Taieri Recreational Tramping Club

Past the wool-shed, where the dogs barked their usual greetings to us, and up the first brief slope found our morning tea stop. The winter 9.30-starts necessitate a later morning tea, but better late than never!

Onto the 4WD track through the tussock we travelled

– down briefly, then up briefly, and then down, down, down – until we finally came to the south branch of the Waikouaiti River.

We turned upstream now, following a sheep track through the tussock and occasional scrub, until we had a stiffer climb up around a steep face above the river. We could then descend onto a lovely tussock flat, where we came to a 4WD track to follow.

Eventually the track let us to a ford over the river. The safest route was to cross at the ford also, so it was into the water which was a little cold.

More river crossings followed in the subsequent mile or so. After the sixth and final one, we stopped at a nice sunny spot to partake of our lunch. Mr Lawson tells me that gold mining had been carried out back in the 1870s or 1880s at our lunch spot. The tell-tale earthworks being very noticeable. The time was 12.20 p.m.

The river was still up a bit after the heavy rain a week previously. About a foot of water (that’s 30 cm for you metricified folk) was the deepest we had to wade through. All crossed without a mishap, and anyway, real trampers don’t mind getting their feet wet!

Two N.Z. falcons were observed while we were having our lunch. They appeared to be chasing one another, with loud squawks emitting. Perhaps one had caught its lunch but wouldn’t share?

After lunch, continuing on the 4WD track, we were soon in the shade of a narrow valley, almost a gorge. Uphill from now on, but the grade was steady and not unpleasant. The air was very cold in here,

and it was a great relief to find the sunshine again.

Before reaching the Steep Hill Road, we turned off to walk up an open bare paddock. At the gate we made the acquaintance  of two quiet and friendly horses.

Eventually we gained the road, with about one kilometre to go, and were back at the cars at 1.45 p.m.

Someone stated that it had been a very pleasant tramp – and all agreed with that. No measuring device with us today, but we must have tramped about 10 km.

Afterwards, the trampers had their weekly meeting at Waitati. Business included:-

1. Brief discussion as to our track-clearing intentions for the next season.

2. A considerable number of ideas regarding food, and recipes for the same, were put forward. Did you know that coleslaw makes an excellent filling for “Toasty Sandwiches”?

– Meeting adjourned till next week. – Arthur.

13. 13/4/2016. Trampers. Lawsons Farm. Downstream. Leader: –

We could make this walk even longer, by walking along the valley further & coming up the gully alongside Mountain Rd. Might try this next time. – Ken.

This was new country for 4 of the 6 that started out on this walk. We had quite a nice day except for a cool breeze along the exposed ridge tops.
We all enjoyed the walk along the Waikouaiti river banks, & the rocky obstacles that the writer remembered from last time. All enjoyed the lunch stop at the ‘Lodge’, where we made use of some plastic chairs, & the edge of the veranda. Doug even got out a plastic bin for a table.

The comment was made that it had to be the most comfortable lunch stop we had ever had. However, all good things must end, …

 

… so we decided to pack up & move on, as the sky was looking a little dark from where we were. However, once on the tops again, we could see that it had been unnecessary to hurry, as the weather looked much better from up there. An unhurried walk back to the cars finished off the day nicely, arriving back at the farm around 2:00pm for the drive home.
10. 27/4/2011. Trampers. Lawsons Farm. Figure of Eight.

9. 18/8/2010. Trampers. Lawsons Farm. Clockwise via Waikouaiti River. Returned west ridge instead of Old Coach Road. Medium. Leaders: George, Hazel, Ria.

We parked the cars just inside the entrance to “Moana” farm, walked through the dip past Lawsons’ homestead, up over the rise beyond it (where at its top we were to complete the circuit later on), to shelter from the brisk breeze for a tea-break in the tussock of the next dip. Then it was up over a next small steep rise to begin the long descent to the river.

As can be seen from the GPS tracking map, the Waikouaiti South Branch wound left and right as we made our way down its flats.

Finally, across a couple of wide clearings and through some bush and we were at the lodge for a late lunch. (It WAS a 9.30 a.m. start.)

Returning back upstream a bit, we faced the daunting (near-vertical for a start,) climb back up the ridge flanking the river’s true right.

Reaching the top, we turned right and followed that ridge along its undulations to reach the point that lead us back down past the homestead and its yards and up to the cars again. – Ian.

8. 10/6/2009. Trampers. Lawsons Farm. Modified clockwise walk from homestead along ridge. (Figure of eight intended originally.) Medium. Leader: George.

We met at the farm gate and welcomed back Hazel who was out walking for the first time since her ankle break up Careys Creek in March. A remarkable recovery.

George led the five of us down the farm ridge.

Eventually we reached the track leading across the gully up to the Mountain Track Road, (the old Coach Road).

At that point we decided to forego the (longer) original figure-of-eight plan in view of the committee meeting to be held later that day and made our leisurely way back up the Mountain Track Road to the farm house. – Ian.

7. 24/1/2007 Trampers. Lawsons Farm. From Homestead. Downstream Waikouaiti River South Branch, Lodge, Paper Road, return Farm. Leader: Ian.

Parked nr gate. Walked down past house and yards.  Climbed hill ahead and followed track down to River. Then along bank until eventually turning up to the Lodge for lunch. Back a little up the track and then a steep climb to old Paper road which followed to metalled road and back up to the cars. – Ian

6. 22/2/2006. Trampers. Lawsons Farm. Leaders: Arthur H, George, Dorothy S

5. 13/4/2005 Lawsons Farm, Waikouaiti River South Branch, Lodge. Paper Road return. Leader:  Ian

4. 3/12/2003. Trampers. Lawsons Farm, Waikouaiti River South Branch, Lodge Old Coach Road return Leaders: George, Dot B, Hazel

17. 9/8/2017. Hikers. Millennium Track. Leaders: Bob and Lesley.

20 Hikers set out on this bush walk along the Taieri River. The usual wet portions were muddy following all the rain. There were a few small slips onto the track and a few bites out of the lower side, but all negotiable. The track was carpeted with leaves and twigs. Morning tea was at the usual spot down beside the river…

…and lunch at John Bull Gully.

This track with many silver ferns and birds is a favourite for many members. We ALL adjourned to The Black Swan for refreshments. – Lesley.

16. 29/7/2015. Hikers. Millennium Track. Leaders: Helen, Bev.

Our day started with some rain so we had morning tea early at house at start.

15. 5/10/2014. Both. Millennium Track. Leaders: Les and Margaret.

14. 24/7/2013. Hikers. Millennium Track. Leaders: Les and Margaret.

13. 15/6/2011. Hikers. Millennium Track. Leaders: George, Dorothy

12. 18/8/2010. Both. Millennium Track. Medium- Leader: Lesley St.

