#33 of 100 trips for 100 years - Rosella Ridge - River Track - Gold Miners Direct 19 February 2023

 

It promised to be another hot day but that didn't deter the 14 people who were keen for an up close look at Rosella Ridge in the Silver Peaks.  The pace was set early after leaving the cars and we made very good time along Green Ridge.  It helps that the track is so dry and in good condition which meant that we were able to walk and chat easily.  Each break in the trees was an opportunity for those of us (only two) for a short stop to reminisce about last weekend's Silver Peaks Half Marathon (#31/100 trips) that had seen us walking over this same track but in the opposite direction.  Everyone was feeling very warm by the time we reached Green Hut Site and were happy for a drink stop.

Feeling good after the break, it was straight uphill behind Green Hut Site to bushline where we were rewarded with views looking towards one of the high points in the Silver Peaks, Pulpit Rock.  The track climbs 160m from Green Hut Site to the turn off to Rosella Ridge.  The water gouged track is easy to follow up through the low growing scrub and it was during this part that we really started to notice the humidity. 

Some of the team opted to tackle the extra 100m climb to the top of Pulpit Rock while others of us (who had been there for lunch last weekend) chose to wait at the Rosella Ridge turnoff.  It was a nice half hour wait for the Pulpit Rock group to return and then the next section was down Rosella Ridge.  Rosella Ridge is an informal name which appeared in the 1980’s from a couple of club members who spotted a Rosella while walking on this ridge.  At the time it was erroneously referred to as ‘Parakeet Ridge’ until the late 1980's when it was changed to the more appropriate name of Rosella Ridge.

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Rosella Ridge is a long, defined ridge that has a number of 'bumps' with the track going up and over each bump.  The track is well maintained through the shoulder high scrub which offers some shade from the noon day sun. We reached the end 'bump' affectionately known by the informal name of 'Little Pulpit Rock' for a final rest and where we were able to look across to The Cat's Teeth on Rocky Ridge (trip #5/100trips). From this vantage point we were also able to take in 360 degree views of the Silver Peaks. 

Being a little early for lunch, we continued walking and entered the mature manuka and kanuka bush as it dropped gently at first 450m down to the Waikouaiti River where we would join the River Track.  The track down through the native bush is very pleasant with ferns and mossy undergrowth along a steeply sided ridge.  A piwakawaka/fantail followed us along the trail, enjoying the feast of microscopic bugs that we stirred up as we passed through.  Partway down the ridge we stopped for a lunch break, spread out along the track in the shade.  Once lunch was over, we were back on the track, passing a number of tracks that branch off down the sides of Rosella Ridge

By following Rosella Ridge all the way down to the Waikouaiti River we eventually met up with the River Track (#28/100 trips), We had last been on this track only a couple of weeks ago, however this time we were doing the track in reverse and it was surprising to see how much climbing the track does alongside the Waikouaiti River. 

We were feeling grateful to be in the bush as the heat and humidity was high.  It was also a relief to be beside the river as we were able to stop at the small side creeks and refill our nearly empty water bottles.  The cold water from the side creeks was refreshing and some of the group took the opportunity to dunk their hats in the cold water.  After  an hour walking along the River Track we reached the Goldminers Direct Track which is a steep 30 minute climb up a number of zig zags and steps to Mountain Road and the cars in 7 hours and 15km.

#31 of 100 trips for 100 years - OTMC Silver Peaks Half Marathon 11 February 2023

Through the 1970's-2000's the OTMC Marathon has held legendary status for those wanting to test their fitness over the 60+km course through the Silver Peaks.  Nowadays part of the original course is not so easy to access as it goes through pine plantation and at nearly 40km long the half marathon is still a considerable challenge.  It was heartening to have eight people arrive for the 6am start of the Pineapple Track for what was sure to be a long and tiring day. 

The Pineapple Track climbs a steep 480m to the top of Flagstaff starting with native bush and eventually onto the tussock tops.  Starting in the dark through the bush and coming out into the tussock gave us a chance for a short stop to take in the sunrise and the beautiful coloured sky promising a warm day ahead. 

