Please note — address all correspondence pertaining to Club business to the Secretary

Newsletter 415 April 2016

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

Note the deadline for Newsletter items to the Editor is the 20th of every month for the following month’s Newsletter—send to Mavis Airey at mavis.airey@xtra.co.nz and David Lloyd at oddlyvalid@xtra.co.nz

Trip details by the 15th of every month to Trip Collators: Saturday and Sunday trips to Karyn Brookes—354 0113

karynbrookes@xtra.co.nz Wednesday trips to Barbro Guard—980 2792 allanguard@clear.net.nz

OVER FORTIES TRAMPING CLUB INC

OFTC

When: Tuesday, April 5

Where: Knox Lounge, Corner of Bealey

Avenue and Victoria Street

Time: 7.30pm

SEE YOU THERE

CLUB NIGHT We made it! (left to right) Evelyn Sheridan, Heather Spence, Geoff Mahan and Alison McKechie at the top of Waiau Pass, March 2, 2016. Trip report pages 6 & 7

SUBSCRIPTIONS Subscriptions were set at the March 1 AGM and remain unchanged. Invoices are enclosed with this printed copy of Going Places, or if you receive the electronic version then you should receive an electronic invoice. Peter Street

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The club’s Annual General Meeting on March 1 pointed to an organisation in good heart. I was honoured to be elected to the position of Club Chairman. In this position I want to ensure that the warm and inclusive spirit that I’ve encountered since I joined the club in 2011 is fostered and maintained. I continue to be pleasantly surprised at how well the club operates through the cheerful involvement of many members. The highlight of the evening was the excellent talk by Peter Fry about the extraordinary complexities of the situation in Syria. I was left with mixed feelings: of despair about the desperate situation in Syria; of gratitude that we have people such as Peter who have been prepared to make a contribution to improving matters; of thankfulness that we live in a peaceful part of the world. The club has a continuing programme of first rate speakers. Please contact Liz Taylor if you have any suggestions. On a personal note, I’ve recently developed a swelling on my knee that is known as a Baker’s cyst. I’m hopeful this can be remedied, but in the meantime, I will be limited in my participation in club tramps. With the enforced inactivity, and with new Health and Safety legislation coming into force on April 4, I’ve been rereading the club’s Handbook for Members. I’m reminded of several items that I need to give attention to in my personal equipment for first aid and survival. With the onset of cooler autumnal conditions, I invite you to go through the same exercise. Finally, I want to commend the remaining Wilding Pine Volunteer Day on Saturday, April 2. My experience is that they are enjoyable outings with the opportunity to meet a range of folk whom you wouldn’t normally encounter. In addition, you make a useful contribution both to the country environment and to the club’s finances. Please contact Bruce Stanton or Colin Garthwaite if you can assist. Best wishes, Alistair McKerchar

CHAIR’S REPORT

MEMBERSHIP REPORT – APRIL 2016 Changes of address and phone number Stephen & Robyn Matheson 021 923 729 54 Rue Grehan, Akaroa 7520 email stephen.matheson@xtra.co.nz Graeme Brown 383 3732 81/448 Prestons Road, Christchurch 8083 Resignations With the subs notices going out now, some members have taken the opportunity to resign from the club. Brian Anderson 323 7724 50 Sefton Street, Belfast, Christchurch 8051 email b.anderson@actrix.co.nz Diana Arbon 021 2304168 50 Rangihaeata Road, RD2, Takaka 7182 email dianaarbon218@gmail.com Diana moved to Takaka in March. Rose Catley 332 6005 7/22 Boon Street, Beckenham, Christchurch 8023 email rose.catley@xtra.co.nz Wendy Gallagher 337 5962 1 Sunvale Terrace, Cashmere, Christchurch 8022 email gwaswendy@gmail.com Kathryn Perkins 366 8578 4/17 Bond Street, Waltham, Christchurch 8023 email squirell@paradise.net.nz Fay Jackson

DAY TRIP PROGRAMME The tramps are listed in order of difficulty, with the easiest first, then moderate, then harder.

If you are unsure of a tramp please check with the tramp leader.

NQ means that this tramp is not a qualifying tramp for prospective new members. All other day tramps grade 2 and above are qualifying tramps.

