23/10/2024. Flagstaff, Bull Ring. Grade 2.5. Hikers. Leaders: Theresa White, Julie MacKenzie.
19 hikers left P/J car park with a warning of 23 degrees, so take plenty of water. Fortunately for us there was a breeze that got stronger, and the heat was manageable. As a surprise to some who thought they knew where they were going, we headed off up the left hand side / the fire break. A steady climb which was steeper than our straggler counted on as he hurried to join the group, he could see ahead of him!!
On we went upward until the turn off to Big Rock. Morning tea on the side of the track 3/4 of the way down. Most continued to the rock (no takers for abseiling) the view was enjoyed.
Back to the main track turn left and onto the panoramic information panel. Now we know where we are also where we COULD go. Turn left to the Ben Rudd shelter side track for lunch and contemplate how he chose to live in such an isolated place and grow his blackcurrants, gooseberries, etc. He died in 1930 aged 76 yrs.
Back up the same track for 15 mins. We then just followed the track to the intersection of the Pineapple Track and the track to the top of Flagstaff. Views overlooking North Dunedin with lots of chat trying to identify what we were seeing.
The top was still to come and with lots of spells we reached the summit which had a drainpipe, and a plane table set in the rock that describes the features of the panoramic views. Not far now and soon the cars came into view. Approximately 8 kms
Julie and Theresa.
Link to background information and earlier tramps and hikes in the same area.