Leader: Ian Morris

Departing from Bishopdale, we headed east in two vehicles, for a meet-up and morning tea in Havelock. Just before Blenheim, we headed up the Wairau valley until we got to Mount Richmond Forest Park.

There we followed the steadily rising access road to the Lake Chalice car-park, at approx. 1000m elevation. We donned packs and descended 400 metres to the Lake Chalice Hut. The walk was pleasant, surrounded by various varieties of pine, ash and fir trees.

After a lunch stop at the hut, we sidled around the lake to find the lake’s outlet (dammed as a result of a huge landslip some millions of years ago). It was very exciting to see lots of rivers sprouting from the hillside. Ah, the delightful sound of rushing water!

Heading to the other side of the lake, we crossed over the two rivers which feed the lake — very scenic!

chalice partyThat night, we were joined by two hunters and an Israeli couple who shared the hut with the six of us. The smell of cooking merged with jovial tidings; an early night for our group soon followed. No animals were killed while we were at the hut.

The following morning we departed the hut by 8am and headed up to the car-park. Driving further along the access road, through a magnificent stand of European ash trees, we punched through the clouds.

Surrounded by stunning views of the Wairau valley, we followed the jeep track up to the main ridge which leads to the top of Mt Patriarch. This rough track was well-maintained, unlike the ridge walk, where much scrambling was required. We eventually reached the domed peak of the mountain. This moonscape was dotted with scattered flowers.

At lunch we posed for photos by the trig. In 20 minutes, a strangely localised gust of wind blew a jacket and camera bag about 15 metres into the air, only to deposit them straight back down where they were before.

Taking this as a sign that the weather was closing in, we headed back to the car. Tired of preparing our own food, so we stopped in Havelock to have a decent pub meal.

All in all, it was a spectacular trip which left everyone tired, but happy.

Trip members were Ian & Marilyn Morris, Sue Martin, Michele Cunningham, Debbie Hogan & her son Daven Konrad Illenberger (scribe).

patriarch trig