OVER FORTIES TRAMPING CLUB INC

Newsletter 395 May 2014 Exploring the Upper Cobb Basin, COMING UP Kahurangi National Park, 18-22 March

Participants: Jill Lyall ( leader) Jill Goddard, Sandi Leith, Howard Har- NEXT MEETING vey, Brian Prendergast, Robin Mears. MONDAY MAY 5 This adventure was advertised as 4 Horticultural Hall, Hagley Park nights (Huts), but Jill, by using Trilo- 7.30pm bite Hut as a base, ensured that we needed to carry gear for only one Club member Terry Jacobs has a long family night. It was an 8 hour drive to reach connection with Canterbury Museum the basin, but worth it, as we enjoyed His talk is entitled A Dynasty of Taxidermy. 5 days of perfect weather, a full moon, and were able to appreciate the flora, fauna, geology and historic sites. The Cobb Reservoir (pictured) at MIDWINTER LUNCHEON 860m provides water for the highest WEDNESDAY JUNE 18 power station in New Zealand. The Tai Tapu Golf Club Rooms project began in the 1930s and was not completed until 1956. It was a Members please bring soup for Grade 3 and 4 tortuous one-lane road to reach the top and look down on the reservoir. groups and finger food for Grade 2 and We then drove to the west end of the lake and parked outside the basic Veterans. Trilobite hut. This is probably the only back country hut named after a fos- sil, as nearby in isolated limestone outcrops were found the earliest ma- rine fossils. We did spend some time fossicking but with no success. Rakaia Gorge Walkway Track Work - Sunday May 4 The 12km track up the Cobb valley to Fenella Hut was in excellent condi- tion. Despite plenty of side streams and swamps our boots remained All Welcome, bring hand tools - spade/grubber, dry because of the extensive ditching along the track, flat rocks placed in hand trimmers, secateurs, hand saw etc strategic positions and bridges of rock over small watercourses. On the Depart: Yaldhurst hotel carpark 8.30am map, Chaffey Shelter is marked (derelict), but it is far from that. It was a Cost: $17 surprise to find the hut (4bunks ) in top condition. A feature of this area are the initiatives by volunteers. They have kept its quaintness by using wood Leader: Ian Fussell 358 3724 and logs from fallen nearby beech trees. Further on was marked a Tent Camp. We were amazed to find a team of workers under DOC leader- ship using a pulley system to cart rocks to the camp . They will replace the Planting Day canvas roof and lift the mud floor to reduce flooding. All along the track Bowenvale Valley there are baited traps. They seem to be working as we enjoyed an orches- Our planting day at our spot in the Bowenvale tra of bird song. Great to hear! About 10km we dropped our packs at Cobb Valley is coming round again. This year we are Hut (4bunks) and took a 30 minute side trip up to the picturesque Lake Cobb. The Fenella Hut 1100m (12bunks) is well used and is in an attrac- looking at May 29 for a couple of hours. Meet tive location. In the intentions book mention was made of the wonderful in the car park at 12.30 – back to the cars by swimming pool nearby. Continued on page 6 3.15 (depending on numbers planting).

Note the deadline for Newsletter items to the Editor is the 20th of every month for the following month’s Newsletter—send to Liz Griffiths at [email protected] and Mavis Airey at [email protected]

Trip details by the 15th of every month to Trip Collators: Saturday and Sunday trips to Karyn Brookes—354 0113 [email protected] Wednesday trips to Barbro Guard—980 2792 [email protected]

Please note — address all correspondence pertaining to Club business to the Secretary Over Forties Tramping Club, PO Box 6505, Upper Riccarton, Christchurch 8442 Established 1978 Affiliated to the Federated Mountain Clubs of NZ www.oftc.org.nz

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Chairman’s Report As I sit and write this, the drizzle is falling yet again and what is even worse it is grey – a lack of sunshine certainly af- fects my mood so here’s hoping that sunshine will be with us again shortly. Your Committee met for the first time on the 14th of April and we decided to set in place areas of responsibility. So here they are: Fay Jackson – membership issues, changes of address Newsletter “lost and founds” Lois Prebble – secretary of the club Peter Street – finances (HAVE YOU PAID YOUR SUB – DISCOUNT EXPIRES END OF APRIL!!) Sue Weller – in charge of new member’s overnighters Sandra Hawkins – Vets and Level 1 liaison Gordon Murray – Group 2 liaison Colin Garthwaite – Group 3 and Saturday Group liaison Ian Fussell – Group 4 and Backpacking Jill Lyall – Health and Safety and Training issues Gavin Hampton – Chair, website, etc. etc.

