske Saddle, 1796m, then Lake Stream to Lake Caslani. Cross around the follow ridge to the summit. Reverse route to Paske spur through the bush to Cliff Lake, then follow Hut and then out. 16.5km to hut, a further 5.2km spur down above Cliff Stream back to road. Over- to summit. Topo M30, N30 night in Cabins and visit Blackwater fumaroles on ______second day. Topo L29 12 September ______Cullen’s Creek – medium (scale 2.2) $16 3–4 October Uta Purcell 545 0280 Mt Chittenden – fit (scale 3.3) $22 plus gate From Linkwater follow up Cullen Creek track to Ruth Hesselyn 544 0870 (or 0570) climb across a saddle to the old gold working site A snow climb requiring ice axe, crampons & head of Waikakaho village clearing and return the same lamp. Day 1: Tramp 6km up the picturesque Con- way. Good track of approx 11km with one short nors Creek climbing 550m to camp above the steep section. Topo P27, P28 bushline, so bring your winter woollies or polypro. nelson tramping club > August 2009

Day 2: Climb another 750 steep metres to the Day 3: Out to cars and return home. summit at 2195m then return the same way to There will be an option for starting a day earlier camp, collect gear & out to vehicles. Topo N30 and making it a 4-day trip. This will be decided on ______weather and participant preferences closer to the 5 October day. Topo J33 Club night: Ken Ridley – cycling tour of ______Vietnam/Cambodia 24 October ______Parachute Rocks – medium (scale 2.5) $17 10–11 October Mary Honey 548 9083 Little Rintoul / Old Man – fit (scale 3.4) $24 An old favourite starting from Kerr Bay, Dan 548 3458 . Day 1: Drive via the Northbank of the Wairau and ______Top Valley Stream to the Lake Chalice carpark. 31 Oct–1 November A 400m descent will see you at the hut. From here, Sawcut Gorge – medium skirt the south side of the lake till it meets with the (details in next newsletter) outlet to the Goulter River. Continue down valley ______for about 4km before starting on the climb to Old 1 November Man Hut. (5 bunks, 1 ticket) 14km and 900m. Devils Creek Hut – easy Day 2: A steady climb via a bush track then an (details in next newsletter) obvious route along the ridge will take you to Little Rintoul, pt1643. Great views from here. Return via the ridge to Old Man, 1514m then descend a rough track to the head of Lake Chalice. Approx 17km and 900m. Topo O28 ______11 October TRIP REPORTS Asbestos Cottage – medium (scale 2.0) $18 Barry James 5466 153 July/August 2009 From signposted turnoff part way up road to Cobb dam. Attractive walk, wet or fine. Topo M27 5 July – Basic Snowcraft, Mt Arthur, ______Kahurangi National Park 18 October Organiser: Mark Stevens Maitai – Atawhai circuit – medium (scale2.0) $0 David Blunt 548 6826 It was that time of year again – short days, long Starting at Branford Park, follow up the Maitai to nights, and snow all around – must be time for Sharlands Creek and climb the Supplejack Track snowcraft! With snow falling to low levels, and a to the lookout seat with its panoramic views in all dodgy weather report, off we went to Mt Arthur. directions. From here, head south along the forest Alas, the road up the Graham Valley was fraught boundary, almost to Kaka Hill, then drop down on with danger, so we parked the car. However, Dion’s a farm track to Bay View and return back along the trusty 4WD made it all the way up to Flora carpark. ridge via the Centre of NZ. 10.5km. Topo O27 From here, we made fast progress to Mt Arthur ______Hut, where a visiting weka would not stay away 18 October from our lunch. Mt Robert Ridge – Speargrass circuit – fit Crampons and ice axes were used for a short (scale 3.3) $18 stint up ‘the hill’, but with a howling wind and fall- Andy Clark 540 3006 ing snow, staying upright was proving hard… so From Mt Robert carpark, follow the Robert Ridge to not many skills were learnt. rocky Julius, then descend 700m on a side spur to Back to the hut and down to the carpark in dou- the Speargrass Creek track, a short distance below ble quick time. At the carpark we helped excavate the new hut. 14km a car from the snow. ______All in all – “lots of snow; not much craft.” Thanks 24–26 October to Dion Pont, Ruth Hessleyn, Ulla (visitor), Annie Cedar Flat – Classic West Coast Tramp Hill and