12 trampers met at Otokia Road, 4 km from Taieri Mouth having just enjoyed a scenic coastal drive that would rate as one of the world’s’ finest. A turn up into the road that leads to the Maori Reserve, and we were ready to begin. Some sharp road climbs started the “Easy” rated tramp (which several felt deserved the rating of at least “M”) before morning tea at a deserted building, with views in all directions – South to Taieri Beach, North over the Taieri River Continue reading “Taieri Scenic Reserve.”
19/3/2008 Knobby Range from Roxburgh to Alexandra Bus Trip Leaders: George
At 7.15 a.m. on a very warm morning, 25 of us met at the car park ready to board Bob Mitchell’s comfortable bus to go on our much awaited trip for the tramp across the Knobby Range. From a hiker’s point of view, along with the challenge of a somewhat longer tramp, was the slight trepidation of being up to the test. However, due to George’s enthusiasm and encouragement we had decided to give it a go as the opportunity and ability might never come again. So we boarded the bus and were away just after 7.30 a.m. Bob dropped us off at the top of the Knobby Range at 10.00 a.m. ready and eager to get going.
Wednesday 5 March 2008 was the 20th Anniversary of the Taieri Recreational Tramping Club, and to celebrate such an important occasion, President Peter welcomed over 70 members who sat down to a hearty lunch at the Mosgiel Railway Station. Everyone tucked in to roast beef, pork, stuffed chicken and lots of vegetables followed by pavlova, sticky pudding, fruit salad etc. A very kiwi lunch. Doug M piped in the anniversary cake, which was cut by life members George and Daphne. Speeches by founding members of the club were appreciated as reminiscences about amusing incidents from past tramps and camps were remembered.
The entertainment followed started off by The Entwistle ensemble, Evelyn and Bob entertaining us with Gaelic songs and music on harp and treble recorder. Very harmonious and soothing music. Then the 4 tramping-mates rolled along to a catchy romp along the track. This was very popular and got everyone in the mood for a good sing-along with Bruce on guitar and Ian on keyboard leading the way. A most enjoyable way to spend the day (even if it was not as healthy as a good tramp). – Tash
In addition, Peter wrote a song performed at the 20th Anniversary:
FOUR JOLLY TRAMPING MATES
Chorus:
We’re four jolly tramping mates, as you can all see:
There’s Les Smith, Ray Wiggins, Ian Fleming, and Me,
Enjoying our freedom-years, maintaining our health:
That’s Les Smith, Ray Wiggins, Ian Fleming, and Self.
We meet in the carpark where Pat marks the roll;
Then it’s off to the start of our pre-recced stroll –
Perhaps down the Silverstream – to the river and back –
Or a slog up the rocky slope of the Steve Amies track.
Chorus …
When we reach a tricky fence, our hearts start to thump,
For we know that our girls will need a hand on the rump.
And when they are safely through, we give a wee smile …
For just down the fence a bit we’ve spotted a style.
Chorus …
Our lunch-times are happy hours; of that there’s no doubt;
No subject is sacred when Joyce Shaw is about.
With sandwiches eaten and many jokes told,
It’s back on the track again before we get cold.
Chorus …
We’re four jolly tramping mates, but now there are three
For Ian’s dived behind a bush for his half-hourly pee.
We all look the other way for the time that it takes.
We know he’ll be back with us in a couple of shakes.
Chorus …
And now we are home again, our joints stiff and sore
But we all know that next week we’ll be back for more,
Enjoying our freedom years, maintaining our health –
That’s Les Smith, Ray Wiggins, Ian Fleming and Self.
We’re four jolly tramping mates, as you can all see:
There’s Les Smith, Ray Wiggins, Ian Fleming, and Me.
We’re four jolly tramping mates, four jolly tramping mates are we:
That’s Les Smith, Ray Wiggins, Ian Fleming, and Me.
Reception Photos
Pat and DoreenDot and JoanPat and ShirleyGrahamPam and MaryKen and PeterDiana, Mavis and PeterLesley and EvelynBill & LesleyJoan C and Margaret STedBob MNelson & DotNelson & Dot enlarged
Barbara & ArthurNeil and KenGeorge & ElizabethAudrey & BobNel v HBarbara MLois & LanceCatherine and RiaJean YMurielMargaret & LesMargaret BBev & IvanLesley GMavisMary & LesBill & PatBettyBruce & MarjorieTashLeoniMargaret and JuneSabinaLife Members: Les, Peg, Bob, Peg, George and DaphneDoug & NgaireGaelic music by Evelyn & BobPeg A and FrancesBruce and Ian lead singingBev HTramping Mates Peter, Ian, (Shirley accompanying), Ray and LesLexShirley accompanies Tramping MatesThe Birthday CakeBob EGroup Photo
Although once again, weather report not so good and some cloud hanging around, we left the car park at 9am as usual for our hike in Waipori – Berwick Forest area with high hopes of a good day out. We parked by the side of the road and set off walking along the road then across farm land and up a fairly steep hill.
Morning Tea
Took our time and stopped frequently to admire the view which got more interesting and expansive the higher we got.
