18/5/2016. Trampers. Lake Whare and surrounding tracks circuit. Leader: Arthur H.
It came on to rain lightly as we met at the car park. At 9.00 a.m. the 11 Trampers present held a brief conference and decided that as it looked very wet in the direction of the programmed tramp to the “3 Kings”, we would change and go to the Whare Flat area. This was a very wise decision as it was very pleasant in the bush even though it was raining.
We decided to do a circuit taking in Smithies, Possum Busters, Swine Spur and Lake Whare loop tracks. Accordingly we parked the cars at the bottom of Rollinsons Road. It was rather wet out in the open while getting ready, but no problem once we got started.
The first thing to admire, before we began, was the bridge at the start of “Smithies”, giving dry access across the swampy ditch from the road. The bridge was of Neil’s design and construction, so it was only fitting that a photo of himself standing on the bridge …
… is presented herewith.
Going in this direction Smithies track …
… climbs on occasion. It was after 10.00 a.m. before we stopped for morning tea, as we had to find a suitable spot under the tree canopy to keep us dry. Everything was quite wet underfoot by now, but the track conditions were good.
From our stop, it didn’t take long to reach the end of Smithies. We turned left, on Possum Busters now, passing the junctions of McQuilkans and then Porkies tracks.
Eventually we reached Swine Spur/Possum Busters cross-roads (cross-tracks?) where we stopped briefly. Downhill we now went on Swine Spur, finding that this upper part is quite overgrown.
The sun came out …
… and we stopped for lunch at a suitable spot after reaching ‘cutty grass flats’ – which we had track-cleared some months ago. The sun was very welcome and the weather remained dry then till we finished.
Afterwards it was only a short distance to the Lake Whare Loop track which we followed. A stop was made to admire Lake Whare …
… after crossing the rock wall and looking at the ruins of the rock-walled building (house?).
We then crossed back onto Smithies Track, and thence back to the cars.
It was agreed that all had enjoyed the tramp, even though it wasn’t all that long. There had been a good variety of up and down, giving everyone a good work out.
Upon returning to Mosgiel, a meeting of the” Taieri Recreational Tramping Club AND Coffee Club” (Tramping Division) was convened at the Wooden Table cafe. – Arthur H.
