THE DREADED DEMON TRAIL – a private trip.

THE DREADED DEMON TRAIL

On Tuesday March 25th Judy Knox and two friends of long-standing, Jan and Brian, set off for the Hollyford Valley.  After a night at Te Anau we were at the road-end by midday on Wednesday, and had a leisurely  three-hour walk to Hidden Falls Hut.  Next morning Brian discovered he had left his heart pills in the car, so did a quick return for them, and we proceeded to Alabaster Hut, extending the day’s tramping, for him , to almost nine hours.

Still feeling fit, we covered the next, longer, leg, from Alabaster to Demon Falls Hut, in eight hours – a bit over the suggested time, but we always take regular (hourly) rests, and our pace is steady but not fast, considering heavyish packs.  The track from the road-end to Alabaster is great – wide and well-formed, with gentle gradients.   However, from here on it becomes seriously rough, and very up and down, making pretty hard going.

Now the fun begins.  It’s Friday morning.  We get an early start (first light) and set off in good heart.  But Jan rapidly develops a pain in her right knee and gets slower and slower.  We take numerous rests, lighten her pack, and watch anxiously.  The ups and downs are endless, the three-wire bridges a real problem for her, and the map gives no indication of how far it is to the next hut – Hokuri, supposedly about eight hours from Demon Trail Hut.

Daylight fades.  We scramble on, now having to haul Jan over numerous obstacles.  We have a look at her leg.  The knee is badly swollen and barely takes her weight.  Darkness falls.  After thirteen hours tramping we call it a day, scramble off the waterfall of a track to a dry spot in the bush, and set up a fly camp. Lots of things to be thankful for.  It’s fine and warm, and I am carrying my new poncho, which is large enough to open out into a fly, which we rig over a log and attach to our walking poles with bootlaces.

The bivvy camp (Judy pic and caption)
The bivvy camp (Judy pic and caption)

And we are carrying a locator beacon. Hot soup, and we settle for the night.  Surprisingly we all sleep relatively well, in spite of the odd buzz of a mosquito and some light rain just before daylight.   Hopefully the rest will help Jan’s knee and we can get to the hut in the morning.

No such luck.  When she rolls out of her sleeping bag she can barely stand.  We debate the options.  Nothing for it but to set off the beacon, albeit reluctantly.  We eat muesli and drink milo, then pack up and wait.  Two hours later we hear the chopper approaching.  It spirals down, and Brian and I frantically wave yellow pack liners until visual contact is made.

Looking up at the chopper (Judy pic and caption)
Looking up at the chopper (Judy pic and caption)

There is just a small window of sky visible, but the medic is winched safely down and makes a quick assessment.

Jan is strapped into a harness, her face rather ghostly white, and I don’t envy her as she spins wildly up …

Jan up
Jan spirals upward (Judy pic and caption)

… through the trees and into the chopper.  The medic follows with her pack,

Medic
Followed by the Medic with her pack (Judy pic and caption)

and suddenly we are alone again.

It’s only 45 minutes to Hokuri, but we agree Jan could never have made it.  We spend a quiet afternoon at the hut recovering, before setting off next morning (Sunday) for Martins Bay, reached uneventfully in six reasonable hours.

It’s a beautiful place. Please, no roads around here!  Next day we catch the jet boat up the lake, as previously arranged, and anxious to be reunited with Jan, walk the six hours from Alabaster Landing to the road end and the car, a welcome sight.  We find her comfortably ensconced at the camping ground, using crutches to get around.  It seems a ligament ‘blew up’, causing all the trouble.

In retrospect, we feel we handled the situation well.  Maybe ‘oldies’ like us should not have tackled such a tough track in the first place, but by finishing the trip, Brian and I felt exonerated.   We were lucky with the weather – rain would have made things a lot more difficult – but we were well-equipped and never felt in any serious danger.

High praise for the helicopter crew, and the fast efficient way in which they responded and carried out the rescue. – Judy

Motatapu

Motatapu Trip
Motatapu Trip. We walked 21.7km; Moving time 7 hrs 19min; Ave 2.9km/hr; Climbed 1283mtrs asl; Total height climbed 1296mtrs.

