Peak ZL3/CB 437 - Broken Hill 15 Jan 2021

Slightly broken after a minor fall coming off Mt Horrible the week previous with Geoff (ZL3GA)  one considered why not give another new summit ago, broken can't be as bad as horrible so how bad could broken be? 

In truth the SOTA summit in question is unnamed however you traverse over Broken Hill peak on transit.

Contacting my faithful cross terrain associate young Geoff ZL3GA, his response was immediate,  "since land permissions have been granted it needs to be dealt with, without delay".  After a slight confusion regarding the hill we were talking about "No Geoff it's not a 150mtr climb it's 948mtr" things got sorted and the planning started............

Getting there

Broken Hill is on State Highway 73 via the Christchurch West Coast highway,  travel time is about one and a half hours from Christchurch. The climb starts at the hairpin on the Craigieburn Cutting, a valley with a stream flowing under the road. 

There is a layby just before the hairpin on the left.

The walk

We started scrambling up through the beach trees at around 8am ascending onto a plateau faced with an entanglement of dead firs.

Fighting our way over and through this stuff (on our return we discovered a less intrepid route back which avoided most of the wind falls) the steep ascent to trig A9Y0  began.

Geoff ZL3GA with the mission in hand

This part of the climb is long, very scrappy with loose sharp shale so careful footing became the order of the day. It wasn't too long before the trig was reached.  With the steep climbing behind us we looked forward to the reward of easier top travel for the remaining 5km and 300 meter climb to the activation zone.

Wilding pines growing in the high country are threating to the environment so an unwritten rule when out and about is to deal to them by either pulling them out or chopping them down. Geoff carries between us for such occasions a small folding hand saw, others a rusty pocket knife.

Members of our Canterbury SOTA community have been known to carry other interesting items to their summits such as bar fridges, ice chests and deck chairs to name a few.  Not to be out done Geoff and I decided we needed the ultimate pine tree exterminator.

After starting the saw and chopping out a pine we carried onto the summit putting the saw back where we found it. Yip in the middle of nowhere. 

The most strangest things you find near your activation zone !

Arriving at out summit just prior to 11am we found yet another surprise to add to the day's findings and less out of place, a herd of Chamois with their kids.

I wonder if findings come in three's ?

"Oh heck" enough distractions it was  now  time to refocus on the job in hand as our alerted time was minutes away. Quickly setting up 40-10m doublet for HF and a 2m flowerpot  Rick ZL3RIK came ripping across on FM making the first QSO for the summit. Forty seemed to be be the flavour for SSB  with a few contacts on 20m Geoff  also bagging a number of CW contacts. We both found it great to work the S2S's , John ZL3MR on Mt Hutt FA (Great effort John!), Ian ZL3GIG on Trig M, Warren ZL2AJ and Simon ZL1THH up in the Waikato.

FM back to Christchurch was great, there is little doubt you would not hit the 705 repeater, cell phone coverage was patchy however.

We discovered an incompatible issue with having the flowerpot and the doublet with its open wire feed line on the same pole causing detuning, a lesson learnt not to have these two options together next time.

Geoff (ZL3GA) nutting out the technical issue

After a quick lunch in glorious weather it was time to support our loyal chasers at roll over and head back down.

Walking back the 5km to the trig before descending the steep face was uneventful, the photo above shows myself pointing towards where the car is parked over and beyond in the gully. Just over my head shows the windfall firs we struggled through.

With a lot of care and careful route finding to avoid possible falls we made the plateau then soon entered the refreshing coolness of the bush. 

On our activation having seen out of the ordinary an AWOL chainsaw, a herd of Chamois and with only five minutes from the highway it was not looking good for the three out of three thingy.

Then like a aberration my thoughts were answered as a wonderous stroke of nature ascended  upon me, a thousand wasps terribly angry because their nest had been disturbed. "Run Geoff" as he looked up from the lead at a madman with flaying arms crashing towards him complete with appropriate vocabulary.

All and all I got off lightly with my 25 odd stings subsiding after a few days.

So how bad can broken be ?

True to its name it is a very scrappy hill to climb, the distance's are deceptive and challenges can vary. It should only be approached if you have a good level of experience or with someone who does. 

Both Geoff and myself had a very enjoyable day which was certainly not allowed to be ruined by my little encounter with the local wildlife.