Certainly well worth the effort. Had views over Taieri, down to Waihola and over the Wetlands, as well as the hills and valleys round that area. We really enjoyed our morning tea break after our hard slog up the hill. From then on it was fairly easy, pleasant going along forestry roads and through the trees. Found a nice sheltered spot in the sun for our lunch and sat and made the most of the break and rest before returning to the cars the same way we had come. Day turned out to be a good one for hiking. Not too hot at first but warmed up considerably by the time we were on our way back. Another happy day for hikers. Bev.
13/5/1998. Berwick, Shaws Hill, Hayes Woolshed. Leaders: Bill H, Lesley S.
12/2/1997. Woolshed Shaws Hill and return. Leaders: Colleen, Ted, Sabina.
13/7/1994Berwick Forest Woolshed to Waipori and return. Leaders: Molly, Dot T, Graham, Frank
10/7/1991 Berwick Forest Woolshed to Waipori. A good winter tramp. Average. Leaders: Eric & Dot, Ray, Joyce I, Catherine T
11/10/1989. Berwick – Shaw’s Hill Road. Easy. Leaders: Joyce I, Joan A, Norman.
13/4/1988. Berwick Forest from Shaw Hill Road. Leaders: Hugh, Jean Y.
No. 9 on old hardcopy list of 113 club tramps. “Poplar Hut. Mt John. N Strang. Year Round.”
No. 52 on old hardcopy list of 113 club tramps. “Mt Allen, Wenita Year Round”
No. 71 on old hardcopy list of 113 club tramps. “Mt John. (Cowie & Wenita) Year Round”
Location: 17 km.
Closed lambing Oct-Nov.
Contacts:
– Wenita permit. Require 6 weeks notice, but less from us.
– Silver Peaks Station, Seek permission
14 km round trip.
Longer option: 24 km via Pulpit Rock. 5-8 hours. Climbing all the way.
Take lots of water. Cross Big Stream. Up steep vehicle track. About 50 minutes.
Turn right at T junction. After one minute, you see track on left coming up from Poplar Hut.
Descend down 10 minutes.
From Poplar Hut, climb vehicle track 1-1.5 hours to top. Gate marked PRIVATE.
Cross over gate, follow fence to next gate. Keep fence on left.
Follow vehicle track down and round hill to next gate before climbing up to Mt Allan.
Good vehicle track all the way.
Keep forest on right till you rejoin Pulpit Rock track.
Turn right down Long Ridge to Big Stream.
17/10/2007. Trampers. Mount Allan, Mount John. Medium. Leaders: George, Abe.
11/5/2005. Both. Poplar Hut with option do Mount Allan and Mount John. Leaders: Peter and Wendy, Eleanor W, Lesley S, Anne R.
19/9/2007. School House, Tunnels, McRaes, Steve Amies Whare Flat road ret. Leaders: Ria L, Hazel
Ten trampers set off from the Old School House at Whare flat on a beautiful sunny day without a cloud in the sky. Another “Wonderful Wednesday” Leonie was heard to comment. We followed Tunnels Track which is part of the Racemans’ walkways. This follows the old black, and now somewhat dilapidated water pipe that used to take water all the way from here to the Southern reservoir in Dunedin. This has significant historical interest and brochures and maps about Racemans are available at the Tourist Centre.This led into the McRaes Track and then on to the Steve Amies Track. This climb got our hearts racing and our brows sweating but worth all the effort to arrive at that wonderful picnic spot at the top. Here there are picnic tables in all sorts of nooks and crannies with great views over to Chalkies and the Taieri Plains. There are many planted trees and plaques to well known trampers, and a recent plaque to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the WEA tramping club that was founded by Steven Amies. There are several options trampers can take from here but our leaders opted to go back via the access road and back to our cars. We enjoyed the company of a visitor, Ken, and despite unfortunately locking his keys in the car we hope he enjoyed it enough to come back again.
7. 27-29/4/2007 Alexandra Holiday Park Camp Leader: Ian (New owners, less hospitable regarding lodge) Day 1. 28 April. Knobbies Tramp. click to enlarge
Rocks on Knobby Range (Pat pic)
Rock on Knobby Range. (Pat pic)Cairn on Knobby Range. (Pat pic)
Day 2. 29 April. Lake walk.
Lunch. Dot, Pat, Ria, Doug, Molly, George, Ian (Bill pic)Rock outcrops above track (Bill pic)Lake Roxburgh scene (Bill pic)Rock bivvy. Joyce, Pat. (Bill pic)Pat gives lesson in tying laces. Dorothy, Ria, Joyce, Pat. (Bill pic)
6. 20-24/11/2006. Camp. Alexandra
5. 2001
4. 6/1997
3. Friday 6/11/1992 – Sunday 8/11/1992. Alexandra Holiday Park Camp. Combined meals.
2. 9-12/1990. Leader: Margaret Smith.
Attended by 20 people.
1. 10/3/90. Alexandra.“10/3/90. Miners’ House with natural roof of rock slab. Bob Heenan, Les Smith, Catherine Tither & Ted Chinside.” (Ian pic, scanned from Peg Chisholm photo collection.)