Away back about the middle of last year, while casting around for an adventure for the trampers, I came up with the idea of walking the Motatapu Track. After discussing this with a couple of others, it was decided to do the first 1/2 of the track only, as the logistics of getting cars to the other end was rather difficult.  This track goes from the Glendu Bay end of  Lake Wanaka, through to Macetown/Arrowtown via a walking track put in place by Soho Properties. It has 3 huts along it’s length which are very comfortable 12 bunk units.
We originally had 9 interested trampers, but this dwindled to 6 as time went on. We only had two informal meetings [one at the Waitati coffee shop, the other at Neil & Carole’s place] to sort out who was going to do what in the way of food, hut tickets, cars, etc.
4 of us left Mosgiel at 6am on the 4th March, to meet up with Neil & Carole  in Wanaka, at Neil’s daughter’s place, where we quickly loaded up everybody’s packs with a share of the food supplies, had a cuppa, & then drove around to the start of the track …

Six intrepid trampers (Ken pic and caption)
Sign at the start. (Ken pic and caption)

… where 6 intrepid trampers set off on what we had been told many times was a rather hard slog.
It’s only 7 km to the first hut [Fern Burn], but when you are carrying 20+kg for the men & 15+kg for the women, & not used to it, it is quite a distance, & the track, apart from the first few kms, is narrow, & has some quite steep climbs, & drops along it’s length. One of the group [who shall remain nameless] pulled a muscle in a leg about 2 km from the hut, at a part of the most difficult/steepest section of the track & was unable to carry his pack, so Neil & I did a back & forward shuffle. We would carry our pack along the track a bit, then go back & pick up his, carry it forward some more, then go back for our own pack, & repeat the process, until we eventually got everybody, & everything to Fern Burn hut. As we sat around recovering, it was decided that the  next day the injured party would stay at Fern Burn hut until the rest of us arrived back again. This meant that we could leave behind a small amount of our gear that we would not need for the next two days, so our packs would be marginally lighter.
The next morning 5 set off on the 2nd leg to go to Highland Creek Hut, which is about 6 km away, but a much more arduous section of the track, & climbs to about 1280 mtrs ASL. After what seemed like hours, & many  rest stops, we finally reached…

We made it (Ken pic and caption)
We made it!! The top of Jack Hall’s Saddle. (Ken pic and caption)

… the top of Jacks Pass [1280 mtrs]  to a majestic view of the surrounding valleys & snow topped mountains, where we had a well deserved rest & lunch. On looking down the imposing other side, …

Looking down (Ken pic and caption)
Looking down towards Highland Creek Hut (Ken pic and caption)

… [very narrow track along the top of a very steep, narrow ridge, with drops on either side] the ladies decided that they were not going any further, & that they would go back to Fern Burn hut. So it was left for me & Neil to decide what we would do. After discussing the prospect of having to climb back up the imposing track the next morning, we decided that, as we wouldn’t see much more than what we could from where we were, we would also go back to Fern Burn hut. I guess there was a sense of disappointment for us, that we wouldn’t fulfill our original idea of going to Highland Creek hut & back, but our tired bodies from yesterday’s efforts, told us that enough was enough. So we packed up after lunch, & headed back the way we had come. At least this time, it was mostly all downhill, …

Looking back (Ken pic and caption)
Looking back to Fern Burn Hut (Ken pic and caption)

 

… & we made good time back to Fern Burn hut, where our injured member was reasonably surprised to see all of us coming back. We had only one incident on the way back, when another party member [who shall also remain nameless] had a leg collapse under them & toppled over the track edge. This was done without any damage to body or equipment, so all ended well.
After another good evening meal, a night’s sleep, & some breakfast, we packed up in preparation for the walk back to the cars. This time we shared out most of the contents of the injured person’s pack between the other members of the party, & sent the injured member off on his own to see how he would manage, the rest of us following about 1/4 – 1/2 an hour later. I finally caught up with him when he took a rest stop, about 2/3rds of the way out, so there was no real problem getting everybody back to the car park.
We had brilliant weather all the time, not too hot, & just about right for tramping. All agreed it had been a hard 3 days, but was enjoyable. A good bunch to go away with, & we had a good few laughs along the way. – Ken.

Davies Track, Ben Rudd

Click Ben Rudd Article for background information.

5. 19/2/2014. Trampers. Pineapple, Ben Rudd, Davies.

