Feb 17 2023

Racemans, North and Little Coal Creeks, Steve Amies

Published by under Both Hikers & Trampers

14. 15/02/2023. Trampers. Silverstream (Raceman’s – Little Coal Creek – Steve Amies- Raceman’s Loop). Grade 4. $5 Leader: Phil Keene

The residue of Cyclone Gabbie hovering off the coast and threatening some rain seemed to have an effect on today’s turnout – only one car, one car, headed for the hills, but it’s hard to hold back quality! So we were parked up at the Powder Ridge car-park and on the track by 9.20am and shambled off up the road and we crossed the surging Silverstream with trepidation a couple of times, before hitting our straps on Racemans.

The famous 5 minus 1 cross the surging Silverstream (Phil)

The famous 5 minus 1 cross the surging Silverstream (photo & caption Phil)

Birdsong was prevalent, nearly drowning out the chat, with the whoosh of a pigeon or two over the stream. As on the day of the recce we were overtaken by a surging team of 5 collies out for their daily run with their Goddess mistress fast coming up behind.

Enjoying a cuppa on Racemans Track (Pam)

Enjoying a cuppa on Racemans Track (photo & caption Pam)

We morning tea’d after 45 minutes, looking out through a clearing across the valley, why is it ‘the other side’ always seems so more interesting. 1.5 hours from the car-park we took a deep breath to prepare for the ascent up Little Coal Creek and off up up and up we went.

A steady climb up Little Coal Creek (Pam)

A steady climb up Little Coal Creek (photo & caption Pam)

It was nice to have some of natures hand holds as we pulled ourselves up, being dry, very dry underfoot, just like walking on powdered cement.The going was slow though, to such an extent that these modern devices that people wear were sending out warnings that they were not recording any movement! Are you alright?

That was a good joke Phil (Pam)

That was a good joke Phil (photo & caption Pam)

After 50 minutes of huffing and puffing I’ll blow your house down, I swear I could have, we were at the junction of Little Coal and North Coal Creek tracks.

This way ladies (Pam)

This way ladies (photo & caption Pam)

From here the climb was more steady, drifting into plateaus, before the next bit of up. Time was taken to enjoy the views out through the bush to Pulpit Rock and Raingauge Spur plus poke our noses out over the rock ledges.

Time to rest and admire the view

Enjoying the views to Pulpit Rock and Raingauge Spur from Little Coal Creek (photo & caption Pam)

Towards Pulpit Rock (Phil)

Towards Pulpit Rock (photo & caption Phil)

3 hours from the car park we stopped at the Steve Amies/ Little Coal Creek junction and decided to have lunch here, with both sun and shade to help dry out the perspiration. Bees were prevalent and seemed to take a liking to the creams on our skins, some coming back for more, but no harm was done.

Lunch at the junction (photo & caption Pam)

Lunch at the junction (photo & caption Pam)

At 12.45pm we were up and off down what was a lovely Steve Amies track and the gradient was such that there was more time to take in the impressive Kanuka trees, some as big as the mature Pinus Radiata that have also made their home here. As to be expected, the track had to get steep again, and care was required as we ‘dropped’ back down onto Racemans, to be followed by a 40 minute stroll back to the car- park arriving back 5 hours and not a minute more from when we left.

the famous 5 minus 1 'dropping' down to Racemans off Steve Amies Track (Phil)

the famous 5 minus 1 ‘dropping’ down to Racemans off Steve Amies Track (photo & caption Phil)

Altitude gained was 509m and a little over 11kms completed. Grade 4 seemed about right. Consensus was a great day out and just 10minutes from home.
Phil K

 

13. 18/11/2020. Trampers. Racemans, North and Little Coal Creeks, Steve Amies.  Leaders: Ross and Wyn Davies. M.

18 trampers set out from the car park just off the Whare Flat Road, towards the pumphouse at 9.25am. It was a nice morning. We arrived at the Tunnels Track junction after half an hour; time for morning tea.

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Photo and Caption Gordon – “Morning tea.”

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Photo and Caption John – View from morning tea spot.”We made steady progress up the Racemans Track and reached the North Coal Creek junction and hour and a quarter later. After a brief pause for some energy food, we headed up the North Coal Creek Track. The track – such as it is – was in good condition. It is an unrelenting climb and we had a few stops to regroup on the way up.

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Photo and Caption Gordon – “Climbing rock wall on North Coal creek track.”

We reached the junction with the Little Coal Creek Track after about an hour. We carried on up the Little Coal Creek Track for another 15 minutes to a lunch spot with a view to the north.

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Photo and Caption Gordon – “Lunch.”

 

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Photo and Caption John – “View over the cliff edge at lunch stop.”

We had a good panorama of Powder Ridge and Long Ridge, Mt Allan behind, Pulpit Rock and Green Hill in the centre of the Silver Peaks.

The weather started to look more threatening after lunch, as we continued up the Little Coal Creek Track for another 20 minutes to the junction with the Steve Amies Track.

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Photo and Caption Gordon – “Happy campers at Steve Amies junction.”

By this stage there were a few showers; enough to make the track down the Steve Amies Track increasingly slippery. Everyone took the descent carefully and we made it safely without any proper falls. It took us about an hour and three quarters all the way down to Racemans Track, by which time the rain was getting more frequent.

Getting progressively wetter we retraced our steps along Racemans Track and back to the car park in about 40 minutes, arriving back at 3:50pm. Distance was variously measured at more than 15 kms, with an average of about 15.5 kms. It was a relatively longer day in terms of distance, time walking and ups and down, which everyone coped with OK. Some decided home was the best direction but 8 of us diverted to Blend Café for hot drinks and varying amounts of food.

 

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Jan 15 2023

Silverstream Water-Race, Racemans, Weir

Published by under Hikers,Year round

No. 40 on old hardcopy list of 113 club tramps. “Silverstream Weir. Racemans. Winefields. Year Round”
No. 107 on old hardcopy list of 113 club tramps. “Whare Flat – Silverstream Weir Year Round “
Origins and History of Racemans Water-race and Weir

20. 11/01/2023. Racemans Circuit, Trampers. Grade 4 (regraded 3 – see below). Leaders: Neil Hodgkin, Julie MacKenzie.

Trampers: 10 women, 4 men
Weather: Low cloud, drizzly, calm, 16 degrees
Track: 14 kms, 3.5 hours walking and 170 m height gain.
A good, mainly flat walking surface, the odd muddy patch, and sometimes short, sharp, steep, descents/ascents in and out of side creeks.

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Striding out at the start of Raceman’s (photo and caption Pam)

Several crossings of the Silverstream and even though the flow was low, care was needed and poles were helpful with slippery and unstable rocks.
As a first up tramp for 2023 it was great and a very suitable tramp for the weather conditions. In the bush there was no precipitation and no wind. We had the usual stop for smoke-o …

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Morning tea at the junction with Tunnels track (photo and caption Pam)

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Abandoned water pipe on track (photo and caption Pam)

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Strange objects in several places along the track. Much speculation about what they are/were. No conclusions. Any ideas? Feel free to use the Comments section at the bottom of the page. (photo and caption Ross)

…and got to the weir about midday…

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Silverstream top weir (photo and caption Ross)

…but decided to move on down the track for lunch where it was less noisy.

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Lunch taken between intermittent light drizzle (photo and caption Pam)

On our return I as leader came face to face with six barking and not so friendly dogs who were eventually followed by a female runner who didn’t seem to worry. She said that the dogs were barking because we had sticks, but I didn’t believe her. What goes up must come down so we were expecting their return and when we heard them approaching we all stood off the track, sticks by our sides and gave them a TRTC guard of honour!

