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.