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 detailed in the newsletter are for members only.

CANCELLATIONSCANCELLATIONS

Go to the OFTC website home page - Cancellation Notices.

TO CANCEL A DAY TRAMP

Go to OFTC website and log in. Click on Members section, then click on Cancellations on the left hand side list. Type your message into the dialog box then click save. CANCELLATIONS MUST BE DONE 1½ HOURS BEFORE DEPARTURE. Any changes to your trip or equipment requirements should be placed 12 hours in advance. Leaders are no longer required to go to the start meeting place provided this has been notified earlier

LOCATOR BEACONS

Collect and carry these. Please note — they are collected from the Shell Petrol Stations at Belfast or Yaldhurst or at Princess Margaret Hospital — at front vestibule desk. For any private use of these beacons please contact Stu McHugh to arrange (323 6333).

AT THE END OF THE TRAMP

Please send the number of participants to: Mary Brinsdon at 366 9119 or brinsdon@clear.net.nz

(from April 1 to Gavin Hampton salgav@xtra.co.nz)

Reminders to Tramp Leaders TRAMP PLANNERSTRAMP PLANNERS Note — Please forward your draft list to the Club Captain

by the 20th of each month

Saturday Colin Garthwaite 360 3770

Wednesday Veterans Heather Spence 03 261 2002

Middle Vicky Samson Yvonne Cargill

342 7962 358 2129

Russell Hignett 355 5670

Brian Meadows 337 4423 Hard Bridget Barclay 027 2529953 John Allan 326-4966 Sunday Easier Sheila Downard 337 4201 Mary Clark 348 6621

Middle Claire Matoe 388 6427 Wendy Hughes 388 3295 Peter Moore 348 0765 Hard Ian Fussell 358 3724

Gaye Morton 332 2284

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SUNDAY TRAMPS

Bridle Path to Cass Bay PH61 Cost: Nil At an easy pace up and down the Bridle Path into Lyttelton, then on the Coastal path to Corsair and Cass Bays. Return by bus or walk back over the Bridle Path. Grade: 1-2 Depart: Bridle Path car park at 9am Time: 4-5 hours Leaders: Sheila Downard 337 4201, Norah Gerrity 328 9565 Mount Lyndon towards Red Hill W113 K35 Cost: $16 From Lake Lyndon A-frame shelter climb Mount Lyndon, follow ridge to point 1494 and then descend ridge to valley and over saddle back to lake. Grade: 3 Depart: Yaldhurst Hotel car park at 8am Time: 5-6 hours Leaders: Lesley Smith 338 4272, Liz Page 021 171 2104

Sumner to Gun Emplacements and more PH East Cost: Nil Head along waterfront, up Zig Zag to Brownlee Reserve and on to gun emplacements for magnificent ocean and harbour views. Return via Evans Pass and Captain

APRIL 10 CONTINUED

Thomas track. Grade: 2 Depart: Sumner Clock Tower at 9am (suggest parking on Head Street) Time: 5 hours Leader: Barbro Guard 980 2792 Mount Torlesse - Combined Middle & Top Groups W24 L34 Cost: $12 Start at car park off highway 73 with an initial walk in along Kowai river track then up a reasonably steep ridge to summit (1952m). The reward is great views in all directions.This tramp is a grade 4 but will accommodate grade 3 trampers as one group will be at their pace. Return will be decided depending on the group on the day. Faster group can return alternate route. Grade: 4 Depart: Yaldhurst Hotel car park at 7.30am Time: 6-7 hours Leader: Peter Moore 348 0765 Leader: Ian Fussell 358 3724

Broad Park to Spencer Park (Bottle Lake Forest)C05 Cost: Nil A pleasant flat walk through forest plantations to Spencer Park and maybe beyond. The forest has several species of trees including sycamore, pines and macrocarpa. Return along beach track.

