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.
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.
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