What this means in practice is that for example if you change your address, get in contact with Fay; if you tramp in a level 2 group and you feel that something needs to be done in a better way, contact Gordon; if we as a Committee want to get feedback from you as members or keep you up to date with what we are doing, the individuals will talk to you whilst out tramping. Still feel free to contact any of us though if you want a chat or have concerns.

Jill and Ian are looking to put together a database of Base Camps, so that what we have done in the past is not forgotten about. Although it has just come to the end of the season, now may be the time to start thinking of next seasons back- packing and base tramps. Get your thinking caps on. One thing that the Committee is interested in, and as I mentioned last month so is Peter Mears, is what you want from the bi-monthly Club nights. We are interested in learning – what stops you from attending (venue, night held); what you would like at the nights (training, speakers (outside, club members)); and generally what (if anything) would get you coming along. Feed this back to us when you see us out tramping or let myself or Peter know.

Thanks to those who put their hand up for the Wilding Pine days, always a good fundraiser for the club as well as help- ing get rid of a pest. Ian tells me that the work on the Rakaia walkway will take place early in May – he will be in contact. In the same vein, we will be doing a planting session with the City Council at Bowenvale for a couple of hours on the 29th of May.

That’s more than enough from me. Happy tramping Gavin Hampton

Membership Report

Change of address Jan Leitch 384 9018 16 Wakatu Ave, Monks Bay, Chch 8081

Rejoining member Virginia Brownlee 325 1998 P O Box 10, Little River 7546

New members Lynne Brice-Nicholson 03 420 2042 94D Winchester Street, Merivale, Chch 8014 Robin Burr 027 702 8189 3/22 Cashel Street, Christchurch Central, Chch 8013 Alison Downard 357 2089 18A Wayside Avenue, Burnside, Chch 8053 Diane Mellish 337 5530 5 Paikea Place, Somerfield, Chch 8024 Michelle Welch 383 3138 83 Broadhaven Ave, Parklands, Chch 8083 These people completed their overnighters recently and were approved at the last committee meeting. We welcome that all to the club and hope that they continue to enjoy challenging trips with us.

Resignations Lindsay Ayers joined in1989, was made a Life member in 2005. He died on 8 April aged 86 (see page 8). Alison Carter has been a member since 2003 and enjoyed Grade 1 or veterans trips with us. Alison died on 14 April aged 81. Lesley Tuffley joined in 1998 and has resigned after 16 years tramping with the club. John Weller who joined in Jan 2013 has resigned. Fay Jackson

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3 OVER FORTIES TRAMPING CLUB INC

DAY TRIP PROGRAMME The tramps are listed in order of difficulty, with the easiest first, then moderate, then harder. CANCELLATIONS If you are unsure of a tramp please check with the tramp leader. For all trips others than vets: NQ means that this tramp is not a qualifying tramp for prospective new members. Go to the OFTC website home All other day tramps grade 2 and above are qualifying tramps. page - Cancellation Notices. Travel costs for trips are calculated at three passengers per car.

Please note: It is club policy that these day tramps and the tramping programmes Vets: Ring the leader of the trip detailed in the newsletter are for members only. or Norma Powell 384 1397.

Reminders to Tramp Leaders TRAMP PLANNERS Note — Please forward your draft list to the Club Captain by the 20th of each month TO CANCEL A DAY TRAMP Saturday Colin Garthwaite 360 3770 Go to OFTC website and log in. Click on Members section, then click Wednesday Veterans Pat Tapper 348 5553 on Cancellations on the lefthand side list. Type your message into the Heather Spence 03 261 2002 dialog box then click save. This must be done at least 1½ hours before departure. Any changes to your trip or equipment Middle Vicky Samson 342 7962 requirements should be placed 12 hours in advance. Leaders are no Yvonne Cargill 358 2129 longer required to go to the start meeting place provided their Russell Hignett 355 5670 cancellation has been posted on time.