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

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Grade: 1 Depart: Broad Park, Beach Rd, Waimairi Beach at 9am Time: 4 hours Leaders: Joan Hewitson 388 4320 & Maree Bothwell 382 5123 Manuka Hut W115 Cost: $28 Start with a longish easy walk (approximately 14km) from Castle Ridge station, past Lake Emily to Manuka hut for lunch. This is a beautiful area with great views of Mount Taylor. Return the same way. Grade: 2-3 Depart: Yaldhurst Hotel car park at 7.30am Time: 6 hours Leader: Ian Beale 376 5026 021 112 8776 Rome Ridge W121 Cost: $28 Ascend Rome Ridge via the Choral Track, cross over to the ridge leading to Avalanche Peak and return to Arthurs Pass. Some of the best scenery in the Arthurs Pass area. This trip requires some steep rock scrambling, and is exposed in places. Depending on the group, climb the second buttress on Rome Ridge and join the Avalanche Peak track where it joins Rome Ridge. Grade: 4+ Depart: Yaldhurst Hotel car park at 7.30am Time: 6-8 hours Leader: Neil Helson. Please contact Neil on 03 318 7335 if coming.

Ryde Falls NW04 Cost: $11 Picturesque bush and hill walk to Ryde Falls for lunch and return. Bush is a mixture of black beech, rimu, matai and kahikatea. Grade: 1 Depart: Belfast Hotel car park at 9am Time: 5 hours Leader: Jon Roberts 377 5151 Mount Herbert from Purau PH M36 Cost: $6 Follow track along and up Mount Herbert walkway which is an open ridgeline to summit (919m), with great views of peninsular. Return same way. Grade: 3 Depart: Car park opposite PMH at 8.30am Time: 5 hours Leader: Evelyn Sheridan 383 0891

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WEDNESDAY TRAMPS

360 Degrees Trail—Estuary Marshes NQ Cost: Nil An interesting walk on the new 360degrees trail through Bexley, Aranui, Bromley and the Estuary Marshes. Depart: Wetlands Grove, off Bexley Road (off Pages Road) at 9.30am Time: 3-4 hours Leaders: Valda and Brian Woods 358 8250 Mt Hutt Skyline (new tramp) Cost: $20 Stupendous panoramic views all day. Starting from the top of the ski field road, take the No Dive trail up to the ridge, and then all around the ridge (mainly along graded track), down Mid-Towers and across to return to the base area. Steep uphill to start and then easy. Grade 2 pace. Grade: 2/3 Depart: Yaldhurst Hotel car park at 8am Time: 5+ hours Leader: Philip Bayliss 356 1353 Mt Taylor (2333m) Overnight Trip W88 Cost: $28 Mt Taylor (2333m) is the highest peak in the Taylor Range, east of Lake Heron. Trip leaves Tuesday afternoon for an easy walk into Double Hut for an early start up a straightforward ridge to Mt Taylor. Return to Christchurch from the hut with overnight gear. Grade: 4 Depart: TBA Time: 1.5 days Leader: Bridget Barclay 027 252 9953. Please call or email at least two days prior if you intend coming on this trip

Styx Mill Reserve and Northwood NQ Cost: Nil A pleasant walk through the reserve and surrounding areas. Depart: Styx Mill Reserve (off Hussey Road) at 9.30am Time: 3-4 hours Leader: Valda Hodges 323 5015 Kaituna Valley to Rod Donald Hut BP 30A Cost: $8 From head of Kaituna Valley, climb to walkway.Then rolling tops to Waipuna Saddle and down to Rod Donald Hut and return. Grade: 2+ Depart: Ashgrove Tce at 8.30am. Time: 5-6 hours Leader: Lois Prebble 325 2838 Co-leader: To be arranged on the day. Prices Valley BP80 Cost: $9 Take farm track up Prices Valley to saddle. Return on opposite side of valley through some bush to cars. Good view from top of saddle.

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Grade: 2/3 Depart: Ashgrove Tce at 8.30am Time: 5 hours Leader: Bruce Stanton 338 1909 Mt Temple W 48 Cost: $29 Climb through Temple Basin ski area to Temple Col and then on to summit (1913m) for fine panoramic views of adjacent peaks. Grade: 4 Depart: Yaldhurst Hotel car park 8am Time: 5 hours Leader: John Allan 326-496. Please call or email if you intend coming on this trip.

