This article was first published in the Tararua Tramper in April 2006
Roaring Stag Lodge Swansong
12 - 13 March 2005
On arrival at the Putara road end we found 18 Project K students doing pre-tramping stretches, led by the same instructor who had talked to our club meeting a few months ago. There was relief on both sides after it was established that they were for Herepai Hut and we for Roaring Stag Lodge.Tramping off, we were propelled up the track by DoC coffee from nearby Mt Bruce.
Project K joined us again at the track junction at the top of the climb, where we stopped for lunch. Some of our party helped the kids adjust their packs and we listened to impressions of what was for many, their first ever tramping trip!Leaving this noisy, excited group, we headed down through quiet, sun-dappled bush on the long gentle spur to the river.
The 40 year old hut is in a great spot on the banks of the Ruamahunga and is to be replaced - in fact, the pegs are in the ground and the bush has been cleared.The current hut is a homely classic with an open fireplace and stone step off the dirt. It’s been popular with TTC groups in the last few years, according to the hut book. We dined around a campfire under the stars, seated on “outdoor furniture” left after tree felling.
On sunny Sunday morning we headed up river on a search for the elusive Lost Lake. We found it - however we do understand that not all Tararua groups have been as successful!! Our luck was based on a hint from the Chief Guide(thank you Neil) and we left clues in the hut book for future explorers.
This visit to Roaring Stag Lodge may prove to be TTC’s last, given pending replacement of the hut - and at least one very large rat will need a new home.
- Party members
- Alan Wright (leader), John McIvor, Julia Landymore, BrianLandymore, Colleen Davey, Sinead Fahey (a visitor from Ireland), Ronan Demangeot (a visitor from France), Vicki Wogan (scribe).