November 2022 Update
It’s been a wee while since the committee meeting but there’s been a fair bit of water under the bridge since then and I’m away again next week to do five days volunteering for DOC, cutting and marking tracks and cleaning huts on the eastern side of the Takitimu Mountains, in behind Dunrobin station, in the head waters of the Aparima and Wairaki rivers ….this area is now part of Te Araroa trail. Thanks to all who have been fronting meets n greets for me over the last few weeks!
Disclaimers of liability
This topic was discussed at the committee meeting following a member’s suggestion that the club obtain signed disclaimers from members. We discussed the need and pros and cons but were unanimous that the club did not require this, the main reason being that the no faults ACC legislation covers eventualities, this being the reason other clubs similar to ours do not require disclaimers. We did agree that from time to time we should outline aspects of our trip guidelines over lunch or at morning tea stops and we will do this after new year.
A Third Way
We discussed the suggestion to allow a bit more flexibility in group dynamics without the need to formally change the trip guidelines. We have currently two larger groups out most days and without formally re-establishing the third ‘ramblers’ group, it was agreed that with the hikers group, should folk wish to have a shorter walk they could have a clear discussion with the leaders on the day to outline when and how they will return to vehicles or another pre-arranged meeting spot. They must confirm to trip leaders that they have finished accordingly. Such an option should only be exercised taking into account the context of the day’s walk, weather etc.
Trip Programmes
I think most members are now aware that the Upcoming trips on the website is now the authoritative list and the webpage has been changed so that a legible hard copy can be printed from there at any stage. If anyone requires a hardcopy and does not have a printer please let a committee member know so one can be arranged. I will complete trip gradings for the post New Year walks before the end of the year and the programme will be updated.
Fuel Costs
Ross completed another assessment taking into account information from the recognised sources and some minor tweaks have been made.
Password for Protected Areas of the Website
As previously advised this will change from time to time to comply with the overall privacy policy we looked at earlier in the year. The committee agreed we would change the password once the renewal of membership cycle following the AGM was complete….so we will provide a separate note on this.
Xmas Function
Thanks to Jay for making a booking at Taieri Mouth Hall. We had assessed other possibilities but these did not eventuate. Following feedback from Committee members when they have been walking and talking, it was agreed that we stick with the status quo and members bring a small plate of food for a shared lunch.
Bannockburn 3-8 March 2023
Thanks to Anne for this provisional Itinerary to date (subject to change). Anne will speak on it briefly at the Xmas lunch on 14 December, and will ask for a show of hands to gauge interest etc, and this will also help with finalising details.
Friday 3 March – Travel to Bannockburn Old School (available from 12noon)
Saturday 4 March –
Trampers – Devils Creek Track – (steep climb) travel over Cromwell Bridge, turn left towards Tarras & travel 6km, carpark on right
Hikers – Park cars on right over Bannockburn Bridge in carpark and walk on track to Old Cromwell Town (5.2km) and return. Toilets/Coffee shop
Sunday 5 March –
Everyone to drive to Domain at Camping Ground behind the bowling green and walk 1.2 km along road to start of track. Heading up to Stewart Town
Where everyone will stop for morning tea.
Trampers – from Stewart Town – Long Gully Loop Track 11K and back to cars at the domain.
Hikers – from Stewart Town – down through Slucings to Fulton Road and back to cars at the domain. May wish to stop at coffee shop on way back to cars.
Monday 6 March –
Combined walk – over Bannockburn Bridge. Park cars on left. Lovely river walk stopping for morning tea and lunch along way. Return on same track
Can have vehicles available if anyone doesn’t want to walk return.
Tuesday 7 March- BIKE
Bannockburn Camp – Pisa Moorings – Smiths Way (take lunch or buy at coffee shop at Pisa Moorings) approx. 24Kms each way. Can have transport
Available for those not wanting to bike return – Grade easy
Wednesday 8 March – BIKE
Hard Ride – Bannockburn Camp – Lake Dunstan Trail – Take Lunch to have at domain in front of Yacht Club
Easy Ride – Bikers transported to Alexandra to bike Clyde River Track and meet up with others at domain for lunch
Return to camp either by biking or transport provided
Thursday 9 March – BIKE
Travel to Gibbston Tavern carpark, off load bikes to bike Gibbston River Wine Trail 8.7km to Bungy Jump, then onto Arrow River Bridge Trail
To Arrowtown for lunch 12.7km (pies from bakery yum yum)
Return on same track back to Gibbston Tavern carpark (maybe pizza for tea before returning to camp)
Friday 10 March –
Clean up at camp prior to departure, must be departed by 12 noon
MEALS – will have meeting and arrange teams when we get better idea of numbers
ACCOMODATION – 4 B/room house with kitchen (ideal for 4 couples), 2x bunk rooms sleep 16 in each with separate room at either end of each bunkroom (20 per bunkroom). Also sleepout with 4 single beds. Need to supply own bed linen/towels/pillows & single fitted sheet for bunkroom beds
KITCHEN- separate dining room which seats 60 plenty fridge/freezer space/cutlery/crockery/cooking utensils/heating etc/barbeque/outdoor swimming pool.
COST – $21 per person per night (was going to charge $22 night as we have to provide own toilet paper/cleaning products/dishwash etc
Feel free to contact Anne on 0274891366 or [email protected] if you have any questions in the meanwhile.
That’s all for now and will see you on 30 November.
Many thanks
Phil
Link to President’s Update information Library for previous updates
