Luna & Patriarch - Organiser: Ian Pavitt.
The planned weekend trip to Luna and Patriarch did not proceed due to too much snow. So a substitute had to be found for this keen bunch and so it was that six pairs of clean knees were knocking on the crisp Saturday morning at the Brook motorcamp. Yes, we were going to attempt the grand traverse. Upwards we climbed towards Third House and on the track we met Tom and his dog, Edward, from DOC Picton. Tom gave us valuable advice about our planned trip. We emerged into sunshine at Third House for morning tea. Here we had our first contact for the day with a “go light” tramper. From Third House, still in fine voice, we moved on to Windy Point for lunch and our first look at the amount of snow on the mountains which we had to cross: hardly any. This buoyed the group considerably. Next stop, Rocks Hut, where we again met the “go light” guru from whom we received a real sermon on how foolish we all were to carry those huge packs. He showed us many items from cooker to sleeping bag, his whole overnight packweight, including pack, just 4kg. This sermon was much discussed by our group over the remainder of the trip, especially when buckling under our loads going uphill. I wonder if this “go light” mantra will be heard on future trips? From Rocks Hut we dropped down into the Pelorus Valley for our first night, at Middy Hut (6 bunks) - and a birthday cake dessert surprise. Next day, on a still and misty morning we started our climb from the hut, destination Mt Fell. The sign at the start of the track told us 8+ hours, so this was going to be a long climb. The good amount of bird life present along this ridge was pleasing to see and hear. Just before lunch we passed Conical Knob and came upon a water receptacle, made of tin, attached to a tree. This was placed there in 1962 by members of NTC. It is a bit rusty now but still contains water and would be a welcome drink on a hot summer trip. From here the steepness increased and rocky outcrops had to be negotiated, some with fixed-wire ropes. Unfortunately the low cloud prevented any broad vistas and a cold wind on top ensured any stops were brief. Once on the summit of Mt Fell, it was only 1 hour along and down the ridge to Mt Richmond Hut (6 bunks). Next morning, the weather fine and clear, the group split: 3 going down Timms Track to the carpark and 3 going over Mt Richmond to Top Valley Road. Transport was arranged to pick up each party at their respective carparks at 2pm – many thanks to Gail Clark and Lindsay Twiname. An enjoyable stop was had at Havelock on the way back for varying refreshments. Many thanks to: Uta Purcell, Andy Clark, Dion Pont, Mark Stevens, visitor Patrick Holland, for a most enjoyable and cheerful substitute trip.