Grading: The grade of this tramp is solely dependent on the flow and depth of the Silverstream. The way it was on Wednesday, I’d put it at 2.5 – 3, but with more water it would certainly be a 3 -3.5 I think.

Neil.
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Feb 11 2021

Racemans

Published by under Both Hikers & Trampers

2. 7/02/21. Racemans. Hikers Leaders Jenny Finnerty and Bob Heenan

I went to pickup my friend (who will remain nameless)and she was still in her night attire and quite obviously not coming! My thoughts went to a plan B hike because of the inclement weather but by the time I arrived at the car park everyone one was keen to carry on and do Racemans/Tunnel track.

Bugga!!! The said friend was coerced in to coming so was picked up (dressed) and off we went to Whare Flat. All 13 eager souls and 1 friend set off through the ford and over the swing bridge and onto the track with a few with squelching feet.
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“Setting off in the rain.” – Photo and Caption Clive.

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“Wet feet to start.” – Photo and Caption Clive.

Track was really good with some clearing been done.
There were only a few mucky bits due to the rain which was getting harder by the minute.
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“Morning tea in the rain.” – Photo and Caption Clive

It was good having some strong trampers to help us ladies through a couple of tricky bits. Thanks guys.
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“Ground too wet to sit.” – Photo and Caption John.

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“Why is there a puddle in the bottom of my pack.” – Photo and Caption John

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“No wonder my pack’s name is Tardus.” – Photo and Caption John

After about an hour or so it was decided to shorten the hike and for go lunch because it was fair persisting down.

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“Down the slippery slope.” – Photo and Caption Clive

It didn’t seem to dampen any spirits because we all enjoyed it, even the friend(I think).
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“The wobbly bridge to finish.” – Photo and Caption Clive.

It was definitely one walk to remember!
Jenny and Bob
PS. Thanks Jan for your track knowledge and a great reccy.

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Oct 01 2020

Pump House, Tunnels, McRaes Weir, Racemans, return

Published by under Both Hikers & Trampers

10. 30/9/2020. Trampers. Tunnel track/ Racemans return. Leaders Gordon Grant and Arthur Heenan
Because of snow on the  Maungatua the days tramp was diverted to Whare Flat where 9 hardy trampers set off up Tunnel track to Mcraes Weir then turned left until arriving at Racemans track.

 

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Photo and Caption Gordon – “Heading up Tunnels track to Racemans”.

 

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Photo and Caption Gordon – “Morning tea”.

 

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Photo and Caption Gordon – “Creek crossing”.

 

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Photo and Caption Gordon – “Racemans Track”.

 

We continued on up Racemans to the Top Weir then returned back down the  track until a suitable place for a 12.15 lunch was found.

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Photo and Caption Gordon – “Heading to top weir”.

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Photo and Caption Gordon – “The weir”.

After which we headed off down Racemans turning off on to Powder Ridge and on down to the cars.

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Photo and Caption Gordon – “Heading back to cars”.

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Photo and Caption Gordon – “Another creek crossing”.

The walk was thoroughly enjoyed by all, only a slight breeze, great bush and scenery. A lot of conversation which 8 carried on at Blends later.

Gordon Grant

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Apr 29 2009

Rain Gauge Spur via Picnic area, Nth Coal, Racemans

Published by under Trampers

No. 69 on old hardcopy list of 113 club tramps. “Raingauge Spur Circuit (J Roy) Summer”
Location: 15 km.
29/4/2009 Rollinson Road. Picnic Area. Trig Q. North Coal Creek Track. Racemans. Weir. Rain Gauge Spur. Rollinson Track. Elbow. Rollinson Road. Leaders: Ian, Glenice.
Only five of us ventured. Dry for a start before the mist descended.
(click to enlarge)

 

Pupit Rock hidden in mist. Ken's watch.

Pupit Rock hidden in mist (to the right). Ken’s wrist watch.

Lip of lookout.Cuppa time.

Overlooking lip of lookout on North Coal Creek track. Cuppa time.

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May 09 1989

Racemans Track, Weir, Origins

In 1876 a report was written for the Dunedin City Council outlining the various options available for the supply of water to the low-lying areas in the city. The two options available were the Leith Valley supply which was to be very expensive, or the Silverstream supply which would be cheap and effective but would supply water to only the low levels.

In December 1877, during the on-going debate over the two systems there came a dry spell and Ross Creek Reservoir was so low that a fire in the city drained the reservoir. This incident served to motivate a decision and in December 1877 the Silverstream project was decided on.

By 1880 13 miles of water race was constructed out of a total of 18 miles and in 1881 it consisted of 29 km of winding open earth ditch 3 to 4 feet across, timber sluices, tunnels, weirs and steel pipes. It began at the top weir on Silver Stream and wound around the western slopes of Swampy Summit, Flagstaff and Three Mile Hill to the Southern Reservoir in Kaikorai Valley. It was opened on 15th December, 1881. All eastern tributaries of Silver Stream from the top weir to the Three Mile Hill Road were diverted into the open race by small masonry inlets.

Water shortages still recurred from time to time and it was soon found that the Silverstream scheme was not as wonderful as previously thought. In times of heavy rain the open water-race could not cope with the volume of water while there was not enough storage at the Southern Reservoir for a long period of heavy draw-off.

In 1895 it was decided that additional pumping and storage was required. The final location for a pumping station was at Powder Creek. In 1920 an electric pump was installed at the bottom weir, pumping water up a pipeline and into the water-race when needed. Apart from in 1890, it was not used again until 1928. By 1933 the population growth and the increase in water use made it practical to appoint a full-time attendant at the pumping station.

Since the early 1940s, land subsidence and the need for constant maintenance resulted in much of the open water-race being replaced with pipeline. The water-race in this area of tracks was the only major part that was not piped. Following a severe flood in 1957, the water-race above the pumping station was closed. After this, water for the race was pumped from the pumping station directly up the hill into the open water race.

The Silver Stream Water-Race was abandoned in the late 1960s. The current pumping station moves water along a buried pipeline following a new route to the Southern Reservoir.

In the late 1980s the Track Clearing Group began to re-open and develop the Silver Stream Water-Race Tracks. This group, with the assistance from the WEA over 50s Tramping Club continues to do great work in maintaining these tracks. The late Steve Amies was the founder of both groups and instrumental in re-opening the tracks.

Other matters receiving attention during this time were the afforestation of the water reserves and the detection and prevention of pollution. Considerable planting was done around the Leith and Silverstream catchments. The aim of this policy was commercial as well as functional. It was claimed that afforestation kept down noxious weeds, kept the area free from stock and rabbits, and increased the efficiency of the area as a water catchment as well as increasing the beauty of the country.

Since 1948 the open water race has been progressively replaced with a pipeline. The catchment lies to the West of the Flagstaff-Silverpeak divide, and comprises 4275 hectares which is largely council owned with much of it in native bush, some in tussock and some in exotic plantation.

– Adapted From City Forests Ltd hard copy information sheet and DoC Silver Stream Water-Race Tracks.

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Mar 29 2024

Upcoming Trips

Published by under Both Hikers & Trampers

Link to Trip Organisation Guidelines for leaders and trip participants.
Link to Track Grading information.
Link to Copy of Trip Programme for printing.
Gradings are provisional and may change following recce. Distances are for road travel from Mosgiel car park. Costs may change with fuel price fluctuations and distance changes. This page has all current updates.
Last updated 29/03/2024.


