6-7 July 2024

Leader: Peter Davis

Early Saturday three vehicles left Paraparaumu at 7am in darkness heading for the Mount Holdsworth Roadend. A great weekend tramping adventure was about to unfold.

We were greeted by a spectacular sunrise as we drove over the Rimutaka Hill, heading north. En route was a mandatory stop at the Clareville Bakery on the hunt for their world acclaimed crème brulée donuts. Unfortunately, they had sold out by the time we arrived. Nevertheless, we had a hearty food and coffee stop with some of us picking up our lunch as well for later that day.

We arrived at the roadend and set off at 9.30am, arriving at the Atiwhakatu Hut two hours later, where we had lunch. After lunch we began the 800m climb up Rainguage Spur, arriving at Jumbo Hut after a 2½ hour climb.

The spur was at its best, in dry conditions, with the setting sun dappling through the trees. The temperature dropped significantly as we climbed, with traces of snow appearing near the hut. That night the hut was filled with other trampers who enjoyed the fire that Matt and Rob had set on arrival. Club social activities that night included making snow angels outside, playing Skyjo around the dining table, watching the All Blacks beat England on Pistol's phone, and enjoying a communal stew followed by fruit cake desert, with lashings of Amarillo, Whiskey and Plum Gin. The club stew was a great success which simmered for several hours on the fire. Peter purchased the ingredients which were divided evenly amongst us all, while he carried up the large billy. Thanks to the several members for bringing up dry wood and fire starters so that we could get the wood stove pumping.

We awoke the next morning to a spectacular sunrise, setting off up Mt Jumbo around 8:30am. Weather conditions heading out for Mount Holdsworth were fine and windy with snow underfoot. Those of us who had them, were grateful to make use of microspikes in these conditions. The scenery along the way was spectacular. We climbed up Mount Holdsworth, before heading down to Powell Hut just on lunchtime 4 hours later.

At the hut we met up with fellow Parawais, some who had come in the day before and some on a day trip. It was great to catch up with Owen, David, Mark, Paul, Maryann, Robin, Rex, and Anita (and Coda, their dog) there. After lunch we headed down from the hut and encountered the iciest section on the tramp. The steps below Powell were laden with solid ice which made for a very slow and mindful descent. We continued downward, meeting up with Tony, Patrick and Ben (Tony’s grandson) just before Mountain House. Continuing down, we arrived back at the Holdsworth Lodge roadend where we signed out of the intentions book and made our way back home.

Thanks, Peter for organising and leading another great tramp away.

Those on the trip were:

Chris Keating, Glenda Robb, Graeme Richardson, Kate Livingston, Matt Freeland, Paula Richardson, Peter Davis, Rob Dey, Yingjun Shelton

Currently there is no photo album for this trip.