Leader: Bob Janssen
Nine hardy souls gathered at Glen Duan, down from the 16 registered due to the inclement weather. The main BBCU was on 9 November, but we delayed for a more favourable tide.
We ascended up the Cable Bay walkway into lowering cloud and mist. At the toilet/shelter atop the airstrip, it began to rain quite heavily. We decided that the steep descent from the saddle to the reserve would be treacherous when wet. So, discretion being the better part of valour, we descended back to the Glen and headed NE along along the beach towards MacKay Bluff, setting aside rubbish for the return.
It took about two hours to reach the end of the marine reserve beneath Sentinel Hill. The weather improved during this period and became nearly fine although breezy. Two disappeared up the steep, but now dry, slopes to the saddle for a return along the walkway. The rest trudged back to Glen Duan collecting a modest amount of rubbish along the way (filling the rear of Bob’s 4WD). Not collected were four large black mussel buoys, one large steel crayfish pot, two dead goats, one dead shag and, unfortunately, one dead blue penguin. We also sighted a large pod of orca and some surfers – all alive!
It was a pleasant day’s workout: 2km and 400m vertical to the airstrip then return and 9km along the bouldery beach (there and back). Plus, of course, NTC’s contribution to a huge community effort. Thanks to DOC’s Janice Gravett for coordinating.
Helpers were: Bob Janssen, Pat Holland, Marie Lenting, Kelvin Drew, Bruce Alley, Ian Morris, Richard Talbot, David Blunt & Zoe Alder (visitor).