Wednesday 3 April.
Combined. Sinclair Wetlands. Grade 1.5.
$10. 35 km. Leaders: Dave Roberts/John Gardiner Sarah McCormack,Gwenda Farqharson, Ady Whitson /Linda Partridge Jay Devlin.


Wednesday 10 April.
Trampers. Mt Charles. Grade 4.
$8. 27 km. Leaders: Graham and Carol Thurlow.
Hikers.       
Friends Hill Waihola Cycle Track .  Grade 1.5. $8. 29 km. Leaders: Margaret Maxwell/Kay Seddon.


Wednesday 17 April.
Trampers. Yellow Ridge/The Gap. Grade 5.
$12. 41 km. Leaders: Ross Davies/Neil Hodgkins.
Hikers.       Bullring/Ben Rudd/Flagstaff. Grade 2.5.
$5. 15 km. Leaders: Max Wilson/Mike Webb.
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Mar 23 2024

Track Clearing

Published by under Track-clearing

Track Clearing Square26. 20/03/2024. Trampers. Track Clearing. Grade 3. $5. Leader: Phil Keene.

Reporting on track clearing 20 March and 22 February 2024. Since our last report we had a working bee on the 22 February when we commenced work on trimming and machining the Porkies Track which heads uphill off the Possumbusters track. Continue Reading »

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Jun 30 2023

Lower Silverstream tramps

Published by under Both Hikers & Trampers

23. 28/06/2023. Hikers. Silverstream to Wals. Leaders: Bill Cubitt and Jill Dodd

After cancelling the Mt Cargill walk for the second time due to weather conditions, 15 happy hikers walked down the Silverstream track to Wal’s for morning coffee. We had 2 members join us there (Jenny F and Jan Y) which was lovely.

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Group at Wals for morning coffee (photo and caption Jill D)

The weather remained very overcast with just a hint of moisture in the air. The temperature was pleasant. The Silverstream was fast flowing, dirty and quite high after the heavy rain. We have just had nothing to what the other island has experienced.
Our wander home was along back streets to the new Mosgiel pool Te Puna o Whakaehu, where some members went for a swim, some a look around, and others home for lunch.

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The new Mosgiel pool (photo and caption Jill D)

In total a leisurely walk of about 6 kms with plenty of time to socialise with one another .
Cheers Bill n Jill


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Apr 07 2023

Gabriels Gully, Lawrence. Bus Trip

Gabriels Gully. Key to Maps
Gabriels Gully. Key to Maps
Map No. 2. Otago Dam

Map No. 2. Otago Dam

Map No. 3. Munro Gully

Map No. 3. Munro’s Gully Bush Walk. Oburns Track.

Map No. 4. Wetherstons to Goldfield Park Historic Reserve.

7. 5 April 2023. Combined.  Gabriel’s Gully, Lawrence. Grade 4 (trampers) & Grade 2 (hikers). $20. Leaders: Phil Keene (Trampers), Jan Butcher (Hikers)

Hikers’ Report (scroll down for Trampers’ Report):

At 8.45am we travelled in convoy with the trampers to Lawrence, where we had a comfort stop before continuing onto Gabriel’s Gully. Halfway down the road the brakes were on as we came across a large STOP sign and barriers preventing us from going any further.

Monument to Gabriel's Gully - Helen

Monument to Gabriel’s Gully (Photo & Caption Helen)

It turns out contractors were cleaning up a large tree which had fallen across the road, so we retraced our steps back to Blue Spur Road, a gravel road taking us up and up, around and down, meeting up with Munro Road and down into Gabriel’s Gully. Whew!

Getting ready to start our journeys - John

Getting ready to start our journeys (Photo & Caption John)

Hiking group at the start - Helen

Hiking group at the start (Photo & Caption Helen)

We all had morning tea on arrival and then said goodbye to the trampers as they set off in another direction and 19 hikers commenced the Interpretation Loop Track.

Pretty in pink - Margreet

Pretty in pink (Photo & Caption Margreet)

The first 20 minutes was up and up and a couple of “breathers” needed but soon we reached the top with great views over the Gully floor below.

Looking up into trees at Racemans Hut - Ady

Looking up into trees at Racemans Hut (Photo & Caption Ady)

We continued around the well-groomed ridge walk and down Blue Spur/mining sites checking out the information stations along the way and stopping at points of interest.

Cave - Helen

Cave (Photo & Caption Helen

It was then back down the hill to our cars and a short walk along the road to Grey’s Dam where we sat under a large tree to enjoy our lunch break, after which we dropped our packs back at our cars and took a short walk around the gully floor.

Lunch stop - Margreet

Lunch stop (Photo & Caption Margreet)

Fortunately, the return road was cleared and we stopped off at the ‘Prospector’ for refreshments before returning to Mosgiel. The weather played its part – not too hot and no wind to speak of. A very enjoyable 4ks walked on the day.

Jan and Jay

Trampers’ Report:

32 very keen walkers set out on time, in 8 vehicles, to make their fortune in the hills of Central Otago; we suffered all sorts of setbacks as traffic delays, or ‘hold ups’ frustrated us. Most of us felt better for the stop on the corner in Lawrence; and some just had to get that takeaway coffee…..another ‘hold up’ on the road up to GG with a sign that had multiple meanings and road block. On up around the bend Jan B walked and got the low down (tree clearance) so the cars did an about face and detoured over Blue Spur – once farmed by Chris and Ant Wither and down into GG. Chris outlined the local well known activity of sheep rustling, and apparently ‘not just back in the day’.

Once again Gabriels Gully the centre of the world - Phil

Once again Gabriels Gully the centre of the world (Photo & Caption Phil)

With a school group also present the GG car-park really did feel as if another gold rush was underway. The delays did not lessen the need for morning tea, as the sun was shining, but we were finally off on our way by 10.45am.

13 trampers skirted the SW ridge of GG, through the man-made landscape now dominated by Sycamore trees, feeling very much at home here as well as adding a nice splash of Autumn, passing the mine tunnels and North of Ireland battery. Some of us musing where was the South of Ireland battery?

We crossed Victoria Road, the main entrance to the Glendhu Forest and on past Victoria (Milburn’s) Dam and started the steady ascent, initially through a larch forest, then up through the remnant beech forest and gorge/ ravine/gully of the Munro track.

Munro Gully jungle - Phil

Munro Gully jungle (Photo & Caption Phil)

Something interesting up there! - Marijke

What’s so interesting up there in the jungle? (Photo & Caption Marijke)

Admiring the “Shelf Fungi” growing on this dead tree - Pam

Admiring the “Shelf Fungi” growing on this dead tree (Photo & Caption Pam)

Trampers walking beside the “Water Race” - Pam

Trampers walking beside the “Water Race” (Photo & Caption Pam)

Progress was tempered by the intimate feel of the walk, as well as the little dips into streams (they looked gold bearing to me) then the challenge of all those man made steps.

Trampers on Munro’s Track - Pam

Trampers on Munro’s Track (Photo & Caption Pam)

Finally, we emerged into the Glendhu pine forest and onto road 21, are we at the top yet? being a common question. The answer being ‘no not yet, we’ll just go up and around the bend a little way for lunch, which will give a lovely view into the West, Blue Mountains and all’. And of course, this happened as planned.

Lunch stop in a forestry clearing - John

Lunch stop in a forestry clearing (Photo & Caption John)

After lunch we continued the steady ascent, mostly now on Victoria Road; no trucks came past to enjoy our bright coloured tops…..We took the first turn on the right into Road 22 and continued down, shambling through fir and gum forest and along the very well maintained forestry roads and drainage systems.

