Mt Richmond. Organiser: Dan McGuire

An early start saw 14 trampers at Church steps or already en route to Top Valley. Some daredevil-driving by Roger Minchin and others meant an extra hour's walk through forestry and 1,000 feet of climbing was avoided. The track was reached at 9.30am in good weather and we reached the hut at noon for a quick lunch. Arthur Jonas had to restrain the trip organiser from rushing to the scree for a look at penwipers. Thanks to this restraining influence, the trampers kept together and many saw an abundance of penwipers in flower, a treat not always available as some years there are no penwipers. Roger Minchin led the charge to the summit for good views before it clouded in. Both the Inland and Seaward Kaikouras were visible. A quick descent saw the party back at the cars by 5.30pm. At this point, a tired trip organiser overpaid two of the drivers leaving the other two short-changed. But in their usual gracious manner, the two short-changed drivers didn't demand immediate compensation but made do with the remaining funds. Next time someone else should handle the money, someone more capable with finance! Participants: Roger Minchin, Uta Purcell, Arthur Jonas, Yvonne Kyle, Gretchen Williams, Jim Maxwell, Tony Haddon, John Lammin, Pat Holland, Lindsay Twiname, Bob Janssen, Mary Honey, Michael Beatson, and Dan McGuire.