#28 of 100 trips for 100 years - Silver Peaks River Track 29 January 2023

The Silver Peaks is the OTMC's most visited tramping area and the addition of the River Track linking tracks from the Waikouaiti River up the side ridges to the back bone of the Silver Peaks, Rocky Ridge (trip 5/100 trips) has really opened the area for a larger range of tramping trips.  Today's trip is special because Arthur led us on a guided tour of the River Track to Philip J Cox Memorial Hut, explaining the philosophy and issues of the work he has done on the River Track, and the improvements that continue to be made for all trampers benefit.  It was testimony of how important the Silver Peaks and the River Track are to the OTMC that eighteen people turned up for this special trip.

The day was hot and sunny so it was with some relief that we imediately headed into the shade of the bush and down the Goldminers Direct Track to the Waikouaiti River.  As the name suggests the Goldminers Direct Track takes you directly down the ridge to the river and is very steep in places.  Arthur has done a large amount of work replacing some of the steeper sections with zig zags which make for easier travel although care still needs to be taken on some sections of the track. We reached the river at the bottom in a little over half an hour where we were treated to the first of Arthur's explanations and stories as to the building of the part of this section of track.  Arthur explained the significance of the track signs and what we could expect over the next section of track.

I had been over the River Track a number of years ago when the track had only had rudimentary markings and was just a vague route through the bush, and I was keen to see the changes that had been made. The River Track winds it's way through the mature manuka bush with many sections of extensive benching meaning the track had been dug into the bank while in other parts, the track has been built up to avoid boggy areas making for a more level and smoother track to walk on.

During the walk we learnt that Arthur has spent many hours working on the track approximately (a conservative) 400 days over the past 10 years, with some help from others but mostly on his own. Some sections have required a large amount of building up with rocks dug out of earlier sections and all of this track has been hand built and funded by Arthur.  The amount of work that has gone into the River Track is phenomenal and it was a privilege to walk the track with Arthur as our guide. 

A morning tea stop was called in the shade at the Hunters Track junction and once we had rested we continued following Arthur down the River Track, crossing a couple of small side creeks including Cats Teeth Creek.  All the time we were given a running commentary of how each part of the track had been constructed and the obstacles that had to be overcome.  Once we reached the end of the benched  River Track, we continued on through the bush, following Arthur's makers.  This unformed part of the track was a privileged to walk as it gave us a good appreciation of the amount of work that was still required to complete the track. 

The temperature continued to rise throughout the morning and the steep sides of the valley seemed to radiate that heat inwards. One good thing in our favor was that we stayed in the shade of the bush all the way.  Just before the track begins to climb up towards Philip J Cox Memorial Hut, it drops to cross a significant side creek with some lovely large rocks that have created some nice pools.  Here some of the group took the opportunity to throw cold water over their head while others submerged completely for a refreshing dip. 

From the creek, the real work began for us as we climbed our way up around 300m to the Philip J Cox Memorial Hut. Without the benched track, the pace slowed and we were forced to climb over tree tree roots, sidle around slippery slopes and scramble up steep banks which made the going much slower.  We passed through a lovely section of tall tree ferns and another of twisted Fuchsia  trunks with the high leaves keeping the sun from reaching the ground beneath.  Still the track continued to wind it's way up hill through the manuka nnd sweltering under the oppressive heat we finally reached the Philip J Cox Memorial Hut in the blazing sun. Most of the group headed to the edge of the bush to sit in the shade for lunch.  Once lunch was out of the way it was time for a small ceremony to thank Arthur, on behalf of all those who have used the River Track, followed by cake.

Once we had all had a look around the Philip J Cox Memorial Hut, the compulsory team photo was taken before we shouldered our bags to begin the descent down Yellow Spur to the Waikouaiti River.

The track down Yellow Spur mostly follows the ridge downhill and is steep in places, dropping 300m with a rope conveniently placed in the more difficult places.  One section at the bottom involves climbing down a large muddy rock wall with most people finding the easiest way was to abseil down backwards holding onto another conveniently placed rope.   Once over this hurdle it was a pleasure to douse water over our heads and soak our feet in the cold water of the Waikouaiti River.

From the river, the final section of track heads straight back up the hill via The Tunnels Track to the cars.  This is a particularly steep track that climbs around 250m up to through the pine plantation to almost the same height as the Phillip J Cox Memorial Hut which we had left only a short time ago.  The tall pine trees helped to keep us in the shade and while the gradient was unrelenting the wide track made for reasonably easy walking. 

Despite the heat and steepness of the Tunnels Track, it was only 30 minutes from the river to the road and into the blazing sun.  The general consensus from everyone on the trip was that Arthur has done a phenomenal amount of work on the River Track and we are in awe of his dedication to seeing it completed. Saying thank you Arthur, just doesn't seem enough when you see the amount of work and consider how much time and energy Arthur has put into the River Track, providing a valuable alternative access into  the Silver Peaks.