Summary

Distance - 14.0km return

Altitude climbed - 840m

Time up - 3hrs

Time down - 2.5hrs

Terrain - Hard

Navigation skills - Moderate

Permission required - This is private land please ring Flock Hill Station

This trip is in our NZ high country where weather conditions can change rapidly.
The ridge lines on the tops are exposed with little shelter, pick your weather conditions carefully and take suitable clothing. If you are unsure of your capabilities seek advice.

Purple Hill ZL3/CB-391 7th March 20220

Purple Hill is one of those geographical features where someone must of had a sense of humour or a touch of devilment when they named this thing a hill rather than a Mountain.  Having climbed Purple Hill a few times in the past this question always arose around the first hour, however this Hill  Mountain is well worth the effort for its commanding views, topography and naturally the 6 points you bag at the top.

Noting it had never been activated I conned Steve ZL2UCX to join me "route looks steepish David" "what do you mean ?" I replied ". No pulling the wool over Steve's eyes as he was looking at an on line Topo map during our phone call.

Up for a good day out Steve was eager to join the adventure, blotting out any thoughts of squashed contours we were off....

Getting there

Purple Hill is on state highway 73 on the Christchurch West Coast highway,

travel time is about one and a half hours.

You can park at the DOC camp site and walk around the lake or travel a further 200 meters where there is a locked gate from where we started.

Walking

Making our way along a farm track we crossed a number of fences and paddocks eventually picking a spur just short of Long Hill Saddle.

Grinding steadily up we soon hit that one hour point where the discussion gravitated to "why is this called a bl**dy Hill" ? By the time the deliberation was complete we were nearing the summit. Sheltering behind a rock from a mildly building Norwest Wind a quick draw banana was flicked out of my pocket while Steve sunk his teeth into an apple.

Steve ZL2UCX on the spur with Lake Grasmere left,  Lake Sarah right and Waimakariri river

Moving on the summit quickly came into site, Steve stayed back out of the 25m vertical zone while I lay down behind the summit's rocky crag and attempted to make the first QSO with him. Total silence, just that good old sound of the Norwest as it ripped past my ear drums. Unfortunately Steve could only operate on a certain frequency and I had messed up the frequency my end, thank goodness for the back to mother earth approach - "hand signals" -  it was not long before Steve was beside me and  another devastating blow for my SOTA mentors. On that note and on cue across at  Trig M a  S2S call from Geoff ZL3GA cracked across the radio on 146.500 making it the first QSO for the summit. 

Remaining on top of a Hill is never a lot of fun during a Norwest so we dropped down off the south east side.  Staying within the activation zone we soon  rattled off a number of 2mtr calls to the locals helped by a good line of site into Christchurch.

It was now time to set up for HF with plenty of room albeit on a slope.

Myself ZL3DRN starting off the first HF QSO with Jackie ZL1WA

In the photo top centre is Purple Hill summit where there is an old metal stake suitable for strapping a pole to in more suited conditions. Our pole had to be fully stayed 

Steve operating, looking east Black Water Lake top right and Waimakariri Gorge centre

After both making a number of HF SSB QSO's it was time for a spot of lunch then back to the ridge line for a scree run down to Lake Pearson.

From the summit traverse south for about 375 meters where you will pick up the mid fan of the scree. This scree system is steep and scrappy in places, you can easily run the risk of tumbling so do not attempt this route home if you are not experienced on scree. Alternatively return back the way you came albeit a little harder on your knee's - walking poles recommended for both descents.

Top of scree,  Lake Pearson below with West Coast highway beyond

The above photo shows Purple Hill summit and our scree entry point, be aware this scree is very deceptive in length.

At the bottom  pick up an animal track leading into native forest, keep right as much as possible. The terrain then opens up making navigation more easily with views towards the lake beyond.

Steve breathing a sigh of relief  to see he still has a sole on his boots

After a short break and a check of our gear we headed for the lake edge protected by a 10 meter band of three meter high matagouri. Most excellent I thought NOT, bashing our way through this thorny maze we finally emerged at the lake edge complete with the usual blood battle scars associated with such self inflicted activities.

You could be forgiven to believe this is where the journey gets easier however if the lake is up it makes it near impossible to walk along the 1.5km lake edge. Matagouri once again stands in your way thick against the mountain side, yip only one thing for it, wade into the lake.