GPS of route., courtesy Ken.
GPS of route., courtesy Ken. (Anti-clockwise from Booth Road) 9.2 km; 3 km/hr; 3 hr 6 min moving time; 2 hrs stopped!!; Climbed 589 mtrs.
The group at the new seat. (Heb pic and caption)
The group at the new seat. (Heb pic and caption)
Afternoon tea
Afternoon tea break at the bottom of Davies track. (Ken pic and caption)
Hazel
Hazel in deep thought over her phone. (Ken pic and caption)

4. 23/3/2005. Both. Davies Track, Booth Road. Leaders: Annie G, Irene, Dot B, Bruce.

3. 10/11/1999. Warburnton Track from Booth Road – Ben Rudd. Leaders: Joyce, Nancy, Ria.

2. 8/11/1995. Warburton Track from Booth Road to Ben Rudd. Medium. Leaders: Doug and Ngaire, Chris, Joan H.

1. 5/7/1995. Warburton Track. Ben Rudd. Medium. Shorter trip available. leaders: Ria L, Doug & Ngaire, Denise.

Hoopers Inlet

32 km from car park
6. 22/1/2014. Hikers. Hoopers Inlet from Hall. Easy. Leaders: Barbara and Arthur
GPS of route
GPS of route (record started a bit late!). Total distance more like 11 kms.

22 Hikers parked their 7 cars at Hoopers Inlet Hall. As recorded on the last report below, we rested for morning tea on the old Hoopers Inlet School grounds. Then over the hill to the the Papanui Inlet Road – Cape Saunders Road – Hoopers Inlet Road to the end. Over the style for lunch on a grassy slope sheltered from the wind.

Lunch at Allans Beach
Lunch at Allans Beach

A quick visit after down to the beach rewarded us with the sight of a sealion sanding himself in the sun. We retraced our steps back to the cars parked at Hoopers Inlet Hall.

(Extract from http://portobello.org.nz/our-community/hoopers-inlet-hall/:
The Hall belongs to the local community and is run and maintained by them. Originally built as a boating club, the hall was for many years “the place to be seen”. Dances have taken place here over the years and many local people have had family members start their courting days at this hall. The hall has extensive views of Harbour Cone (Hereweka) which can be viewed from the deck and double doors built onto a sheltered open space. The reconstructed fireplace is a central feature of the hall. … The kitchen has been modernised. The hall caters for all sorts of occasions. For a booking, call Jackie 478 0508 or email [email protected] to check availability.)
5. 11/5/2011. Hikers. Hoopers Inlet from Hall. Easy. Leaders: Chris, Dorothy.
4. 28/11/2007. Hikers. Hoopers Inlet from Hall. Easy. Leaders: Chris, Bill H.
Settling down or getting up?
On a very pleasant morning 15 hikers parked their cars at the Hoopers Inlet Hall and set out for Continue reading “Hoopers Inlet”

Old Lee Stream Hotel and Valley

Abt 30 km from car park.
5. 30/10/2013. Trampers. Old Lee Stream Hotel and Valley.
GPS
GPS of route, courtesy Ken and Ian H. Distance 11.5 km; walking time 2 hr 52 mins; Ave 4 km/hr; Total ascent 376 mtrs.

A small group of keen trampers set off  to Lee Stream Bridge on a fine day. The planned farm track turned out to be a formed, gravel road which we followed through lush, green paddocks across James Reid’s property.  Half-an-hour of steady climbing led us to a morning tea stop by the patch of pines and then onwards and upwards to the top.  The map route we were following stopped, but there was a timely meetup with the farmer-owner of the farm who showed us  where to go to traverse the section not indicated on the map.

From the highest point on the farm (which was not very high) we looked across to Silver Peaks, Saddle Hill and over to Lea Stream School in the south-west.  Due to snow,  this school has the most non-school days in the country.

Further on, we looked down on the old Lee Stream Hotel nestled amongst  the trees and from here we headed for our starting point reached by an easy downhill tramp across more paddocks and scattering ewes and lambs.

It was a very pleasant tramp of easy to moderate grade. – Neil.

