Mt Alford Saturday 16th September
Two cars with nine trampers left Timaru at 0800. Weather looked changeable but did improve as we approached Mt Alford Scenic Reserve and the start of the walk.
The track is well poled with orange markers. As we walked up through a beech forest, we all enjoyed the welcoming bird song. Further up, the track emerged onto tussocky grassland. We stopped for a break at a well-positioned picnic bench. Enjoying the lovely sunshine.
We continued up past the observatory and the support buildings, passing a few patches of snow just below the summit at 1,171 m. Wonderful views of Mt Winterslow, Mt Somers, Pudding Hill, Mt Hutt and the Canterbury Plains. A great place to have lunch.
As we had plenty of time we decided to continue walking further along the ridge, where we had another relaxing break.
We returned the same way back down to the cars. We stopped for refreshments at Staveley and then on to Timaru.
Thanks to Catherine for organising the day, which we all enjoyed. Thanks to Colin and John for driving. Also in the group were Judy, Ali, Wayne K, Wayne C, Christine and Chris.