The Annual Tramp

It all started in 1981with four of us, all keen trampers and mountaineers, deciding to come together for an annual event - and here we are in 2016 and just completed the 36th annual jaunt into the mountains.
Four of us this year. Sadly Peter missed his first ever annual tramp due to house repairs. Graeme too - almost didn't attend due to urgent appendix surgery, but with the promise from the rest of us that we would carry his heavy gear, he managed to come along - and maintain his perfect annual attendance, now the only one with a 100% record.
This year we drove down to Lake Ohau and with the 4WD managed to almost get up the Hopkins riverbed to the Huxley River. A pretty laid back trip this year - up as far as Broderick Pass - good food, good company, happy hours, etc - and the final night spent at Ohau Lodge, a dated but very pleasant place with views to die for, excellent food, good bar, and comfy beds.
The 40th anniversary is only a few years away, we'll have to start planning something special. In the meantime a book is being prepared. Graeme has written up all the journeys and I've recorded most of them with my camera.
Below are a few images from this year's tramp.......................

Huxley River terraces from Huxley Forks hut

Swing bridge in north branch of the Huxley River

Upper Huxley Valley from Broderick hut

Main Divide south of Broderick Pass

View from Broderick hut door

Geology on the Main Divide

Mountain Beech tree on the edge of the bush - upper north branch of the Huxley River

North branch of the Huxley River

The four lads this year - Graeme, John, Adrian, Stuart

Fireside Ambience

Moody afternoon up the Hopkins Valley

Homeward Bound