“I didn’t expect such a big group,” I mentioned as 12 trampers attempted to tackle the pipeline. I only put the trip up less than 48 hours ago. “Eh, that’s because Christchurch is full of frustrated trampers,” Chris replied. Very true – while Christchurchians have enjoyed very warm weather over the last few weeks, the mountainous regions close to the Main Divide have been experiencing pretty horrendous conditions, full of fog, rain, and strong winds.
After we climbed to Summit Road, we continued following the pipeline towards Harmans Road, from where we joined Stan Helm Track back up to Summit Road. One prospective member questioned the logic of deliberately walking back uphill, but I think she’ll get used to this nonsense soon.
From the top of Summit Road, we descended to the Lyttelton Market, this time like civilised trampers along the Bridle Path. Three group members decided they’d had enough and finished there, while the rest of us continued along the coast to Cass Bay. It’s such a beautiful track – I wish it went all the way to Governors Bay! From Cass Bay, we climbed back up to Summit Road via Steadfast Track. It was so hot, we could hardly believe it! I admit I struggled quite a bit uphill in such hot and muggy conditions.
Castle Rock – Bridle Path – Goat Track led us back to the Bridle Path and back to the cars.
Good training, team! Looking at the weather forecast for the mountains next weekend (rain and wind), I might see you in the Port Hills again!
Stats: 14 km, 5 h 40 min, 970 m ascent
Participants: Michal Klajban (leader, scribe, GPX), Eva Morell Sonne, James Atlas, Chris McGimpsey, Rachel Brown, Sheryle Wootton, Timothy Lawrence, Fiona Gough, Xiaoqiu Jiang, Fengmin Chen, Tomyu Hu, Tina Guan
Tramped on 7th September 2024.
Jiang’s video from the trip: https://youtu.be/fXE8hep1ZJk?si=Tyqsfio1Obp_8AcD
Photos
Map
Max elevation: 425 m
Min elevation: 7 m
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