Four Trampers unable to do their tramp came with Hikers but walked further to the seat. – Ian

11. 9/9/2009 Hikers. Millennium Track. Medium-. Leaders: Evelyn, Graham

10. 21/1/2009. Hikers. Millennium Track.  Easy+. Hikers Leaders: Les, Margaret, Bev

9. 2/4/2008 Leaders: P McLean, L Gowans

Being the first tramp of the month, trampers and hikers combined to walk a good old standby, the Millennium Track down the Taieri River from the old Wardells house. It was a substitute for Berwick Forest which is presently difficult to gain access to. Although only 16 turned out, with many trampers noticeably absent, it was still a good day out, starting cold but improving. In spite of being a frequently used tramp, it’s a lovely piece of bush to take your time in and enjoy and the bird life is a joy to hear. A feature of the walk for the trampers was that 11 walked on beyond John Bull Gully to sample the recently broadened track as far as the seat at the high point of the track. The gradient had been realigned with all steps eliminated, sometimes however making for steep slopes. With the pine plantation gone, we were surprised to see that bullibulli

has largely colonised the area. A delightful surprise on the return walk was a juvenile harrier hawk (?)

perched on a broken trunk which quite calmly allowed us to photo it. The 5 of us who chose to go just to the picnic spot by the river really had a very happy time, taking in the scenery, having our lunch and walking back to cars in a leisurely way. – Bev and Ian

15. Trampers. Hayward Point, Kaikai Beach, Whareakeake Road circuit. M. Leader: Janine.

On what looked like a lovely clear day, 15 trampers set off in from Mosgiel in 4 cars. Difficulties set in very early when 2 of the cars were delayed by a car accident on the motorway – 2 other cars were fortunate to be able to detour through Fairfield. Next difficulty was the further we drove, the thicker the sea mist became and on reaching the end of Heyward Point Road, after the 20 minute delay, visibility was extremely limited in the murky fog.

We set out through the mist and after a short walk stopped under some pine trees for a late morning tea

then pushed on to the coast edge above Aramoana- BUT still no view on offer!! Disappointing for those of us who knew what we should be seeing and unable to show those who hadn’t been to the location before just what a spectacular coastline we have!

With care we followed the cliff edge, passed through some pine trees, scrambled a short rocky hill to suddenly find the mist had lifted and we had a view. Along to Heyward Point we were able to see the Mole, Aramoana, 2 ships at sea, numerous seal and pups, and a multitude of seabirds.

Onward and we tackled a steep hill – up and down still skirting the cliff edge till dropping onto Kaikai beach area. Due to the late start and time limitations we didn’t venture to the sandy beach but cut accrss the paddock straight to the nearby cave/holiday home where groaning stomachs were replenished.

With the late lunch, we were all delighted with the original Maori fantail legend told to us in real ‘storyteller’ style by Bob.

All refueled, it was another steep climb to the historic ‘Jennings house’- after a quick viewing and discussion on the sturdy foundations of this old homestead – we continued on through paddocks meeting young curious cows and arriving back to the road above Whareakeake beach. The road walk to us back again through thickening mist to where the cars were left. Despite all that water vapour the walk wasn’t too ‘wet’ and the 9.75km ramble appeared to be enjoyed by all. Each car then made their own arrangements for coffee / home drop offs. – Janine.

14. 10/8/2016. Trampers. Hayward Point, Kaikai Beach, Whareakeake Road circuit. M. Leader: Arthur H.

We parked the cars at the end of Hayward Point Road and walked for ten minutes to find our morning tea spot.

The ground was still hard from the frost. The sky was cloudless with just a hint of a cold southerly breeze. We could not have had better weather for our tramp, even if we had been able to arrange it ourselves.

Another short walk took us to the start of the DOC track to Hayward Point itself. Great views up here, of the Otago Harbour entrance, the Aramoana Mole and across to Tiaroa Head.

A large ship was heading into the harbour. A very scenic spot indeed.

Following the cliff-top track, we came to the grassy headland block on which were grazing a mob of hoggets. We descended down to Heyward Point but could see only two seals (usually twenty or more can be seen) and two shags on the little off-shore islet.

Plenty of seagulls about though.

We admired the rusty old winch, which had been used to bring up the acetylene gas bottles to power the beacon in years past (solar power now), before continuing.

Uphill next to get above the very steep face, which has recently been fenced off and put into a Q.E.II Covenant Reserve.

Going down again was a bit tricky, and it was necessary to hold on tightly to the fence so as to remain upright for a distance in the wet muddy conditions. Once out onto the grass paddock the going was much easier, but it is a long way down.

The tide was halfway out as we walked along Kaikai beach. A very beautiful place away from civilisation. At the end of the beach we turned inland to admire the holiday cave dwelling.

From sea level it is all uphill back o the cars, so we ascended the first hill to lunch at the old house (the Jennings house).

Some stomachs were complaining by then, but morning tea had also been late.

A close inspection of the house followed. Apparently it had last been used during the second world war by the army for coast watching duty.

Up through the paddocks, onto the road, which we followed, returned us to the cars at 2.25 p.m. We had covered 11 kms.

The fine day, together with the great views, had combined to give the seven of us a very enjoyable tramp.

On the way home, a diversion had to be made to observe the weekly ritual at Careys Bay. – Arthur H.

No. 102 on old hardcopy list of 113 club tramps. “Friends Hill Chain Hills Year Round”

36. 2 Aug 2017  Both. Fairfield to Friends Hill. M.  Leaders: Keith and Shona.

It was drizzly and cold as we gathered at the Bush Rd car park.

After considerable discussion 20 people caught the bus …

… to Fairfield, where further discussion occurred before Keith led the group along and up Flower St to the morning tea stop in the trees.

We headed up the track to Chain Hills Road where we met Janine and her little dog Rocky.

By then the drizzle had eased and after the first downhill, …

… 8 went [yet further! – Ed] down with Janine to inspect the Wingatui tunnel …

… and the rest negotiated the muddy track, climbed the stile and moved into Janine’s home to eat lunch. (Thanks, Janine.)

As we left, the 8 appeared [back up! – Ed.] over the stile and we all meandered back to Mosgiel, 7 having coffee at Blackstone.The remainder had disappeared (?) home for coffee, showers or even lunch for some. – Keith and Shona.

35. 19 Jul 2017. Trampers. Chain Hills. Leader: M. Helen.

A nice tramp today. Starting from Gladstone Rd and walking up hill over the top of the motorway. Turned onto Chain Hill Road. Found a nice spot for our morning tea on the top of a hill overlooking Mosgiel.

The 12 of us then proceeded along the ups and downs along to the end. Turning left over the stile and the down through the paddocks to Friends Hill Rd. Down to the racecourse where we sat in luxury in the grandstand for our lunch.

Chen a leisurely walk along Gladstone Rd back to our cars. Coffee for 9 of us at Blackstone’s. Lovely day and a nice 12.2km tramp. – Helen.

34. 10/5/2017. Friends Hill, Chain Hills, Gladstone Road. M. Clive, Jay and Jan.