Dallas Ford 339 2308 Vets: Ring Norma Powell 384 1397 to confirm your cancellation. Brian Meadows 337 4423 Hard Bridget Barclay 03 312 0626 LOCATOR BEACONS Russell Ramsden 322 8856 Collect and carry these. Please note — they are collected from the John Allan 326-4966 Shell Petrol Stations at Belfast or Yaldhurst or at Princess Margaret Sunday Easier Mary Brinsdon 366 9119 Hospital — at front vestibule desk. For any private use of these Carolina Kol 03 312 7970 beacons please contact Stu McHugh to arrange (323 6333). Middle Claire Matoe 388 6427 AT THE END OF THE TRAMP Wendy Hughes 388 3295 Please send the number of participants to: Peter Moore 348 0765 Mary Brinsdon at 366 9119 or [email protected] Hard Ian Fussell 358 3724

A leader has the responsibility and right to refuse any- body they consider for any reason may not be able to MAY 11 cope with the conditions.

Capt. Thomas & Scarborough Bluffs Tracks PH 47 SUNDAY TRAMPS Cost : Nil Via Capt. Thomas Track to Evans Pass, then MAY 4 Scarborough Bluffs towards Taylors Mistake. Grade : 2 Gebbies Pass to Packhorse Hut BP 12 Depart : End of LOWER Sumnervale Drive, Sumner at Cost : $4 9am From top of Gebbies Pass, through plantation and farms to Time : 5 hours Packhorse Hut for lunch and return. Leader : John Hayman 335 0984 Grade : 1 Depart : Carpark opposite PMH (river west) at 9am Timu Timu Heads, Akaroa Harbour Time : 5 hours Cost : $17 Leader : Helen Chan 351 9888 Easy walk over farmland to southern heads of Akaroa Co Leader : Joan Hewitson 388 4320 Harbour with fabulous views from the harbour to the Alps. Lunch in the delightful rocky bay called Scenery Nook. Mt Thomas Pinchgut - Combined Trip Steepish climb out of the bay on return via farmland to Cost : $12 cars. One group follows Okuku Stream along Pinchgut Track to Note: Please pick up beacon before departure and meet Pinchgut Hut, group then continues to Mt Thomas and Ian at Barry’s Bay turn off at approximately. 9am down forest track. The other group will start at the other Grade : 3 end and swap keys at lunchtime on route. Depart : Carpark opposite PMH West at 8am Grade : 3 Time : 5 hours Depart : Belfast Hotel carpark at 8am Leader : Ian Laws 03-304 8886 or 027 239 7375 Time : 6-7 hours Leaders : Claire Matoe 388 6427 and Evelyn Sheridan 383 0891

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MAY 18 WEDNESDAY TRAMPS

Tiromoana Bush Walk N 56 Wednesday Grade Four Tramps Cost : $12 We will continue to schedule trips on a weekly basis in From carpark on Mt Cass Road, walk via wetlands to the beach for lunch. Enjoy spectacular views of Pegasus Bay the meantime. Planners will agree on a Sunday what the from cliff tops, before returning through regenerated forest trip on the following Wednesday will be. This will be cho- area. sen with regard to the availability of leaders and weather. Grade : 1-2 People will be advised by email and by posting on the Depart : Belfast Hotel carpark at 9am website. We have a list of regular and occasional Grade Time : 5 hours Four trampers. If you wish to check that you are on that Leaders : Annemarie & Digby Scorgie 03 312 0096 list or be added to it, please email Bridget at Big Ben Circuit [email protected]. Cost : $19 Please note that Grade Four tramps are defined as “6+ A circuit of the Dry Acheron Stream and Big Ben (1416m hrs, more than 1000m vertical gain, could involve off track SW of Ben More). Unusual views into the headwaters of the and technical issues such as river crossings” Selwyn River and Quartz Hill area. In reality, 7and 8-hour tramps are not uncommon. Grade : 3+ Depart : Yaldhurst Hotel carpark at 8am Time : 6 hours MAY 7 Leader : Ian Fussell 358 3724 Bottle Lake Forest NQ Cost : nil MAY 25 Walking through the forest to the beach and along to Spencer Park. Easier options available. Bridle Path to Mt Pleasant PH 14 Depart : Bottle Lake Forest main carpark at 9.30 am Cost : Nil Time : 3 -– 4 hours Up the Bridle Path and over the tops to Mt. Pleasant. Won- Leader : Graeme Schroeder 383 8959 derful views in all directions. Grade : 2 Captain Thomas Track & Beyond PH15 Depart : Bridle Path carpark at 9am Cost : Nil Time : 5 hours Moderate climb to Evans Pass up the side of the valley. Leader : Mary Brinsdon 366 9119 Grade : 2 Depart : End of Summervale Drive at Horse Paddock 9am Castle Hill Peak from Foggy Peak – Combined Top Time : 5 hrs Group Leader : Alan Morgan Ph 384 9976 Cost : $16 Steady steepish climb up broad ridge all the way to summit Cass Hill and Sugar Loaf W87 and on to Castle Hill Peak (1970m). Return the same way. Cost : $24 Ice axe and crampons required. A little bit of everything – rambling around Cass Hill & Sugar Grade : 3+ Loaf. From Cass field station, climb Cass Hill, across to Depart : Yaldhurst Hotel carpark at 7.30am Note: Early Sugar Loaf (1349m), return via Lake Sarah or round the Start back by Waimakariri. Time : 6+ hours Grade : 3 Leader : Ian Beale 376 5026 or 027 628 0628 Depart : Yaldhurst Hotel carpark at 8.30am. Time : 5 hrs Leader : Stu McHugh 323 6333 MAY OVERNIGHTER