Broadpark, North Shore Cost: Nil Walk through parks and tracks along the North Shore and surrounding area. Depart: Car park at Broadpark (off Beach Road) at 9.30am Time: 3-4 hours Leader: Maree Bothwell 382 5123 Oashore – from Birdlings Flat BP11 Cost: $8 From Birdlings Flat walk across the shingle bank to steepish initial climb, then down to Oashore Bay. Then via farm tracks to rocky outcrop at Trig Point (420m) with great views. Return via Oruaka, Maori Pa site. Oashore Bay site of early 1800s whaling station. Faster trampers have option to climb Mt Te Oka. Grade: 2 Depart: Ashgrove Terrace at 8.30am Time: 5 hours approx. Leader: Bruce Stanton 338 1909 Orton Bradley to Mt Herbert BP27 Cost: $4 + $10 per car Moderate climb up ridgeline to summit Mt Herbert. Good views of Lyttleton Harbour. Grade: 3 Depart: Ashgrove Terrace at 8.30am Time: 5 hours Leader: Alison McKechie 339 2356 Goldney Ridge Cost: $28 After a pleasant walk up the Otira Valley, ascend the steep and easy rock slope to the Goldney Ridge. Traverse along the ridge towards the foot of Low Peak and then return down the ridge to the valley floor and back to the start. This is an opportunity to explore the head of the Otira Valley and enjoy the scenery of the surrounding mountains. Grade: 4 Depart: Yaldhurst Hotel car park 7.30am Time: 6-7 hours Leader: Neil Helson 03 318 7335. Please call or email if you intend coming on this trip.

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APRIL 13 CONTINUED

Woodend NQ Cost: $4 Walk through Woodend village with a lunch stop in a private garden. Depart: Belfast Hotel (The Peg) at 9.30am Time: 3-4 hours Leader: Heather Spence 03 261 2002 Hollis Avenue and beyond Cost : Nil By steps, alleys and paths to Victoria Park.Then down into Bowenvale Valley and up to the CRW and Sugarloaf. Return by different tracks. Grade: 2 Depart: Holliss Ave at 9am Time: 4+ hours Leader: Anne Fullerton 339 2448 Dry Acheron Stream – Big Ben (1416m) W83 Cost: $18 A circuit of the dry Acheron Stream to peak of Big Ben. At the top enjoy all round views; the Upper Rakaia to the West and the headwaters of the Selwyn River and Quartz Hill area to the East. Return by a different route including an excellent scree experience. Grade: 3 Time: 6 hours Depart: Yaldhurst Hotel car park 8am Leader: Elspeth Jeet 384 1331 Mt Harper SW 08 Cost: $28 From Lake Camp climb 1200m to the summit (1829m) for good views of the valley. Return along ridge past Balmacaan Saddle to complete a circuit. Grade: 4 Depart: Yaldhurst Hotel car park 7.30am Time: 6+ hours Leader: Helen Wells 03 312 4028. Please call if you intend coming on this trip.

Titoki Track/Coopers Knob & return PH65 Note: Subject to track being open. City Council is advising Cost: $5 From Governors Bay Fire Station car park, up Titoki Track to Summit Road and on to Coopers Knob. Return via a different track. Grade: 3 Depart: PMH car park at 8am Time: 5+ hours Leader: Peter Street 352 5526 Co-leader: Colin Garthwaite 360 3770

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SATURDAY TRAMP

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WAIAU PASS TRIP, February 28—

Club Equipment

The following items are available for members to borrow: Emergency tents (two) John Hayman 3350984 Stu McHugh 3236333 (These tents may be useful for backpacking trips)

Books and tapes: Ian Fussell 3583724

Evelyn leads the way up the Waiau Pass, Lake Constance in the background. Photo: Heather Pearce

