Greetings
to those of you who elected to miss out on the opportunity to tramp on
a weekend near the shortest day of the year. On Friday 14 hardy
(foolish) souls left the club rooms at 6pm sharp, their destination
the Eyre Mountains, north of Lumsden.
The
journey in was somewhat uneventful, but Robyn's reputation of getting
lost is unwarranted as she managed to get us to the farmhouse on
Hillier's Road without backtracking. It was well and truly dark as we
drove down the forestry roads through pine forest to the base of the
Eyre forest by the Acton Stream. Here we had some excitement where the
van nearly got stuck in the mud. However all the men except Greg rose
to the challenge and assisted the van through the mud. At the final
destination we were in a paddock by the Acton Stream. In spite of
Bess's assertion that she thought the hut was over the stream
somewhere we roughed it by sleeping under flys and in tents. There
were those of course who thought it was too cold and slept in the van
and the trailer. What is
happening to OTMC members? Those in the van will recommend not
to do it in the future as they had little sleep and it caught up with
them the next day.
Anyway,
up at 8ish in the dark and tramping at first light. Robyn's group of
three disappeared into the mist bound for island hut. A six‑hour
uphill journey. They were first to sign the hut book since 1999. Our
two groups set oft for the Cromel Bivouac and Cromel Branches hut
respectively. The first two hours or so were an amble beside the Acton
Stream, climbing over windfall and often off the track. Fortunately the
track is well marked but not maintained.
After
a few hours we hit a hill, which took its toll. However we regrouped
and carried on. Unable to reach the hut by lunchtime we stopped for
lunch beside a stream. Once rested we proceeded onwards. No views. All
trees. If you like trees do this tramp. The weather was kind.... no
rain. After several hours we finally caught up with Greg Powell's
group who need to brush up on their map reading skills.
"You must have missed the hut. Turn back'. So we did. After
crossing a tussock clearing several times and about to give up, young
Phil Keene spotted the hut in the distance. While not being able to
see it we decided to have one last go. To cut a long story short we
found the hut, 10 minutes before the other group who were running
short of daylight arrived back at the hut.
Following
the rules of first in first served (Shirley excepted) we claimed the
hut approximately 7.5 hours after starting the trip. The evening's
entertainment involved watching each team member cook. With a roaring
fire, few drafts and a few laughs we were all in bed at 8. Thank god
said Anne B.... No fuel left in the tank. We shaved two hours off the
return trip after 12 hours sleep. Kentucky Fried was had in Gore and
we were all home by 8.30pm.
Now
we have discovered the area it might be worthwhile returning but
aiming for Mount Bee Hut where views are guaranteed, weather
permitting.
Ron
for Steve, Phil, Gary, Heather, Shirley, Greg, Anne, Bess, Bevan and
Pete.
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