MAY 31-JUNE 1

Magdalen Hut, Lewis Pass Bunks: 6 Grade: Medium Travel Cost: $40 per person This trip is on the St James Walkway and is about 3.5hrs hiking. This trip is dependent on the river levels for crossing the Boyle river. Leader: Dean Stewart

Mount Wall, March 26—photo John Allan

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MAY 14 MAY 27

The Groynes NQ Westmorland NQ Cost : nil Cost : nil Easy walking on familiar tracks to see new plantings and Walking on tracks and byways on the hill. Steep places birdlife. taken at slow pace. Depart : Groynes carpark near the swing bridge at 9.30 am Depart : Carpark PMH west at 9.30 am Time : 3 -– 4 hours Time : 3 -– 4 hours Leader : Win Malcolm 323 8466 Leader : Heather Spence 03 261 2002

Mt Grey from Lake Janet N37 Longspur/Horse Trek Hill – Kaituna Area BP69 Cost : $13 Cost : $8 plus $2 donation to Wespac Helicopter From Lake Janet picnic area to take track to Fire lookout, Gradual climb to approx 500 m on graded farm track. Great then continue on up around 400m to Mt Grey summit at 934 views from Lake Ellesmere to the mountains. Grade : 2 m. Depart : Carpark PMH West 8:30am Grade : 2 Time : 4 hours Depart : Belfast Hotel Carpark at 8.30am Leader : Bruce Stanton 338 1909 Time : 5 hrs Leader : Cathie Graves 339 0881 Old Coach Road, Porters Pass W04 Cost : $16 Mt Grey from Grey River picnic area. N35 Leave cars at Kowhai Stm carpark – enter DOC land at U Cost $13 bend at foot of Porters Pass Rd. Climb old coaching track Steady climb up Red Beech track through native bush to Mt then head south along ridge following fence line. Track soon Grey summit at 934 m. Return via alternate route. All round opens out. Follow ridges to Trig M for lunch then return to great views – Kaikoura to Banks Peninsula. cars on opposite side of valley. A very pleasant tramp with Maybe will meet Gr2's on top for lunch. good all around views. Grade : 3 Grade : 3 Depart : Belfast Hotel Carpark at 8.30am Depart : Yaldhurst Hotel Carpark at 8:30am Time : 5 hrs Time : 5 hours Leader : Russell Hignett 355 5670 Co-Leaders : Paul Taylor 03 313 1098 Colin Garthwaite 360 3770