4. 31/5/2000. Old Lee Stream Hotel and Valley. Lee Stream Ramble. Scorgies Farm. Leaders: Ria L, Catherine, Molly.
3. 27/7/1994. Old Lee Stream Hotel and Valley. Scorgies Farm. Medium. Leaders: Ted C, Jack R, Jack M, Bob H.
Great farmland round trip. Park cars up from Old Pub. Follow up the stream.
2. 15/5/1991.  Old Lee Stream Hotel and Valley. A bit of history and nice rolling countryside. Easy. Leaders: Ted, Jack. Ivan, Shirley
1. 19/7/1989. Old Lee Stream Hotel. (Average). History pub. Follow up the stream. Leaders: Betty, Bob, Jean

AGM Minutes Aug 2013

Minutes of the 26th Annual General Meeting of Taieri Recreational Tramping Club held  in the Presbyterian  Church McKerrow Room on 25 August 2013 at 1.30 p.m.

ATTENDANCE. P Bathgate, W Bathgate, D Bennett, P Clough, S Cooney, E Day, F Deans, E Finnie, J Finnie, I Fleming, G Haggie, B Harvey, L Harvey, I Hebbard, C Hughes, V Jackson, J Knox, R Lippers, B McIntosh, P McLean, W McLean, K McVie, D Moir, P Randall, J Shaw, L Smith, M Smith, B Spittle, T Stratton, G Such, M Vaughan, J Yardley. (31)

APOLOGIES. N Buckley, E Cooper, J Dodd, L Donaldson, A Landrebe, B Landrebe, H Leslie, C Morrison, N Morrison, D Pearce, D Pool, M Spittle, D Such.
That the apologies be received. Moved B Harvey, seconded I Hebbard. Carried.

MINUTES of the 25th Annual General Meeting OF 25 August 2012, having been circulated, were taken as read.
That these minutes be confirmed as a true and accurate record of that meeting. Moved I Fleming, seconded P Bathgate. Carried.

ANNUAL REPORT. President B Harvey presented her report.
That the report be adopted. Moved B Harvey, seconded M Smith. Carried.

FINANCIAL  REPORT. Treasurer I Fleming presented his report.
That the report be received, the audited Financial Statement be adopted, that Auditor T Stratton be thanked and that he be reappointed as Auditor for the coming year. Moved I Fleming, seconded L Smith. Carried.

ELECTION  OF  OFFICERS
PRESIDENT.
L Smith. Nominated B Harvey, seconded D Bennett.
There were no other nominations.
B Harvey declared L Smith elected. Applause.

VICE PRESIDENT.
J Knox. Nominated L Smith, seconded M Smith.
There were no other nominations.
B Harvey (who continued to chair the meeting) declare J Knox elected. Applause.

SECRETARY.
I Fleming. Nominated J Knox, seconded C Hughes.
There were no other nominations.
B Harvey declared I Fleming elected. Applause.

TREASURER.
J Yardley. Nominated I Fleming, seconded P Clough.
There were no other nominations.
B Harvey declared J Yardley elected. Applause.

COMMITTEE.
The last committee meeting had recommended this be limited to five members.
That the committee be limited to five members. Moved J Knox, seconded B Harvey. Carried.
Nominations:
G Such. Nominated L Smith, seconded P Bathgate.
I Hebbard. Nominated R Lippers, seconded G Haggie.
D Bennett. Nominated M Smith, seconded C Hughes.
K McVie. Nominated I Hebbard, seconded R Lippers.
B Landrebe. Nominated W Bathgate, seconded G Such.
E Day. Nominated C Hughes, seconded J Knox.
C Hughes. Nominated M Smith, seconded L Smith.
L Harvey. Nominated L Smith, seconded G Such.

Two scrutineers were appointed for a secret ballot.
T Stratton. Nominated J Knox, seconded B Harvey.
B Spittle. Nominated B Harvey, seconded G Such.
There was general acceptance of this.

GIFTS Three gifts were presented.
H Leslie (in absentia). For her beautiful cards used on occasions of sorrow and also in appreciation of land-owners granting permission to tramp on their property.
M Smith. For hosting tramp programme meetings.
S Fleming. For hosting committee meetings.

GENERAL  BUSINESS

Two motions and one amendment had been emailed in advance out the secretary and forwarded out to the club.

FIRST MOTION – in the name of I Hebbard and K McVie.

That the combined hike on the Wednesday of each month be dropped, as it doesn’t normally suit the abilities of some trampers.