Looking down to the Otago Dam - Pam

Looking down to the Otago Dam (Photo and Caption Pam)

Upon a slight rise in the road, we enjoyed a view down into Otago Dam which was full to the brim as usually there is just a trickle of a stream.

The entrance onto the Dam is now much clearer than other recent club forays and we stopped to pose, as you do in these sorts of places. From here it was a slow and steady descent through beech forest for a couple of hours, as a little care was required on the steeper parts, as well as completing half a dozen stream crossings, and of course the banter about the number of flood warning signs there were and how many hundreds of metres did each sign say?

 - Marijke

Interesting creeks, luckily none were flooded! (Photo & Caption Marijke)

Chris negotiating another creek crossing - Marijke

Chris negotiating another creek crossing (Photo & Caption Marijke)

As we emerged around Grey’s Dam into the bright open car-park many mused on the fact ‘that last time this was where the bus was parked, and we took our boots off and lay in the sun…..’

Greys Dam group Phil

Greys Dam group photo (Photo & Caption Phil’s camera assistant)

Beautiful spot at the end - Marijke

Grey’s Dam without the group, what a lovely spot! (Photo & Caption Marijke)

After the inevitable team photo with the autumn coloured back drop, we set off for the last ten minutes of walking to the cars, where we did take our boots off; the general consensus being it was to be each car for itself back into Lawrence (the tree had been cleared) and get an ice cream on the run which we did do, helping us to get back to PJ park at 4.45pm, just as the first bus pulled in to take folk to the Rod Stewart concert. For those that went, is he still sexy? Is he still sailing? Did Cyndi just want to have fu-un?

Happy Trampers posing - John

Happy Trampers posing (photo & Caption John)

A great day out, thanks to the drivers especially and to Rayonier Matariki Forests for access to Glendhu Forest. For the trampers 11km, walking time 4 hours 30 minutes, 350 m altitude gain and I’m sticking with Grade 4.

Phil

Walk map - Phil

Walk map – Phil

 

6. 3/2/21. Combined. Gabriel’s Gully/ Munro Gully Track/ Glendhu Forest

Gabriel’s Gully:  Lawrence 3 February 2021

Well then, what about the best laid plans of mice and men…… thanks to everyone for being early, and money in the bank, but we were undone by an accident near Burnside that held the bus up!  Fortunately there was no walk out, and once it arrived, everyone jumped on board to go for a ‘walk about’ at Gabriel’s Gully, on a near perfect day, not too hot & not too cool.  Just perfect you might say.

Richard the bus driver did his best to get us back on schedule, and after a short stop at the corner in Lawrence, we arrived at Gabriel’s Gully just after 10am; so naturally the 40 participants partook of morning tea and readied for the walking, as you do!

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“Morning tea on arrival.” – Photo and Caption Clive

With map in hand the 7 (including the driver) in the Jan Team (thanks Jan B and Jan Y) headed up the hill to undertake the Interpretive Track, and to spend an hour or two absorbing the history of the area.

The remaining 34 headed to Munro’s Gully on the opposite side of the Gully, with the groups able to wave to each other, almost ‘Bon Voyage’ like at a wharf.

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“Off we go!” – Photo and Caption Gordon

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“Follow the person in front around the loop.” – Photo and Caption Noi

Passing both an old Mine Shaft and the North of Ireland Battery, the self-named Team B (29 walkers) led by Phil, opened up a bit of a gap on Raewyn’s Team A (5 walkers). 

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“Underground mine shaft.” – Photo and Caption Noi

Crossing Munro Road and heading for Milburn’s (Victoria) Dam, there was time to stop & take in the reflections, no hint yet of any early autumnal colouring.

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“Victoria Lake.” – Photo and Caption Gordon

From the Dam it was a steady ascent through the lovely beech forest, with those pesky red Rowan berries trying to outdo the red colouring on the native Horopito (pepper) trees. 

Some impressive bracket or shelf fungi were visible (Ganoderma);  in days of old, these were sent back to China by early immigrants apparently having amazing medicinal properties; at a more practical level they are rock hard and used for intricate wooden jewellery.  They attack the diseased heartwood of a still living tree.

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Bracket Fungi on some of the trees.” – Photo and Caption Clive

The rise and fall of the track gave time to take in the babbling brook, ferns, mosses etc and the dappled light was well, beautiful.  For Team B we were welcomed about 2/3 of the way up by some Falcon screeching, with some brief sightings – this was in the same place as the week before recce, where 3 came much closer and all being very visible. I was reminded in this time and place of Wendell Berry’s lines “Always in the big woods when you have left familiar ground, and step off alone in to a new place there will be, along with feelings of curiosity and excitement, a little nagging dread.  It is the ancient fear of the unknown and it is your first bond with the wilderness you are going into”.

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“Terrific Bush” – Photo and Caption Gordon

After an hour and a bit, pine cones were lying on the track, an indication we were getting near Glendhu Forest, ‘the top’ and not long after, we emerged on to Road 21, the lunch spot right on 12 noon. Most sat on the road with feet downhill, almost meant to be!

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“Lunch.” – Photo and Caption Gordon

The arrival of Team A gave rise to enthusiastic acclamation – well done!  After some chit chat, 4 of Team B were welcomed into Team A.  They returned to the Gabriels’ Gully car park via Cornishman’s Dam, down through the forest beside water races to Pollard’s Dam and then followed the Interpretive track to their destination.  Once reconnecting with Jan’s Team they all drove off to Lawrence to enjoy the local delights.

 

This left 25 in Team B, and so we headed off up through Glendhu Forest on Road 21 thence Victoria Road.  At the top, this provided great views of West Otago and I think Northern Southland in the murky distance.  Thence down Road 22 through a delightful archway of Douglas Fir and at the intersection of Roads 22, 23 and 24, we found a ‘yellow ribbon tied around a wineberry tree’. Amazing.

P1020864res

“On the road to the top.” – Photo and Caption Gordon.

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Jul 31 2019

Schoolhouse, Tunnels, McRaes circuit.

Published by under Both Hikers & Trampers

Whare Flat School and Surrounds History
9. 31/7/2019. Trampers. Schoolhouse, Tunnels, Racemans.
Screenshot_20190801-093056-488c

Route map, courtesy Phil K.

Tunnel and Racemans tracks 31/7/19

The threatening weather report did not deter 16 keen trampers’ from turning up ready for a walk. The trip to Mt Watkins was postponed because of some of the track’s lack of shelter to the elements. It was decided to walk the tunnel and raceman’s tracks because they are in the shelter of native bush.

We parked and left from the school house area on Whare flat road. The tracks were in very good condition but a bit wet and muddy in places.

G.3rd -- That was a tricky bitc

That was a tricky bit. (Gordon pic and caption.)

G.5th photo -- Careful Don’t slipc

Careful Don’t slip. (Gordon pic and caption.)

It was pleasant walking along the track adjacent to the old water race. Morning tea was appropriately had along from one of the tunnels.

G.2nd -- Putting the world right over morn. Teac

Putting the world right over morn. Tea. (Gordon pic and caption.)

The Silverstream water race was built between  1877 and 1881 and consisted of nearly 30km of open races, sluices, tunnels and weirs. In 1920 a pump was installed. Later pipes were partially in stalled with little success. It was abandoned in the 1960s.

We continued on walking briskly to ensure that we all kept warm. The native bush with all its array of greens was a pleasant sight. Lunch was had just before a creek crossing that could have been more challenging to cross!

G.4th -- A perfect lunch spotc

A perfect lunch spot. (Gordon pic and caption.)