Mary Wu. – medium (scale 2.5) $60 Mike Glover 544 7955 / Dion Pont 547 7562 5 July – Marsden Scout Track, Nelson This is one is from the Nick Groves book entitled Organiser: David Blunt Weekend Tramps. Day 1: Travel to Hokitika and head inland for 27km. Under a threatening sky with rain forecast, 12 op- Follow track up Toaroha River to Cedar Flat with its timistic club members and two visitors left the Bar- hot springs and 6-bunk hut and an older dilapidat- nicoat Walkway carpark at 9.15am, heading up the ed 2-bunk hut. 4-5 hours, 8km. Scout Trail to the top of the range. For one or two Day 2: Day trip to Yeats Hut and/or Adventure bivouac. it was a bit of a struggle but spirits were revived August 2009 > nelson tramping club

after a rest stop at the top for ing was given about the road 12 July – Moutere Cycle Tour drinks and a bite to eat. conditions at St Rohans Stream: Organiser: Rosemary Weir At the firebreak leading down “chains will be needed.” (This to the Roding, Gillian left us to obstacle did not faze us.) Chains Seven keen cyclists assembled return back via the roadway to were fitted on wheels and 4WD at Mapua and left for a day’s ride the carpark. The firebreak, al- engaged. Safe passage was at 10.00am. We rode up Seaton though steep in places, was not made through Rainbow Valley, Valley, paused at the saddle, and too slippery due to an absence of and a short walk up river flats to turned left into Old Coach Road. frost. Everyone managed the de- the hut was made in good time. At the end of Old Coach Road we scent to the Roding Dam without Fire was lit, cups of tea made, turned onto the Inland Highway mishap. tents were erected and lunch and rode into . Then it was on to the caretak- was eaten around a cosy fire with A quick comfort stop at the vil- er’s house where a little presen- snow all around. lage, and the decision was made tation was made to retiring care- Sounds great! – but this is not to continue on to via taker Neil Fitzsimmons who was why we go into the mountains; Central Road. Central Road is an also thanked for his friendly as- to sit by warm fires, drink cups of interesting and quiet alternative sistance to the Club over the pre- tea and eat cake. (Yes it is –Ed.) to the Inland Highway. We sped vious six years. Lunch was held So, boots were placed on feet down to the saltwater baths for a in what someone thought looked and a party sent to locate the picnic lunch on the Reserve, then like a Druids Circle just below the track to take in the morning. It off along the Coastal Highway to Scout Den. was found and followed up past the Jester House Cafe for a well After this we followed the val- the bushline. With the dropping of earned cuppa. ley down for about 2km and back the sun to the west, we retraced We then turned off the Coast- up a forestry road to the top of our way to the hut ... where the al Highway into Marriages Road the Walkway. This was not with- warm fire and cups of tea and and wound up a hill at the back out some anxious moments, as cake awaited us again. Dinner of Ruby Bay. We were rewarded one member, after stopping for a was cooked by candle light and with a great, long, windy down- comfort stop, took a wrong turn- the hiss of the gas stove. More hill, which was a real treat to fin- ing immediately afterwards and cups of tea and cake were con- ish off the ride. failed to rejoin the party. Phone sumed. Back onto the Highway at calls to the caretaker were un- Conversations ebbed and Pomona Road and a short ride successful and, as we later found flowed as dinner was eaten, and back to the vehicles. Altogeth- out, he luckily ‘intercepted’ the of course, more cups of tea. er 53kms. A very nice, sociable missing member on his way out Alarms were set for 5.00am. ride, with great views, a few hills of the valley, then kindly drove Sleeping bags were fluffed. Zip- and some cruisy downhills. her back to Marsden Valley. Per- pers were pulled and heads laid Participants were: Ken Rid- haps there was a lesson to be down to rest. ley, Alison Nicoll, Pam Satherley learned here of the need to have “It’s snowing!” came the cry (visitor), Greg and Alison Pick- a tail-end-Charlie in a larger at 5.00am. The fire was stoked ford and visitor Mitch Bloom with