Autumn on the Taieri.   One of those Southern days of sunshine found an intrepid band of hikers (16) setting out from Wingatui racecourse to walk up Friends Hill and then across country to Chain Hills Road.   The going to start with was steep and a challenge for some,  but then it came to the stile to get onto the public pathway to Chain Hills Road; the step up to stile was about a meter and made for more limber people.   Well all rose to the challenge and made it over the stile to the sheep pens at the top of the hill where we rested for morning tea …

… and watched the fog in the valley roll away.    By now the temperature had risen to the promised 17 degrees and jumpers and fleecy jacket were shed to climb the next couple of hills to Chain Hills Road.   It was then we found that the first stile was just a taster for the next two stiles that were very high and over barbed wire.    Some gentleman from years past laid down his coat so that the ladies did not snare their stocking on the barbed wire. [’twas the reporter! – Ed.]    We gained Chain Hills Road by 11 o’clock so it was a nice walk along the ridge line to arrive above Mosgiel just before midday and a spot to sit and eat lunch.

A herd of friendly cows watched from across the road and then when they realized we were not there to feed them showed their opinion in that unique bovine manner – pats all round.

The walk off Chain hills had the leader focused on road safety and the safest way to negotiate Morris Road (a busy road), down to Quarry Road.   Then it was along the flat back to Wingatui to pick up the cars for afternoon tea and Blackstones cafe.   I think we got a suntan on the way! – Clive.

33. 18/5/2016. Flower Street, Friends Hill, Wingatui, Car Park. M. Leaders: Keith and Shona.

18 Went by bus from outside the Mosgiel Post Office, arriving Flower St, Fairfield about 9.30 a.m.

Wandered up to the top of Flower St to have morning tea in the gum trees, as there was still drizzly rain falling.

Rain eased and we progressed over the stile and up the grass track, exiting onto Chain Hills Rd. After turning right, followed it to the end. Negotiated the stile there safely and followed the fence line down, up, and around, …

… eventually exiting onto Friends Hill Rd.

Walked to Wingatui Race Couse for lunch, where there were toilets and dry seats in the grandstand for the rain had stopped. Made our way down Wingatui Rd, through track, across Haggart Alexander Drive, down Green st to end at Blackstone Cafe for a coffee. – Shona and Keith.

32. 11/6/2014. Chain Hills, Flower Street. M. Leaders: Pam, Dawn.

Pam and Dawn led us, thirty strong this trip, on a route largely familiar to most, but a little less so to this reporter. We took the SH1 overpass, stretched out indian-file, making quite a picture no doubt to motorists passing underneath, to judge by the horn toots we got.

Down Morris Road to turn sharply up Chain Hills Road.

We ‘morning-teaed’ at the red spot on the map between kilometer marks two and three on the GPS map.

A little further on as we took the Chain Hills Road right fork taking us down to Fairfield. The top of Flower Street lay through private land, guarded by locked gates provided with not-very-accommodating styles.

Further down again (or was it higher up?) we came across this mock farmyard, complete with tractor, water wheel, cow, et al.

Down in the paved part of Flower Street we were taken with a letter box making industry operating out of a private property.

Then it was into Kennedy Road, out through a walkway to emerge on the Main Road and on to lunch at a park abutting Fairplay Street.

From there it was further up the Main Road, then to be pleasantly surprised by the leaders taking us not via the customary Morris Road but by Saddleview Terrace and through the SH1 underpass and up, very steeply up, Saddle Hill Road to Coalstage Road. A short distance along and we stopped to admire Janice’s house and to farewell her down the driveway. Then it was just on down back to the cars.

A good day out, despite an icy edge to the light wind at times. Thank you, leaders. – Ian.

31. 12/3/2014. Hikers. Friends Hill. Leaders: Fred, Elaine.

We parked our cars  up Quarry Rd to the right of the overbridge on the north side of the
Saddle Hill.
25 fit and healthy Hikers started up over the bridge and up Chains Hill Rd.
We were met early on by a very fit brown lab dog who followed us all the way …

… to the morning tea stop.

It sat down and waited while we ate and sipped our tea and water.

Continuing on, we arrived at the Chain Hills Rd end. I thought the dog would have gone home. The DOG sat down and waited till we all leaped over the stile (some climbed carefully).
The DOG then left and went home.
Lunch was at a cosy spot …

… out of the wind.
Fred gave out chocs.
The ground was even and not at all muddy. The views are worth stopping for to catch a breath.
When we reached Gladstone Rd North, we walked to the Wingatui Hall where we had cunningly had a car parked for those who needed a lift back  to the cars up saddle hill. Several Hikers took up the offer and Fred transported them up to their cars. We continued down Gladstone Rd North to the z station, then up quarry rd back to the cars.
Several hikers took up the offer of going for coffee to Wals at the end of the day. (Can’t guess who. – Ed)
A very hot day enjoyed by all. – Elaine.

Our leaders had to change our end of year location. Berwick Camp had been already booked. Where to plan the tramp? A brilliant choice. From the Hall, up Friends Hill to the stile and across the poled route to the Chain Hills road end for morning tea. It was the first time this reporter remembers doing the route UP from ‘Friends’ to “Chain’. He discovered how much easier it is doing the reverse route DOWN. The trampers among us were not disappointed either. Bravo, leaders. Our shared lunch was  another successful end-of-year treat. Thanks to Bruce for leading us in a sing-a-long. Happy holidays. – Ian.

29. 28/3/2012. Hikers. Chain Hills. Leader: Graham.

28. 23/11/2011. Hikers. Fairfield circuit, Fairfield. Leaders: Graham, Wendy.

26. 26/1/2011. Hikers. Chain Hills Road, Flower Street, Fairfield. Easy+. Leaders: Frank and Lesley.

Some 18 of us (the number varied a little at points in the walk) set out from the bridge carpark on Saddle Hill on a fine and calm morning, continued up Chain Hills Road with morning tea at the “potato planter” (pictured),

across a small piece of farmland by the reservoir (where there was the possibility of a confrontation with a cattle beast

– but avoided because of the amiable nature of all on two or four feet ) and so onto Flower St, Fairfield, and past several novel garden ornaments, one of which is pictured.

Lunch stop was at the park with shelter from the hall wall against the strengthening wind, and chocolates from Fred, and the last part of the round-trip was up the old main road (Morris Rd) in gathering drizzle. A frequent topic of conversation was the ailments (and recovery) of various people present or absent, and the name of Don who used to come out with us but whom we haven’t seen for some time and whose name eluded several. [Donny Hunter? – Ed] ( I am reliably informed that there are no longer “senior moments”, but rather “intellectual pauses”.) Two new faces, Jim and Betty, came to ‘try us out’. Thanks to Frank and Leslie for leadership. – Bob M

25. 9/6/2010 Hikers. Chain Hills Road, Flower Street, Fairfield. Easy+. Leaders: Frank and Lesley.

24. 22/4/2009 Hikers. Chain Hills Road, Flower Street, Fairfield. Easy+. Leaders: Frank and Lesley.