We headed back using a detour to avoid a loop on racemans. The bird song was pleasant on some parts of the tracks. The sun even briefly shone through the trees at times.

G.6th -- Still smilling.Heading to coffee stopc

Still smilling. Heading to coffee stop. (Gordon pic and caption.)

On reaching our cars, after a few creek crossings,

G.8th -- 1st @ last obstaclec

1st & last obstacle. (Gordon pic and caption.)

we had completed 15.8 km. A good walk with plenty of cool fresh air! The temperature was 5 degrees when we returned to Mosgiel.

H.3.Coffee at Blendc

Coffee at Blend. (Helen pic and caption.)

It was a pleasure to share Helen’s birthday with coffee and cakes at Blend. – Dave

8. 23/9/2015. Trampers. Schoolhouse, Tunnels, Racemans.
 As the destination for the designated tramp [Swampy via Morrisons & poleline track] was covered in wet cloud, we decided at the carpark to just walk the Tunnels/Racemans tracks instead. This turned out to be a good choice, as the weather was fine all day in the valley.
Of the eight trampers that came along, two had never been in this area before, so it was a good opportunity for them to see the work that was done on this impressive old water race.
We had morning tea at the top in the pines, & then walked along to almost the junction with Little Coal track, where we stopped for an early lunch.
Lunch (Ken pic)

The pic is of our lunch stop (Ken pic and caption)

As I was recovering from two weeks off with a very sore back, [damaged while gardening — be aware, it’s not good for your health !!] I decided that I was going to turn back here, so I informed the others of my intentions, & they all said they would be happy to go back with me. [7km at this point]. So we retraced our steps back to the cars at the old school house, clearing some storm damaged vegetation as we went along.

The track was in mostly dry condition with only the odd muddy patch to contend with, & the creek crossings were very shallow.
walked 14km
4.3km/h
3h 15mins moving.
climbed 147m. – Ken.

15/4/2015. Trampers. Pumphouse, Tunnels, McRaes
Walked 9.6km
3.9km/h
2 1/2hrs moving time
climbed 275m
6 hardy trampers turned up to do the walk into the Tunnels & Silverstream tracks, which was, due to the weather conditions, chosen as an alternative to the Leith Saddle tramp scheduled for today.
We parked by the school house, & made our way up to the start of the Tunnels Track, but on arriving at the creek crossing, we found it to be far too deep & swift to attempt a crossing without getting wet feet. So we made the decision to go in from the pump house at the Whare Flat car park. We drove back down the road & restarted the tramp along the fence beside the Silverstream, & up & over the short but quite steep climb, to the grass are at the upstream end of the swing bridge. We turned up the first track just past here, & made our way up onto the Tunnels Track, then back towards the school house, to the start where we couldn’t cross the stream earlier. Then we retraced our steps, & walked all the way along to the creek crossing just past the Racemans Hut that has the tree down across it. This is the creek crossing with the ropes on the other side to help with the climb up the bank. here the water was also too deep, & swift to attempt a crossing, so we had a look at the Tunnels weir, then walked back out, & down an unmarked track leading down to the picnic table on the grass area beside the Silverstream. We had lunch here, then walked back out to the cars.
Conditions in the bush were sheltered, not very wet under foot, & very few muddy patches, so everybody enjoyed the walk. – Ken
7. 24/7/2013 Trampers. Trampers. Schoolhouse, Tunnels, McRaes Weir, return.
On a cool but what turned out to be a very nice winters day, 5 trampers took to the Tunnels /Racemans Tracks. However, we didn’t get very far before we struck the first of many snow damaged trees across the track. This made for very slow going, & we didn’t even manage to get to the favourite morning tea spot in the pines before it was time to stop for a cuppa.  We met up with some guys who were supposed to be track clearing, from the DCC, but from what we could see, they weren’t doing much good. There are some VERY LARGE trees down across the track, which require some careful negotiation to get past.
Some of the fallen trees across the track. There is a large Rimu in there somewhere

Some of the fallen trees across the track. There is a large Rimu in there somewhere. (Ken pic and caption)

Also, looking very sad is the old Racemans shed.

Shed

Racemans Shed (Ken pic and caption)

It has a tree which has fallen right across the top of it, & the roof has completely gone.

Shed2

Roof gone. (Ken pic)

We only got as far as the creek crossing with the rope on it, when we gave up the struggle, as the creek was choked with fallen trees, & we could hardly see the other side where you climb out of the creek with the help of the rope. We backtracked to an unmarked side track down to the Silverstream, where we found a picnic table to have lunch at.

Lunch at the picnic table.

Lunch at the picnic table.

It was then a short walk out to the pumphouse at Whare Flat, & then back up the road to the cars at the old School house. Distance 8.2km, ave 4km/hr. – Ken.

6. 14/11/2012. Hikers. Schoolhouse, Tunnels, McRaes Weir, Racemans, Pumphouse, return by road. Leaders: Fred, Elaine.
22 of us made a large group. Great. We had our morning cuppa at the top of the Tunnels track.

Morning Tea in the pines at the top of the Tunnels Track.

We made our way back on down to join with the McRaes Track and along to the weir. At this point, Dorothy, recovering from a hip injury wisely declined the steep rope-assisted climb up the further back of the stream and accompanied by three others, returned back the way we had come and down from there by a link track to meet us later at the Pumphouse.

The rest of us carried on around the McRaes track to lunch at the point where it links with the Racemans.

About to set off after lunch.

Down the Racemans and on to the swing bridge. Some elected to cross it and risk the depth of the water at the Pumphouse ford but most went by more hilly track along the Silverstream true left.

Up to that point, we were well led by Fred and Elaine, but from here on it was ‘Brown’s Cows’ back up the r0ad to the cars. We were all back home in time for afternoon tea.

Twenty-two. Whew! An impressive turn-out. – Ian.

5. 29/2/2012. Trampers. Schoolhouse, Tunnels, McRaes Weir, Racemans, return by Tunnels.

GPS of route, courtesy Ken.

Taieri Scenic reserve was unavailable, due to bulldozers working on a road. We chose a short Tunnels tramp instead, as heavy rain was forecast for the afternoon.

We stopped along Racemans for the morning tea break.

We continued on. At the short water-race pipe point, we dared some of the newer members to crouch their way through it. Amazingly, three took up the dare. Bravo. Then it was on past McRaes weir. The vertical climb out from the stream bed gets no easier for the writer, feeling his arthritic age.
Reaching the end of the McRaes side gully (to the Silverstream proper), we turned back down onto the first part of the Raceman’s track where it climbs up to reach the water-race. Had a look at the Pump-house’s intake weir. Climbed back up to the Raceman’s by the track near the swing-bridge, turning right at the top to climb back up the Tunnels’ hill.

Lunch back at the top of Tunnels track.

Lunch was slightly early, as we remained conscious of the forecast rain. We felt its first drops as we finished lunch. We heard the patter of rain on the leaves above us as we made our way back down the hill. We emerged onto the road by the alternative exit and walked back up to the cars with only the lightest of rain sprinkling us. A nice dry morning out, on a nice dry track in nice bush. – Ian.
4. 28/9/2011. Hikers. Pumphouse, road, Schoolhouse, Tunnels, McRaes Weir, Racemans, Pumphouse . Leaders: Peter and Wendy.
3. 6/10/2010. Both. Schoolhouse, Tunnels, McRaes Weir, Racemans, Pumphouse, return road. Leaders: Ian, Ken.