group. Fortunately, all ended up and billies boiled. Wheaties were scribe/organiser Rosemary Weir. well in what was a good day’s eaten. Jackets and boots were outing – with the rain managing put on. 19 July – Airport Perimeter to stay away. Making our way up the spur of Walk, Nelson Participants were: Andy Clark, Mount Weld, the snow became Organiser: Katie Cloughley Uta Purcell, Gillian Arbuthnott, soft, so turns at the front were the Gretchen Williams, Mary Honey, order of the day, for each party A walk on the wild side this is not. Katie and Maurice Cloughley, Dan member. The wind was strength- But for a Sunday morning winter McGuire, Sara Vickerman, Barry ening with altitude gained. It was walk with compatible company, James, Paul Fisher, Graham Davy snowing, so no view was to be this is a very pleasant way to and Marion Janke (visitors). seen – none of the party became spend a couple of hours. peak-baggers. We decided to re- Thanks to ‘local knowledge’ 11–12 July, Mt Weld (2114m) turn to the hut, and leave Mount (Gillian Arbuthnott), a detour to – Rainbow Valley Weld to be bagged another day. the end of the peninsula then Organiser: Mark Stevens At the hut, packs were packed, saw us continue along the beach and the short walk out to the cars before regaining the fence line at A short walk in to a hut, then was taken. Another good week- the golf course. a snow-covered Mount Weld to end in the mountains! Gillian scored more Brownie climb in the morning ... could we The party were: Mike Drake, points by delivering Katie and ask for anything better? Ruth Hesselyn, Carole Crocker, Annie back to town – thanks Gil- Well, not all was to go as Dion Pont, Jane Dewar, Chris lian! And a thank you also for planned. The key was collected (visitor), Pat Holland and Mark cheery company from Annie Hill, from Rainbow Station, a warn- Stevens (scribe). Fiona Nisbet (visitor) and, (for nelson tramping club > August 2009

part of the walk) Lynn Charters 25 July – Dew Lakes, Bryant (Until an American couple arrived and her Chinese student Zuiwen Range, Nelson to share the last free bunk.) (visitor). Organiser: Gretchen Williams Lunch was outside in the warm- ing sun, taking in the views. 19 July – Mount Stokes, Twas a crisp and gorgeous morn- The afternoon provided more Marlborough Sounds ing. As we got higher, the views photo opportunities, and one big Organiser: Pat Holland unfolded – the caretaker’s house task: to find suitable fire wood. and dam, the pylons and ‘road’ The wood shed held nice, big Four souls in the little red Suzuki up to the Maungatapu Saddle, rounds of wood, but the axe must made for a cozy three-hour drive the Western Ranges covered in have been buried somewhere un- to the start of the track. The snow. The vegetation alternates der knee-deep snow. A lot of ex- road from Havelock is exceed- a lot between beech forest and pertise amongst us found ways to ingly winding, but picturesque, interesting mineral belt with the deal with the firewood situation. as it tracks along the peninsula odd rocky outcrop – Maurice We got the hut so warm that it between Kenepuru Sound and perched on most of them. The became too hot for sleeping, but Queen Charlotte Sound. All the Rush Pool (it had water in it!) and helped to dry more firewood for baches and resorts were quiet argillite quarry were explored the next trampers. in the early morn of mid-winter. and we reached Dew Lakes in Everyone still felt comfortable After a flatty and quick wheel time for lunch. What a gorgeous the next morning and we climbed change, we wound up Titirangi little vista with the ‘lake’ sur- to the top of Mt Fyffe (1602m) Road to the saddle at about 500m rounded by yellow green veg- in 2 ¾ to 3 hours. It was calm a.s.l., overlooking Anakoha Bay. etation and stunted beech trees and brilliant, the snow powdery, The weather was cool, but (looking particularly Japanese- crusty in the shade; because of pleasantly calm and fine, as we like) with Fishtail rearing up in a cloud bank on the horizon we headed into the bush around the the backdrop and blue, blue sky were unable to see the North Is- flank of Mt Robinson. The good all around. And the return trip land. Dion went further to the track then went more directly up was just as