Hermits Cave via Pulpit Rock.

We were to tramp right past “the rock” and along the Jubilee Silverpeaks track, then turn right onto Rocky Ridge, above where a hermit once spent time in two caves.

Seventeen trampers began our tramp at 9.50am, previously having travelled in two cars from Dunedin, and three from Mosgiel. Tramping conditions best described as “ideal”, initially slightly overcast and mild, with no wind. Later in the day the wind did pick up , but by mid afternoon had subsided, when the temperature climbed. After a pretty brisk initial pace, by 10.30am it was time for morning tea at the north facing lookout area.

By 10.45am we were on our way again, arriving at the old Green Hut site at 11.15am. On the way we passed a number of volunteers from the Green Hut track maintenance group. Included amongst them a familiar smiling face, that of Arthur Heenan. Great to catch up with Arthur again. At the old Green Hut site we met another member of the group, Terry, who was scrub-cutting the grass area around the site.

We enjoyed a rest, and interesting chat with him for a few minutes, before carrying on, along our way. By 12.25pm we had conquered the following steep uphill sections,

passed Pulpit Rock, and arrived at the Jubilee Silverpeaks track to Rocky Ridge turn-off, still marked by the orange ribbons left after our recce. Highlights of this part of the tramp being meeting three Americans walking the area, and spotting a Pipit bird in the Pulpit Rock area.

At the turn-off, sheltered from a cool breeze, we had lunch,

and Graham gave a talk on the hermit who had lived in the area, possibly for about two years, around 1956. A notable anecdote from his talk, mentioned the hermit’s pet pig, that followed him around, could do dog like tricks, and was named “Hori” (apparently Te Reo for “George”).

Lots of somewhat conflicting stories abound about this hermit, but it seems he ultimately did return to “everyday society”. From all accounts, he (along with Hori) enjoyed a long and happy life. Our hermit friend seemingly becoming employed, maybe married, a scout leader, and meals on wheels driver. He died in 2004.

I’m no psychologist, but I have been pondering just why anyone would choose the hermit lifestyle. More questions than answers arise:-

 Are they running away from something, or perhaps running towards a hopefully better existence?

 Is the motivation an attempt to escape from the past, or to seek a new future?

 Is it an act of cowardice, or bravery? Courage or fear?

 Is it by conscious decision, or reluctance?

 The dream of a better life, or some kind of self harm guilt trip?

 Is it the acceptance of defeat, or the embrace of a new challenge?

 Perhaps part of a spiritual “external” journey to “find oneself”?

Many more questions come to mind, but perhaps just as important ; – Why do hermits always seem to be men?

Whatever the reason for “hermitting”, the appeal of this area to do it in, is impossible to ignore. As we walked along the Rocky Ridge track (or rather battled our way through the undergrowth),

we were treated to spectacular views in all directions, intriguing rock formations,

and a huge variety of flora. Particularly striking, the clumps of white cushion plant growing on the rocks, looking from a distance like sleeping sheep!

Anyway by 2.50pm we were back at the old Green Hut site, admiring Terry’s handiwork, in cutting all the surrounding grass with his brush-cutter. By 4.00pm we were back at the cars, tired but happy.

In closing, words from Don Mclean’s song “Homeless Brother”, come to mind:-

     “They envy him the sunshine, and they pity him the chill,

      and they’re sad to do their living, for some other kind of thrill”.

John Gardiner.