GPS of trip route, courtesy Ken. (Click to see full pic)

21 of us started the Tunnels track just up from the old Schoolhouse and down the track a little were soon admiring a railed bridge over a ditch and a new track complete with steps around the top of a large slip, put in by Neil and his group of track repairers. The track gently climbed to its top point over the race tunnel where we stopped for an early morning tea under pines, resting on their bed of thick pine needles.

Tea break, top of tunnels hill. (Ken pic)

Tea break 2

The track had been beautifully cleared of trunks and debris brought down by a recent storm and we quietly ambled along the long stretch that eventually took us past the old Racemans Hut to the broken-down McRaes Weir. Across the stream we were confronted with a washed out vertical bank with only a knotted rope and some steep cut-out steps, but with the bottom one now missing. There ensued much pushing and pulling, and slipping and collapsing as we made our various ways up to the top of the bank.

Steep climb out of McRaes Stream

Then it was plain sailing (apt metaphor?) again out of the large McRae’s gully till we reached the junction with the Racemans where we stopped for an early lunch.

Lunch at junction McRaes and Racemans. (Ken pic)

From there we descended the Racemans to pass the old Silverstream weir and inspected the weir from which water is now piped to the pumphouse. We elected to return via the swing-bridge because there had been a tree-fall over the true-left track. Crossing the ford at the other end was not the happiest part of the walk for some. Then it was just 2 km back up the road to the cars parked at the old Schoolhouse. The day was perfectly calm with much of it sunny, if not hot. It had been a good day. – Ian
2. 7/11/2001. Combined. Tunnel – Racemans Tracks. Leaders: Bob H, Winifred, George.
1. 21/6/1989 Whare Flat Pottery. Pine walk. Peggy A, Helen W, Daphne

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Aug 29 2018

Steve Amies and Associated tracks.

Published by under Trampers

19. 29/8/2018. Trampers. Steve Amies /  Little Coal Tracks. M. Leader: Arthur.
7 very keen Trampers did a bush circuit in the Silverstream Valley. Parking at the Pump-house we followed the track past the swing bridge, then up to Tunnel Track to take us to McRaes Weir and the shortcut up to Steve Amies, down Little Coal Creek Track, and returned on Racemans.
Morning tea was taken a partway along Tunnel Track, above a large slip, where there is a good view across to The Chalkies. The shortcut track up to Steve Amies is a bit of a grunt, but taking our time we easily overcame it.
The day had shown promise before we started, but the cloud was low down on all the surrounding hills and high up on the Steve Amies Track the rain started. On reaching the top, at Trig Q, we immediately started down the Little Coal Creek Track.
We stopped to have our lunch in the first relatively sheltered place in the bush. It was colder, so we didn’t stop long before following the track on down.
The lower half, especially, of the Little Coal Creek Track is steep in places and was slippery and rather treacherous from the rain that had just fallen.
A variety of techniques were tried for descending the trickier patches – stepping, slipping, sliding, …

Very slippery track back down. (Gordon pic and caption.)

… falling, …

Still very slippery ? (Gordon pic and caption.)

… tree hugging, and even the rolly-polly method. Afterwards I was assured that all had thoroughly enjoyed (?) the experience – which seemed strange to me.

The last leg of our trip was simple in comparison, along the Racemans Track.

Everybody happy to be on level ground. (Gordon pic and caption.)

One final obstacle. (Gordon pic and caption.)

We were back in the cars around 3.15 pm, and I have it on good authority that we had walked 15 km.

The rain had eased off later, and conditions were pleasant other than being cold at lunch time. The leader awards a Gold Star to each of the party for their contribution to a great day’s tramping.

Upon returning to Mosgiel it was decided it would be inappropriate to visit any coffee shop, due to travel stain. – Art.

18. 14/9/2016. Swine Spur – Rollinsons Road –  Steve Amies – Tunnels Track. M. Car Shuttle. Leader: Arthur H.
A clear sky, brilliant sunshine, and only a light breeze – perfect.
After setting up a car shuttle for later, 6 enthusiastic trampers began the day’s operations from Rollinsons Road, to walk up the full length of the Swine Spur track.

We reached the junction with Possum Busters at 9.55 a.m. and made this our morning tea stop. There was some dissension about stopping early, but hey, the leader is the boss. (He has to have the occasional privilege.)

Morning tea spot. (Arthur pic and caption.)

Morning tea spot. (Arthur pic and caption.)

Further up we met 4 trampers and a dog coming down – and soon found that it was the same group that had had morning tea with us a week ago on the Tunnel Track. Pleasantries were exchanged.

Our group powered up the steep upper part of Swine Spur, …

High up on Swine Spur. (Arthur pic and caption.)

High up on Swine Spur. (Arthur pic and caption.)

… the talking hardly lessening, …

Near top of Swine Spur. (Arthur pic and caption.)

Near top of Swine Spur. (Arthur pic and caption.)

… and we topped out at 10.45 a.m.

At top of Swine Spur. (Arthur pic and caption.)

At top of Swine Spur. (Arthur pic and caption.)

After a brief pause to enjoy the view, we walked the road, passing the VOR aviation beacon on the highest point of Swampy, going down now.

After 50 minutes on the road we were on the track, heading in to Trig Q. On the way past, we stopped to check out the picnic area before heading down the Steve Amies Track.

With perfect timing we stopped at Bryan Freeman’s Memorial Seat to enjoy our lunch. A very pleasant spot with the sun filtering through onto us.

Lunch on Steve Amies. (Arthur pic and caption.)

Lunch on Steve Amies. (Arthur pic and caption.)

Note – Bryan Freeman was a keen tramper who died here on the Steve Amies Track in 2011. He was the son of Jim Freeman, who is remembered by the track named after him.

We continued down the Steve Amies Track until turning off to the left onto the short steep track that took us down to McRaes Weir and “the rope”.

From there we followed the Tunnel Track, which in turn follows the contour. Easy track but very enjoyable. No-one showed any enthusiasm to enter the tunnels, but we did admire them in passing.

We reached our tramps’ end at the road at 2.15 p.m. My car was nearby and it soon re-united Neil M. with his one at our starting point.

And so, back to Mosgiel. The good weather, together with the variety encountered during the tramp had made for an enjoyable day.

The distance tramped was around 11 km (at a very rough guesstimate). – Arthur.

17. 14/10/2015. Trampers. Little Coal and Steve Amies.

The tramp today was into the Silverstream Tunnels track, up Steve Amies track, & down Little Coal Creek track, with lunch at the picnic area near trig Q at the top,

Lunch at trig Q at top (Ken pic and caption)

Lunch at trig Q at top (Ken pic and caption)

& back along Racemans

Return on Racemans (Ken pic and caption)

Return on Racemans (Ken pic and caption)

to the cars.
This was an  uneventful trip, with no problems encounted. The weather was great, cloudy conditions with very little breeze.
Eight trampers took part in the days activities, including a stop at a viewing spot …

Enjoying the view (Ken pic and caption)

Enjoying the view (Ken pic and caption)

16. 15/10/2014. Trampers. Little Coal Creek, Steve Amies. H.
Little Coal Creek, steep in places, can be slippery.
4 of us set off from the Pump House up Silverstream Valley, onto the Racemans Track. Calm weather. Had morning tea at a sunny spot at the junction of Little Coal Creek track. Took off one layer of clothing. On the ascent, stopped a few times to take in the views. Had lunch at Trig Q. The weather was so calm the bushes were not moving at all at 505m.
After lunch, we went down Steve Amies track, stopping to take  in the views north, south and west and listening to the birds, – the noises of them!
Back along Racemans Track to the car. Tramp enjoyed. The biggest comment on the trip was ‘How calm’. – Heb.

