2021-09-29 < Weekly activities > 2021-10-13
Activity summary: Wednesday 2021 October 6th to Tuesday 2021 October 12th
Wednesday
Old Whakanui Track, Boys Brigade, M, Marilyn Richards Topo Map
This medium trip had good weather and 19 participants. We did a loop up the Old Whakanui track, along Lost Glynis and then the Boys Brigade track. The intention was to return down the steep firebreak but the decision was made to instead go to Mt Crowther and then down the pleasant Harry Todd track which proved to be a good alternative.
Browns Stream, Jans track, SF, David Ogilvie Topo Map
Four members climbed the spur behind Waerenga Hut on to the Remutaka Ridge at spot height .797. Then we headed north to beyond spot height .701 and followed the trap line on the spur down to the Goat Stream track, then headed back to the Catchpool.
The disced trap line track along the ridge top was easy to follow. It mostly used the old route but saved
a lot of time. The trip took 8 h 40 min.
The trip was most enjoyable but spoilt a bit at the end due to “an incident on SH2”. I took 1 h 30 to get home, usually about 45 min.
Eastern Hutt River, Marchant, MF, Janette Roberts Topo Map
Seven members enjoyed a great trip in perfect weather to the Marchant track via the Eastern Hutt river.
We left the cars at Norbert Creek at 8am, and after completing the Golden Road, crossed the Eastern Hutt by the bridge and climbed to the saddle for morning tea. We regained the Eastern Hutt taking an old track on the TR that Bill recalled and were ready to cross again this time without the bridge at 11am.
The spur up to .790 was great travel, disappointing Mike with the absence of kiekie and supplejack. Lunch here and the challenge of getting around .967 to the Marchant track began. Initially the travel was in good tree cover but then we sidled on the 900 contour and had some fun in dense regrowth as we paralleled the track on a small spur, joining it at 800m.
We reached the cars previously dropped at Kiwi Ranch at 4.50pm.
Weekend
Ruahines – Rangiwhaia hut Deadmans Loop, M, Cathy Wylie Topo Map
Four members enjoyed a Chinese landscape weekend (low cloud, occasional lifting cloud showing steep valleys or the outline of a hill ahead) going to Rangiwahia hut in the Ruahine on Saturday and back out on Sunday along the the tops and down Deadman's track, through boggy patches, bouts of miniature hail, and a wonderful descent through pahautea - mountain cedar (Libocedrus bidwillii).
Good company at the hut, and a welcome fire greeted us. The Kimbolton cafe wamed us up with good coffee after heavy shower just as we reached the carpark. and then there was sunshine all the way home.
(Cathy Wylie leader with Helena Weller-Chew, Bill Gebbie, and Jane-Pyar Mauntner)
NB: Deadman's track - named after a group of hunters made a path to bring down their dead companion after he was felled by heart attack as he raised his gun on a deer... we thought this was an unfortunate name for such an enjoyable track.
Sunday
Hemi Matenga exploration returning via Parata track, E/M, Helen Quinlan Topo Map
There were 18 trampers. 15 members and 3 non members.
Taking a trap line up to to main ridge. First stop just inside the bush at a tiny Hut. Then it was on upwards with lots of stops. It is beautiful bush with lots of Nikau, Kohekohe and the occasional Rimu. Under one of these we had morning tea. Before heading up to the main ridge.
We continued north then veered off on another trapline. We found a spot for lunch and then returned via the Te Au and Parata Track back to our cars in Tui Crescent.
It was a good day and we got some lovely views of Kapiti Island.
Total: 49 club members and 3 non-members out in the hills