The scheduled overnight trip to Mangahao Flats Hut 22nd/23rd March was cancelled due to a slip on the in-road, se we quickly made a new plan.
After looking at various options we settled on a Sunday trip to Mt Frith south of Featherston. We had a few new members on the trip and it seemed like a good opportunity for them to stretch themselves and try a ridge walk. We headed along SH2, parking up at the concrete bollards, just before the bridge heading over the Remutaka Hill. Trip participants commented that they had seen cars parked there before but hadn't realised it was an entry into the southern end of the Tararua.
We set off at 9.30am – five trampers and ‘Boots’ the dog. A good steady pace was set up the 4WD track to the pylon, which was our turnoff point. The sun was shining and there was a gentle breeze. We had a quick stop for a drink and a photo, then we headed off along the unmarked (but well-trodden) path. I'm told this track had been maintained for many years by SWTC, so thanks! It was in good condition and easy to follow.
At around 10.45am we stopped for morning tea, we found a great sheltered spot to sit down in, away from the wind (which now increased from the original 'breeze' status). Nathan had brought along a treat for us to try 'Halva' (a mix of tahini and pistachio, shaped into a loaf)- he even supplied the knife so we could be civilised and cut a slice to have with our cuppa.
After morning tea we set off again continuing up the track, the wind had picked up a little more so we took our time to ensure we didn't get blown over. After a short time and with the wind on the increase, we stopped at a rocky outcrop to recheck the forecast and to check the party were happy to continue. There were a few worried faces and Christine started looking for her scared pills (she tells me if you eat sour lollies it helps to distract you from anything that seems a bit scary)!
We made a plan to continue on to the next landmark a couple of 100 metres up the track. The wind continued to pick up, so to reassure the troops I discussed how this was a great training opportunity to see what it's like to walk in strong winds knowing that at any time you can turn around and head back down, and that convinced them to go a little further.
At the next landmark (when Christine was still looking for her scary pills) I reassured the group that 'there's more in you than you think' (the well-known outward bound moto) and so let's carry on to the next landmark and reassess. We carried on like this eventually reaching the ridge line (congrats to our new members who were pushed out of their comfort zone to get there). You couldn't stand on the top so we quickly found a sheltered spot and discussed our options. It was too windy to walk along the ridge, so the plan was to head back down. But first…… lunch!
David 'scout' Lyttle was sent off to find us a suitable sheltered lunch spot with a view, which he did successfully. So we sat down to enjoy our sandwiches overlooking Mt Frith and the surrounding hills. Nathan showed us his newest piece of tramping kit that he had just purchased – a small sturdy (and thankfully unused) shovel for when you need to dig a hole!
Once replete we set off back down the way we had come, the wind was still blowing as we battled our way down the track. Finally we found ourselves back at the pylon, a few more photos and a quick drink and we were on our way to the cars, another 30 mins and we were unloading our packs and talking about where to stop for coffee.
Thanks to those who came on the trip Christine, Josh, Nathan, David, Trip Leaders - Gail & Boots.
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