Golden Bay Alpine and Tramping Club

November, 2019 Vol 33 - No 3

P R O G R A M M E

Contact trip coordinator two days before a day tramp or a week before an overnight tramp. If the weatherforecast looks bad, contact the coordinator anyway as sometimes tramps are rescheduled.

****Trip coordinators are required to fill in the Trip Intentions Form (page 8) before their trip, and emailit to the contacts on the form. Also please read the Expectations of Trip Coordinators (page 9).****

Date depends on participants Nelson end of Wangapeka Track Grade 3/4Approx 5 days circuit along and off the Wangapeka track. A fantastic area, a little further from our doorstep butwell worth it. To register your interest Phone Brian 525 8515 Who knows when it might happen?! Don't miss it!

Sunday 1 Dec Canaan Downs RogaineThe Golden Bay High School Adventure Racing Team are organising a 3hr fundraising rogaine centred atCanaan on 1st December. Registration will open at 9:30 am at the Harwoods Hole car park and the mass start isat 10:30. Rogaining is great fun and a good way to sharpen up your navigation skills. You can be as competitive,or not, as you like and you don't have to be out for the full three hours. To pre-register to guarantee a map phoneFleur on 525-6116 or email fleur@gbh.school.nz Entries will be available on the day.For more information about rogaining Contact Richard English 525-6179 or email rsenglish@xtra.co.nz

Sat 7 Dec or Sun 8 Dec Mt Peel/Thorns Creek Grade 4An energetic day trip with a wee bit of bush bashing. We will drive up to the head of the Cobb Reservoir andtake the track toward Balloon Hut, veering right onto Mt Peel at the top of the ridge. Having taken in all theviews, we will head along the ridge, then dive down into the spectacular clearing below Mt Mytton. We will thenfollow the FOC trapline / red tinlids of the original Thorn’s track downhill, emerging onto the Cobb Valley trackat Thorn’s creek, about 20 mins south of Trilobite Hut. Approx 3-4 hours walking. Petrol $17 Contact Julie 027 779 9999

Sat 14 - Mon 16 Dec Kahurangi Point Grade 2Some call this their 'Happy Place', others refer to it as 'The Pilgrimage'. Whichever/whatever, this is indeed ourspecial place. Once the timing, tides and weather all line up favourably, another special adventure can be had,with medium physical exertion. If we don't have a 4 wheel drive vehicle, then expect 4 to 5 hours of steadybeach walking with stream and river crossings, Big River being the crux, and only fordable at low tide. Thespare day at Kahurangi Point is a day of local exploration: The Big Sand-dune, the Hidden Waterfall, the SecretCave, remote coastal beach and rugged cliffs, and The Lighthouse. Kiwi may be heard at night, and on aprevious trip, a bat was sighted! Petrol $20 - $24 depending on numbers Contact Julie 027 779 9999 or Paul 525 7383

Sat 14 - 18 or 19 Dec M.O.W. /Mackey Downs hut. In conjunction with Kahurangi Point trip Grade 5For the very adventurous, who are not put off by untracked country and thick vegetation, there's the option of atrip from Kahurangi Point, traversing the Saxon ridge towards the historic M.O.W. hut. (Has been referred to as"another indescribable variation of the Saxon ridge route!?") The hut's setting is in spectacular sub alpinecountry with open tussock areas in Kiwi habitat. For the fit and adventurous with rewards a-plenty andsatisfaction ensured (usually after the event!). Be prepared for camping out and please allow extra time forunforeseen delays. We will need to traverse half of the Heaphy where pre bookings are necessary for huts andcamping, although I do know of camping potential some distance away from the track in the Southern part ofGouland Downs and Tubman Range area. Takahe and Kiwi country. Including two nights at Kahurangi point,the MOW hut and Heaphy track, this could be achieved in 5 days/4 nights. Another night would be helpful toallow for delays. A large tent fly can be provided so no need to carry individual tents.Petrol Share Still keen? Phone Paul 525 7383, text 021 235 2932, or email wandafa2@gmail.com

Sun 22 Dec - longest day 2019 Kaituna Forks & on to the Chimney Grade 1A beautiful stroll up to the Forks to see if the rata are flowering. Tempt the eels with some chicken bones beforecontinuing for about half an hour to check out the newly reopened historic track to the Chimney. Boil the billyfor a cuppa with lunch before returning.Petrol $8 Phone Brian 5258515