23. 28/5/2008. Hikers. Overbridge, Chain Hills, Fairfield. Easy. Leaders: Frank and Lesley

22. 23/1/2008. Hikers. Chain Hills to Fairfield. Easy. Leaders: Frank and Lesley.

21. 27/9/2006. Hikers. Chain Hills, Fairfield. Easy. Leaders: Eleanor W, Dot T.

20. 17/8/2005. Hikers. Overbridge, Chain Hills, Fairfield. Leaders: Margaret S, Carmel.

19. 28/7/2004 Fairfield Tavern, Chain Hills, Fairfield. From over-bridge. Leaders: Les W, Ray, Mary M.

18. 16/7/2003. Hikers. Overhead Bridge, Flower Street, Fairfield. Easy. Leaders: Lance and Lois.

17. 19/2/2003. Chain Hills Circuit from Fairfield Tavern. Medium. Trampers. Leaders: Donny, Graham.

16. 19/6/2002 Alt. Winter walk from Fairfield Tavern. road walk. Leaders: Joyce S, Eleanor

15. 29/5/2002. Chain Hills Circuit from Fairfield Tavern. Medium. Leaders: Donny, Wendy, Graham.

14. 23/5/2001 Friends Hill. Leaders: Bev McI, Mary M, Val

13. 26/7/2000. Fairfield via Flower Street from carpark. Leaders: Lesley and Frank, Margaret D.

12. 24/5/2000 Fairfield Tavern, Chain Hill Circuit. Leaders: Ronny, Irene, Hazel

11. 17/5/2000. Chain Hills – Circuit. From Fairfield Tavern. Leaders: Donny, Irene, Hazel

10. 10/6/1998. Wingatui, Friends Hill, Chain Hills. Leaders: Peg C, Molly.

9. 1/3/1998 Friends Hill, Chain Hills. Leaders: Margaret D, Lance, Lois

8. 25/6/1997. Maurice Road, Fairfield, Chain Hills. Leaders: Betty B, Judith D, Mary Y.

7. 20/11/1996. Friends Hill and beyond. Meet at Wingatui Hall. Leaders: Mary Y, Betty B, Judith D.

6. 1/11/1996 Friends Hill, Chain Hills. Leaders: Mary Y, Betty B

5. 19/6/1996. Chain Hills – Fairfield Tavern for lunch – Return Main Road. No fare. (Alternative to Pole Line) Leaders: Daphne, Evelyn M, Colleen.

4. 16/8/1995. Saddle Hill, Old Brighton Road, Taieri Lookout, Chain Hills, Fairfield. Medium. Leaders: Bob Q, Dot and Nelson, Molly.

2. 6/5/1992. Walk from Glasgow Street car park, Saddle Hill, Chain Hills, Wingatui. Easy. Leaders: Jack M, W Bathgate,

1. 9/8/1989. Wingatui Racecourse. Over the Hill. Easy+ Leaders: Betty, Molly, Ria.

9. 2017 Jul 26. Trampers.  Showgrounds, Taioma Rd, Taieri flood views. Leader: Eleanore.

Walked all but 17km and averaged 4.8km an hour.
We drove and parked at the Showgrounds.  Ten of us were eager to get out for a walk without rain.  We headed up Taioma road and had smoko at the bottom of the hill.  Then a steady uphill climb took us to the Taieri View sign, a few stops along the way were had to look at the flooding of the lower Taieri (which occurred after heavy rain on Friday and Saturday). Also, picking out landmarks and where some of us live on the Taieri.

We turned left at the Taieri View sign, then veered left again onto a Forestry road that took us to where trees had recently been milled. Looking across farmland, down to the Taieri river, cleared forest and 4 goats grazing in the distance we enjoyed the vista while eating lunch.

After lunch we walked back to the junction and decided to carry  on down the road that we veered off, where we were looking further down the Taieri towards Henley at the floods.

Once we headed for home, it was down hill all the way to the cars.  We parked  back at the car park and strolled round to Blackstone where we enjoyed coffee and cake.
The weather was calm and mild, which made our outing most enjoyable. – Eleanore.

8. 2015 Aug 26. Hikers. North Taieri Church, Salisbury and Taieri Lookout. Leaders: Pam, Dawn.

Where to start with all the happenings in this report? Well, first, when the cars arrived at North Taieri Church some of the Brighton people failed to turn up. It transpired, as was later report, their car load turned back to just walk around Mosgiel on seeing the “Road Closed” Taioma Road notice. Twenty of us set of along and up…

…the Salisbury farm paddocks to emerge onto Taioma Road just above the zig-zag and stop for morning tea on the road edge,

nicely sheltered from the cold southerly.

Incident two. After we had trudged up the road to the Taieri View side road, we looked back to see a small group stopped back down the road. The leaders went back down to find that Peter B. was experiencing one of his very occasional breathless spells (his last one, this report recalls, was on Traquair, but that time he recovered to continue afresh again.) Cell phone arrangements were made for a one of the leaders’ spouse to drive up and take Wendy and Peter back down. This was satisfactorily achieved.

Incident three. John had driven up to meet us at the side road turn-off. But under the unwise earlier advice of this reporter, had parked just beyond the turn-off at the edge of a logginh-truck lay-by  area, but had been reprehended by a logging driver for possibly impeding their movements, so got his car neatly parked in the side road.

Incident four. Keith espied a cast sheep in the paddock over the road. Mastered the barbwire fence and righted the sheep which staggered, trotted, ran off. Bravo.

On up the road, into the forestry road

and down,

steadily down

to the river look-out rock. The bold (reckless?) stepped out onto the large rock to admire the view, the timid (prudent?) stopped well back from the intimidating drop.

Lunch,

snugly tucked in among grass and gorse against the wind. The leaders shortened the lunch-stop for fear of approaching rain but it failed to eventuate. In fact, sunshine and the climb back out proved a even a bit over-warming.

Incident five. Back at Taioma Road, Mollie and George graciously accepted the invitation of a ride back in John’s car.

Incident six.. Trudging back down the Salisbury paddocks, someone remarked that Dot (of the returning car, alas) had intended sharing her big-birthday chocs with us. Sigh.

Next a stop at Mr McElwee’s beautifully restored cottage, an eye-opener for some of our newer members. Then out to the cars where we were found a cheerful Peter waiting to greet us, none the worse for his setback earlier. Relief all round! Then off to Topiary for some for their accustomed coffee fix.

A great day out, with Salisbury’s steep paddocks testing breathing on the way up and knees on the way down. A day full of interesting incidents. A tramp very well led by Pam and Dawn. A good day. – Ian.

7. 2013 Apr 3. Both. North Taieri Church, Salisbury and Taieri Lookout. Leaders: Fred, Ian.