All in all by sticking to the water's edge you are not entering any great depth, more than often if the lake happens to be high it will be around this level. With the lake at its normal level you should be able to get around dry.

 The legs of Steve ZL2UCX  complete with depth tester preparing for the plunge

Wading along we soon arrived at the bottom of the lake greeted by a swamp (the trendy term for this is wet land). Wet it was but how more wetter can you really get ? In truth with a lower lake you can scoot around it, in this case to do so would have been a very muddy plug.

Once past the head of the lake we returned with squeaky boots along the route we started off on, arriving back at the car mid afternoon after a very enjoyable day out.

Umm  maybe a hill ?

Summary

Distance - 5.5km to summit, 12.5km return via scree

Altitude climbed - 1050m

Time up - 3 to 3.5 hrs

Time return - 3 to 3.5 hrs via scree

Terrain - Hard

Navigation skills - Basic to  moderate

Permission required - Yes private land please ring Grasmere Station

This trip is in our NZ high country where weather conditions can change rapidly.

The ridge lines on the tops are exposed with little shelter, pick your weather conditions carefully and take suitable clothing. If you are unsure of your capabilities seek advice.

Nope its a mountain......

Cloudy Hill ZL3/CB-474 and ZL3/CB-469 1st March 2020

A short few notes to complement Geoff ZL3GA blog regarding our double activation.

Geoff's blog can be found here:
https://zl3ga-sota.blogspot.com/2020/03/cloudy-hill-zl3cb-474-and-zl3cb-469-1st.html

The top two thirds of Cloudy Hill is Department of Conservation, the bottom third down  to the main high way is private land.

Ring Brooksdale Station for permission which more than likely will be granted.

The above map shows our return trip east down a scree and into the gully, although this leads to an interesting adventure it is suggested you return back from 1456 (CB-469) the same way you came.

A bit of route finding skills and scrub bashing will be required if the valley route is taken.

If  completing both CB-474 and CB-469 bear in mind there will be a 150m climb and 150m decent in both directions. 

From your vehicle to Cloudy Hill CB-474 will take you a comfortable 1.5 hours with a further hour to CB-469.

Red arrow showing driving direction from Lake Lyndon

Geoff ZL3GA taking in the early morning light climbing up to Cloudy Hill

One self ZL3DRN further on up the ridge

Geoff ZL3GA operating off Cloudy Hill with KX2 and 41' UNUNTenna tethered to pack

This trip is in our NZ high country where weather conditions can change rapidly.

The ridge lines on the tops are exposed with little shelter, pick your weather conditions carefully and take suitable clothing.  If you are unsure of your capabilities seek advice.

Red Hill ZL3/CB-587

Red Hill ZL3/CB-411 18th January 2020

Red Hill had always been one of my favourite walks in this area due to its dramatic views of Lake Coleridge and its post glaciation landscape. So when a work colleague expressed interest in some exercise and there was one of those SOTA thingies requiring its first activation there was little choice but to gravitate up country.

Looking from the direction of Peak Hill CB-547

Getting there

Follow the directions in my Big Ben Range post past Lake Lyndon, instead of turning left off Lyndon road turn directly right and follow a rough vehicle track along the terrace. The track will take you down off the terrace and into the valley,  further on you will meet a stream crossing where it's best to leave your vehicle. The track is a bit steep and ruttered in places so you may prefer to park on Lyndon Rd road and walk the additional 20 minutes, mainly suitable for vehicles with a high clearance.

The route up in purple & return in blue

Walking

We started walking at 7am greeted by the buzz of the odd blow fly, useless things you may think (and normally you would be correct) however they are sometimes a good indicator the day will become very hot - but there again what do blow flies know.

Crossing the stream we followed up the valley picking up a stock / access track through the alpine scrub.  After about 15 minutes walking climb onto a terrace, cross the fence line and follow the stock track again. Head up the  N/W valley towards a large stand of beech trees at the valley head.

Terrace face to the right of Chris

Entering the bush we picked up a stream which led us left up into a vegetated valley, walking for a about 400m  ascend up onto the left hand spur to 1249. I tried to push up further into the valley head only to get my ego literally shredded by scrub so ended up tackling a touch of scree. Because screes are normally my friend  the trauma was reduced (very slightly) however its something you do not need so don't leave your valley exit too late.  (Note the topo map shows my track log leaving the valley too late)

Stand of beech trees and valley entrance  (blue arrows scree return)

Scooting along the ridge top over 1321 we dropped down slightly before a reasonable climb up the spur. Near the top of the spur via right look for a very distinctive road like terrace which will carry you up onto the main ridge then further onto the summit. 