Scribe: Alison McKechie Sunday morning, Evelyn Sheridan (leader) Heather Pearce, Geoff Mahan and Alison McKechie headed to the Boyle River Settlement where we would leave our car until our return on completion of this trip. A Nelson Lakes shuttle was waiting at the settlement to take us to Lake Rotoroa. Our driver John had shuttled us last year on our Moss Pass trip so was good to see him again. He stopped at Murchison for our last taste of civilisation (ice-creams, cappuccinos, flush toilets, etc.) We arrived at the lake where a boat was ready to take us to the head of the lake where we would stay at Sabine Hut, it’s a beautiful hut overlooking the lake but ravaged with sandflies and bumble bees. Heather soon realised she had left home with two pairs of glasses but now only had one pair which was a blow for her. On Monday morning we set off at an easy pace to the West Sabine Hut, largely following the Sabine River. Stunning weather added to the natural beauty of our surroundings. There were quite a few trampers in this hut as its location is at the crossroads for many other destinations – Te Araroa, Travers Saddle and the Blue Lake, Sabine and Angelus huts. We met Sue, an Auckland police officer, who was enjoying time out from the stress of her job. She had an amazing sense of humour and a strong will to beat Evelyn and I at Quiddler. Tuesday morning we set off for Blue Lake. The journey continued following the Sabine River among mountains, waterfalls and scenery to wow you. It makes you feel that we live in Godzone. The elevation to the hut is over 500 metres but we were feeling well until we noticed that Evelyn wasn’t wearing her putties, unfortunately left at Sabine Hut. We met Ron, a Canadian, at the Blue Lake Hut who was topping up the water tank from the lake as he didn’t want to leave it low. He had a guitar that he has taken around the world with him and entertained us down by the lake as we ate lunch. He had an amazing voice and was a really nice guy. He had come over the Waiau Pass and was heading the opposite direction to us. We bade farewell, Evelyn sporting her makeshift putties, and headed to Lake Constance looking down on the glorious Blue Lake that is a jewel in the crown of the Nelson Lakes area. Deemed to be the purest water in the Southern Hemisphere – no swimming, bathing or washing of any item is allowed in this protected lake. We headed up on the track that took us around Lake Constance to where we camped at the base of the Waiau Pass. The area was flat and tussocky and we found a suitable site near a stream. My first experience in tenting so the others instructed me accordingly in all matters concerned. Unfortunately, Evelyn’s putties weren’t the only item left at the West Sabine Hut. I discovered my new bed-roll was missing. Thanks to Geoff

who suggested I sleep on my empty backpack along with offers of raincoats from the others. Wednesday morning awoke to cool temps but we had another fine day which was comforting in light of crossing the Waiau Pass. It was steep and took us two hours to get to the top and another two hours to get down to the Waiau Valley. The views over Lake Constance and the surrounding mountains were spectacular.It is certainly a dry weather pass as we could see that it could be more hazardous in bad weather. We headed to the Waiau Forks campsite where we intended to camp for the night. It’s a lovely campsite and we were joined by two retired high country farmers in their 70s. They had walked from the Maling Pass and were heading over the pass the next day. We enjoyed their company around a fire which also helped dry some of our clothes. Thursday morning we set off for Caroline Bivy only two hours away. The sandfly rumours are all true! Never seen so many in one area before. Our intention was to walk on towards the Lake Guyon area and maybe get to the hut there. The day progressed on large flats as we continued to follow the Waiau River but we camped out 30min before the Lake Guyon turnoff as it had been a long day in the valley and the temperatures had soared.

Continued next page

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Venue Nights Grade Leader

Base Camp—Mt Whitnow Station: 12 bed Shearers’ Quarters with kitchen, common room, showers and toilet. Waiting list. Grassed area for tents and motor homes outside only—$10 per person

4 nights

Moderate

Russell Hignet 355 5760 russell.hignet@xtra.co.nz Lois Prebble 325 2838

BACKPACKING AND BASECAMPS 2016

BACKPACKING TRAMPS CONFIRMATION SYSTEM Due to members withdrawing from backpacking tramps at late stages the committee decided the following conditions will apply:

That a deposit of $25 be paid to the leader no later than six weeks prior to departure if advertised more that three months ahead, otherwise at time of booking.

The deposit will be non-refundable except in exceptional circumstances and at the discretion of the leader. Although the confirmation date will be advertised the actual tramp date will remain sufficiently flexible to allow

changes to be made on account of the weather etc.