 We started out from beside the North Taieri Church, numbering 20. We admired some black sheep along the way. Mollie pointed out that the hill ahead was Vaughan Hill, once owned by her late husband’s parents. We admired the restored stone cottage, of course. Mr McElwee had determined on everything being authentic to its old age, including …… donated from the Vaughan farm. We then set about climbing the hill ahead, this time via  a gentler track (only slightly) from around its back. At a water trough, well up the hill, we stopped for morning tea and to admire the view, and to increase our number by Lex arriving down from his car parked in Taioma Road. Light rain came on, and so did our parkas. By the time we arrived at the “No Exit” entrance to Taieri View Road we found our numbers had dropped to sixteen, five opting to seek car and home rather than carry on in the rain. On taking the forestry road turn-off, some found water off the wet grass soon got into  wet boots making for a gentle sloshing sound as they moved. But we carried on to successfully reach the Taieri River lookout, and return up that steep part o the track at its end to lunch under the shelter?? of some forestry pines. It was at this point that we had reached the dispiriting point for many. We found we had only  exchanged the fine rain outside for large forestry drops that soon soaked any part of us that was not already wet. And here any respect for the leadership vanished. It wasn’t too long before the leaders discovered numbers had now dropped to four, the rest having returned up the track to shorten what had turned into a miserable experience as quickly as possible. The leaders caught up briefly at Taioma Road, only to see the majority head off down to make a road-walk, regardless of traffic,  back to the cars. This left the leaders now with a group of only six, who returned back down through the Salisbury farm the way we had ascended, for a grand meet-up with those under their care back at the cars. So all’s well that ends well, perhaps. – Ian.

Relying on Ria’s memory to guide us, 7 of us did the more extensive Salisbury walk,
which took us climbing, climbing to join the Taioma road at the very top.

Then we had to make our way back around Taioma road to get back down to Taieri View Road. We tried to avoid the road, busy with fast, heavy rumbling logging trucks, but paddocks proved eventually too boggy.

Shortly into Taieri View Road, we stopped for a late lunch. At this point George didn’t want to go any further, so he and his car-load took the short way back to his car. The remaining trampers made their way on down the forestry track turn-off from Taieri View Road to the Lookout. The track was much more overgrown and forestry-shaded than when the writer remembered it. However this gave us good shelter from the blustery cold wind that made itself felt when we emerged out onto the Lookout.

 

We were lucky with the weather, which held off till we reached the car. A good tramp for a cold-weather day. The tramp also had a sentimental side, as it was the last day Linzi was to be with us, before departing back home to Cornwall three days later, after tramping with us for a whole year. Farewell, Linzi. – Ian.

5. 2009 Apr 8. Hikers. Taieri View, Mount Allan Road. Medium. Leaders: Chris, Dot B.

Distance from car-park to Waitati: 34 km.

Distance from car-park to Doctors Point: 38 km.

19. 2017 Jul 26. Hikers. Doctors Point, Canoe Beach, Urupa. E. Leaders: Peter and Wendy.

18. 2017 Jun 21. Hikers. Orokonui Estuary & Opeke Tracks. E. Leaders: Lesley and Bev.

On a cold, frosty but rather dank morning 27 keen hikers parked their cars at the parking/picnic area on Orokonui Rd., where the Estuary track starts. From there we walked the short distance back. to the Waitati Cemetery where we had morning tea.

17. 2016 Aug 31. E. Hikers. Orokonui Inlet Track via Orokonui Ecosanctuary exclosure fence lower gate. E. Leaders: Leslie and Bev.

16. 2015 Jul 22. Hikers. Opeke and Orokonui Inlet track and back blocks of Waitati. E. Leaders: Lesley and Bev.

What to start off with? Well, two things, actually. We are suffering a barrage of birthdays presently. Adrienne had a big one last Wednesday, Dorothy anticipates a bigger one next week and Ian a small one a few days ago. And the other? Maybe a record? A full twenty of the twenty-four hikers of the day socialised for coffee later. A beautiful Birthday Card, crafted by Pam and signed by all present, was presented to Dorothy, who responded with a most pretty speech.

Tramp matters. The day was calm and got really warm.

Many who hadn’t been on the last visit to Opeke were struck with the embellishments added to the trackside. The CAR, and small limestone carvings to mention only two. We had parked at the bridge and road-walked between Opeke and the Orokonui Inlet Track.

The track crowns the inlet’s head and finishes off along the Orokonui Road. We took the foot bridge across the Waitati Stream to skirt a back-blocks or two …

… before emerging onto the Doctors Point road and returning to the cars. Lesley and Bev had picked on doing this trek again, foregoing the earlier swap plan of exploring the Old Waitati Road area due to his colder shadiness under the hill. So thanks to Bev and Lesley for opening this newer area to even more Hikers. – Ian.

*** THE POEM ***

14. 2015 Jan 21. Hikers. Doctors Point. Mapoutahi Pa, Forestry and Urupu, return. E. Leaders: Jim and Betty.

Jim and Betty, who had been allocated leadership the last three visits to Doctor’s Point, gave the trip an original twist, – by dint of three recces to get matters precisely aligned to the tide. They led 29 of us to the Mapoutahi Pa site for the tea break.

Via the beach beyond the peninsula we turned off into the FWD through the sandhills, past the cliffs and on to the beginnings of the road proper, at the corner of the forestry. Here Jim opened the gate and led us past the following sign.

Another FWD track led us a considerable distance through the forest to terminate at a historic Maori graveyard.

Betty and Jim then led us on through the forest by a route that they had previously explored and marked (well done!) to take us out to the inlet’s entrance, where there was quite a cold wind persuading several to don more protective garments.

Only a little way down towards the beach Jim let us into a well-sheltered spot amongst Marram Grass for lunch, where a warm sun persuaded garment-offing again.

The return walk along the beach took us over the neck of Mapoutahi Pa peninsula to happily reveal that there was still a stretch of navigable beach at the bottle-neck by the rockfall not yet swallowed up by the incoming tide.

A walk back to the cars ended a most satisfying day, with all of us congratulating and thanking Jim and Betty for the quality time they invested into their recce. Thanks to them here, too. – Ian.

13. 2014 Mar 19. Hikers/ Waitati, Opeke Walk, Doctors Point, Mapoutahi Pa, return. Leaders: Arthur and Barbara.

This must be our most popular tramp, as we schedule it about twice a year. This time Arthur and Barbara gave us the full Waitati to Mapoutahi Pa road and beach walk, with Opeke for morning tea in between. The very low tide gave us the largest beach expanse this reporter has ever seen. The sea mist spoilt views but cleared just enough for us to glimpse the rail tunnel from the peninsula. The near record of 30 of us included three new members and one visitor. Thank you Barbara and Arthur for your good careful leadership. – Ian.

12. 2013 Oct 9. Hikers. Waitati, Opeke Walk, Doctors Point, Purakaunui inlet, Mapoutahi Peninsula. Leaders: Jim and Betty.

We parked the cars first at Michies Crossing, and walked across the line Continue Reading »

6. 19/7/2017. Hikers. Boat Harbour to St Leonards ret. Leaders: Bev and Judy.

21 hikers parked at the Otago yacht Club and walked the cycle/walkway to St Leonards and back, a total of 11 ks.

