A short section
of the 75th Traverse was tidied up with a suggestion from Bruce Newton
to kayak from Bannockburn to Clyde on 14-15 November. In his usual
efficient way he soon had those of us with boats organised as well
as the more energetic amongst us on their bikes and over the top.
Private cars saw
us arrive at Bruce's parents' house at Cromwell for the first night,
after meeting at the pub for a quickie (and a drink). Some of us scored
beds, (it's who you know) and the less fortunate found a spot on the
floor or in the sleep-out. Breakfast was leisurely, and after drink
bottles were filled we tried to look enthusiastic about a day of hard
physical exercise as opposed to lying around in the sun. All in all
six of us set out in kayaks on Saturday morning and the rest opted
for the slog past the Nevis turnoff and over the Cairnmuir range to
rendezvous at Clyde for lunch.
The weather was
one of those early summer days only Central can produce with hardly
a breath of wind on the water and just a gentle breeze on the top.
Each group had a cell phone which enabled us to check each others
progress, and 10 am saw the kayak team just heading out of the Bannockburn
arm into the main lake. My call to Bruce found them at the top of
a big climb and I took great satisfaction in describing the mirror
like lake, the flowers along the side and the extreme effort entailed
in keeping our boats moving at a respectable pace. He could only appreciate
the breeze they had found as they climbed higher (sigh!).
We made a stop at
the little stone cottage that can be seen from the road about three
quarters of the way down the lake for a drink, photo or two and a
snack Another call to the top had the bikies about 45 minutes from
Clyde. Time to put some effort into the paddling and we were soon
changing into dry clothes at the car park before the dam.
Time for the transition
at the "Last Post' restaurant, a great place for lunch if you're ever
passing through. A great meal, a few beers and enough time to talk
those of us who were looking forward to a casual afternoon into trying
out the bikes while the others took the kayaks back to Bannockburn
for a play around. Bruce took pity on those of us who are not mountain
bikers and dropped us off after the worst of the climb, mentioning
something about 'not much hill-work left'.
Michelle had loaned
me her bike (brave woman) and what a wee beauty it was, suspension
and all. After the initial two hills though, my thighs were screaming
when Trevor noticed my seat was too low (and the bike's), but once
he adjusted it I was into it! Uphill anyway, downhill still scared
the hell out of me and my fingers were numb from braking by the end
of the day, not to mention my bum which was still sore the following
Wednesday. The pro's left us amateurs for dead on the downhill but
we met up again at Bannockburn for a quick dip in the lake before
carrying on to Cromwell.
Jill had organised
a great barbecue tea while we were away and we had a great night with
a few wines to finish off a great day. Alan left after tea as he had
work the next day, as did Jill and Mike.
Sunday saw another
sunny Central Otago day which left us no choice but to continue extending
ourselves, and as Pam and Kerry headed for Queenstown, those of us
with excess stamina headed for the wineries. Hell, we were in the
midst of them, it would be rude not to support local industry. Felton
Road was first - the heat was getting to us by now so a bit of sampling
was in order (just to keep the liquids up), a few purchases and on
to Olssen's. A lovely wee winery here, sheltered lawn with tables
and sun umbrellas, a few more samples and a game of petanque. I can't
remember who won - Nigel had a unique style, I think he's played cricket
in a past life.
A couple more purchases
and back to the house for a cold lunch a la the supermarket. Another
game of petanque while we waited for Pam and Kerry to return, then
off to Black Ridge for a final sample before heading home after a
very enjoyable weekend.
Thanks to Bruce
for a great experience and to his parents for letting us loose in
their house. As someone said, it was the best tramping hut they had
stayed in. Thanks for the use of your bike Shelley, I'm adding one
to my list for 1999
Sharon St Clair-Newman
for the kayaking team - Peter Aitcheson, Pam Quin, Trevor Deaker,
Mike Brettell and Fiona Baker; and the mountain bike team - Chris
Wells, Jenny Lowe, Alan Thomson, Shelley Coleman, Kerry Quin, Bruce
Newton, Paul Bennington and Andrew, and not forgetting our support
crew Jill Brettell and the dog.
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