3. 24/1/2018. Hikers. Bull Ring, Where Flat Road, Jim Freeeman,Ben Rudd, Flag Staff, Bull Ring. M. Leaders: Judy, Dawn.
27 hikers gathered at the car park, but this number soon diminished to 26 as one member collapsed before we even started. (He is okay). Two others waited to provide assistance, leaving 24 of us to head for the Bull Ring.
Here five opted to do a shorter trip to the summit and back, while the remaining 19 set off down the road to the Possum Busters turn-off. This was an easy, half-hour, down-hill stroll, mostly in the shade of the trees.
Morning tea was had just inside the track, …
… and then we headed for the Jim Freeman turn-off and the long, slow, hot climb up to the Ben Rudd shelter. With frequent stops for water and breath, this took just over an hour. Not bad under the conditions experienced! We were all glad to be in the shelter of the bush and even gladder to emerge and collapse at the shelter for a long leisurely lunch break.
The two good Samaritans met us here, having come up the fire-break track and down to the shelter. They informed us that the patient was okay and that the other five were on their way to the summit and would head straight back down.
After lunch it was up to the fire-break, …
… and another split, with nine heading straight down to the cars, and the rest taking the track towards Swampy and then around and up (again!) to the Flagstaff summit. It was slightly misty with a welcome cooling breeze, but the views were great, and we enjoyed the leisurely descent to the cars. A good number then enjoyed a social hour at Topiary.
The decision to do this trip in reverse made sense, as it avoided the long hot climb up the road at the end, and also meant that most of the climbing was in the bush. – Judy
2. 19/4/2017. Hikers. Bull Ring, Ben Rudd, Jim Freeman, Whare Flat Road return. M. Jennifer and Adrienne.
Seven ‘not-so-young-and-not-feeling-fit’ members decided on a shorter(?) version of the day’s trip. While the others went up the fire-break track, we opted for the track to Flagstaff summit,with great views across the Taieri and then the city before the cloud came down. Morning tea was had sheltering in the rocks just past the summit,
before following the track down over rocks and through mud to the junction with the fire-break. It was cold pushing into the wind and we were glad to reach the Ben Rudd turn-off and head down into the bush where it was more sheltered. (We could hear the main party somewhere down the Jim Freeman track below). The picnic shelter was much appreciated for a longish lunch as it was a bit wet outside.
The climb back to the firebreak was quickly dealt with and the descent to the Bull Ring was uneventful – almost. (Chris explored a ditch quite closely at one point). It seems we walked as far if not further than the main group – not sure how! – Judy.