enjoyable! saddle in the direction of Uwerau through surprisingly dense for- and Manakau, mainly to look at est. After two hours of steady 25–26 July – Mt Fyffe, the round trip that leads back effort, we emerged onto tus- Seaward Kaikoura Range via Kowhai Hut. For the descent, sock very close to the summit of Organiser: Uta Purcell we put on crampons. Another Mt Stokes (1208m) with broad hour was enjoyed at the hut for patches of snow. This is the high- For this snow trip, in perfect early lunch and a tramping club est point in The Sounds and we conditions, I was joined by Car- style clean-up. The total de- were rewarded by superb views ole Crocker, Marguerite Verheul, scent today was approximately on all sides, including D’Urville Jocelyn Winn, Dion Pont, Alison 1500m, reaching the car park at and Stephens Islands. The Wel- Nicoll, and Ruth Henry. We left 2.00pm. lington Coast and snowy North Friday night, and stayed with So, we fitted in a visit to seals, Island Ranges were visible in the Lynne in Blenheim to avoid icy playing under a waterfall in Ohau NE and Tapuae-o-uenuku and Mt roads. An indication of our ea- Stream, and a top-up for us at Alarm to the South. gerness was that we were always The Store in Kekerengu. Two It was sunny with a cooling ready well before the agreed de- relaxed days in the snow, but breeze, so we took lunch in the parture time. some of us also had a mission: lee of the repeater station be- To find five cars already in Dion a new camera to get the fore romping down, (a bunch of the Mt Fyffe car park was a bit best out of, and Alison to retrace teenagers from Outward Bound of a surprise on this early, frosty her mother’s footsteps, who had trudging up). On the drive home- morning. During the drive we climbed Mt Fyffe in 1930. Alison ward, we stopped at a Beach Re- had enjoyed great views of Mt deposited a photographic record serve for a brew using Pat’s an- Tapuae-o-uenuku and the Kaik- of this event in the hut. cient Thermette which surprised oura Ranges under deep snow. some by how quickly it came to Snow covered the track, a wide 1 August – Mt McRae (1878m), the boil. and well maintained 4WD road, Nelson Lakes National Park For a modest tramp, this is well below the hut at approxi- Organiser: Ruth Hesselyn rather a long day trip with a lot mately 1090m. Dion and Carole of driving. However, it was well reached Mt Fyffe Hut easily in Rainbow Skifield was open so we worthwhile for the sights on a 2 ½ hours, the rest of us in the were off. Ruth sweet-talked the clear winter’s day. Day trippers next half hour. There were stun- driver of a large ute to trans- were: Pat Holland, Uta Purcell, ning views down to Kaikoura – a port four members of our group Ruth Hesslyn and Chris Olds . Google-map-like landscape – and up the skifield road. Rob trans- up to glistening peaks ahead. ported the remaining three in the Luckily, trampers were leaving Kay family’s Suzuki Jimny. the hut so we had it to ourselves. With ice axes at the ready,we August 2009 > nelson tramping club

donned crampons and headed up Grossi Point Reserve. 6pm. (We used an ice axe to into the West Bowl to practice self A joyful tui, high up in a tree, hack a hole into the frozen lake arrests on the first likely-looking chorused its approval of our ar- to fetch much needed drinking slope. Continuing upward, we rival. The tranquil vista of motion- water. Dion used a normal axe to followed Ruth, who made little less blue water framing Rabbit ‘modifiy’ the woodbox in order to butterfly footsteps in which we Island, and an equally stunning stoke the fire. –Ed) sunk down through the thin crust blue sky, was the backdrop for Early next morning, Mike, Mar- into soft snow. the distant Richmond Ranges. guerite, Paul and myself depart- Raymond was then sent ahead The receding tide allowed for ed the hut under darkness, to to create some nicely-spaced ample beach space to wander climb Mount Angelus (2075m). footholds that even us shorties along. We observed the patterns After enjoying the view from the could stride into. Mount McRae of erosion caused by the volume summit, we returned to the hut, drifted in and out of mist so we of water which moved ceaseless- had a brew, and set off after the had ever changing views down ly