21 hikers parked at the Otago yacht Club and walked the cycle/walkway to St Leonards and back, a total of 11 ks – not bad for a mid-winter day with planned hikes cancelled due to illness of leaders.  Morning tea was had on the yacht club verandah as it was still a bit chilly.  With a cold breeze in our faces we stepped it out briskly …

… to St Leonards where lunch was eaten with a bit of sunshine to help.  The return trip saw us well spread out with unfit ones like myself dragging the chain a bit at the back of the pack.  We were reunited at the University coffee shop where a pleasant social hour was spent. – Judy.

5. 13/1/2016 Hikers. Ravensbourne – Burks – St Leonards. Leaders: Judy and Adrienne, Helen.

We parked cars down below the Ravensbourne Hotel and took the walkway to Burkes where we morning-tead.

We took the old road to St Leonards reflecting on its probably origin as just a track through the bush following the easiest gradient. We turned up Kiwi Street, along Kaka Street, admiring well-kept properties there, down Pukeko  and along past St Leonards Hall and the school. Up Ruru to view the mock Tudor House.

Down again  to front past the University Lodge  Gates, and next it, St Leonards Lodge. Then along to St Leonards Park for lunch.

Returning back to the cars we were relieved the cold southerly had abated somewhat. Thanks to Judy, Adrienne and Helen for excellent leadership. – Ian.

4. 29/10/2014 Hikers. Ravensbourne Walkway. E. Leaders: Peter and Wendy.

On the 29th October a very good group of hikers started off from the boat club on from the stadium. The day was cool to start with then got warm and sunny.

What a pleasure it is to walk on this wonderful walkway. There was so much going on in the harbour and train tracks. A very large goods train sped past us

and a not very tidy rail car …

… I thought was up and down the track a few times.

The $12million Otago tug

chuffed along the channel following [Tug illustration chosen shows the tug going the other way earlier. Sorry. Ed.] a cargo ship …

… going to the Dunedin wharf.
Lunch stop was very sheltered, with plenty to watch on the walkway – runners … cyclists … mums with prams …
Two of our group caught the eye of another group and had their photo taken which was published in the Star local paper on Thursday 30th.
I was very taken with a stone sofa on the side of the walkway.

Who made it and how long has it been there?
All up we walked over 10km Lets hope this walkway does find its way to Port Chalmers in the future.
We spoke to a young girl on the track from Uni. She was part of a group of students from the Mining dept. She was amazed when Mollie told her how old she was. Then Doug came striding along and I said he was the same age. She was very impressed with us.
We had a coffee at the Plaza which is the cafe at the stadium in the uni part.

Have a good week everyone. – Elaine.

3. 27/3/2013 Hikers. Pedestrian-Cycle Track Rowing Club to St Leonards. E. Leaders: Arthur and Barbara.

2. 9/3/2011. Hikers Pedestrian/Cycle track North End Rowing Club to Maia E. Leaders: Arthur and Barbara.

From there we proceeded to Maia crossing the railway line at Hume Pipeworks, opposite the Ravensbourne Hotel, which looked closed for the winter.

There are extensive notices in yellow & red advising one NOT to cross the railway line but in this case we had no alternative as the walkway from the Ravensbourne yacht club proceeded on the left-hand side of the yacht club on the site of the second railway line which has since been removed.

Upon leaving Maia we proceeded up Ascog Road & along Totara St and down Adderley Terrace to the Ravensbourne Hotel, across the road to the overbridge at the Ravensbourne Yacht club and back to the cars.

The walk took approx 1 1/2 hours and because of the cool temperatures and accompanying wind chill factor it was decided to go home for lunch.

An enjoyable walk taking 3 hours (includes an hour travelling time) – Angela.

29 km from car park.

3. 5/7/2017. All. Mid-winter Dinner. Leader: Alex.

52 happy trampers ex-trampers and several partners gathered for a mid-winter lunch and a great deal of catch-up chatter at the Waihola Tavern.

After the previous day’s terrible weather, we didn’t give much for our chances of a walk before lunch, but in the end 25 turned up at the car park on a sunny, mild (for the time of the year) morning.  After morning tea in the sun down by the lake, …

… we wandered back to the cars and left packs there, to enjoy the rare opportunity of a tramp with nothing to carry.   (Some diehards couldn’t bear to leave them behind.)

Across the main road we traipsed, our happy band getting some odd stares from passing motorists, then on up North Foreland St, into Goodwin St, Finlayson Rd and a steep wee grunt up Ramsgate St.  From there a turn into Beacon St took us to the Waihola cemetery, situated like so many in a spot with great views of the Lake and surrounding countryside.

Along Beacon Street with plenty to see  – new and old homes, some with welcoming or not so welcoming dogs, old photogenic sheds, …

… and old machinery, all providing plenty of excuses to linger and chat.  Then down Lakeview St, aptly named, and into Kilgour St, Greenhithe St, and so back to the cars, a really pleasant stroll in the sunshine.  Thanks Alec and Shona, leaders for the day.
Our 25 had more than doubled to 52 by the time we sat down to eat. Great food, great service, …

… great company, and some terrible verse from Judy. [They were brilliant. – Ed.]

Happy 80^th birthday to Margaret, and thanks to Fred and to Eric for the chocs. – Judy.

2. 15/5/2013. Hikers. Waihola Walk. Leaders: Dorothy and Chris.

We parked the cars in Waihola Place by the lake. We walked
back the way we had come in and  crossed SH1 onto North Foreland St. We continued on into Goodwin St which led us onto the Taieri Mouth/Finlayson Road itself. It was then a gentle rise, passing the Wenita Wilkinson Forestry Rd turn-off on our right, to reach the lovely picnic area a bit further on on our left, for morning tea on nicely grouped sets of seating. Here the committee held a stump meeting to put new member Carol onto the membership list and for President Bev to announce that Ken, after careful thought, had withdrawn his name for next President.

Then it was back down Finlayson, and a sharp right to climb a steep Ramsgate St hill to the cemetery. Here we saw many local family names, with the Bungard family head stones prominent. This was a leisurely stop, before Ramsgate St led us along past the tops of Nore and Chatham streets to turn left into Lake View St where we stopped for lunch. After lunch, and a short way down we turned right into Ross St, left into George St and left again into Kilgour St which took us back along the village slope crossing first Sandhead, then Chatham and Nore Streets again, this time  further down. A right turn down Margate St took us back to SH1, along it to Waihola Place, and back to the cars.

We numbered only 21 this time. Perhaps this helped us be a more orderly, and much less strung out group than last week. (Well, there were fewer steep hills than Port Chalmers presented, and that no doubt helped too.)  Bravo. The day was fine and windless. Views across the village were good. Thanks to Chris and Dorothy for a well-planned walk. – Ian

1. 28/7/2010. Hikers. Waihola Walk. Back streets of Waihola. E. Leaders: Dorothy, Chris, Margaret

Here are some photos from our very cold Waihola walk on Wednesday.
It was “feed an animal day”. We found lots to feed. – Elaine

15 km from car-park.

5. 28/6/2017. Trampers. Kaikorai Estuary to Brighton. E. Leader: Jill.