Sun 5 Jan Farewell Spit Cafe - Wharariki Beach Grade 2Another chance to do the classic day walk along the clifftops above the pounding surf, with vistas back alongFarewell Spit, and a look at the lighthouse. Finishing at Wharariki beach. Crossover ideal, or we can relocate acar or two, or even bikes! A full day’s excursion with up to 6 hours walking, depending on how fast you want togo. Petrol $12 Contact Julie 027 779 9999

Fri 10 - Sat 11 Jan Mt Arthur by Moonlight Grade 3Another try for this amazing adventure, hoping for clear skies for the full moon! To Mt Arthur hut, up Mt Arthurafter dark, and back to the hut for the night. You are welcome even if you only want to go as far as the hut.Petrol $20 Phone Brian 525 8515

Sat 18 Jan Mt Stevens Grade 3/4Mt Stevens at 1300 m is the highest point in the Wakamarama Range and provides wonderful views of theAorere Valley, south to Gouland Downs and the West Coast. It’s an interesting, steep walk through very diversebush to the open tops. About 4 hours from car park to trig point, and 3 hours down.Petrol $13 Contact Cathy 021 999 015

Fri 24 - Sun 26 Jan Fenella/ Xenicus/Gibbs Grade 3/4Leave at lunchtime on Friday and walk up beautiful Cobb valley to Fenella Hut for two nights. On Saturdayexplore Xenicus Peak and Mt Gibbs and look down on Island Lake and Round Lake. Partly off track. Anawesome area. Weather should be hot enough for a dip in the tarn!Petrol $17 Phone Brian 525 8515

Tues 11 OR Wed 12 Feb Greenhills Arches Grade 2Let's hope for better weather this time for exploring this amazing and unknown part of Golden Bay, beyondWharariki. We will walk along rolling paddocks, and clamber down steep slopes. Bring a head torch, warmclothes, a picnic dinner, a sense of adventure and willingness to get damp! Low tide is essential for this trip, sowe will meet at the i-Site at 1pm for an afternoon/ early evening trip.Petrol $12 Contact Kevin 027 510 7483

Fri 14 - Sun 16 Feb 1000 Acre Plateau Grade 3(Subject to Lake Matiri Road being reopened after a slip! Info on TDC website.)This trip starts off from just before Murchison with a drive in to the West Branch Matiri River and then an easyriver crossing, if no prior rain. On day one we walk to the lake – 1.5 hours, and steeply uphill to Poor Pete’s Hut.Approx. 3.5 Hours. On day 2 we tramp across a plateau to Larrikin’s Hut – 3 hours, leave our packs and set offto explore the 100 acre plateau, with possible ventures up the Needle, and the Haystack for the intrepid. Day 3 –walk out. Beautiful tussocky scenery, magical vistas, and hopefully some cool wallowing pools.You will need to carry a tent as there only 2 beds at Poor Pete’s and 4 at Larrikin’s. Petrol Share Contact Julie 027 779 9999

Fri 21 - Sun 23 Feb Flora Hut and Surrounds Grade 3To Flora hut on Friday night. On Saturday a day walk along the Mt. Arthur track, towards Gordons Pyramid andCloustons mine, Gridiron Shelters and back to Flora hut for the night. On Sunday there is the option of going upMt Lodestone.Petrol $20 Phone Brian 525 8515

Sat 29 Feb - Sun 1 March Kaituna Chimney Overnight Grade 1To the Kaituna Forks and along the newly reopened historic track to the Chimney. Camping overnight for kidsof all ages. For more details contact Brian.Petrol $8 Phone Brian 525 8515