in and out of the narrow chan- remainder of our party. After a to Lake Rotoiti and across to nel which separates Mapua and lunch break near Julius Peak, we the Robert Ridge. We lunched to Rabbit Island. Seabirds, shells traversed the tops back down to the lee of the summit where we and a myriad of smooth peb- our cars. were nicely sheltered from the bles abound along the shoreline. Participants were: Bob Janssen crisp breeze blowing in from the Golden feathery fronds of toi toi (scribe), Dion Pont, Mike Drake, West. line the causeway. Paul Richardson, Raymond Salis- Chris and Ruth took turns to We negotiated a gentle cor- bury, Marguerite Verheul, Car- lead us further along the ridge to- ner and were rewarded by the ole Crocker, Jane Dewar, Annie wards a saddle. As time seemed unfolding vista of the coastline Hill, Jo Kay, and Ulla Norlander to be racing by, Ruth decided to curving gently towards the Kina (guest). short-circuit the original plan. Cliffs, Motueka and beyond, and She taught us more snowcraft: watched the waters of Tasman 16 August – Lookout Range how to make steps, and how Bay moving undecidedly in vari- Organiser: Andy Clark to descend backwards down a ous directions around an exposed near-vertical slope. Down-climb- sand bar. Out of a possible nine for this ing around to a point where we A sharp left turn, a quick clam- trip, only five trusted the organ- could walk in a more normal pos- ber over large rocks, a sedate iser’s judgement on the weath- ture, we proceded back to the ascension of strategically-placed er and turned up for this trip to skifield. concrete steps, a cross-country Billie’s Knob, (on .) Special note must be made of traverse of some private land On reaching the Dart Ford it was Ruth’s noble gesture in keeping (well, we didn’t see the sign until found to be impassable, so Dion track of us tail-end-Charlies. As a afterwards) eventually brought suggested an alternative trip result of this sacrifice, she missed us back to our starting point. onto the Lookout Range from the out on her much-anticipated cof- Purses were retrieved from the Dry Weather Road. fee and cake at the cafe. Also, our car and four pairs of feet danced The stream at the start was also trusty leader managed to secure in delight along the footpath in swollen, but our fearless crew the services of the same ute for anticipation of coffee and cake bush-bashed up the side until a transport down the mountain. at The Naked Bun. Then, it was suitable crossing was found. Af- Fellow mountaineers were: home to the excitement of a va- ter a steep scramble, the track Ruth Hesselyn (trip leader) Uta riety of planned activities: a bar- was reached. Purcell, Jane Dewar, Raymond becue lunch, an early afternoon Good progress was made on Salisbury, Merrick Mitchell, a concert and the pleasure of a sat- this easy gradient track with very young Chris Olds (visitor), isfying novel. Mapua Meanderers views expanding as we climbed. Jo Kay (scribe) and transporter, were: Beverley Muirhead, Gillian Sub alpine terrain was finally chain-fitter and skier, Rob Kay. Arbuthnott, Jo Kay and Val. reached and old campsites point- ed out by Dion, he being the only 2 August 2009 8–9 August – Lake Angelus member to have been here be- – Mapua Meanders Hut, Nelson Lakes Nat. Park fore. Giant rocks were sighted on Organiser: Gillian Arbuthnott Organiser: Bob Janssen the skyline, but due to our late start we fell ½ an hour short of Aranui Park was our starting With perfect weather and good our destination, having all decid- point to head off into the laby- snow conditions for the week- ed on a 2pm turnaround – leaves rinth of suburbia. This provided end, our party left the Mt Robert a bit to discover on a future trip. ample opportunity to observe carpark shortly after 9.30am. Our return was uneventful and and comment – more than one We climbed along Robert Ridge the stream crossing at the end Amex required here – and weigh at a leisurely pace in our cram- much easier due to the fall of the up the pros and cons of the local pons, enjoying the scenery, ar- river level. A thoroughly enjoy- flora before hitting the beach at riving at Angelus Hut at about able day, with a fantastic team nelson tramping club > August 2009

