14/08/2024. Tunnel Gully, McRaes, Racemans, Powder Creek Detour. Grade 3. Trampers. Leaders: Phil Keene & Gary Mort.
27 trampers in 6 cars all managed to end up at the Tunnel Gully entrance at the same time and after arranging for two cars to be parked at the main Silverstream car park we all set off just after 10.00am.
It did not take too long to ‘warm’ up as the bush was not too frosty and well, we had to focus pretty quickly on creek crossings and ropes…it seemed more like an obstacle course we were setting out on.
Underfoot was sticky and muddy especially as we were on the south and shaded side. This area clearly lent itself to ferns and the lovely stands of tree ferns stood out.
Being in the area that has provided Dunedin City with its water supply remnant tunnels and weirs and sluices were quickly part of the scene as we then climbed reasonably gently to the high point for the day amongst pines before dropping gradually down again to water race levels. We stopped for morning tea approaching 11am at the intersection with the first link track from Racemans.
After tea we shambled off at a steady pace and navigated our way to McRaes weir thence on to the intersection with Racemans and the upper turn off to Powder Creek.
It was noticeable that the sunnier and drier points on the tracks brought an increasing amount of bird song. We had made the intersection in 2.5 hours so around 12.30pm we decided to venture on a little further knowing that our return journey would be straighter and more direct. After meeting the Little Coal Creek intersection, we returned to the sunniest spot on the track for a well-earned lunch at 1.00pm.
Following lunch Gary led us back and down to the upper Silverstream crossing, which everyone crossed without incident. Powder Creek detour had quite a bit of track work done by the three little pigs…but it was not too long – 45 minutes – before we were using varying techniques to re cross the Silverstream over the remnant concrete blocks that remained from the weir built to increase the amount of stored water – to provide a more continuous flow to the Southern reservoir.
From this spot everyone could smell the coffee drifting through the trees and Gary had us back at the Silverstream car park – with clean boots – before we knew it!
Drivers were taken to get all vehicles and then once loaded off we toodled back to town, with the majority enjoying great company at Blend who provided excellent service and fare. A great day out, close to home, actual walking time 3 hours 16 minutes, distance 13.7 km. Grade 3. Phil K
Strava Stats (Average of Helen & Ross)
Distance: 13.3 km
Elevation Gain: 100 m.
Moving time: 3 hr 16 min
Elapsed Time: 4 hr 30 min
Link to background information and earlier tramps and hikes in the same area.