The original plan was to climb Mt Royal in the Richmond Ranges, but there had been a recent dump of snow on the tops which would have meant an even longer day. So, with the amount of daylight available, Silvano decided to go for Plan B, something closer to home: Saddle Hill. In the end only three of us opted for this: Silvano, Grant Derecourt and myself. Silvano took us in his 4WD through Rai Valley, turning off at Pelorous up the Maungatapu Road, right to the saddle. It was fine, but a bitter, cold sou’wester was blowing so we put on boots and extra layers fast. The walk is certainly straight forward; just keep your eyes out for orange markers and don’t put too much weight on rotting beech tree branches. With forest all the way, with no views.

We climbed to the top of the rocky outcrop but had to use our imagination for what lay below.                     

On the return journey, we slowed a little to notice our surroundings. Some discussion ensued about the lack of undergrowth, (apart from horopito, something the deer don’t like). On the drive back we stopped and  took photos at the infamous Murderers Rock, which was so much smaller than we were expecting. As we looked back from the road, we could see that Saddle Hill was clear once again.

Participants: Silvano Lorandi (leader), Scott Stocker (Scribe) & Grant Derecourt.