Aug 15 2021
Sinclair Wetlands.
Official Sinclair Wetlands website.
From car park, via Clarendon: abt 35 km.
4. 11/08/2021. Hikers. Sinclair Wetlands. E. Leaders: Jim and Betty
After some overnight rain the Wetlands were definitely wet and a little muddy in places. From the car park and main track the 23 hikers went through 2 gates to an elevated site on the eastern boundary for the morning tea stop. Steps were retraced to a L/H turn into Loop Track taking us to the main track.
Time for a chat at the gate (Photo and caption Clive)
Lonely Island was our next deviation up through what had been plantings that were maturing well to a vista that included views of Lake Waihola on this extremely fine day. The main track was followed to the larger Ram Island for our early lunch at an elevated point with the main view being Lake Waipori.
Jim recounts his ancestor’s attachment to the whenua of Ram Island (Photo and caption Clive)
Remnants of early pumping equipment and a new hut that replaced a derelict structure could be viewed. There was a noticeable absence of bird life that had been present when we did our recce in the previous ten days.
Some of the bird life (Photo and caption Clive)
It was back through the centre bush track to where we had clear views to the east before leaving Ram Island. The main track was then followed back to the entrance to what is now an elevated circuit track where extensive clearing and native plantings were observed.
Thousands of plantings (Photo and caption Clive)
Being such a fine day there was a group of workers engaged in this restoration activity. Back on the main track we took a short board walk before visiting the propagation facility.
Plant propagation area (Photo and caption Clive)
From here it was into the cars and on to the Wobbly Goat and Mosgiel. Betty & Jim Finnie
3. 17/7/2019. Hikers. Sinclair Wetlands. E. Leaders: Lesley and Ian.
On a sunny winters day, with no wind, 36 hikers visited Sinclair Wetlands. The leaders had planned for Coordinator Glen Riley to first give an address but he was nowhere to be seen. So instead we morning-teaed at the headquarters.
Morning tea overlooking the wetlands. (Clive pic and caption.)
Then having dutifully gold-coined the donation box, we entered the wetlands through the adjacent gate. A new (to us) boardwalk across marshland was an alternative to the still-there adjacent original path which it reentered further on.
Still further on, a short climb got us up onto a low island outcrop, which afforded a panorama of much of the wetlands. We lingered on this pleasant viewing spot, taking many photos of the marshland and the mirrored waters.
Up on the hill. (Kevin pic and caption.)
Eventually we reluctantly left to continue our walk.
Ahead, the larger Ram Hill, and an early 11.30 a.m. lunch, still bathed in windless sun, and again, excellent views.
Lunch. (Kevin pic and caption.)
Again, still slow to move, we started the descent,
lots of new plantings. (Clive pic and caption.)
and reached a spot where we met up with Glen Riley on his electric motorbike. He had forgotten the talk, but here on a slope with a view, was the ideal spot for it. He spoke of the plan for the area. The trust are concentrating on planting and eradicating pest species. Some birds were heard, but few were seen, well hidden in the marshland edges. He spoke too of the land’s history, originally drained and pumped dry, like so much else of the Taieri Plain, but re-flooded by Hori Sinclair to form the present rich wildlife habitat.
The return walk was marred by a rising cold wind, but we were moving now, so not too bad. Back at the end of the boardwalk an adjacent paddock afforded a good workout for the fitter ones
Contrast between farmland and wetland. (Clive pic and caption.)
while the less active meandered back to the cars.
Of the three optional car routes, the leaders justified their choice of the (admittedly southerly) Clarendon option by designating Waihola’s Black Swan as the coffee stop, whither we now adjourned, with our attention cunningly caught opposite, the renowned local fish and chip shop temptation.
The mostly windless day and the location had made for a wonderful experience. – Lesley and Ian.
2. 15/6/2016. Sinclair Wetlands. E. Leaders: Jim and Betty.
Wetlands route map. Small island indicated by the 2 km mark. The loop marks the walk round Ram Island.
Today a group of 24 hikers were privileged to have a visit to an old stone house which is over 160 years old which is being lovingly restored by Margret & Alex Gillanders the current owners of this property at Maryhill. Morning tea was consumed in the sun on the front steps of their newer residence.
Morning tea panorama.
Yes it was another sunny day and from Maryhill we travelled a further 5 kilometres to a visit to the Sinclair Wetlands. At the Wetlands we were given a very inspirational introduction to the history, structure and objects of the Sinclair Wetlands by Glen Riley.
Attentive listening to an excellent address.
For the next 2.5 hours we had a very easy walk around the property
Panorama shot at first viewing spot, (at edge of farm, about 1.5 km point.)
Panorama shot at 2nd viewing spot on the small island.
with a lunch stop at the far end of Ram Island.
Panorama view taken at end of Ram Island showing the failed pumping station remains now replaced by a drain pipe.
On our return from Ram Island we inspected the plant storage and propagation facility. It was 2 o’clock when we departed the Wetlands for a coffee stop at the Black Swan Waihola. Special thanks to Margret & Alex Gillanders for having the invasion at their place and Sarah who was resident in the old house …
Stone house.
… when we first made contact who made a real effort to show the group through this historic house. Also thanks to Glen Riley for the introduction to the Sinclair Wetlands.
We were very lucky with the weather. – Betty & Jim Finnie