A good winter workout

Parks Peak Hut, Ruahine FP,
Wednesday 18 July 2018.

Parks Peak Hut is always a good choice of destination at this time of year. At 1300m, cold weather is guaranteed – but bush cover for most of the way provides protection from nasty, biting winds.

A van and carload of Napier Tramping Club members tested their commitment to getting winter fitness with the 800m climb from Sentry Box Hut through Rocky Knoll to the Pohatuhaha Ridge. The track, often slippery and always steep, was surprisingly dry after recent snow. Clear weather provided views to Kereru and Rangimore stations to the east.

Having reached the ridge, three or four trampers made a short diversion, turning right at the junction for the short walk to the Pohatuhaha lookout vantage point. The others turned left along the ridge and made directly for Parks Peak Hut to seek shelter and warmth. Murray Goss was quick to get a very welcome fire going, to warm our bones. The hut had been left very clean and tidy by the previous night’s sole occupant, Mark, a hunter we met heading out as we were heading in.

Those who had diverted to the lookout joined us for a long and lingering lunch break. Nobody wanted to exit into zero degrees (and, by now, an overcast sky) for the return walk. We layered up to the max and, with frozen or runny noses, made a dash for home. Alison and Simon gave a good geography lesson as we looked west to Totara Spur and beyond to route 66 and other named peaks and ridges.

Although there was no snow for us to frolic about in on this trip, we had the benefit of that cold, embracing feeling without snow-melt river crossings. Thank you to Alison for leading a very safe and satisfying Wednesday adventure.

Trampers: Murray, Vic, Sue M, Sue M, Simon, John M, John B, Keith, Alison, John B, Denise, Marie (Photos), Gordon, Lynette, Murray G and reporter Bruce Hodgson.