Tramp Reflections 788 - Maungatautari - Out in the Styx

29 June 2008

This is our annual pilgrimage under Bill's guidance and always enjoyed by all those who attend. We had about 12 on the tramp this year and went up through the Key-hole Paddock to the pest proof fence bordering Bill and Sue's farm. This year was a little different as we actually had an official guide, David Powell, who had been cutting tracks on the mountain and had a detailed map of all the tracks. The track cutters had been busy as there were tracks branching off everywhere. They were all numbered so pretty easy to follow.

What a change those tracks make. They have almost completely eliminated the need to bush bash and the thrill of 'gliding' through the supplejack! Oh how we missed that simple pleasure! The gradient was steadily up as usual but didn't seem quite as steep as in previous years. We had a couple of stops for snacks on the way and Adrienne decided to strengthen John's fitness by leaving her walking pole at a rest stop. They had to go down for it and then back up to catch up with the rest of us.

We soon reached the ridge where we drop off to a stream and had the usual hunt for the right ridge in spite of the new tracks. After going downstream for a while, we pulled up onto another ridge that took us up to the base of Pukeatua and the main benched track.

As it was still quite early in the afternoon, Bill decided we should drop down to a waterfall we had visited once before. Down we went, crossing a small stream and the heading up it in search of the waterfall. A couple of the guys scouted around but the pleasant sound of falling water remained elusive. It was now getting darker and colder and the decision was made to pull out and head up to the main southern gate.

It was quite a steep haul at times and a bit tough for some of us at the end of the day. At one break, Janey showed off her merino camouflage that was keeping her warm. We also saw a group of lovely flowerlike puffball fungi nestled in the leaf mould.

At last we came to the gate and it was a steady walk down to 'Out in the Styx' Restaurant. Some elected to go home while others of us had showers and a spa while we were waiting for dinner. What sheer bliss, lying back in warm water, chatting to our fellow soakers.

Once again Lance and Mary served a beautiful meal that nicely finished off a very pleasant day. Thanks once again Bill and thanks also to our guide David.

Val

Photographs by unknown (Olympus uD600).