and good weather, coats staying made to a club member who at- where they should be – inside tended a mountain safety course packs. AGM Minutes and was 50% of the course cost. People who didn’t mind a dodgy Gillian advised that this would be forecast were: Andy Clark, Dion Minutes of 76th AGM of the her last year as club treasurer. Pont, Jane Dewar, Sue Davies Nelson Tramping Club Motion to accept the Financial and Graham Davey. Held at Nelson Intermediate Report - Moved: Hec Arbuthnott, School on 3rd August, 2009, at Seconded: Pat Holland 17 August – Boulder Bank, 7:30 pm. Nelson Haven President Mark Stevens de- ELECTION OF OFFICERS & Organiser: Renee Visser clared the meeting open and wel- NEW COMMITTEE > comed all members and visitors A group of 10 walkers picked Nominations to the club Commit- our way amongst the boulders Members present: 35 tee as follows: and discovered quite a different Visitors: 2 President, Gear: Mark Stevens view of Nelson from that nor- Apologies: Mike Drake Vice President: Lawrie Halkett mally seen. The way was punctu- Correspondence Secretary: ated with a ‘shag tree’ which was Minutes of the 2008 AGM were Pat Holland bare, except for about ten nests taken as read. Motion that min- Treasurer: Gillian Arbuthnott with shags sitting in them. The utes be accepted. Moved: Ruth Minutes Secretary: Jo Kay resourceful creatures had made Hesselyn, Seconded: Mark Ste- Programme Team Represen- use of flotsam and their nests vens. tative: Uta Purcell sported brightly-coloured bits of Committee: Bob Janssen, Dion plastic in their makeup. PRESIDENT’S REPORT > Pont, Marguerite Verheul We were then intrigued by presented by Mark Stevens the baches and their gardens of Motion that nominations accept- red hot pokers, cactii and some Mark thanked retiring committee ed: Moved: Ruth Hesselyn/Mike flowering daffodils. Herrie left his members, Hec, Ruth and Mike, Glover. Mark declared that the business card in case they need- for their input to the smooth nominees duly elected. A late ed a renovator. running of the club. He encour- nomination from Merrick Mitchell We lunched at the base of the aged other members of the club was accepted and passed. lighthouse, then explored the to consider becoming a commit- Mark commented about the interior. The ground level had a tee member at some stage so change to the position of Pro- great photo display of the light- that the club continues to remain gramme co-ordinator to a four- house’s history which was home a healthy entity. The committee person sub-committee. to three families at one stage. was thanked for the organisation Raymond Salisbury (ex Tau- We were able to climb up to the of the 75th Anniversary Celebra- ranga) was thanked for taking light and wander around the tiny tion. Mark encouraged use of the on the role of Newsletter Edi- terrace on the outside at the top. club’s valuable assets, the Loca- tor. Pat Holland urged members We carried on down to The Cut, tor Beacons, to be used on both to use the new web site for the disturbing a seal lounging on the private and club trips. Newsletter and Trip Programme rocks, and a hare that raced off details. The web site will replace to who-knows-where. FINANCIAL REPORT > e-mail reminders for trips. The On the way back we collected presented by Club Treasurer, meeting closed at 7:45 pm. what rubbish we could manage Gillian Arbuthnott. to carry. GUEST SPEAKERS > Thanks to Renee Visser for Gillian explained the change to being our leader. The followers the auditing process. Due to the Martin Rodd, Motueka DOC of- were Jo Kay (scribe), Susan Sin- Charities Act there is no longer a fice, and Michael Hawes, a clair, Jim Maxwell, Mike and Sue need for an official auditor to technical pest control expert, Locke, Ulla Norlander (visitor), check the accounts, which costs showed a PowerPoint presenta- Herrie Ten Oeven (visitor), David $1000. A financially competent tion on the use of 1080 by DOC Blunt and Ruth Hesselyn. person can now review the ac- for eradication of possums. counts and Lindsay did this. Two queries about the financial Uta Purcell presented a colour- TIP > Trip Reports are first post- statement from club members ful and entertaining talk and ed on the club website, near the were explained: Grants, a club slide show on her trip to Manaslu end of every 2nd month, before member’s anonymous donation in Nepal. Her observations on the being archived. By using the of $1000, and $200 from club local culture were very insightful search feature on the website, funds paid for the Locator Bea- and the landscape shots stun- you can find previous trips. cons purchased by the Club. ning. The First Aid payment was August 2009 > nelson tramping club

