Planning for this trip started at Tirohariga when the Bushcraft Group were split into six (I think) parties for the Silver Peaks trip. My party included Alan Thompson (leader) Steve Orton (a great pom), Nick Jones and myself. At a Tuesday evening meeting we decided on a route, agreed on food requirements and ensured everyone had sufficient gear. Unfortunately, due to work commitments, Nick couldn't make it at the last moment so when we boarded the bus there were only three.
We started tramping about 10.15 am after being dropped of by bus from Semple Road. The weather was glorious and remained so for the rest of day one. Near Hightop the track forked left and right. I was keen to turn right which would have taken us back to Semple Road (or Mountain Track) but fortunately I was persuaded otherwise and we continued on to the old site of Green Hut at a sedate but steady pace. Here we caught up on the group in front, otherwise known as "Andrew and his girls" who had stopped for a rest. Here Steve produced a large bag of chocolates, which he had acquired from a mate who works at Cadburys. I'll tramp with Steve anytime! We never saw Andrew and his girls again that day until we reached the final destination. In terms of speed they were the Porsche while we were the Vauxhall Viva.
We reached Pulpit Rock in time for lunch and dined amongst the tussocks admiring the wonderful views. It was superb. After lunch it was onwards and upwards, at least until Devils Staircase, and I don't recall much about this part of the trip except that it was hot and Devils Staircase is BL#&**@0/GY steep!
Arrived at our proposed campsite about 4 pm (if I remember correctly). Andrew and his girls had already arrived and were well settled in by this time. We located a good camp site beside the creek and erected our accommodation, then took a short stroll up to Jubilee Hut to check it out. Some scrub cutting is needed on this section of the track. By this time Antony's party had arrived (together with an ample supply of port) and erected their fly adjacent to ours. They proved to be great company. A magnificent repast was prepared and our menu included chicken and mushroom soup (with fresh mushrooms), cherrios/potatoes/mixed veges, and for dessert; rice pudding with whipped cream and apricots. Better than any restaurant meal I have had.
Slept like a log (despite the snoring ???) and awoke at 6.30 am for an 8.00 am start. Tried lan Sime's recommended breakfast of bacon and eggs. Great !!! Started walking at 8.05 am, with the first stop being the loo at Jubilee Hut. Alan was obviously feeling the effects of Saturday nights superb culinary effort.
The weather had started to close in by the time we reached ABC cave so we took a rest stop, had a snack and added a layer or two of clothing. Next stop was The Gap, and by this time it had started to rain steadily so we carried on quickly to Yellow Hut. Here we again met Andrew and his girls, who had boiled the billy for a nice hot coffee and lunch. On leaving Yellow Hut it had really started to rain so we donned our parkas and carefully wound our way down through the bush to the south branch of the Waikouaiti River. In wet weather this track is particularly treacherous with the exposed tree roots becoming very slippery. After crossing the river the rest of the tramp is up a very steep 4WID track and onto Semple Road where we were to meet the bus. Unfortunately the bus had managed to get stuck and we ended up having to wait half an hour in the rain.
Congratulations to the club for organising a great weekend for a great bunch of people. It will be one birthday I won't forget.
Greg Powell
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