Loop one – Flora Saddle carpark via Lodestone to Flora Hut (scribe - Jane):

Thanks to the careful organisation by Michele, we managed to take off as planned at 9:30am from the Flora carpark. We were lucky to get one of the last parking places.

We took our time for a two hour ascent through the beautiful beech forest with a stunning variety of colourful mosses, lichen and mushrooms. The clouds around Mt Lodestone lifted just in time for a sunny break at the top with gorgeous views to Mt Arthur and the Cobb valley. The views towards the coast were still covered in clouds, so the mountain kept this treasure for three of us who had not been there before.

Highlights on our way back down to Flora Hut were a red flowering mistletoe, dracophyllum trees and riflemen. Pete pointed out that we have to thank the Friends of Flora and their successful trapping work for these sightings . A cheeky weka and Kylie’s impressive yoga headstand entertained us during the lunch break at the hut. Inka, Angela, Ruth and Jane went directly back to the carpark, where the song of a kakariki concluded this gorgeous tramp!

Loop two – Flora Hut to Mt Arthur Hut and back to carpark (scribe - Michele)

Having recovered from the 500m ascent to Lodestone, we were ready for the 400m climb from Flora Hut to Mt Arthur Hut.  Our now smaller group made our way up through the beech forest and along the short section of open ridge towards Mt Arthur Hut.  The weather was very clear and sunny by now, and there were great views once we got out of the bush.  We climbed up onto the ridge above the hut for more views, and were able to look back across our route over Lodestone.  Impressive to see how far we had come!  We were also lucky enough to hear and spot a couple of kea flying overhead.

From there it was an easy walk down past Mt Arthur Hut, and down the steady graded track back to the carpark, where we were able to relax and get organised in the lovely warm sunshine.  Thanks everyone for a really enjoyable day!

Group members: Debbie, Penelope, Ghianne, Kylie, Maaike, Inka, Angela, Jane, Ruth, Peter (token male), Michele (leader)