This text was read by OCR from a scanned newsletter and has not been proofread yet, so expect odd characters and mistakes.
It was a resolute and stalwart group that set off from Holdsworth Lodge on Sunday, 2 November, with the intention of tackling the steady climb to Mountain House, and returning via the Atiwhakatu Track to Donnelly’s Flat before lunch. The time of departure had been set at 9.00 am, but what with one thing or another, it was actually 9.30 by the time the party crossed the bridge over the river, and took the track toward Gentle Annie. Now, everyone knows that this track is a long steady pull up to Rocky Lookout, and with the day being somewhat warm at the lower levels, it was certainly a test of stamina. Ctill perseverance cucceeded, and everybody made it to the saddle just past the lookout, where we all regrouped. The views from up here were of the usual high standard. Just a bit of cloud hanging around the tops, and everywhere else so clear. From this point, the track is a very easy climb to the Totara Flats turnoff (who among. us still remembers the up and down struggle over all the bumps where the track followed the ridge). Pig Flats, with ite boardwalks, now a pleasant stroll, different from long ago, when it was 4 real swamp-slosh in wet weather. Mountain House appeared at last. The writer, having tramped 4a lot in thie area when he was 4 young fellow, had not vigited the hut for several years, and this was certainly a nostalgic look around.
John Armetrong
But conditions up here were not the came as at the bottom. A strong norwest wind which certainly wasn’t warm, did not encourage one to linger here, and so it was not too long before we were away on the track down to the river. This is a track that has escaped the attentions of the developers, being. the same now, as it has been since it wae invented. So a steady descent over a genuine buch track followed, until the Atiwhakatu was reached. It was back to a well-developed track down the river, which made a very pleasant walk out to join a host of Ciub members and associates for a BBQ at Donnelly’s Flats. Donnelly’s Flate must have recsembled Willis Street on a Friday night. Club members, associates, and well-wishers were gathered in large numbers, all enjoying lunch, each other's company, and good conversation and reminiscences. The barbecue was busy, and lots of hot well-cooked sausages were enjoyed by all. Today could perhaps be regarded as the start of the Club’s SOth birthday week. If all the other events go ac well as this Sunday (which of course they will) then everyone is aecured of a memorable weekend to come. Erom the Mountain House team, our thanks to our trip leader, Ron Fayle, for hig sterling efforts to make this day such 4 success.
50th anniversary update
November 1997