Leader: Graeme Ferrier
Hopes for a fine day were high as a group of ten set off on the first climb to Mt Duppa for a couple of years. Previous tramps had been disappointing, due to low cloud obscuring the view, and more recently, the forestry access road had been closed.
Half way up the access road our progress was blocked by a large pine tree across the road. Tyre skid-marks showed that other 4WDs had tried to unsuccessfully remove the tree, so, no use us trying!
After stopping and preparing to walk, some-one noticed another forestry road on the topo map that curved its way to the start of the Duppa Track. With time on our side, we set off to explore that road.
After 3 kms of slow driving, the road seemed to be heading lower in the valley, not up where we wanted to go! Soon we came to a fork, but the road leading up was smothered with overhanging gorse, so a strategic retreat was made back to the fallen tree.
The map showed a large loop in the road, but Chris and Ian knew a ‘short-cut’ from previous visits, so off they scampered up the hillside, through the forest, climbing approximately 100m. The ground was quite damp and slippery, especially for those with flat-soled walking shoes who found at times they were slipping two steps back for each step forward. One of that group (Pauline) was provided with in-step (4-point) crampons to try out. These made the world of difference.
After half an hour we finally arrived at the start of the Duppa Track itself.
The Track was in good order but quite slippery in places. After a steady, uphill climb through some spectacular rock formations we arrived at the top in the ‘regulation’ two hours. The views on the way up and at the top were spectacular in all directions. There was a cold, light breeze blowing, so warm jackets and shelter amongst the shrubs provided a comfortable lunch break.
One of the group noticed a dark shower cloud approaching from the south. So, a quick visit was made to the rock formation at the highest point further along the ridge, before a quick retreat to the shelter of the bush. The light rain made the track a bit more slippery for the return journey, but good progress was made. Before long we were back in the cars for the return trip to Nelson.
Trampers were: Ian Morris, Chris Louth, Andrea, Steve, Gemma Hogan, Pauline Tout, Liz Henderson plus visitors Mal Silich (Wakefield) & Nellie Hauser (Germany) with Graeme Ferrier (leader & scribe).