09/10/2024. Graham’s Bush to Mt Cargill. Grade 4. Trampers. Leaders: Karen McInnes and Gail Williams
Eleven hardy trampers met at the end of Hall Road in Sawyer’s Bay on Wednesday morning, very aware that the weather was dodgy to say the least.
Reassessment was to be discussed when reached Mt Cargill Road. The wind was cold but it wasn’t raining and once rugged up, we were off on an adventure. After the vast amount of rain in the preceding few days the track was of an unknown condition, though various folk had reported it as okay.
We headed up into the bush which sheltered us from the very gusty wind, on a track that was gouged out in areas by the wet weather, but with only small patches of mud. We stopped for morning tea in the shelter of the bush and then carried onto the road. Apart from the wind, the group considered conditions to be good to carry on.
The Mt Cargill track was in really good condition, with work having been done on the board walks, with screwed down strips of metal across them, making them almost hazard free. As we climbed higher the wind became stronger and very gusty but we had so far avoided the rain. At the junction to Buttar’s Peak, a couple of trampers hunkered down in the bush whilst the rest of us staggered up to Mt Cargill.
We met three adults with several children who seemed to be enjoying the walk and the conditions. Finally, at the top, the wind was roaring with spooky sounds coming from the tower and strong enough to almost blow the smaller of the group over. Needless to say, the stay at the top was short and we returned to the two waiting near Mt Buttar for our lunch. It was not the warmest of lunch spots but we did get a bit of shelter.
Then it was off back down the hill, regrouping at various intervals until we got to the bottom of Graham’s Bush. At that point it started to rain. Really, really rain and it was a mad dash for our cars. It was passed 3pm so we decided to forgo coffee and head home.
For those that braved the weather, it was a great day out!
Gail and Karen.
Link to background information and earlier tramps and hikes in the same area.