Trip report by Rosemary Muldoon
Trip dated: 27 Sunday December 1999 - 6 January 2000
The
Millennium Christmas Trip
Fifteen people left Auckland on Christmas Day for yet another South Island trip,
crossing the Cook Strait on the new ferry "Aratere", luckily with
no hitches. Janice joined us at Christchurch, and then onto the Andrews
Shelter for dinner, with Judy McCarvil, Alex, Raymond and Rosemary being left
to start their tramp.
Day one was a rude awakening with a very steep slippery climb to a ridge and
beech forest. Lunch on the Casey Saddle with water for the billy from
a stream, which had disappeared when time came to wash the dishes. Onwards
and up the stream over a steep climb to Casey Hut and sandflies.
The next day up to Lake Mincham, returning to Trust Poulter Hut. Day three
back to Casey Hut and a rest day spoilt by sandflies. Day four crossing
a muddy swamp, down the Poulter river to camp at Pete's stream, looking
at a steep start to our next day up and over the Binser Saddle, and down to
Andrews Shelter and rain.
On January 2nd we got a lift to the start of the Cass Lagoon tramp, we collected
our next supply of food and started off up the Cass River, Alex finally not
being able to keep his boots dry any longer. Lunch at the Cass Hut then
over the Cass Saddle before rain arrived. Four very wet trampers were
made very welcome at the Hamilton Hut by Alf the Hut Warden. The next
day on Alf's recommendation we decided to forget the Pinnacles and go over
the three-wire bridge, a first for some, to a tarn he had found, he also showed
us mistletoe growing. Thank goodness Judy had a pack of cards, which with the
fun of watching two hares, helped pass the time away. Next morning snow
had appeared on the mountains, and after crossing the three-wire bridge again,
with Alf taking Judy's and mine packs across, we were on our way.
We planning to stay at Lagoon Saddle Shelter, but decided it was not suitable
so across the Saddle in mist to Bealy Hut and a road hike to Bealey where we
were told the bus was, unfortunately it was the
A.T.C. bus not ours, so back to the Bruce River to camp, a long day ending with
the antics of a cheeky Kea.
Judy and Alex hitch hiked to Arthur's Pass to find the bus, which Liz and
Mike brought back to collect us and the packs then back for a beautiful shower
and fresh sandwiches. After all meeting up we headed for the West Coast,
with a great walk down the Otira Viaduct. A night in Greymouth then a
tour around the Punakaiki rocks, a walk up the Fox River, then onto Westport
to see Arthur O'Kane. The next morning a trip to the mouth of the
Buller River then following it to its source at the Nelson Lakes, stopping at
Kawatiri the station and railway tunnel built but never used. Onto Pollard
Park, Blenheim, and some fun between certain unnamed people, Picton and home.
A wonderful trip thanks to the organisers, travelling group and particularly
Judy, Alex and Raymond.
Rosemary