Explanation:  The trampers [and some of the hikers] complain about having to stand around far too often, getting cold, while waiting for the slow ones to catch up.
The combined hike came about as an idea 13 years ago, & was adopted for a 12 month trial period, & then it became the norm. it was also, at the time this was suggested, that the club should plan ahead, & be flexible.

The mover and seconder presented and spoke to the motion. There was general discussion.

AMENDMENT –  in the name of I Fleming.

That the motion: “That the combined hike on the Wednesday of each month be dropped, as it doesn’t normally suit the abilities of some trampers.”
be amended to read: “That the combined hike on the first Wednesday of each month be retained, but there be established as well a scheduled tramp for those whose abilities the combined one doesn’t normally suit.”

Note 1. The combined tramp, although it doesn’t suit some trampers, does suit others who enjoy the monthly combined one.

Note 2. The combined tramp, although merely a convention, has been cherished by many, I believe, in whose minds the word ‘Recreational’ implies renewing contact and fellowship with each other from time to time.

The mover presented and spoke to this amendment. Seconded L Smith.
There was general discussion.
B Harvey put the amendment to the vote. Carried.

The amendment then became the substantive motion.
There were not further amendments.
The amendment was carried.

THIRD MOTION in the name of K McVie and I Hebbard.

That the start time of 9:30 in the winter months, be changed to 9:00.

Explanation:  This is purely a safety remit.  On the shortest day 2013, there was more daylight at 8:00am than at 5:00pm. We feel this is a safety feature, as if trouble should occur on a tramp or hike, it allows more time to deal with it, before darkness sets in.

The mover and seconder presented and spoke to the motion.
There was general discussion.
B Harvey put the motion to the vote. It was lost.

The scrutineers had returned with the committee election findings.
Those elected to the committee were:
D Bennett,  E Day, L Harvey, C Hughes, G Such.

The scrutineers were thanked and discharged, and the voting papers would be destroyed.

ANY OTHER BUSINESS
There was general discussion. A number of points were mentioned.

Gifts were presented to the out-going President, B Harvey and later, to J Knox for her presentation.

B Harvey declared the meeting closed at 2.46 p.m.

B Harvey invited Judy Knox to give here powerpoint presentation of her expedition to Patagonia.

Subscription payments and refreshments followed.

Confirmed……………………………………………………………. Date………………………………..

Swampy from Access/Rollinsons Road

4. 17/7/2013. Trampers. Rollinsons Rd, Rollinsons Track, Swampy Ridge track along to Hightop, & return.
4 trampers set out from the locked gate On Rollinsons Rd. which was a little icy in places & there was still some snow showing in parts as well. We were all amazed at the amount of destruction that the snow had caused, with 15cm Manuka splintered like matchwood, & everything sort of flattened.
We had morning tea in the shelter by the picnic area, & then climbed up to the elbow, where we went straight ahead on Rollinsons Track, which was running with water in parts, & covered with snow in other areas.
After reaching the Swampy Ridge track we set off towards Hightop, but soon found our way impeded by fallen Manuka. We negotiated this for a kilometer or two before arriving at a very large & difficult blockage, so as it was almost mid-day, we decided to have lunch, & then return to the cars. – Ken.

3. 31/3/2010. Trampers. Rollinsons, Swampy Ridge, Hightop. Leaders: Ria, Ian

The tramp differed from intentions. For one thing, the leaders had done no recce due to a failure to find a date suitable to both. For another, it had been four years since we had last tackled the track, and memories were a little hazy. Going in from the elbow of Rollinson Road, we were first surprised to find the Rollinson Track sign missing, replaced by one announcing “Tarns”. We wondered at this, but were pleased to find the track fairly well marked by fluorescent pink tape.

