Mount Cass and Mount Grey 26th – 27th July
David Mason was trip leader for a fabulous weekend away north of Christchurch. We left Timaru early on Saturday 26 July and arrived at his sons property at Amberly House, just this side of Amberly. Here we are treated with tremendous hospitality by his family. We stayed in the spare cottage. Unpacked, and off we went to tramp Mount Cass. A beautiful winter day for doing a coastal tramp. We turned right at Waipara and drove 5km. The track is mostly on farm tracks, but well sign posted. There is a toilet at the Loop Track Junction. We strolled past large deposits of limestone cliffs, and past and old lime quarry. We did enjoy the picnic area near the summit and found shelter for our lunch. The track does not actually go to the summit. This track is closed during lambing. Our evening was very cosy and tasty with David’s chicken casserole. His family spoilt us with a divine dessert.
Sunday was cool, but clear for our summit of Mount Grey, 934m. We drove west of Amberly for 15km and parked in the Ashley Forest by Lake Janet. From here we climbed a well formed track through the beech and exotic forest. Next we went into the tussock and into the cold wind. David’s grandson, George kept us entertained with his little challenges and snow fights! We enjoyed the views of Canterbury from the summit, but had to descend into the trees for our lunch! We descended the same way. These tracks do close over summer if there is a high fire risk. We have to go back sometime and complete the other tracks in Mount Grey. We were on our trip for 4hrs. Then the drive home..
Those present were, Colin & Judy, Hazel, Louise, Catherine David and his 11 year old Grandson George.
Louise