Lake Chalise - Organiser: Ruth Hesselyn

“I think we should go to DOC and check their weather forecast and maybe have a coffee” was the statement from our trip organiser as she peered into our steamed up car on State Highway 63, just before St Arnaud. Due to changeable weather, this was to be the first of many alterations to this weekend’s planned activities. Over coffee at the warm Alpine Lodge, it was agreed that Cotterell Peak was off the agenda and a valley walk up Lees Creek was on. So, back to the cars and we travelled to the farm manager’s house at Rainbow Valley for the gate key. Near the farm house we encountered the farmer who advised against driving the cars across the creeks as there had been a lot of rain overnight. So once again, our organiser was peering into our steamed up car suggesting that perhaps we would like to travel to Lake Chalice and climb Mt Patriarch tomorrow. It was agreed and the convoy headed to Renwick for more refreshments before setting forth to Lake Chalice. After the long drive into Lake Chalice car park, we finally got to shoulder our packs for the quick 30 minute downhill trot to the hut. After even more refreshments, we were encouraged to circumnavigate the lake “for a bit of exercise” (well after all we were on a Grade 4 trip). Back at the hut in no time at all, the fire was lit, dinners consumed, and the professional gamblers in our ranks soon had the cards on the table challenging all-comers. A very enjoyable and boisterous evening ensued. Sunday morning saw an improvement in the weather so we returned to the cars for the 7km trip to Mt Patriarch car park. From here we did not have a big climb and 1.5 hours later saw us at the top with a strong, cold southwesterly wind blowing. After a short stay it was back down to a sheltered lunch stop and then back to the cars, just beating a snow shower. Then the long drive home, which of course required another refreshment stop. Many thanks to Ruth for her determination to “do something” for the weekend and to the drivers Shirley and Mark for their time spent behind the wheel, often on difficult roads. Participants on this “moveable” weekend trip were: Carole Crocker, Shirley Arnst, Mark Stevens, Dion Pont, Mike Drake, Bob Janssen, Ian Pavitt (scribe), and organiser Ruth Hesselyn.

Map & Compass Tuition – Beebys Knob - 8 August 2004
Organiser: Jim Maxwell

Before setting off from Nelson we had a planning session to measure and record the bearings and distances for our route off track. The day was overcast and reasonably cold. From the carpark we climbed up the track to the first saddle where we left the track to start navigating. We stopped at each waypoint and discussed the logic of these points and how the compass is used to indicate position on a spur. The off track section is only 1.5 km long and drops 300 m. We were back at the road and heading back to the cars by 2pm. Participants:- Hec & Gillian Arbuthnott, Mary Honey, Jocelyn Winn and Berys Vincenci.