Early part of Rollinson Track
These led us helpfully deeper into the swamp. The dry summer had left the track beautifully only damp where there would normally have been mud.
Deeper into the swamp.
Second surprise. The helpful pink tapes had led us down to Swampy Lagoon. Obviously the “tarns”, or one of them. Were there others?
Swampy Lagoon
Oh dear. Where to from here? With reflective hindsight, we should have resisted the seductive tapes way further back and sought out the true Rollinsons, once upon a time indicated with Les Murcott’s green markers, some still there in places but now very faded. We should have paid them more attention. But we had been suckered by the pink. So what to do? We knew we were well off the track, and that anyway, up at the top was Swampy Ridge track. So we set off up a vertically vertical ridge, pulling ourselves up with tufts of tussock and grass, to eventually gain the track, after much heaving and huffing.
Looking back down steep ridge we had just climbed
Later on, northwards to where the Ridge Track had considerably descended (!), we found the pole indicating where Rollinsons track DID emerge onto the ridge, by way of a MUCH easier climb.
“R” pole indicating Rollinsons track junction with Swampy Ridge.
Near the north end of Swampy Ridge Track,
North end of Swampy Ridge Track
we attempted a climb of Clump Peak on our right, as our way  to Hightop on our left had appeared too scrubby.
Clump Peak viewed from the west

2. 5/10/1988. Swampy from Access Road gate. Average Climb. Great views around summit (bring binoculars. Return by Flagstaff weather permitting. Car shuttle if required. Leaders: Bob H, Ria L, Jean Y

See Flagstaff Name for its origin.

 

But even here a thick belt of gorse blocked our way so we hunkered down for lunch interrupted by a VERY light shower which was magically terminated by dint of one or two of us donning parkas.

Back then, along Swampy Ridge and up to swampy summit topped by the Airways VHF receiver station. Descending the Rollinson accesss road to the elbow completed our extended circuit. Six of us had come out for the day. – Ian.

1. 5/10/1989. Swampy from Access/Rollinsons Road gate. Average climb. Great views around summit. Return by Flagstaff weather permitting. Car shuttle if required. Leaders: Bob, Ria, Mary.

Committee Minutes 24/6/2013

Minutes of a Committee meeting of the Taieri Recreational Tramping Club held on 24 June 2013  at 9.30 a.m. at the home of L & M Smith, 73A Forfar St, Mosgiel.

Present. D Bennett, I Fleming (Sec/Treas), L Gowans, C Hughes, B Harvey (Pres), W McLean, K McVie, L Smith.

Apologies. P Bathgate.
Moved  I Fleming, Seconded L Gowans, that the apologies be received. Carried.

Minutes.  I Fleming moved that the minutes of the meetings held on 20/3/2013, 15/4/2013 and 15/5/2013 having been circulated, be taken as read and confirmed as true and accurate records of those meetings. Seconded D Bennett. Carried.

Correspondence.
23/4/2012. DCC. Ross Creek alterations. Scan of first page sent to club.
I Fleming moved that the correspondence be received. Seconded C Hughes, Carried.

Treasurer’s Report.
I Fleming presented a report.
Auditing of accounts and the financial statement.
As the treasurer was going to be in Wellington for the critical period immediately following the end of the financial year, he proposed W Bathgate be interim treasurer for the period and outlined arrangements he proposed making for getting the accounts audited and the financial statement printed.
Cheque Ac Balance: $699.64 Petty Cash: $18.60.
Cheques for approval:
18/4/2013. 365924. B Harvey. Photocopying Tramping Programme copies.
I Fleming moved that the report be received and the above cheque be passed for payment. Seconded K McVie, Carried.

A.G.M. agenda.
There was considerable discussion regarding the agenda of the AGM, especially concerning who might be approached as President in the light of Vice President K McVie standing down.
There was thought it needed to be someone with experience.
There was discussion too regarding committee nominations. Several present would make themselves available but were willing to stand down if there were others nominated.

Gifts
L Smith moved that S Fleming, B Harvey, H Lesley,  and M Smith be given $25.00 Grocery vouchers. Seconded L Gowans. Carried.

Speaker
B Harvey moved that Judy Knox be invited to be the speaker. Seconded, D Bennett. Carried.

Afternoon tea.
C Hughes offered to bring the tea, coffee, milk and sugar.

Subscriptions. L Gowans and D Bennett offered to collect and receipt payments.

Official photos taken at the 25th Anniversary Dinner.
K McVie had made them digitally available. B Harvey and C Hughes offered to get copies printed, set up a table at the AGM and take orders.

First Wednesday combined tramp.
B Harvey opened the topic of the (recently questioned) practice of Trampers and Hikers being together on the first Wednesday of the month.
There was considerable discussion for and against the practice. The matter of changing attitudes and demographics in society and clubs was discussed. It was agreed this would be a lively subject of debate at the AGM.

President B Harvey declared the meeting closed at  11.00 a.m.