Trip 081 - Ben Rudd's for Lunch - OTMC Tribute to the Family Tramping Group

 

DATE: August 20, 2023
LEADER: Leonie Loeber (03 477 4895)
TRIP GRADE: E (3-5 hours)
MEET: Clubrooms, 10am

Life members Lyall Campbell and Marie McDonald started a sub-group of the Otago Tramping Club in 1967 aimed at providing trips for members that now had young families to be able to participate in trips. The Family Tramping Group became very popular and is considered one of the success stories of the club.

Family trips were obviously easier trips, and the most common ones were a monthly day trip (typically the 3rd Sunday of the month). Day trip destinations included Sandfly Bay, Saddle Hill, Organ Pipes, Double Hill and Green Hut. Weekend and longer trips were also undertaken to destinations such as Lake Ohau and the Temple Stream area, Mt Cook and the Rees Valley.

One trip that was more or less run every year was a picnic lunch at Ben Rudd’s – this blurb writer remembers these trips fondly. Despite normally being held on the 3rd Sunday of August, the trips are not remembered for the temperature, but more for the fun kids could have sliding down the flax around the shelter.

The Family Group remained popular up until around 1990, with the likes of David McArthur running the group. Latter attempts to resurrect family groups have met with limited success.

The Family Tramping Group was a great initiative and introduced many youngsters to the outdoors in a safe and fun way. This trip is being held once more on the 3rd Sunday in August as a tribute to Lyall and Marie, and to all who were lucky enough to participate in the group.