Dotted line showing drop from  1321 then right turn near top of spur.

Topo map with track log

One self giving thanks for walking poles

Climbing onto the main ridge you will be greeted with a surprising steep drop off creating gratifying views over Lake Coleridge.

The above photo shows Chris looking across Lake Coleridge towards Peak Hill CB-542 as we stop for a pause on our way along the ridge to the summit.

We reached the summit at around 10am, sat down, opened up the topo map, took in the view and chattered about the glacial deposits and land forms from four major ice advances (partly seen in the photo below) for half an hour. Hang about what has this got to do with an activation due in about 15 minutes ! Blimey, my SOTA masters will be shattered at my total lack of discipline, nearly tripping over myself I leaped up quickly and looked for a suitable place to set up.

The summit was lacking a trig to lash onto and being a bit rocky it was easier to set up a short distance away where I could screw into the ground my top secret pole mount invented by Geoff ZL3GA. A short length of electrical PVC conduit - totally simple but brilliant for such a pressing activation.

The operating position - (note my walking poles close to hand)

All set up and ready to go, fittingly Geoff ZL3GA was first off the starting block on Flag Hill CB-411 summit coming in at 59 on FM, after a number of quick QSO's with the locals it was time for HF.

Mainly working 40m it was great to have contacts with four North Island stations on their respective summits and then finishing off with a ground wave contact with Ian ZL3GIG on a local summit, in total around 20 QSO's for the day.

Feeling the metal belt clip on my hand held burning into the palm of my hand combined with the odd drop of perspiration I suddenly came to the realisation things were heating up, those damn blow flies were once again on the money.

"No time to hang around on this hill top" I said to Chris  just as a woosh from behind scared the living day lights out of us.  Like a great white hawk of prey the glider dropped over our heads and down into the valley below. Taking a couple of minutes to recover and adjusting our underwear it was time to pack up and descend.

Glider riding the thermals

Scree entry on saddle  between altitude 1488 & 1494 

After packing up we headed down the eastern  spur of Red Hill to a saddle, the above photo taken two thirds down shows the saddle at the start of the green dotted line (Castle Hill CB-241 can be seen on the sky line center photo). At this point we picked up an animal track around to a further saddle then climbed over 1488. Descending to our last saddle between 1488 and 1494 we dropped down the scree towards the valley floor.

The above photo shows the bush and valley to the right we first ascended

After giving Chris a bit of a scree run lesson (his underwear had already become disarrayed after the glider so it did not mater) he soon became a pro as we bounced our way down the hot shale. Suddenly we came across one of those welcoming alpine streams so slamming on the breaks it was time for a drink and freshen up.

Following on down we entered the bush picking up the track we first came up in the morning, 40 minutes later we were back at the car. Boots off and it was time to head on back home to Christchurch.

Summary

Distance -11 Km Return / 13 km Return from Lyndon Rd

Altitude climbed - 890m

Time up - Allow 3 to 3.5 hrs

Time return - Allow 2.5 to 3 hrs

Terrain - Easy to moderate

Navigation skills - Basic to moderate

This trip is in our NZ high country where weather conditions can change rapidly.

The ridge lines on the tops are exposed with little shelter, pick your weather conditions carefully and take suitable clothing. Be mindful if there is wind, sudden gusts can blow you over the edge especially on the main ridge. If you are unsure of your capabilities seek advice.

Big Ben Range ZL3/CB-857 New Years Day 2020

Hearing a rumor the 1st of January was the "big day out" and new to the game of  lugging radio stuff up hills I did my stretches, bent my knees, I lifted my pack into the car and headed for Ben More Range.

Knowing it would be a hot nor-west day I started walking early at 6.30am greeted by pleasant conditions.

View looking towards CB-857 from Mt Lyndon

Getting there

Head along the Mt Lyndon Rd past Lake Lyndon, 250 metres before the road takes a sharp right hand bend turn onto a vehicle track on your left.

Follow the track as per the diagram below and park on the bluff edge, you are on public land for the complete trip so no access permission is necessary.

If the track is dry you should be able to take a 2 wheel drive, if not park along Mt Lyndon Rd and walk in.