MAY 21 SATURDAY TRAMPS Airport Precincts – New walk NQ Cost : nil MAY 3 Commence walk up Avonhead Rd with special visits to Vin- tage Car Collection and Garden City Helicopters. Up Orchard Flora and Fauna Rd past Antarctic Centre and Aircraft Maintenance to Rae- Cost : $18 wood at corner Harewood Rd. Down Stanleys Rd through Focus on Astelias, Dracophyllums and stream-side plants on Technology Park to Burnside Park. the lower slopes of Foggy Peak, with the possibility of climb- Depart : Burnside Clubrooms, Avonhead Rd at 9.30 am ing higher for a further range of plants. Time : 4 hours or as long as it takes. Walking distance 8 Grade : 2 km Depart : Yaldhurst Hotel carpark at 8.30am Leader : Clive Morriss 358 2753 Time : 4 hours? Leader : Warwick Scadden 351 9779 PMH to the Kiwi and Return PH32 NB: This will be the last Flora and Fauna tramp until after the Cost: Nil winter, when we plan to start up again, probably in October. Join Jon for his version of this popular tramp. Enjoy the un- folding views and different combinations of tracks that will be covered. MAY 31 Grade : 2 Depart : Carpark opposite PMH at 9 am Awa Awa (McLennans) Reserve SW 05 Time : 5 hrs Cost : $21 Leader : Jon Roberts 377 5151 A pleasant gradual climb through bush to Scotts Saddle and back. Good views of Mt. Hutt and surrounding area. SH72 Mt Oxford from View Hill NW02 turn off on road to Mt. Hutt and continue straight for about Cost : $18 2kms to McLennans Bush. Start from View Hill along the level Wharfedale Track through Alternative return route depending on conditions maybe via bush then steady climb to open top (1364m). Well graded Pudding Hill Stream. track for most of the way – wonderful views from top. Grade : 2-3 Grade : 3 Depart : Yaldhurst Hotel carpark at 8am Depart : Yaldhurst Hotel carpark at 8.30am. Time : 6 hours Time : 5 hrs Leader : Colin Garthwaite 360 3770 Leader : Brian Meadows 337 4423 Co-leader : Peter Street 352 5526

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A few of the photos taken by Carole Bonner as the Vets walked around central Christchurch (March 26). Our leader Alf Barwell took us around a tour of the murals. 20 of us had a most enjoyable day. Clive Morriss

Exploring the Upper Cobb Basin, Kahurangi National Park, continued from page 1

We found the sign 2 furlongs and after a false start found the tarn. There were no sandflies, and no wind. The facility has deep clear water with rocks to jump off. Ideal for a skinny dip. The hut loo is quite unique. You follow a steep path below the hut and find it has painted leadlight glass in the door and window. The evening was spent playing “Quiddler” with Jill Goddard winning by a head.

Day 2 We retraced our steps to Trilobite Hut arriving in early afternoon. Spent time cooling in the river and looking for fossils. If you wore blue clothing, bumble bees showed plenty of interest. Before dark we trans- ferred gear into day packs.

Day 3 After an early start we travelled by vehicle half way along the res- ervoir to a car park. Then there was a 2.40 hr tramp to the historic Asbes- tos Cottage. The track climbs steeply to the Peat Flat and then drops down to the Takaka River before climbing again to the cottage. It was the home of Henry Chaffey and Annie Fox for over 30 years. While Henry spent much of his time mining, Annie remained a recluse. She always dressed in Edwardian-style clothing for visitors, who were required to sig- nal by a cooee. Today, 4 bunks have been set up in the tiny bedroom and an endeavour has been made to protect its historic fabric. Some plants sown by the couple still remain. We were tempted to stay at this idyllic location but with only 4 bunks it would have been a crush. How would you decide who sleeps on the floor?

We returned by the same route to the reservoir where we transferred gear to our larger packs. We drove over the dam and parked at the start of the Sylvester Hut track. Although the track distance is only 5kms, at the end of the day the zigzag track was quite a grunt. From the hut patio there are excellent views over the Cobb Basin, the Arthur Range and tableland. The hut is well used, especially by Golden Bay folk, being a good base for access to several lakes and mountains. After the meal most of our group went to view the nearby Lake Sylvester as the sun set, while I rose early and reached Lake Sylvester just before the sun’s rays reached the background hills and watched a subtle change in light and colour. We found the return to the cars much easier, leaving the Basin at 10am and sharing the driving back to Christchurch arriving about 6pm. Many thanks to Jill Lyall for her leadership and the way her skills made sure that we remained hale and hearty. Howard Harvey

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7 THE OVER FORTIES TRAMPING CLUB INC Travers-Sabine Circuit, Nelson Lakes National Park, March 3-9, 2014

Trampers: Evelyn Sheridan (leader), Alison McKechie, Robyn Matheson, Greg Steer, David Lloyd (scribe). Six club members signed on for this trip but sadly John Horgan pulled out on departure morning as his wife was sick and he could not leave her alone. I have spoken to John and his wife recovered on Thursday, good news.

