Leader: Kate Krawczyk

The weather forecast was pretty dodgy for the tramp but we decided to go for it and see how we went. It was drizzling in Richmond that morning but as we drove south to St. Arnaud the clouds parted and there was blue skies. It looked somewhat promising, but it didn’t take long for the weather to close back in!

We decided to head onwards and upwards anyway because it wasn’t raining yet and there was a chance that we may get some views above the tree line. After a small detour, missing the parachute rocks track turn-off because we were all too busy chatting away, we got on the right track and started climbing. It was a bit of a grunt up to Parachute rocks at 1400m, and once we got there it had started to drizzle again and it was very cold! We had a quick bite to eat and admired the clouds that we were in and quickly got going again to warm up.

Despite the lack of views and the dodgy weather we all had a great time and our newcomers Ross, Eva, and Hauruko still enjoyed the experience of beautiful South Island bush, good company, and great exercise!

Thanks to all who came along:  Kate Krawczyk, Chris Louth, Andrea Cockerton, Haruko, Ross and Eva McKay.