Mt Malita
Photographs
Even though this trip was not advertised in the last edition of the club magazine the ‘bush telegraph’ and internet email worked o.k. as there were 18 odd vehicles that vehicles that turned out.
Meeting, departure point was 9:30a.m. in Marsden Valley, Stoke where our trip leader Richard Barker gave as all a briefing as to where we were headed.
We were joined by a new member from Southland, Andrew Barnes in his Jeep.
After heading up Marsden Valley road, we turned off to the right and proceeded on a well formed road for several k’s, stopping only for a few locked gates. We were soon quite high up and with the day being bright and clear gave us very commanding views over Stoke, Richmond further South, across the bay and far to the North.
Having traveled through the Nywhatu forest area we then drove through a new logging site where a huge number of trees have been felled over many acres.
After a short stop at the old fire lookout for morning tea we carried on through the Richmond Hills Forest area and down to the roding water works at the top of Aniseed Valley. Soon after leaving the Roding we had a short stop while a left front wheel was changed on a cruiser due to a flat.
Next up, up and further up heading for Melita. Before we got towards the top Richard sends a message over the P.R.S. to spit into two groups as there is only enough room for parking and turning ten or so vehicles at the highest point you can drive too. Some energetic ones walked up to the hut at the top.
On the way down some vehicles opted for a short detour from the main track, up a steep include which was too steep for some who required a tow.
We then returned down to the Roding, crossed the splash and headed up the zigzag for Jenkins hill.
One steep climb was too tough for some and about half the convoy had to go around a detour.
After this we had another re-group at a lookout point on top of a ridge. Richard said we would proceed down a fairly steep firebreak, with an option to go down the ridge if you wished.
When we got to the bottom of the firebreak which was quite slippery in places we were asked if anyone wanted to have a go, to see if they could get back up. ‘Sorry Richard – no takers’.
Next we traveled down to the car park a the top of Marsden Valley were we said our farewells, thanks Richard for another good day four wheeling
Alan M.
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Past club trips 