DAY ONE - St Arnaud to Lakehead Hut: Five of us left Christ- church at 7am in two cars for St Arnaud. We arrived early after- noon, parked cars, went to the DOC Visitors Centre to inform them of our intentions then it was time to go.

Boots laced, wet weather gear on, heavy packs strapped to backs we headed for the hut three hours away at the head of . The track meandered through forest beside the lake and was easy going. Changeable weather meant stops to either remove raincoats due to overheating or to don them again when the showers resumed. The weather worsened nearing the hut with heavy rain, cold winds and sleet an ominous sign of things to come. The final 15 minutes of the track crossed grassy flats and we were exposed to the full force of the deteriorating weather before reaching the warm hut. Above: The group at the start of the tramp. Below: The Travers Falls — photos David Lloyd DAY TWO - Lakehead Hut to Upper Travers Hut: We woke to a clear sunny day but overnight frost meant a cool start. We had a long day ahead as it was over 20km to our destination. Breakfast downed we headed to our first goal John Tait Hut five hours distant. It was easy walking up river flats for two hours until reaching a long swingbridge. Across the bridge the terrain changed with forest sections and grassy flats. Towering Mt Travers could be glimpsed ahead as the gradient steepened, climbing stead- ily before the track eased, crossing several small creeks and suddenly the John Tait hut appeared. We had travelled 14km so a lunch break and a chance to rest tired legs was welcome. Thirty minutes later we resumed walking and the track climbed steeply through beech for- est. Around an hour along the track we reached the a sign indicating a side track to Travers Falls, a spectacular 20-metre cascade. Alison, Craig who walked with us most of day, and I clambered down a steep slope to the bottom of the falls to take photos. Shots taken, we resumed tramping and gradually the gradient eased. Crossing screes we reached a bridge over the Travers River and the track climbed steeply again. Mountains loomed ahead and finally the track levelled and we reached tussock-covered flat. The hut was still some distance ahead and crossing the flats was unpleasant due to deteriorating weather. Rain turned to sleet and snow, the biting wind increased and It seemed the hut would never appear as we trudged on heads down. Finally, Greg spotted the hut 800m ahead and spirits lifted we reached our goal.

DAY THREE - Upper Travers Hut to West Sabine Hut: e (1787m). Snow continued falling lightly and had accumulated on the peaks. Over breakfast we decided to attempt the Travers Saddle (1787m), turning back if necessary. Donning warm clothing and wet weather gear we headed off, aided by the foot prints of trampers ahead of us. We reached the saddle basin in 2 hours to be greeted by near knee-high snow. Wind chill was a factor and poor visibility meant panoramic views could not be seen or admired so we made a hasty descent. Zigzagging down over large rocks and scree to the valley floor, the bush line was reached without difficulty. The sighting of a handsome red- crowned kakariki, while stopped for a short lunch, was one of the day’s highlights. After 7 1/2 hours, and a 1000m de- scent, we arrived at the West Sabine hut on the (sunny or sheltered) side of the range.

DAY FOUR - Evelyn, Alison and David headed to the Blue Lake while Greg and Robyn took a rest day. The day was hot and sunny. The track to the lake ambles up a valley beside the clear, fast-flowing Sabine River. The walk is stunning through pristine bush with wonderful alpine views; it is an unforgettable experience and well worth the effort. Halfway along the track Evelyn’s nursing skills were used when we meet a group of four, one of whom had injured his knee. Eve- lyn braced and bandaged the man’s knee and we then continued on to the lake. Later, on the return journey, we met the group in the same spot again. The injured man could not move so they had activated their locator beacon five hours ear- lier. Despairing that the rescue helicopter was not going to come they had just moved the man 400m to a rock bivy when the helicopter arrived. We watched the helicopter land and then headed back to the hut. This incident was a timely re- minder of how dangerous tramping can be and why we should always carry a PLB.