We didn't have time to linger for too long because we still had a long way to go.  Up the hill we went enjoying the sunrise and the wonderful cloud formations as we continued on to the top of Flagstaff.  It was here that we  stopped for a breather and drink at the top by the plane table.  A fitting place to stop with the plane table highlighting features on the city skyline, and was installed in 1973 by the OTMC after it's 50th anniversary and here we were, about to celebrate the 100th anniversary. 

By now the sun was up and with the first uphill section completed we were able to relax a little and regain our breath as we started downhill to the Bull Ring.  We regrouped at the Bull Ring before tackling the 6km road walk of Whare Flat Road  to Silver Stream which saw us drop 400m in height, effectively losing all the height we had gained. 

The road walk wasn't as bad as I had feared with the time passing quickly as we all took the opportunity to chat on this downhill section.  Being still early there was very little traffic on the gravel road and we were able to stop at the ford where one of our OTMC members, Trevor Mason, drowned while completing the OTMC marathon 15 years ago.  Unlike 15 years ago when the weather was atrocious and the river was rushing over the ford, today there was no water and we were able to cross with dry feet. A complete contrast to 15 years ago. 

Once at the bottom of the hill we climbed over the stile and walked alongside Silver Stream through the bush to the weir.  We crossed the weir before taking the track towards the Powder Hill turn off which is where the fun really began as the climb of 480m up Powder Hill is particularly steep and gnarly until the ridge is gained and the gradient eases off slightly.  Even though the upper part of the ridge is not as steep as lower down it continues to climb and fall as the track goes over a number of false summits before reaching the junction with Long Ridge. All the height we had gained climbing up Flagstaff, then losing as we headed downhill to Silver Stream, was gained again on Powder Ridge.  Stopping for another breather in the shade of the bush at the junction of Long Ridge we contemplated that we were half way through our journey and thankfully most of the climbing was behind us. The walk along Long Ridge is very pleasant as it follows the contour and is open grassy tops giving plenty of opportunity to take in the expansive views of the Silver Peaks and particularly our destination for lunch, Pulpit Rock.

The final push to Pulpit Rock involves a 120m climb which took us to a great place to sit and admire the views while having a well deserved lunch.  Despite there still being quite a distance to go, psychologically reaching Pulpit Rock was a big milestone in our journey as we could see our next obstacle, Swampy Summit which was the highest point of the half marathon and then not far behind, in the distance is Flagstaff and the end of our journey.  Knowing we still had a few hours of walking ahead of us, lunch was eaten reasonably quickly and we were off again. 

We dropped 120m down the ridge to Green Hut Site where we grabbed a few minutes for a drink and although feeling a little weary by now our spirits were high.  Green Hut Site is the site of the club's first hut built in 1933, 10 years after the club had started.  After a short break, we were off again, through the bush along Green Ridge.  At least this part of the track follows the contour so we were able to stretch our legs and make good time along the track.  Often the Green Ridge track can be muddy but with all the good weather of summer the track is very dry and hard underfoot. 

A stop at the turnoff to Swampy Summit was compulsory as we met up with our support person Jade who had walked in to meet us with a supply of water and lollies.  Gratefully we helped to relieve her of most of the weight in her pack as the water was greedily shared amongst us and the lollies were quickly devoured.  The next section of the journey involved another 300m climb up to Swampy Summit. Previous trips along this part of the track had involved ankle deep mud but again with a dry summer the track was dry with only the occasional muddy section that was easily avoided.  This made for reasonably quick walking until the terrain steepens as we approached the top of Swampy Summit.

 Taking shelter behind a building to avoid the wind, we regrouped for a final drink and snack stop.  It was a good feeling to know that most/all of the climbing was behind us and there only remained a few more kilometres between us and the finish.  Shouldering our bags for one last time we trudged along the gravel road along the top of Swampy before taking the Swampy Summit track to Flagstaff.  Deceptively there are  a couple of small ups and downs on the track which taxed tired legs.  Finally we reached the Flagstaff turn off and it was all down hill for the last few kilometres, dropping 400m to where we had started 11 hours and nearly 40km (with 1600m of climbing) earlier.

