Starting out from the point of least resistance, in The Brook valley, our humble crew of six Sunday morning ramblers set off up the Access Road.

While the Grampians reserve was not new to the men-folk, it was a great introduction to Nally and Corrina. Our intention was to complete a full circumnavigation of Mount Flaxmore, utilising eight of the numerous tracks.

The summit road was used as a warm-up; this was abandoned for an overgrown, grassy path to gain the saddle with Sugarloaf. A lower section of the Kanuka Track took us up to a higher elevation, whereby we could sidle around the back of Mt Flaxmore. The Kahikatea Track was climbed to top out on the main summit ridgeline. Corrina and Nally were escorted by Kerry to the TV tower and actual summit, while the oldies drank flasks of warm tea at the lookout platform, also drinking in views of Nelson South and the Waimea Plains.

Dropping off down the Mamaku Track, David balanced on his twin trekking poles – recent rain had made the earthen path slippery, but there were no incidents. Philip indicated the junction which joined up with the pleasant Tawa Track, which descended gently towards Nelson city, with glimpses of the Hospital and Boys’ College.

Ronaki Track was a rude awakening, zig-zagging up to regain the main ridgeline. After Ray recovered with more tea-drinking, the Walkway was followed along to the top of the Access Road. This delivered the team back to Blick Terrace in exactly three hours.

The forecast rain mostly held off, and sunhats were more necessary than raincoats. Members were: David Cook, Philip Palmer & Ray Salisbury (scribe), with guests Nally Yi, Corrina Kagaya & Kerry Jones.