Hut History Sought St James > Future management I am researching my forefather’s NEWS + grazing grounds, especially the The Department of Conserva- NOTICES > musterer’s huts he built, or were tion is seeking feedback on the built for him, from 1875-1895, future management of St James Upcoming Clubnights around the Mt Arthur Tableland Conservation Area. (St James (put them in your diary) area. Station was purchased by the Having read a number of histori- Nature Heritage Fund in Octo- Monday 5 October: cal books on Kahurangi National ber 2008.) A discussion paper Ken Ridley is speaking on his Park, there is a dirth on info re- has been put together that out- cycling tour of Vietnam and garding the OLD Salisbury Hut, lines future use options for the Cambodia. OLD Myttons Hut, & early Leslie area over the next 12 months to Clearing Huts. If you dig some- three years. Monday 7 December: thing up, email me the findings. Canterbury Conservator, Mike Annual Photo Competition Cuddihy said: “This is your land, Thanks... this is your chance to have a say Trip Leaders Training Raymond Salisbury on its future.” Coming Up! [email protected] Also being released [today] for public comment is the ‘Draft The Committee are planning a Annual Subscription Guidelines for Aircraft Access - Trip Leaders training course. The Canterbury Conservancy’. “We aim is to encourage awareness of Subscription: Adult - $28.00 would like public feedback on a risk management, and minimise Couple - $45.00. proposal to put a restricted zone the possibility of loss or injury on (These all include FMC Affiliation over the , our expeditions into the wilds. levy of $10.00 per person.) north from Mt Una and east Subscriptions can be paid online from Fowlers Pass to the Clar- NZ Wilderness Magazine, to: ence River,” said Mr Cuddihy. published since 1991, is pur- chased on behalf of members by Nelson Tramping Club Inc. at Both the St James Discussion NTC. Copies are held by Peter Westpac Nelson paper and the Aircraft Access Wise at Wises Picture Framers in Account: 03 0703 0028827 00. guidelines can be viewed and Buxton Square and are available commented on by visiting these without cost to all members. If using this option you must DOC websites: identify yourself by name. www.doc.govt.nz/stjamescon- Discounts sultation Club members receive a 10% www.doc.govt.nz/aircraftaccess discount from the following Nelson stores: Basecamp, The deadline for feedback on Altitude and Rollo’s. DOC the St James paper is Monday UPDATES > 14 September 2009. Outdoor First Aid Courses: The Nelson branch of the Anatoki River area Mountain Safety Council are > Possum Control running an Outdoor First Aid course. DOC Golden Bay are proposing Dates: 19-20 September 2009. to conduct a possum control op- COMMITTEE > Venue: Papetai Lodge, eration in the Anatoki and Devil Lee Valley, . River catchments of Kahurangi President, Gear: Mark Stevens Cost: $100. National Park. It is scheduled for Vice President: Lawrie Halkett spring 2009. They wish to repeat Correspondence Secretary: Pat Holland Go to: their previous 2004 operation in Treasurer: Gillian Arbuthnott http://www.mountainsafety.org. the area, beginning on the main Minutes Secretary: Jo Kay nz/Training ridge between Lonely Lake, Ade- Programme Team Rep: Uta Purcell or contact: laide Tarn and Boulder Lake, down Committee: Bob Janssen, Dion Pont, Administration Officer into the headwaters of the Ana- Marguerite Verheul, Merrick Mitchell Evelyn O’Neill. Tel: 547-2426. toki and Devil River watersheds. Email: Newsletter Editor: Raymond Salisbury [email protected] For more information: [email protected] Contact the NTC editor, or Steve Deverell, Golden Bay Area Of- Website: www.nelsontrampingclub.org.nz fice, Takaka. Ph: (03) 525 8026. Postal Address: 114 Vanguard Street, Nelson