On a frosty morning 10 trampers ventured south into the sand dunes at Ocean View Domain. Initially we crunched on frozen sand which was a contrast to last weeks creek crossings, rope climbs and the mud. It really was a pristine day the sea gently rolling in with a spray along the tops , sun out in its full glory and a clear horizon and no mid winter dippers !!

We followed the Ocean View coastal walkway

towards  Brighton. This is a purpose built track, fenced with access points to the beach to help protect the fore dunes. The back dune area has also has been replanted and is an ongoing project along with weed gorse and broom eradication.  The track meanders round a little creek back to the main road just below Big Rock. We climbed Big rock and had wonderful clear views both north up the coast

and south over Brighton and beyond. That was our hill climb for the day.

Our return was along the beach to the Kaikorai stream estuary where we had lunch along with the seagulls.

Our trip back was over the mud flats into the dunes again along a tussock covered track. We were accompanied by a local farm dog who wasnt really willing to go with his owner who was out training his horses on the beach. We eventually came out on the beach again and back to the cars  the time only being 1 pm. Back on the road towards Westward I had spotted a sign to a B n B and Gallery so all were keen to venture up the gravel road to a hidden gem where we meet the artist Karen Baddock who proudly showed us into her studio  and explained the history of some of her pieces . As I had read the birds look as tho they are ready to fly off the canvas. Her address karen.baddock@fine-art.co.nz. It’s well worth a visit .We walked 10.2 kms and had our art fix as well . An enjoyable day . – Jill

4. 14/6/2017. Hikers. Brighton walk. Leader: Alex and Liz.

Eight hardy hikers enjoyed a walk along sand dunes at Ocean View with morning tea stop at playground.

Off to Brighton on a street walk with many points of interest given.

Back to Ocean View…

…for a one and half hour lunch stop with many topics discussed at the invitation of Marjorie and Bruce Spittle.  The weather was up and down but an enjoyable day had by all and off to Agnes’ coffee shop for refreshments and more wisdom. Great company.  – Liz and Alex.

3. 8/8/2012. Hikers. Brighton Walk. Leaders: George and Chris.

George first took 22 of us along a short beach walk and up to his property for morning tea. A light drizzle had set in, but not too discouraging. Thank you George for providing so many chairs.

Chris then took over and led us around a number of Brighton’s back streets overlooking the Otokia Creek. (I like ‘Stream’ better, but Creek it is.) Non-Brightonians were surprised by the extent of the township’s suburb.

 However the light rain wasn’t letting up, so at 11.00 a.m. we adjourned prematurely to the Brighton Rugby Football Club Hall (sic) on the Brighton Recreational Reserve (sic) (you can see I have googled all the correct local nomenclature).

With an hour’s wait till lunch time, Bruce, however, had happily brought along his guitar and songbooks, led us in some merry singing. In seemingly no time at all, we arrived at meal-time. President Bev presented an excellent official welcome and we enjoyed a pleasant sociable hour or so over a generous and varied selection of food. Thus came to its close another successful year. – Ian.

1. 13/12/2006. All. Brighton Domain. End of Year Tramp – Xmas finger food lunch. Easy. Leaders: George, Chris.

19 km from car park.

6. 28/6/2017. Hikers. Leith walk Mouth to Woodhaugh. E. Leaders: Jan Y and Jan B.

5. 25/6/2008. Hikers. Woodhaugh – Botanic Gardens. Easy. Leaders: Marjorie, Carmel.

4. 17/7/2002. Alt. Bullock Track – Woodhaugh Gardens. Leaders:Denise, Shirley R, Bev McI

3. 12/9/2001. Alt. Bullock Track, Woodhaugh Gardens. Leaders: Arthur & Barbara L, Winifred

2. 27/10/1999. Woodhaugh, Leith Valley. Leaders: Mary Y, Denise, Betty.

1. 15/5/1996. Woodhaugh, Leith Valley. (Alternative to Quoin Point.) Average. Leaders: Daphne, Mary Y

No. 68 on old hardcopy list of 113 club tramps. “Leishmans Falls – (J Roy) Summer”

12. Trampers. Chalkies Circuit. Leader: Arthur.

A good frost began the day, which was also the shortest day of the year.

13 Trampers turned up at the car park, from where we travelled in 4 cars up “Silver-Stream Valley” road to park near the beginning of what used to be called “Leishmans Track”. DoC have renamed it as “Chalkies Circuit Track”, with no mention of “Leishmans” any more.

The track was very wet and muddy to begin with, drops of water were falling from the tree canopy – presumably from the thawing frost.

We soon came to the old pump house…

…and weir of the long dis-used water supply going to Mosgiel from Leishmans Creek.

We had to cross the creek several times, and also negotiate some steep slippery steps, eventually coming to “The Rope“. The rope was essential as the track going steeply up here was very wet, muddy and slippery.

All of the group made it up safely, and I was assured that it had been fun, (no, I’m not joking). We continued on for another 10 minutes or so, until above the steepest part, before stopping for morning tea.

The track was drier, mostly, now as we proceeded uphill, ever uphill.

Speaking of the track, the whole circuit had been attended to very recently by The Green Hut Track Clearing Group, who had made an excellent job. Thanks, chaps, well done.

We made it out onto the summit of Powder Hill (altitude 525 metres) in time to have our lunch at the “trig”.

Good views in many directions; to Saddle Hill; some snow on the Rock and Pillar. Pulpit Rock was quite prominent too. A smoke haze covered the whole of the Taieri Plain indicating an “inversion”, it being very thick over Mosgiel.

We continued our tramp, downhill now, stopping to inspect the limestone outcrops of “The Chalkies”, for a few minutes.

Further down we were lucky enough to see a pair of South Island Robins. They were aware of our group (quietly) watching them feeding on the forest floor only 2 or 3 metres away, but weren’t bothered by us.

Out of the bush, and down the private road, after a time we came to the ford by the pumphouse. From there it was down the still frozen road to the cars, having covered 8 km doing the circuit.

Back to Mosgiel, the smoke haze was extremely bad as we drove down Factory Road and Bush Road on our way to “Wals“.

It had been a very happy group out today, and all had obviously enjoyed the day’s exercise. It was also pleasing to see the numbers of our group growing.

Thanks to all. – Art.

Todays tramp was different to what was in the program due to a problem getting permission for the farm walk we were supposed to do.
So we set off for Leishmans track in the Silverstream valley, which not many of the 7 trampers on the day had done before. This turned out to be quite a grunty climb to get up on the top of the ridge, & it was slow going with very slippery conditions underfoot. One member only got about 2 hundred meters into the track when he sat down in the first creek crossing, not a good start to the day !!! It was just past here that the track got steep as it wound it’s way up the hillside. After a few rest stops we eventually made it up into the flax & tussock area at the ridge top, & we made a short detour to see where the trig at the top of Chalkies track was, just to get our bearings. Then it was off along the 4WD track to try & find how to get onto Long Ridge.
We failed in this, so turned around & walked back down the road past the turn off to Leishmans, & away down heading in what seemed the direction of the Taieri. We eventually came across a track junction that I recognised from a few years back when a friend & I were in that area looking for deer.
After a short stop here we again turned around, & went back to the entrance of the Leishmans track, along here till the turn off to the trig at the top of Chalkies, & down here to the lookout area where we had quite a long break.