TRAMP GRADING1 - Easy Maximum of 3 hours walking per day, with graded inclines and descents, on well-marked, benched track. Hut accommodation. e.g. Abel Tasman Track and other Great Walks, or Sylvester Hut.2 - Easy/Moderate Maximum of 5 hours walking per day on marked tracks, with graded ascents/descents.Hut accommodation or camping in established campsites. e.g. Fenella Hut3 - Moderate Maximum of 6 hours walking per day on tracks or marked route. May involve somerough terrain and ascent of up to 900m per day. Hut accommodation or camping. e.g. Waingaro Forks Hut4 - Moderate/Hard About 8 hours tramping per day, using tracks, routes and sometimes navigating onuntracked, rough terrain through bush/scrub. Ascents of up to 1500m per day. Fitness for multi-day tripsessential. Often camping. e.g. Haupiri Range5 - Hard 8+ hours of tramping per day, regularly navigating on untracked, rough terrain, either inbush or at high altitude. Multiple ascents/descents per day, sometimes steep. Fitness and strength for multi-daytrips essential. Usually camping. e.g. Quartz Range Farm to Adelaide Tarn via Lead Hills

TRAMP REPORTS

Snow Skills Training with Nelson Tramping Club Sat 7 - Sun 8 SeptBrian Renwick organised what he thought would be a small group of interested people from the Top of the Southtramping clubs. Turned out to be 29 of us - the largest group coming from the Nelson Tramping club, but alsoWaimea, Blenheim, Havelock and Golden Bay of course! Four of us - Simon Philip, Raelene Mason, myselfand pending member Tracey Walls left Takaka at the unearthly hour of 0530 Saturday morning and arrived at MtRobert carpark in time for the grand depart up Pinchgut track to the open tops of Mt Robert. Unusually the weather gods were with us, and the day provided glorious sunshine and hardly any wind. Brianhad pulled in enough trainers from the other clubs that we were divided into 5 students per trainer. Once wereached the snow line, learning commenced immediately! We spent the tramp to Mt Robert Lodge learning toself-arrest with and without ice axes and crampons, how to read the snow and weather and avalanche risk andhow to traverse a steep ridge safely.

Mt Robert Lodge is managed by a trust, and it's like stepping back in time....in the best possible time warp way.The Lodge comfortably accommodated all of us - with Brian insisting on sleeping outside in a very flimsy tent(testing for a trip to South America shortly). Most people joined the group stew for dinner - Simon excelled ashead chef complete with dumplings! Dessert courtesy of Nelson women followed by mulled wine! We wereregaled with hair raising stories of near death experiences in the winter bound outdoors - courtesy of the moreexperienced instructors. Sunday dawned much better than the forecast, so more snow skills practiced and conquered to varying degrees.The snow had frozen overnight, so rather than sinking in up to our knees, we were able to crunch across the topwhich made for better conditions to practise. The braver also attempted self-arrest going head first! We wereregularly reminded that only 2% of self-arrests are successful - so the goal is not to require this in the first place!Post lunch we were treated to a theory session before packing up and tramping back out under lowering greyskies and an icy wind. Brian did a masterly job of organising us all. I was humbled and impressed by the calibre

of the people so willingly sharing their skills for free - most of us managed to work under several tutors whichgave extra insight.

It was a superb weekend and we're all extremely grateful for the opportunity to learn and practice such importantskills. Thank you Brian!!! Lis

Youth Snow Trip - Sylvester Hut and Iron Hill 21-22 SeptFriday afternoon, following a smoothie stop at the wholemeal cafe we headed up to the Cobb Valley. From thecar park we walked through the darkening evening light to reach Sylvester hut under a blanket of stars. Once thefire was cranked up I tucked into a dinner of rice crackers with boiled eggs and peanut butter. Wasn't too bad..After learning how to magician and playing a couple rounds of k's and A's in which I was the A in pretty muchevery round, I curled up into my sleeping bag and went to sleep.In the morning we lazed around for ages waiting for the sun to rise and melt the ice layer on top of the snow. Weleft around 9am and headed around the left side of Lake Sylvester and up to Iron Lake. It was frozen which waspre epic, we did skids on the lake for a bit. Then we started up Iron Hill. The ice layer hadn't melted, and about athird of the way up Gaylene made the decision for us to turn around. On the way down we found yellow snow, aplace to slide and a rock which we could stand on to make us look important.On the way back we followed the ridge, then shot down to Lake Sylvester for a swim in the "tropical" water. Then we skipped some stones, made an iceberg, ate icicles, drank soup and went home. Shay

Sub-alpine to Sea: Castle Rock Hut, Abel Tasman inland track 21-22 SepParty: Amanda, Paul K, JulieSeveral cancellations later we struck a weekend of perfect weather! Although numbers were down to only 3,Paul offered to start from Marahau, and crossover with Amanda and Julie leaving from Canaan carpark.The carpark was busy with a big group of mountain bikers heading down the Rameka, but after that we had thetrack to ourselves, apart from a Dutch couple completing their final 2 days of the Abel Tasman circuit. We tookour time, enjoying the views from Wainui Saddle out over Canaan to Peel Ridge and Mount Snowdon. Once inthe bush there were very tall mountain cedar and dracophyllum as well as big beech, bellbird and tui song all theway, many tomtits and the occasional robin.