15. 29/7/2015 Trampers. Little Coal, North Coal.

Racemans Little Coal North Coal McRaes Weir Tracks

GPS map of route, courtesy Ken. Racemans Little Coal North Coal McRaes Weir Tracks. Walked 14.5 km; 4.3 km/h ave; 3h 23m moving; climbed 460mtrs.

Today was a hurried change of tramp, as when I got up to the Bullring for the start of our tramp, it was foggy, blowing, & VERY cold, so I made the decision to cancel this, & meet at the start of Silverstream Rd. Where we decided what we would do for the day.
We then made our way to the pump house car park at Whare Flat, & set off along Racemans track. When we reached Little Coal Creek track we decided to go up there, & come back down North Coal Creek, if the tracks were suitable. The ground was surprisingly dry, so we had no hesitation about carrying on. After struggling up Little Coal, with numerous stops to regain our composure, we arrived at the junction with North Coal track, so we went down there a short distance out of the breeze to have lunch.

1. three of the group at lunch

Three of the group at lunch. (Ken pic and caption)

We were all looking forward to descending North Coal, as last time we did it, Finn, Dermot’s dog was the one who led us in the correct direction, as the track was in very bad condition due to storm damage, & was non existent in parts. However, the Green Hut Track group have been through there & reopened it, & put in some more markers, so it is very easy to follow, but quite difficult travelling.
On the way back we went around the McRaes Weir track to lengthen our journey a bit, & walked down the unmarked track that comes out beside the picnic table down near the Silverstream. We stopped here for another cuppa before we walked out to the cars.
There were no incidents today , apart from me slipping off the edge of Little Coal  track at one point, & managing to arrest my slid with the aid of a handy tree. No damage apart from pride !!
The day had a few light showers, but didn’t require wet weather gear, however it paid to keep moving, as the temperature was quite cool with the small amount of breeze.

14. 1/2/2012 Both. Steve Amies from Access Road. Leaders: Arthur and Barbara.

Sixteen of us left our cars at the locked gate on Rollinson access Rd and made our way up to the Track Clearers’ Picnic area. The leaders took us round many of the little nooks and crannies (they just seem to multiply of their own accord), stopping to inspect the labels fronting each bush planting. Of poignant note in front of one bush was a label printed with the name of Les Murcott, whose funeral a number of us had attended only a fortnight earlier.

We stopped off for our tea break.

Arthur led us down and across to Trig Q, and then on down Little Coal Creek until we got to the look-out. We careful negotiated some quite steep parts of the track and avoided any casualties. Then came the more  arduous climb back up to the trig and across to the Steve Amies.

This latter track had a much more moderate decline (we stuck to only its upper reaches!), past another look-out, before making another turn around further down, to wander back up to the trig and on to the picnic area for lunch.

On the way across the wee saddle, we stopped to investigate the meaning of a sign indicating a sheltered area, whose side track opened out to a large open area in the bush, marked with a large white wooden equal-armed cross, laid flat on the grass. After some discussion, we decided the area was also to serve as a helicopter emergency landing spot. (There was even a ‘waiting room’ bench for passengers.)

Back up at the picnic area, our leaders discovered for us yet another alcove with ample tables and seats for a comfortable lunch.

Our leaders took us out to the road by a route different from the one we had entered by, and lo and behold, a salubrious shelter, doubtless erected by the track clearers for their comfort. Bravo.

Then we had only a stroll back down Rollinson Road to the cars. A leisurely 5.5 km walk, (as measured by two with their measuring devices.) Thank you, Barbara and Arthur for your careful leadership. – Ian.

13. 17/10/2012. Trampers. Pumphouse, Racemans, Steve Amies, Little Coal Creek, Racemans, McRaes, Pumphouse.

GPS of route, courtesy Ken.We walked approx 14kmMoving time 3h 50minave 3.6km/hrTotal ascent 559m – Ken

Five of us had a great day doing the two ridges. The Steve Amies was as steep a struggle as ever at its foot. The easier bit at the top seemed much longer than the writer’s memory had shortened it. We had a leisurely lunch at the set of seats and tables a little beyond trig Q. Sunny and no wind. Great.

Then back again and down to where Little Coal Creek branches  off from North Coal. Again the first bit of climbing on Little Coal had escaped the writer’s memory. The steep ridge descent needed careful negotiating. One of the party was heard vowing it was a track they would never wish to ascend. Then it was off the ridge and down the side. The ground is so heavily littered with twigs and leaves that it is almost impossible to keep one’s feet on the steep bits.

Forgot to take photos! And the one below, taken back on the Racemans turned out mysteriously bad.

Taken on the Racemans on the return journey.

We elected to take the McRaes track back. The GPS of the route brings out the depththat the gully takes the track into before emerging back out again. We stopped en route for a drink break as it had been a longer day. We made our way around until turning off at the junction with the Tunnels Track onto the connecting track that took us down to emerge by the swing bridge.

A longer day – we got back out about 4 o’clock. Considerable height climbed and descended. A good work-out. And it was our good luck that the promised rain held off until we were back in the cars again. – Ian.

12. 8/6/2011. Trampers. Tunnels, North Coal, Steve Amies, ret. Medium.

We decided to do today’s tramp from the school house at Whare Flat. We parked in the normal position by the house, & joined the tunnels track at the normal place [wire across stream]. We walked along the Tunnels track/Racemans track [had morning tea in the pine trees again] until we came to Little Coal Creek track, where we had a meeting on whether we go up that one or carry on to the North Coal Creek track. Nth Coal won out, so we went there, & up Nth. Coal Creek. We had lunch overlooking Longridge, from that nice lookout point.It was quite a late lunch, as we decided to get to the top [almost] before having lunch. [It was 12:15 when we got to the bottom of the Nth. Coal Creek track.]

After this we went up to the picnic area, …

… & road, where we had another meeting about how we go back again. It was decided that we go down Steve Amies track, so off we went, with everybody starting to get a bit tired. We arrived back at the cars at 5:00pm, having started at just before 10:00am.

We walked [according to the GPS] 20.2 km, & did a total ascent of 578mtrs. Total moving time 5hrs 2min. moving ave. 4km/hr. overall ave 2.8km/hr. Stopped time 2hr 11min. So it was a big day for the 6 of us, but all enjoyed the walk. I think they will sleep well tonight !!!
The girls enjoyed the picnic area etc at the top by the road, along with the view from the lunch spot, so quite a bit of time was spent around there, as they had not been there before.
We started our descent at 2:30, so it took 2 1/2 hrs to walk back. Maybe better to do this tramp when we have a 9:00am start, as it was starting to get a bit dark by the time we got back. Also, we were not wasting any time while walking along the Racemans etc, much faster than we would normally be going. The trip could be shortened a bit by going in at the pumphouse, but how much that would cut off I don’t know.The day was fine & sunny, but cool & calm. The tracks were mainly dry, & only muddy in the normal Racemans track positions. The hill climbs/descents were quite good. Some parts of the tracks need a bit of clearing, but not too bad in general. – Ken.

11. 18/3/2009. Hikers. Steve Amies from Access Rd Hikers E+ Bev H, Joyce S

10. 25/7/2007. Hikers. Access Road, Steve Amies. Leaders: Bob H, Graham.