Ian Fussell 358 3724 or fussei@xtra.co.nz Base Camp and Backpacking Co-ordinator

Waiau Pass tramp continued We had viewed the Maling Pass and the mountain bike track which dropped down near the other side of the river and it seemed quite an undulating track which may have to be revisited. As dusk fell a young man came by who was trying to get to the Lake Guyon Hut before dark. He was only other tramper seen that day. Next moring we woke to cold, frosty conditions. The sun hadn’t risen above the surrounding mountains and Evelyn and I were reluctant to leave our tent. After verbal encouragement from Heather and Geoff we joined them for breakfast. It was Friday and we headed on towards Anne Hut past the old St James homestead which is OUT OF BOUNDS. Again the terrain was flat and the weather hot but we made our entrance to the Anne Hut about 3pm. It’s a recently replaced hut, as the previous one was burnt down, and looks just like a little house on the prairie as it sits on a huge flat. We were now on the St James track which we would continue on to the end of our walk. We met Shaun (a real mountain man) at the Anne Hut. He was working with DOC, putting up large lime green triangles to mark the new horse trail in the St James which sometimes integrated with our walking tracks. He was an interesting man who had a young woofer helping him and enjoying her time in New Zealand. Geoff took a young group of Te Araroa walkers outside that night to explain the night sky in all its glory and the stars were out in full view. We woke on Saturday morning to make our way towards the Boyle Flat Hut. Another sunny day and a predicted six hours to get to our destination. Stopping at the top of the Anne Saddle to take photos we then continued down the Anne River until we found a nice lunch spot. After lunch, we continued down the river until we spied the bridge to take us over to the Boyle Flat Hut. We had the hut to our

we had the hut to ourselves which allowed time for bathing and preparing our last meal from whatever remanants remained from our food stores. To our surprise, a large group of 40 University of Canterbury students arrived at the hut, they were tenting at the Magdalen Hut. Heather enquired about their hut passes as this was a camping requirement. Their spokesperson said she didn’t know if they had them so it left us all wondering about the overuse of that facility. I would like to add that Heather made numerous enquiries to different trampers regarding hut passes on our journey and I feel she would make a great DOC liaison officer. She even asked for ours on occasion so she was very diligent in all aspects of DOC welfare. Sunday morning was another pearler of a day and we made our way to the Boyle River Settlement around midday. Thank you Evelyn from us all for another well led trip. Your common sense and guidance is much appreciated. A

Judy Eden enjoys a refreshing swim in Lake Matiri on the Murchison Base Camp. Photo: David Lloyd

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Your OFTC Committee Chairman Alistair McKerchar 343 1291 aim@clear.net.nz Vice-Chair: TBA Secretary: Jack Watt 331 7951 jack.watt@xtra.co.nz Treasurer: Peter Street 352 5526 peterstreet@paradise.net.nz Club Captain: TBA Editor: Mavis Airey 0275 293 631 mavis.airey@xtra.co.nz Back-up Editor: David Lloyd 332 8238 oddlyvalid@xtra.co.nz Membership: Fay Jackson 348 9276 fhjackson@xtra.co.nz Committee: Graeme Brown 355 4743 graemebrown1@xtra.co.nz Colin Garthwaite 360 3770 colmarin@xtra.co.nz Sandra Hawkins 337 4219 sfjhawkins@gmail.com Prue Taylor 355 9994 prue4744@gmail Sue Weller 027 336 3755 suzmweller@hotmail.com

Ex Officio

Health & Safety: TBA DOC liaison: Ian Fussell and Colin Mackie Web editor: The Webteam webteam@oftc.org.nz Beacon co-ordinator: Stu McHugh 323 6333 samchugh@xtra.co.nz Welfare: Pauline Timms 351 5161

NOTICES FOR YOUR DIARIES

BOWENVALE VALLEY Maintenance Day: Thursday, April 14, 12.30pm to 3pm Planting Day: Thursday, May 26, 12.30pm to 3pm In both cases meet at the Bowenvale car park and proceed up to “our” area. Bring yourselves only—the Council will supply everything we require. PS: Di promises there will be representation! Queries: Gavin Hampton 343-1291

APRIL OVERNIGHTER

Hawdon Hut, April 16-17 Grade: Easy/Medium Bunks: 24 Leader: Dean Stewart Phone: 03 960 3558 Transport cost: $30 A reasonably straightforward trip with several river crossings and mixed terrain up the Hawdon Valley with great views from hut.

What a view! Club members on Purple Hill tramp March 17. Photo: Neil Helson