#1 of 100 trips for 100 years

The Otago Tramping & Mountaineering Club is celebrating it's centenary by running 100 tramping trips over one year starting in October 2022 and finishing at Labour weekend 2023.  I am going to use this blog to record all of the tramping trips that I do as part of the the 100 trips which will, hopefully, involve going tramping with the OTMC every weekend there is a tramping trip. 

The first trip to start the 100 trips was  001 Mt Allan Ridge Silver Peaks  on  Sunday, 16 October to Mount Allan Ridge in the Silver Peaks.  The Silver Peaks is about a 30 minute drive from Dunedin and has been the most visited area of the OTMC during it's 99 year history.  The trip to Mt Allan Ridge was chosen as the first trip as it was during a tramping trip to the area in December 1922 by a group of local trampers that the decision to form the Otago Tramping Club was made.  

It has been about six years that we have been talking about the 100 trips for 100 years so it was heartening to finally make a start with the first trip of the 100 trips on Sunday, 16 October.  Fifteen people turned up at 8am for the first trip and after carpooling to the Silver Peaks, we enjoyed the warm sunshine as we headed up the track from the car park on Mountain Road.  The pace was brisk but not overly fast and I was able to think about how the Silver Peaks have changed over the 35+ years that I have been tramping in the area  Back when I first visited the Silver Peaks it had been used for grazing and the vegetation was low so that you could wander the ridges at will.  Today the Silver Peaks is a reserve with no stock is allowed, although there is plenty of sign of wild pigs, the vegetation has grown and the views are limited on Green Ridge to only a few places.  Now it is very much stick to the tracks as the vegetation is thick and difficult to push through.

Above Green Hut Site, heading towards Pulpit Rock

Once at Green Hut Site we had a short morning tea break before the real up hill started.  We each found our own pace and headed up the 200m climb to Pulpit Rock.  As we climbed out of the bush the views began to really open up which gave a good excuse for regular stops as we climbed higher.  The short push to the top of Pulpit Rock was a compulsory stop and we spent some time here enjoy the 360 degree views picking out Mt Cargill, Mt Charles, Mt Watkin, Rock and Pillar Range, Maungatua and over the Taieri Plains. 

The group at the top of Pulpit Rock

Once rested we headed down Pulpit Rock to the track and followed it around onto Mt Allan Ridge, which was easy going on an old four wheel drive track although there were a few places that we needed to push through the gorse.  This part of the Silver Peaks was new to me and I enjoyed the views of Pulpit Rock and the The Painted Forest from a different angle.  We stopped for lunch in the sun just before the track dropped down the ridge to the edge of the Silver Peaks/Weneta Forest boundary. We were spoilt for choice of views at lunchtime as, depending on where you sat you could look towards Saddle Hill and Mosgiel, contemplating all the people living there were missing out on such a rare calm day in the Silver Peaks, or look atThe Painted Forest and thinking about how the forest got it's name.  I had not realised how big The Painted Forest is as I had only ever seen it from the ridge leading to the top of the Devil's Staircase where you only see a small part of it, or towards Pulpit Rock and watch, from a distance the groups of trampers making their way along the ridges.  Needless to say we had an extended lunch stop enjoying the sun and lying in the tussock.  

Walking along Mt Allan Ridge, lunch stop is knob in the middle of the picture

After lunch we retraced our steps back along Mt Allan Ridge to Pulpit Rock.  Despite the forecast afternoon rain the sky remained clear and calm which made the descent to Green Hut Site enjoyable.  A regroup at Green Hut Site and then it was a fast walk along Green Ridge back to the Mountain Road car park.  All up the trip was around 15km and took us about 6 hours including a lengthy lunch stop and with a perfect weather for walking it was a good start to the 100 trips for 100 years.

 

The team of 15 on trip 001 of the 100 trips for 100 years