9. 19/5/2007 Trig Q from Silverstream via Steve Amies track. Steve Amies Track Circuit Leaders: Ria L, Hazel

8. 13/9/2006 Tunnels – Steve Amies – Little Coal Creek – Racemans. Medium+. Leaders: Bob H, Arthur H
7. 27/7/2005. Hikers. Steve Amies, Trig Q. Bob H, Les W, Mary M.
6. 27/7/2005 Tunnel, McRaes Weir, Steve Amies, Trig Q, Picnic Area; Little Coal Creek, Racemans. Bob H, Les W, Mary M

5. 21/7/2004 Trampers. Lake Whare, Steve Amies, Trig Q. Medium. Leaders: Ian, Bob H

Frost on Possum Busters. Bill

Frost on Possum Busters. Bill

Frost on Possum Busters. Bruce

Frost on Possum Busters. Bruce

New Bridge by Track-clearers. Ian

New Bridge by Track-clearers. Ian

4. 9/7/2003. Trampers. Tunnels, McRaes, Steve Amies, North Coal Creek, Racemans.Medium. Leaders: Irene, Doug J.

Bill at rocky point in Racemans

Bill at rocky point in Racemans

Rocky clambering on North Coal track

Rocky patch on North Coal track. Glenice, Lex, Doug

Trig Q. Doug M, Doug J, Lex, Pat

Trig Q. Doug M, Doug J, Lex, Pat

Tramp end. Irene, Glenice, Lex, Doug M, Doug J, Pat

Tramp end. Irene, Glenice, Lex, Doug M, Doug J, Pat

3. 30/4/2003. Steve Amies, Trig Q, Swineburn Photos

Tea

Lunch stop. Ria.

Microwave. Doug.

dwn

View

 

2. 23/10/2002. Tunnels – Steve Amies – Little Coal Creek – Racemans. Medium+. Leaders: Lex, Bob H, Wendy B.

1. 2/2/2000. Trig Q from Silverstream via Steve Amies track. Steve Amies Track Circuit Leaders: Peter B, Lex

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Feb 22 2017

Tramps associated with the Whare Flat Schoolhouse

Published by under Uncategorized

No. 57 on old hardcopy list of 113 club tramps. “Trig Q from Whare Flat. N Strang. Key from WEA. Year Round”. 11 kms to Silverstream car park.


30. 22/2/2017. Hikers. Whare Flat. Leaders: Peter D, Janice.

Whare Flat/McRaes Weir (not quite) Wednesday 22nd Feb

26 happy hikers on a lovely sunny morning – what could go wrong?

Seven opted to drive up to the locked gate on Rollinson Rd and walk on to the start of the Steve Amies Track, where they enjoyed a pleasant amble to the picnic area and a leisurely lunch in the sun, before returning to the cars and off to Topiary for the usual coffee stop.

Little did they know of the drama that was developing below….

The other 19 left the cars at the park near the pump house, and set off up the track on the steep grunt that takes longer but avoids the water crossing and the possibility of wet feet.

However, Ian opted to do the shorter, easier version, risking wet boots, and meeting us in the clearing just past the swing bridge.

Ian reached the clearing safely and with plenty of time. In his own words –

’Ho hum. Oh! Time to get out the puffer and see how it might get me up the next climb and manage to avoid that first 5 min. heavy breathing before the blood vessels adjust and let me get away. Bummer.

(I had not used it for ever so long as usually I remember when it’s too late to use. It’s worked well on earlier occasions, but not in this case, standing, waiting, for such a long time before climbing.)

Started to feel faint. Got worse. Lay down, ended looking like a wee gnome in the grass, as one of you said. The rest you know better than I do!!!’

So, here was Ian, looking worse by the minute. While he was attended to by those with medical experience, we debated the options.

  1. Cell phone call for help. No signal.
  2. Use the locator beacon. Was there enough room for a chopper to land? Debatable.
  3. Go back to the cars and phone for an ambulance.

It seemed at this point that Ian was recovering – his colour was better and he was lucid. Two people set off for the cars. Over the swing bridge and just past the gate to the road they realised the house on the right was occupied. But no landline and still no cell phone coverage. The wonderful lady (who had a key to the gate!) drove them out to the cars. One went on to get coverage and call for help. The other returned, to find that Ian’s condition had worsened, necessitating CPR. Gulp. Back down the road – kind lady again drove. The police car was met at the (un)locked gate and immediately radioed URGENT to the ambulance.

Things happened fast. In just over an hour from Ian’s collapse the ambulance was at the swing bridge and Ian was stabilised and stretchered across the bridge, and off to A & E.

It was now 11.30 and we were all rather shell-shocked. Five decided to call it a day. Two went to break the news to Shirley, and the other three heading home.
The remaining 13 headed up the track to the next clearing where a very sober lunch was had. Then up the track we climbed to McRaes Weir Track. It was decided that the weir could wait for another day, and we headed back along the race track to the road and down to the cars, with rain starting to fall and the track becoming muddy and slippery.

Coffee at Topiary was welcome!
Thanks to everyone for the able assistance that was provided in so many ways. Ian is fine – he had a reaction to the ‘puffer’ and after tests and checks, was allowed home that evening.

LESSONS LEARNED:

  1. IF for any reason the group SPLITS, there must be at least TWO PEOPLE and preferably FOUR so that in the event of an emergency, one can stay with the ‘victim’, and two go for help. The same should apply to anyone deciding to turn back and in future this needs to be enforced by the leader.
  2. In a later debrief with Police, we were praised for the efficient handling of the situation. However, they said that we should never hesitate to use the beacon because a few precious minutes could be saved. On the beacon signal, our precise position is shown and authorities can then make the decision as to which services to use. So in future, no hesitation! Better a false alarm than a death.

29. 1/5/2013 Both. Steve Amies. Leaders: Ian and George.

This time we left from the schoolhouse, making it more of a road walk. We had morning tea on the lower  Rollinson Rd and lunch in the track clearers’ picnic area, after inspecting the helicopter landing pad a little beyond.

As we returned down the road, we were surprised to see the helicopter, and shortly after the tank truck making their way towards where we had been. Apparently this was the day to carry out the weed spraying we had been notified about – and we were now making a timely exit. A tramp for 25 of us and of 10.5 km according to Peter’s pedometer and 25. – Ian.

26. 15/6/2011. Trampers. Schoolhouse, Tunnels, McRaes, Racemans, ret. Medium.

Plan 1: Swampy to Green Hill via Sleepy Hollow. Cold winds too fierce on tops.
Plan 2. Schoolhouse, Little Coal Creek, Steve Amies. But wet weather meant steep tracks would be too slippery and dangerous.
Plan 3. The actual tramp (see above). – Racemans level and safer, (except for the gradual Tunnels ascent/descents). However wet tree roots still had to be carefully negotiated.
Although rain for a start, but it soon went off and only drippy bush had to be endured. Track still muddy in places, but in many places a grand avenue and well cleared. Seven of us ventured out and enjoyed what looked at first to have been an unpromising day. – Ian.

GPS of route. Courtesy, Ken. (Route double-tracked for some inexplicable reason.)

12.33 p.m. Ready to return from lunch spot on Racemans.

2.23 p.m. Top of Tunnels track. Rest stop on pine-needles on return.

6. 23/10/1996. Trig Q. Average. Leaders: Margaret and Les, Doug J.

5. 7/6/1995 Trig Q from Whare Flat School. Medium+. Shorter trip available. Leaders: Bob H, George, Jack R, Nancy

 

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Sep 19 2007

School House, Tunnels, McRaes, Steve Amies Whare Flat road ret.

Published by under Trampers

19/9/2007. School House, Tunnels, McRaes, Steve Amies Whare Flat road ret. Leaders: Ria L, Hazel

Ten trampers set off from
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