Lunch at Moa Park, a stop at the rocky lookout a bit further on where our Dutch friends had chanced on a muchmore glorious eating spot looking over the big grassy clearing at Moa Park. We veered off the track again toPorters Rocks - a 20 minute detour which gave us glimpses down to Torrent Bay, and out toward Nelson. Thefinal descent to Castle Rock was steep and rooty. Here we met Rhys Buckingham who told us he had beenseeking the South Island kokako for 40 years, he was heading home after camping in the bush checking out akokako report, but it had turned out to be a tui making funny noises.The Hut was a welcome sight, and we’d barely got the billy on before Paul emerged from the other side of theclearing. Before dinner a quick slip and slide down, then up, the washed-out track to Castle Rock for huge viewsdown into Marahau, and out to the Richmond Ranges.

Next day Paul set off uphill and we headed on down, the bush changing as we went - more ferns, rimu, rata, lotsof pretty streams to cross. Then we arrived in the grassy Holyoake clearing, admired the 2 bunk hut and lunchedin the sunshine with a view. A bit of gorse and kanuka are all that is left of the Clearing, then back into bush fora steep descent down to the Coastal Track at Tinline Bay – with plenty more stops on the way to photograph theviews. Another break for something to eat in the campground, we said farewell to our Dutch friends who hadarrived there a bit before us, joined the Coastal Track daywalkers, and headed back to find Paul’s car waiting forus in the Marahau carpark. Julie

Angelus Hut Cancelled - snow

Greenhills Arches Cancelled - weather

Richmond Range Cancelled - snow

Whariwharangi & Separation Point Cancelled - no takers

Fenella hut Sat 19 - Sun 20 OctParty: Brian, Amanda, JulieThe heavy rain was due to ease off midday Saturday so we made a plan to lunch at Trilobite and make an earlyafternoon start for Fenella. We were greeted by a very full Cobb Reservoir, and the smaller picnic area at thehead of the lake was under water. The sandflies meant no hanging around at Trilobite’s outdoor table, and wewere soon trudging up a soggy valley. Dodging round some big ponds on the track, and finding stepping stones

submerged in the creeks, keeping the feet dry wasn’t easy. The upside of starting out after heavy rain was thenumber of spectacular waterfalls pouring down the valley sides from tops still carrying big patches of snow. Theair was full of the roaring and gurgling of water, plenty of song from robins, tomtits, grey warblers, bellbirds andtui. We ambled up the valley taking photos, and stopping at Chaffeys, Tent Camp, Cobb Hut. A weka did a 100metre sprint from the bush edge at the arrival of PEOPLE at Chaffeys Hut, and a robin hopped around our feet. Once at Fenella, Brian set the bar high by treating us to Whanganui tramping club style hospitality with hotsoups and cups of tea – followed by cheese and crackers, a hearty meal, then kahlua-laced tea and gingernuts!The hut was kept warm all night with the very efficient fire and I was pleased I’d brought my thinner sleepingbag. More heavy rain was forecast for Monday so we decided to condense our trip and do a morning day trip,heading out on Sunday afternoon. With full packs we left Fenella and walked up to the Tarn and through the“rock garden” toward Lake Cobb, admiring the bonsai beech trees and exquisite alpine vegetation, the viewdown into the Burgoo and snowy tops all round.

We dropped our packs on the ridge and headed down to Cobb Lake, intending to walk up to Round Lake. TheCobb was very full and the water at the outlet was chest deep and swift, too deep to cross. So we collected ourpacks and went down to Cobb Hut for morning tea, then wandered back down the valley, noting how much thestreams had all dropped overnight, and taking our time at all of the huts on the way home. Looking up wediscussed the routes we could take next time on ridges either side of the valley. Watch this space.

