Trip Reports
4-5 May 2014
An enthusiastic group of 12 fizzed north fuelled on coffee from Hamner and were ready to start the climb to Fowler Pass by 11am from the historic Fowler Hut which has been renovated and is very palatial (note this will become relevant later in the narrative). Ably lead by Claire and her faithful Indian companion Sergey the group included Carol, Agnete, Steiner, Glenda, Tere, Fay, Dianna (D2) and Vesna. It was also a pleasure to have the company of Frank and Diana (D1) who provided transport and came some of the way to Fowler Pass before turning back to camp for the night by Lake Tennyson (note this will also be relevant later).
22-23 March 2104 Boyle River Lodge 40th Anniversary Celebrations
We arrived Friday night to find the decorations were well underway thanks to the early arrivals. It was a very convivial evening spent chatting, decorating and looking at photos and memorabilia.The next morning the weather was fine and sunny as we headed off on the various tramps. One group with Tere to the Magdalene Hut, another with Kevin and I to climb Mt Faust while others opted for a relaxing morning, perhaps later joining Mike (and later arrivals) on an afternoon walk to Sylvia Falls.
22 March 2104
On a bright sunny morning Mike, Wendy, Vesna, Fay, Kevin and I headed up Mt Faust. Mike was joining us to the viewpoint although no one seemed sure which one that was, since the best view always seemed to be just a bit further on. The track continued through forest, the sometimes steep sections never lasting too long before the gradient gentled out again, until we stopped for a break at a well used campsite (complete with water tank) at the bushline.
Waitangi Weekend 2014
Having collected Glenda at Waipara, Bill, Dennis and I drove to our camping site at Acheron, on the Molesworth on Wednesday evening. Breakfasting at first light we continued along the Molesworth parking at the DOC Rangers house at the northern end. We gladly accepted the offer of a ride to the start of our track. There was plenty of briar rose growing rampantly as we headed east up Robinson Creek, climbing gradually. Also profuse was Vipers Bugloss, an upright blue flower with a coarse prickly stem. The saddle became apparent in the distance and we had lunch before tackling the climb. Views were magnificent! Dillon Cone nearby and Lake McRae beckoning some 6 kilometers in the distance.
2 Feb 2014
Very pleasant initial descent through a stand of native trees, we soon cleared the bush onto a farm track, which took us down, down to the turn off to Kirk track. We briefly visited Anne Falls and had a little break at the junction to Anne Falls and Kirk track. A short respite before crossing a small stream to begin our climb, climb. We were back at the cars very early so drove around to the Bellbird for lunch. I need to thank the Revell family Christina, Lynley and Diane for such great company. We had a quality morning, rather than quantity morning. Everybody enjoyed the morning thank you all.
Michael B
