The snow above us was a bonus

Longview Track, route to Daphne Track, Ruahine FP, Wednesday 21 July 2021. Map: BL36
Banner Photo: Heading across to the Daphne Track

With a change of leader from Julia to Juliet, we headed off with Juliet as van driver and Sue Martin as car driver. It was all going well until we hit Kashmir Road and the second-to-last hill, where they had added a good amount of metal. The van did it with some sliding, but Sue’s car dug in. Seeing our predicament, some of the van occupants plus car passengers helped Sue manoeuvre her car out of the hole and get her going with a push.

With it being a sunny and relatively wind-free day, we were keen to get to the tops so the 11 doing the whole circuit shot away, leaving Vic to do his own thing and Ted and Dorothy to go to Longview. Although it was a bit muddy in parts, the first of the 11 got to the turn-off in good time for morning tea. Bryan and Barry just had to make the quick trip to Longview Hut, having not been before. Once all together, the 11 headed off along the route to reach the Daphne track with the help of Juliet’s recording from the last time she did this tramp (what wizardry).

As it was so clear, the views looking down onto the plains were amazing – but it was even better looking in the other direction towards the higher main range and the track up to Otumore. The tops were covered in a good amount of snow so extra layers were added. The walk along the saddle was pretty slow going through the tussock. Before going into the bush, we stopped for lunch and a natter in a lovely sheltered spot to get the last views of the tops.

It was still wet in the bush and there was an obvious temperature drop. But it wasn’t long before we got to the signposts directing us to Daphne Hut to the left and Kashmir Road to the right, both taking an hour and a half. It was all downhill from here through predominantly beech trees, many of a good size. Once you come out into the open, the track gets even steeper, giving time to admire a number of young lancewood. Dave Hill, on his first tramp out with us in three years, was not impressed with this section as there was little in the way of hand-holds. Once on the flat, it’s a quick walk through a grassed area with a few streams to cross and you’re at the shelter.

Everyone was happy to have had a good tramp in great weather. Bryan mentioned it was his first tramp as a paid-up member, which called for a chocolate celebration supplied by Margaret.

Trampers: Bryan Powlesland, David Hills, Rosemary Jeffery, Juliet Gillick, Ted Angove, John Holschier, Dorothy Sole, Sue Martin, Johanne Karlsson, Sue Gribble, Barry Doak, Margaret Palmer, Vic Bullock and reporter Marie Deroles