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Dates: 2 – 4 August, 2024 (Friday to Sunday)
Trip Leaders: Robert Green and Barry Dench
Contacts: Robert – 021-177.5254; Barry – 027-472.9935
Attractions: This Field Trip will be based in one of Canterbury’s most stunning winter locations where mountain vistas, alpine lakes, rivers and vegetation offer endless opportunities for capturing memorable images. Lake Heron is renowned for its majestic reflections, and nearby Lake Clearwater and the other Ashburton Lakes also offer compositional opportunities. These dates have been chosen for 2 particular reasons- the mountains should be well-covered in snow; as may be the countryside – providing magical vistas and they fall at the time of the New Moon to ensure there are dark sky’s. If lucky with the weather, the evenings might prove opportunities to capture the Milky Way and other astrophotography shots, as it will be well visible above the lake. Because of the risk of snow affecting access, travel will need to be by 4WD vehicle. The trip leaders can provide transport for many who wish to attend. Members with a 4WD vehicle are invited to join the trip.
Accommodation: The Field Trip will be based at Arrowsmith Lodge, on the edge of Lake Heron. The Lodge can accommodate up to 10 people. The Lodge has oversize bunk beds and linen, bedding and towels are provided. Members with caravans can join the trip, as there is a campground nearby. If the trip fills, couples or small groups could additionally book their own accommodation at nearby Lake Heron or Clent Hills Station. A wait list will apply once we reach 10 people.
Itinerary: Members with 4WD vehicles will collect attendees requiring transport and drive up past Ashburton Lakes to Lake Heron.
Trip limitations: Accommodation at the Lodge is limited to 10 persons (max. accommodation available). Due to the risk of snow conditions, transport must be by dual-range 4WD vehicles.
IF INTERESTED, ENROL EARLY AS PLACES ARE LIMITED
Costs: Accommodation cost at Arrowsmith Lodge will depend on final numbers. If fully subscribed, it will be $120 pp for the 2 nights. Smaller numbers will require a slightly higher cost (up to $150).
What to Bring: Day temperatures will be low and night temperatures may be freezing. Warm clothing is essential; particularly for any astrophotography, and wet weather gear may be required if the weather is unpredictable. Those with vehicles, who can bring recovery gear, should do so.
Meals: Being somewhat remote, those attending will need to bring food for all meals, A shared meal on one or two nights may be planned if people are interested.
Other Info: Lake Heron is located in the Hakatere Conservation Park – one of the best wetlands in the country. A national wetland restoration project was started in 1997 and involves three premier sites: Whangamarino in Waikato, Awarua/Waituna in Southland and Ō Tū Wharekai here in Canterbury. The rivers, lakes, tarns and swamps of Ō Tū Wharekai have their own special range of species; some of which are rare, for example our kettle holes are home to 23 threatened plants. Although each wetland habitat is unique, all waterways are interconnected, breathing life into the Hakatere basin.
Note regarding astrophotography. This weekend provides the opportunity to expand on a range of landscape and artistic work either during day light hours or in the evenings. Both trip leaders can provide advice on a range of issues for astro photography and will, if requested, provide a walk-through the steps in post processing resulting in noise free images. Simple to follow handouts will be available.
The website mentions various types of accommodation. Please note that the camping ground is closed 1 April to 30 September and secondly whilst land is available at the woolshed for members with a caravan and motorhome, there won’t be running water here.
Members Registered
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