Walking

There is no marked route on this trip !

Make your way down into the ravine and back up onto the opposite terrace. Carry across the fields navigating through the matagouri  before reaching the spur and ascending up to the ridge line.

This will be the hardest part of the trip so take your time, rest and admire the views along the way.

(The green dotted line above is a another route which could be used as an alternative  way of getting yourself onto the main ridge line. There's a bit of a formed track on the left hand side taking you onto a saddle, however its still a steep climb albeit shorter from there onto the ridge).

Carry along the main ridge keeping an eye out for a track created by mountain bikers, this will aid your travel through the tussock etc. The patchy track shows up more after the 1327 mark so I am gathering they use the aforementioned green route to traverse down.

The walk up along the ridge is a very pleasant one commanding great views but be aware it is longer than you think with a few false summits along the way !

 Mid way looking up at CB-857 on sky line

I was expecting a very warm N/W day with scorching sun but instead a rather strange light overcast sky, looking out towards the south west  a type of haze hung around the alps which totally bamboozled me. Then turning around to the east in my direction of travel "Wow is that funny burnt orange glowing thing the sun or what !" Having been conditioned in my SOTA apprenticeship this is the big day Out and nothing gets in the way of such a pending activation, I put out of my mind any form of intergalactic new year's day invasion from beyond and focused on the job ahead.......  

A kilometer or so from the summit I came across some vegetable sheep, no I had not been affected by the sun rays. These little beauties (Raouilia rubra) are so called because at a distance  were often mistaken as sheep by the early musterer.  They have a hard closed exterior protecting their sponge like storage system from our friend the "Norwester " which was just starting to pick up !

Repeater on skyline CB-857

Pushing on I soon arrived at the activation zone, embraced by "The big day out" excitement I threw my walking poles down and headed off to look for a suitable operating position on the lee side of the hill. But where are my walking poles one might ask? Never Never be a dumb ass (who should no better) and separate your gear from one's self especially on a hill like this one.

Fifteen minutes later among the wind and dust they materialised - back to the job in hand.

There is plenty of room within the activation zone to set up however you will have to self support your pole. Even though it appeared I had cell phone coverage I didn't, on the NW side it was there but very marginal (Vodafone).

Mount Oxford CB-500 just to left of pole

Semi sheltered spot for operation

A quick call to Geoff ZL3QR for a spot and we are off like a herd of turtles,

also thanks to Gavin ZL3GAV for his assistance.

After a number of FM and SSB contacts and a spot of lunch it was time for the magical 0000hrs click over. Treated by the odd gust of dust in the eyes it was time to limit the QSO's and head back home.

From summit looking towards Peak Hill CB-542

Heading west back over the brow, yet again that confusing dirty cloudy smokey haze ascended towards me. Hang on did the word "smoky" travel through my neurons? Yes indeed smoke from the Australian bush fires - now I will be able to sleep tonight without the fear of "The War Of The Worlds".

The above photo shows Peak Hill CB-542 just out of sight behind Kaka Hill centre photo, Lake Coleridge either side with the Rakaia and Wilberforce Rivers beyond.

Ambling back down head for the point you first climbed up onto the ridge line (NZTM 1493580E 5200460N approx)
Do not be tempted to take the scree near by as it is very scrappy and you will end up blocked by Matagouri 2 thirds down 😥

Looking down spur toward car on terrace

(If you miss your exit point off the ridge follow the old fence line, this will take you down the western spur (albeit the longer way back to your car).

In the opposite direction this fence line takes you 2 thirds up to CB-857 so should you get caught out in the mist it will get you home.

Make your way back down the ridge (walking poles advised) and back to the luxury of your chariot.

The above photo shows the small ravine and the very unique light formed by the Australian bush fires. The eagle eyed will note the vehicle track however this is badly ruttered entering off the terrace and is only suitable for high clearance 4x4 vehicles. You are not gaining much by driving down there compared to the amount of walking ahead of you.

Summary

Distance - 13km return

Altitude climbed - 905m

Time up - Allow 3 to 3.5 hrs

Time return - Allow 2.5 to 3 hrs

Terrain - Easy to moderate

This trip is in our NZ high country where weather conditions can change rapidly.
The ridge is exposed with little place for shelter, pick your weather conditions carefully and take suitable clothing. If you are unsure of your capabilities seek advice.