Julie

Lonely Lake Cancelled

Mt Arthur by Moonlight Both October and November trips cancelled - weather. Brian will persevere!

Club night Tues 19 NovWe enjoyed fantastic photos and interesting talks on walking, tramping and biking in the Dolomites by Richard, Cathy and Gaylene. Then followed a quiz, trip planning and chatting over supper.

OTHER INFORMATION

Petrol contributions for tramps: The petrol contribution amount for each tramp is a guide only, based on fourpeople in a car. It may be changed at the discretion of the trip leader. It is the leader's responsibility to collectmoney from each tramper and to distribute it to the drivers.

Available for hire: for club members on private trips (contact Julie Sherratt 027 779 9999):The club PLB and GPS - $10 for each for up to a week, provided the PLB is not needed for a club trip The club Macpac Minaret Alpine tent can be hired for $5 per day. It weighs 2.4kg.

Back-copies of the club's Wilderness magazines are available to borrow from Bob Kennedy, who kindly housesyears and years of them. Phone Bob 525 9958.

We have a Group Facebook page - Golden Bay Alpine Tramping Club. It is a closed group, but you can ask tojoin. And our website is http://www.goldenbayatc.org/

Photos. Please email photos to Fill (address below) for the newsletter, and post them direct to Facebook

Golden Bay Alpine and Tramping Club Committee 2019/2020President Gaylene Wilkinson 022 170 7398 beachgums(AT)gmail(DOT)comTreasurer Julie Sherratt 027 779 9999 julie.sherratt(AT)xtra(DOT)co(DOT)nzNewsletter editor Fill Burgers 525 9138 albie.fill(AT)gmail(DOT)comCommittee Rodney Watson 525 8847 rjwatcon(AT)gmail(DOT)com

Cathy Rooney 021 999 015 cath.roo(AT)gmail(DOT)comDave Melville 027 490 0490 themelvilles(AT)xtra(DOT)co(DOT).nzLis Pederson 525 9070 pederson.lis(AT)xtra(DOT)co(DOT)nz

*** Don't stop reading yet!***

See page 8 for "Trip Intentions Form" and Page 9 for "Expectations of Trip Coordinators"

Golden Bay Alpine and Tramping ClubTRIP INTENTIONS FORM

Activity:

Where are you going?  Detail of route, track, huts

Start Date:

Expected Date of Return: Time:                        am/pm

Trip Leader:   Name:Phone landline:                                                    Mobile:Address:

Group Members: Name:                                                   Phone:

Medical Notes for the Group:

Vehicle left at start of trip? YES / NO          Licence Plate No.Where will it be parked?

Tick the emergency equipment the party will be carrying:First Aid                                         Emergency shelter         Personal Locator Beacon (PLB)                          GPS         Other communication equipment?

Leader’s contact person in case of plan changes:                                       ph.

Bob Kennedy and Karen Brookes are the emergency contacts for the Club.  They will hold this information in case it is required by emergency services. You are not required to notify them upon your safe return.Email the completed form to them :robelkay@gmail.comkabro@kinect.co.nz

GOLDEN BAY ALPINE & TRAMPING CLUB

Expectations of Trip Coordinators

Thank you for offering to coordinate a trip for our Club. Please ensure the following steps are followed in order to keep everyone as safe as possible.

1. Trip participant information    Get phone numbers and emergency contact names/numbers for each trip participant. Ask if participant has any medical information that you should know about.

2. Emergency Equipment     Ensure that you have a map for the area you are going, compass, first aid, spare food, and PLB for the trip. The club has a first aid kit, GPS, PLB, andsome maps available free of charge to members  (contact Julie Sherratt, Ph. 027 779 9999).Ensure each participant has thermal clothing, waterproof layers and personal medication with them.

3. Arrange a Trip Contact Person   This is someone who is NOT going on the trip, who will have your intentions sheet.  You will contact this person if plans change, or if you need help with making contact with people  eg. emergency contact for a trip participant. You will ‘sign out’ with this person when you are all safe home.

3. Leave Intentions    Before departure on your trip, complete the Trip Intentions Form (or type out the equivalent information on a blank sheet) and email it to  a)  your trip contact person, and      b) the Club's emergency contacts, Karen Brookes and Bob Kennedy, email     addresses below.robelkay@gmail.comkabro@kinect.co.nz