Then it was down Chalkies, being careful to not slip on the slippery surface, & back out to the cars via the Scout camp grounds. – Ken

We started off to go up Leishmans, & down Chalkies tracks, however, when we got to the Silverstream Rd, there was a ROAD CLOSED sign up, not a good start !!

We drove up to the start of Leishmans where there was a track closed sign up saying ‘Closed for Maintenance’ — so what to do?? We walked up the track to see what was happening, & soon came across the problem, it was a real mess with trees down across it & virtually impassable, so we retraced our steps back to the road.

Here we decided to go & have a look at Chalkies track, so we drove up the road to the car park at the pump house, where we could hear logging operations going on in the Chalkies area. We decided to go & have a look anyway, so as the stream was running a bit high we went the long way around, & came back down the road to get to the bottom of the Chalkies road, which was a quagmire for it’s full length due to the forestry operations. All of the forest on the LH side going up is gone, & the track up to where you turn off onto the bush track has been dozed, & is very muddy & rough.

It was a pleasure to get onto the bush track, but it doesn’t get any less steep as time goes on !!
As we had taken loppers with us, we did some track clearing on the way up, which helped to fill in the day. At the junction to the Chalkies ledge, we dumped our packs, & worked our way to the top where the spear grass started to appear, & we could see the trig on Powder Hill about 3 – 4 hundred meters away.

It was now well after 12pm, so we went back to the ledge & had a leisurely lunch break, …

… after which we walked & slid our way out to the cars, this time crossing the stream to wash some of the mud off our boots, with some getting wet feet for their trouble. – Ken.

Seven of us did the shorter 7 km tramp up Leishmans, down Chalkies. We entered in past the weir and old Mosgiel water supply holding tank and negotiated our way to the small bluff at the foot of the ridge. We were surprised to find a sturdy new rope. So, ‘plus ca change plus c’est la meme chose’.  First the old rope. Then the ropeless period after its removal. Now a new one. Well, bravo, anyway. Safe and reassuring.

Continue Reading »

No. 82 on old hardcopy list of 113 club tramps. “Old Stone Barn Clarendon Farm”

38 km from car park

14/6/2017. Clarendon, Cemetery,Sinclair Wetlands, Berwick Camp. Leader: Eleanore.

Today 7 hardy (maybe silly) trampers drove to Phosphate corner at Clarendon, then along Berwick road, parked up and walked up the hill to the Cemetery (my Great Great and Great Grandparents,  some Siblings and Children from Sinclair family are buried there.
We then drove further along Berwick road, parked and proceeded up the track to the hay barn for smoko.

We all decided it would be no fun climbing round and up Mary Hill with frequent showers and a bitterly cold wind.
On the way back we briefly stopped at Sinclair Wetlands then drove into Berwick Camp, a year 8 class was there on camp, talked with the Activity Coordinator and strolled up to the dam.

It was plain to see what fun the young students were having, particularly when having a turn driving round with a leader in an old converted type of Land Rover in the mud.
So after all this strenuous activity we journeyed on to eat lunch (and cake) at a little hilltop cafe in Clyde street. – Eleanore.

24/4/2013. Hikers – and a few trampers. Limesprings Farm, McNeil Rd, Whale Museum, and return back through Farm by a different route. Leaders: Jim and Betty.

The overcast day succeeded a wet 24 hours, and several trampers joined us after cancelling their bush walk up Raingauge Spur for safety’s sake. We parked the cars halfway along Driver Road and walked on to enter Limespring Farm. Continue Reading »

7/6/2017. All. Bus Trip. Trotters Gorge. Leaders; Keith, Dave and Arthur.

It was cold waiting for the bus to arrive at the car park, which it did at 8.30 a.m. It only took a few minutes for all to embark, with their accoutrements, and we were away. The Brighton group meet the bus at Green Island, to bring the total for our day out to 41, which included 2 guests/potential members.

The sun was shining in the driver’s eyes as he gave us a smooth ride up S.H.1 before turning off. The bus stopped a short distance before the Trotters Gorge picnic ground, at the beginning of a forestry road, where the Hikers and Trampers would begin their combined tramp. The Ramblers stayed with the bus. It was just after 10 a.m.

The combined group walked a couple of hundred yards to have a brief morning tea in the sunshine. The day was sunny and cool after the morning frost, but later the cloud built up to overcast. It was ideal conditions for the tramp, which followed a main forestry road. These were pine trees, which had been planted after the area had been harvested just a few years ago. The young trees did not obscure our views of the surrounding terrain, which was good.

We followed the road in a north to north-west direction, winding around somewhat, and going…

…uphill twice before descending again. The distinctive rock formations of the area could be frequently seen.

Eventually we came to a much longer uphill section, but the grade was good.

A regroup was necessary at the top as the hill had sorted out the faster people.

At this time we turned onto Fantail Road, to change direction for the return half of our circuit. This was also at the highest elevation of our day, with good views out to Moeraki township and the sea.

There was a light breeze up here, so we found a sheltered spot in Fantail Road at which to stop for our lunch It was nice in the sun.

Lunchtime over, it was only a few minutes’ walk till we left the road to begin the descent into Trotters Gorge. At first, for a short distance, the 4WD track was bare clay, steep, and a bit slippery. Once past that bit progress was good, and eventually we reached Trotters Creek. We were down in the canyon now, with ever-changing views of the rock cliffs.

They look like limestone, but are actually greywacke -breccia conglomerate formed about 80 million years ago. About 12,000 years ago Trotters Creek was a much larger river and carved out the gorge.

Our track followed the bottom of the gorge now, with 6 stream crossings to make,

the water being 3 or 4 inches deep at each. We reached the picnic area and the bus just after 2 pm, after an enjoyable day’s tramp.

There we found that 6 of the Ramblers were missing in action, necessitating a search party being sent out – thanks Alex, Helen and Dave. Happily they were located, on the cave circuit track, coming back out.

So, it was back onto the bus for the return to Mosgiel. The planned coffee stop on the way home had to be forgone due to the time lost finding the Ramblers – but I expect that they will be “shouting” for all next week?

The Combined Group’s circuit had covered 10.7 km, and the Ramblers had done some bush walking from the picnic area.

The day had apparently been enjoyed by all. My thanks go to fellow leaders, Keith and Dave. Also to Shona for collecting the fares, and Bob for co-ordinating the bus. – Art.

8/12/2004. Both. Bus Trip. Trotters Gorge. Leaders: Ria, Doug J, Catherine, Joyce.

8/10/2003. Both. Trotters Gorge. Bus. Medium. Leaders: Trampers: Joyce, Pat McL; Hikers: Nancy, Catherine.