Leader: Pat Holland
A large group of 14 registered for this trip, but by some miracle we managed to assemble at Richmond just after the scheduled time of 7:30am. We proceeded in convoy to Flora Saddle, picking up new chum Polina en-route. The Graham Valley road was in good order and without snow. In fact there was none visible anywhere from the carpark so most decided not to carry ice-axes. The weather was cool and overcast with mist on the tops.
Off we stomped, over the saddle and down the main track to Flora Hut. We were pleased to find the hut still in good order after our renovation efforts three years ago. The party continued, spreading out along the track with extensive gossiping at the front. (I had instituted a buddy system rather than trying to keep track of the unruly mob). The turnoff to Cloustons is just after the wire bridge across Horseshoe Creek. The track up to the mine site is well graded but goes on for a while with an elevation gain of 500m.
A stop for lunch at the mine turnoff saw us all togging up for the open tops which begin shortly beyond this point.
Andrea won the prize for the most personal items left at home.
On we slogged, up another 200m through tussock onto Gordons Pyramid (1490m). There we found a young Malaysian who was very pleased to see us, as she had just come from Salisbury Lodge. Although she appeared adequately equipped, we admonished her that this route was not one to do alone in winter. Unfortunately, it was misty with a stiff breeze, so we did not tarry but pressed on with the Malaysian lass accompanying. It is a poled route with clear track and there was very little snow. However, the undulating ridge tended to suddenly appear out of the mist. Eventually, we reached Horseshoe Basin where the karst formations were rather gloomy in poor light.
Once on the main Mt Arthur track, some snowy tops to the west were visible, but not Mount Arthur. Everybody arrived at the hut for refreshments. We walked through fading light through magnificent forest to the carpark. The 20km circuit took us about eight hours, including stops, to complete.
We were: Pat Holland (scribe), Ian Morris, Dion Pont, Rod & Carole-Anne Lewis, Chris Louth, Kath Ballantine, Andrea Cockerton, Barry James, Sue Lurch & Kate Krawcyzk. Visitors were: Astrid Brauksiepe, Peter Waworis & Polina Stucke.