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Travers-Sabine Circuit, continued from page 7 Your OFTC Committee DAY FIVE - West Sabine Hut to Sabine Hut: An easy day down the Chairman Gavin Hampton 343 1291 Sabine River valley and across open flats. Five hours walking, [email protected] Vice-Chair: packs considerably lighter than we when began, we arrive at . The hut is on a beautiful spot overlooking the wide lake Secretary: Lois Prebble 325 2838 and surrounded by forest filled with birdsong. Unfortunately, there [email protected] are also many wasps and sandflies. This means that leaving the Treasurer: Peter Street 352 5526 hut is annoying as you are immediately surrounded by squadrons [email protected] of kamikaze sandflies diving at any exposed flesh. Nevertheless, Club Captain: TBA some of us enjoyed a swim in the lake and a chance to cool off and get clean. Editor Mavis Airey 326 6753 [email protected] DAY SIX - Sabine Hut to Speargrass Hut: Another hot day and an Back-up Editor: Liz Griffiths 351 4501 easy walk to the small but comfortable hut. It is uphill most of the [email protected] way but the track is well graded and pleasant walking through Membership: Fay Jackson 348 9276 dense beech forest with thick, dry leaf litter underfoot. We pass two [email protected] tarns and are joined by a cheeky bush robin when we stop for Committee: Ian Fussell 358 3724 lunch. On the tops there are stunning views of surrounding moun- [email protected] tains and a long boardwalk makes travel easy. After five hours we Colin Garthwaite 360 3770 reach the hut where we spend the final night of the tramp. [email protected] Sandra Hawkins 337 4219 DAY SEVEN - Speargrass Hut to St Arnaud: Our final day is an- s f j h a w k i n s @ g m a i l . c o m Jill Lyall 358 1115 other scorcher. The track to St Arnaud is downhill most of the way [email protected] through forest. Raucous kaka squawk high in the forest canopy. Gordon Murray 356 1164 The track descends to the valley floor, follows Speargrass Creek [email protected] and then there is a steady 30 minute climb near the end of track to Sue Weller the Mt Robert car park. St Arnaud is another 90 minute walk away s u z m w e l l e r @ h o t m a i l . c o m down Mt Robert Road. We reached the village, enjoyed a well de- Ex Officio served, and much needed shower, and then headed back to Christchurch. Health & safety: Jill Lyall 358 1115

[email protected] It was wonderful trip well led and organised by Evelyn. Thank you DOC liaison: Ian Fussell and Colin Mackie contact details above Evelyn. Thanks must also go to Alison who supplied the entertain- Web editor: The Webteam ment on the trip with her card game Quiddler. Each night after din- [email protected] ner the pack of cards came out and this card-based version of Beacon co-ordinator: Stu McHugh 323 6333 Scrabble provided hours of fun. The game was enjoyed by both us [email protected] and others using the huts. Young Scotsman Craig and youthful 18- Welfare: Everyone year-old German Nicolai were both keen participants. The huts were filled with laughter and fierce debate over whether the likes of ’qi’ or ‘lathed’ were actual words or not. Quiddler is a must for all overnight tramping trips. FIRST AID COURSES

The next 2-day Mountain Safety Council Course will Life member Lindsay Ayers be held at Rimu Park, Yaldhurst on Sat/Sun July 12 and 13. For details and enrolment see the MSC Following retirement from St. Andrews College staff Lindsay dedi- website. cated his enormous enthusiasm to our Club’s welfare. From 1989 Further courses will run in Sept. and Nov 2014. for over fifteen years the Club benefited from his keenness, organ- ising ability and leadership, as well as his unfailing resourceful- ness. He led numerous prospective membership tramps, and was Club Equipment renowned for transporting groups in his van all round the . Lindsay was our ‘Mr Fix-It,’ and his van became a magical The following equipment is available for members to legend—it was packed with emergency tools for all contingencies, borrow: be it merely keys locked in cars, or untoward situations such as the Queenstown council’s inexplicable removal of a bridge with no Emergency tents (three) warning at all near Kinloch base camp, when he towed our whole Howard Harvey 342 9377 fleet across the river. Mid-winter noshes in all weathers were held Stu McHugh 323 6333 at the Bellbird midst Lindsay’s trestle tables, decorations, and roar- John Hayman 335 0984 ing fire. (It is recommended that these tents be taken on backpacking trips) Lindsay enriched the Club with his quiet, good-humoured and ever- willing personality, and in 2004 he was made a life member for his Books & tapes outstanding service. After a short illness he died on 8th April, 2014. Ian Fussell 358 3724 Biddy Pollard. 11th April, 2014.

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