Annual Tramp - 2015

The 35th annual tramp - started in 1981. Two members have managed to participate in all 35 journeys. There have been some epic trips over the years. Nowadays, the emphasis is leaning towards  the camaraderie rather than the journey itself.
Nevertheless, we still manage to extend ourselves - a new route, blood sweat and tears, sore knees, back and feet!
This year the area immediately south of Mesopotamia in the Rangitata Valley and 4-5 day journey was chosen with three of us in attendance - four for the first day/night.

Negotiating Bush Stream

Crooked Spur Hut

Four dodgy characters!!

Graeme - survivor of all 35 to date

Quintessential High Country Canterbury

Look closely - a mob of 34 Tahr

Approaching another saddle - Day 2

Late afternoon near Stone Hut

Heading down to Felt Hut in Forest Creek

On the third day, I couldn't resist the opportunity to drop my pack and embark on a brief side trip for a few hours to revisit Royal Hut. I was last there in March 1970 when I was leading a Search and Rescue team shadowing Prince Charles and Princess Anne throughout the South Island.

Royal Hut (formerly New Hut)

And now the project for this winter is to commence assembling a book covering all 35 journeys. Graeme has written them all up and I've photographed the majority.

Enroute to Bullock Bow Saddle from Royal Hut