Hinerua Hut, Ruahine FP, Wednesday 22 July 2015
Map: BL36
A big group was out, which called for hiring an extra van. Fresh snow reasonably low down on the Ruahine Range was a beautiful sight as we made our way south on Highway 50. Turning first into Wakarara Road then Lookout Road, we came to the locked gate on the private property we were to cross. After a little hiccup with the locks, we were in and drove the surprisingly dry farm track to the airstrip (excepting the grass off the farm track). The van’s required some manual assistance.
A biting cold wind hurried everyone along, over the gate and up the steep bulldozed track, to the fence at the bush line. Through the gate, we were now on DoC land, the track levelling out to follow the ridge all the way to Hinerua Hut. There were great views of the snow-covered Three Johns, Rangioteatua and Black Ridge.
A short distance from the hut, we encountered snow, not very deep – just enough to make good photos. We had an early lunch sitting in the sun at the hut and, as we had plenty of time, Julia gave a lesson on using map and compass.
Retracing our steps, we stopped off at the lookouts and once again got out the map and compass to identify the high points, and take in the wonderful views over Central Hawke’s Bay. We were back at the vans by 2pm – an early day; we changed, had coffee and as it was clouding over and cooling down, we were pleased to pile in and make our way back to Taradale.A great winter’s tramp, short and easy, but everyone enjoyed the day out.
Trampers: Kelvin Shaw, Peter Slagter, Bruce Hodgson, Vic Bullock, Ken Ross, Murray White, Ted Angove, Paul Exeter, Tony Pluymers, John Burrell, Dorothy Sole, John Marshall, Viv Bramley, Julia Mackie, Robyn Smith, visitors, Rose Fillary, Dianne McBryde, Sally Woods and reporter Alison Greer
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