09/04/2025 Old Country Track, Waikouaiti Grade 2 Hikers or Combined. Leaders: Jan Butcher, Shirley and Noel McRandle.
The animal encounter! The day started off from PJP in perfect hiking temperature with a purrfect farewell during briefing by a little grey cat.
4 carloads with 17 hikers met at Ramrock Road and travelled up Quarry Road to park near the entrance to the track.
We set off up the grass track about 10.05am.
Underfoot conditions were very good with only a couple of tricky bits – a little greasy slope and a somewhat dilapidated bridge to negotiate.
Around 10.25am and in a nice sunny spot we stopped for a brief morning tea break.
Our first gate opening and the 17 sheep were counted. This stop provided a lovely view back over Waikouaiti and towards Karitane.
On the way up the steady incline towards the crest of the track we encountered some young steers who eyeballed us as we returned the favour. In the end a couple of country-wise kids decided to skirt around behind and drive them on ahead. However, the young beasts decided that they would make their own decisions and a quick exit from the track by hikers and they disappeared down the bill and over the horizon. The hikers reached the crest of the track around 11.23am and strode on down the other side until reaching another gate beside some tanks and it was decided it was timely to make the return journey down the track and onto the beach for luncheon.
We set off down the track and spotted a sheep cast in a gully. After somewhat of an effort, Bill Cubitt ventured down to help it onto its feet and it took off at top speed. As we left the track the farmer was passing and he was told of the ‘good deed’ only to inform Bill that the sheep was tied for a purpose. Never mind Bill. I think that you still did a good job as ‘Ms Google’ says that being cast can be dangerous as the sheep can suffocate due to gas buildup in their rumen and are also vulnerable to predators. We eventually arrived back at our vehicles and proceeded to the parking area by the beach. Arriving around 12.30 to enjoy a well-earned rest and our packed luncheon in a lovely, sheltered area with a nice view of the sea.
We were up on our feet and away again just after 1pm. We walked along the road beside the beach.
Then it was up through the Sports Fields where some members of the group – welcomed relief! – and on to the Hawksbury Lagoon walkway spotting a couple of black swans close by with other birdlife in the distance.
There was a lot of interesting historic information in this area to digest.
Reaching the road again we continued around the block back to the carpark passing the historic St John’s Anglican church which was opened in 1858 and is said to now be the oldest operating church in Otago/Southland area. The hike finished about 2.10pm and then we all headed to the Blueskin Nursery and cafe enjoying refreshments in the sun in the beautiful surroundings. The tramping party arrived as we were about to depart. So well timed for the cafe service.
According to Ms Fitbit we walked 10.5km
Thanks to all for an enjoyable day.
Jan, Shirley and Noel
Link to background information and earlier tramps and hikes in the same area.