From the outset
able leaders Ann and Bess must have suspected we were a difficult lot, as they combined groups for our tramp in the Silver Peaks. Deciding the route at the pre?planning session determined that our overnight destination would be at the base of the Devil's Staircase. Our map reading skills did not alert us to the fact that the 'staircase" was so steep for the young and (not so young) unsuspecting. However, Libby, Su, Leslie, Keryn and Jenni, were dropped off with our leaders at Semple Road. It soon become apparent that Su was the master guider amongst our group and has amazing co?ordination of distance and time required to get to the next spot.
We gloried in the beautiful scenery of a particularly clear day, took photos, munched our munchies, laughed and tramped on until Green Hut (which is, of course, nonexistent) where we devoured our lunch. Pulpit Rock was pretty awesome, as was the Painted Forest and views every?which?way. The sun beat down, sunscreen was poured on parched skin, but our spirits were high as we headed for the staircase! Watching our descent couldn't have been a pretty sight as some chose to use their bums, others went down backwards on all fours etc, while a young couple unrelated to our group fairly flew down with the advice of "just trust your feet'. We all had a few words to say about them out of earshot, but they were probably right! However, our leaders had instilled into us the notion that safety was the number one priority. There were many goals set as our descent progressed, and eventually we reached our destination.
The stream was absolutely divine as the sun continued to drench us. The tents were pitched and we soon become very familiar with heads buried in packs looking for gear that was, of course, right at the very bottom. I wonder how we would have got on setting up camp if it were pouring down, as we had stuft strewn everywhere! We had visitors from Yellow Hut who, after inspecting our amenities, strutted off into the sunset. Our four course (nibbles, soup, mains and dessert) candlelit dinner was fabulous and our leaders revelled in being waited upon. There was a fair amount of wine to add extra flavour to the stir fried chicken, but at the back of our minds was the forthcoming ascent back up that bloody staircase!
Darkness fell very quickly, and Keryn had us clapping and playing silly games. The jokes only got worse. As we prepared for bed a light rain was falling, and thoughts of ascending that slippery staircase went through our minds. However, some of us got some sleep and were up bright and early next day. We were on a mission! After heeding the advice from Tirohonga, we filled our tummies with French bread, muesli, little two/three fruit packs, etc and packed again.
You wouldn't believe it ? we were like women possessed and scurried up the staircase before the rain returned. We were really proud of ourselves and relished the achievement; Libby was an admirable leader as she has a rock climbing background. The rain started failing and out came the jackets, gloves etc. It was great that we all had the right sort of gear and this is definitely a reflection of how much we had taken on board at Tirohonga.
We shared lunch again at Green Hut with two other parties, and then hightailed it back to the supposedly waiting bus, which unbeknown to us was stuck in mud. However, the tired troup gathered together like drenched rats for a final photo and proceeded to freeze while the driver unstuck his bus. The interesting thing is that most of us (except our leaders) admitted that that was one of the scariest experiences of our lives. You can call us sheltered if you like, but it definitely took us out of our comfort zones, and I guess those experiences in life are the ones you really remember.
Thanks to all you guys for organising Bushcraft 2000. It is a real credit to the Club to be able to offer such an experience.
Jenni on behalf of Libby, Su, Leslie and Keryn, and fabulous leaders Ann and Bess.
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