I am sure there were a number of disappointed walkers when the Mount Aspiring tramp was cancelled last Friday. DOC had strongly recommended that they cancel the trip ,after strong winds and heavy rain on Friday. This meant high water levels getting there and increased avalanche risk. The Matukituki river flow went from 50 cumecs to 450 cumecs , so 9 times the amount of water as usual flowing.
So the club ended up with a turnout in the 40s, for their outing at McArthurs farm ,under blue skies and warm conditions. Much warmer than expected for the end of May. Everyone headed off together ,heading north towards Moutre Station and the old stone sheep yards. This was an out and back outing, so each group went a bit further than each other. Not sure which paddock the W3s got to, hopefully they looped round before getting to the one that was very wet under foot. The W1s and W2s carried on to the sheep yards, with the W1s adding a bit more onto their walk. I am told it was just under 10km to the yards and back. The lone runner did his own run before getting on his bike to go home.
Sheep do not appear to be the brightest animals ,they can be mustered and directed to certain places. But left to their own contrary sheep are just as likely to stand around on the road, even though they have a big grassy area beside them .
This Saturday we have another local outing, meet 1pm corner Walton & Thompson streets with M-Zs duty pack this week. There was talk of heading up Jolendale park area , but we will find out on Saturday, just which garden path we will be led up.
A bit of sunshine and cloud has been arranged for the day
Hope to see you there
Gary