Journal Number 102
February 2007

FIELD TRIP REPORTS

Ruahines: Sixtus Lodge (November 2006)
By Judith Tyler

Bruce Irwin, Wilma Fitzgibbon, Don Isles, Claire Francis, Glyn Wren, Margaret Menzies, Val Smith, Gary Pennial, Bob and Mary Watson, and Brian & Judith Tyler arrived at Sixtus Lodge for an orchid weekend. The lodge is 77km north of Palmerston North in the Ruahine Ranges.

The weather conditions were typical of an orchid weekend with constant and heavy rain. Bob and Mary arrived already drenched after spending the day at Karori Sanctuary in heavy rain feeding the birds.

This was also Bruce's 85th Birthday, celebrated with a cake supplied by Wilma. Bob found a suitable macrocarpa candle.

Saturday morning everyone was up bright and early rearing to go. We were off to Heritage Lodge, which unfortunately had been burnt to the ground sometime during 2005. On the way we stopped by the bridge to check the side of the road for orchids.

Ian St George and Vic Vercoe arrived shortly before 9am to find us still looking and photographing the finds. We found Nematoceras macranthum all over the bank, Pterostylis patens, and several undeveloped Thelymitra.

The walk to where the Heritage Lodge once stood was through a nice bushy area. The only evidence of the Lodge was the damaged water tank and broken china pieces of what was possibly the toilet bowl.

We had a lunch stop here and as we were ready to continue on the track a light shower of rain had us scrambling into rain gear. It was time to head back to Sixtus Lodge for a late lunch and to dry out. We had found Pterostylis patens, Pterostylis aff. montana, Pterostylis irsoniana, Chiloglottis cornuta, Nematoceras trilobum, Nematoceras macranthum (small and normal size), Adenochilus gracilis.

By late afternoon the rain cleared and the 12 went off for a walk to the creek. Of course the best display of Nematoceras was on the far bank. Brian who avoids getting his feet wet of course had to get his photo shots standing knee deep in the water. It didn't take Claire long to roll up her trousers and cross to the other side and scramble up the bank to look for the elusive flower. She found one which Bruce declared was a form of Nematoceras "whiskers").

Most of us took the short cut back to the lodge through long wet grass and were able to admire the recent planting of native trees. Finally after sloshing along the muddy track we reached the creek which was to take us back up to the lodge.

Here we were faced with a plank of wood sitting on large rocks, with a rope to hold onto. Of course the scribe was first in line to cross and was keen to show everyone the way. No one mentioned the rope was slack. Carefully stepping across the plank and gripping hold of the rope, it gave way and the scribe overbalanced way over the water. Hanging midstream for a few seconds then in slow motion the scribe dropped into the water with it flowing fast over person and gear. From the side of the banks came the cry "Watch out for your camera." Too bad about the person!!!!!! A dripping wet scribe sloshed back to the lodge with plenty of comments coming from behind.

A shared meal at night was a feast fit for a king. One thing about orchid people: they enjoy their food. After dinner we were entertained with an orchid slide show by Brian.

Sunday looked to be fine so everyone was out and about early to get the most of it. We drove to Coal Creek track and walked over paddocks and found a fascinating bank with plenty of moss, ferns and Nematoceras trilobum. Of course, once again a flowing creek to cross, with Don and Brian assisting people over the slippery rocks.

This was followed by a wet muddy climb upwards and along the track looking for orchids. Not many were found although there were Chiloglottis cornuta, Singularybas oblongus, Caladenia not yet open, Pterostylis not yet in flower, Pterostylis aff. montana and Earina autumnalis, and Nematoceras trilobum - leaves only.

We were deciding which direction to take when it was noticed we were missing Don. Margaret was busy on her whistle blowing loud and clear but no reply. On returning and meeting up with Don again it was found our intrepid leader had gone off in a different direction. All's well so we continued back for another water crossing. Of course we had more rain along the way.

Back at the lodge we met up with Geraldine Wood and everyone took off to see the red mistletoe (Peraxilla tetrapetala) in full flower on the red beech tree.

After lunch and when the rain stopped we headed off to visit the glow worm caves.

Of course the rain came with us and surprise-surprise, more water to cross. But this time not just once but time and again. We came to the limestone caves and what a magnificent sight to behold! We paddled all the way through the cave with water overhead as well. Not far in we thought Margaret was going for her swim as she slipped and got more water than she expected.

Further along we could see Nematoceras trilobum and many fine samples of filmy ferns and mosses on the dripping wet banks. Up and over many fallen logs we climbed along the creek, amazed at such a wonderful sight before us. Bruce was up in front and took off like a teenager scrambling over rocks and logs. It was not dark enough for the glow worms but the atmosphere was enough for us to enjoy.

On the way out Claire found Adenochilus gracilis that most of us had missed. Geraldine and Don found Orthoceras on the roadside where we had been looking the day before and all missed seeing.

Thank you Don for organising such a great weekend. Sixtus is a comfortable and pleasant lodge to stay.

       
              Bruce Irwin & Judith Tyler                                    Bruce Irwin (The Maestro at 85)