Taieri Recreational Tramping Club
Mid-week recreational and social walking group based in Mosgiel NZ
8. 8 May 2024. Trampers. Gabriel’s Gully , Lawrence. Grade 4
Wednesday 8th May saw 18 hardy trampers start at Gabriels Gully Lawrence to complete our walk on Otago Dam Track. Continue reading “Gabriels Gully, Lawrence. Bus Trip”
No. 76 on old hardcopy list of 113 club tramps. “Coutts Gully Return Sawmill Rd Farm”. Livingstonia Park distance from car-park: 32 km.
After welcoming a new hiker, Peter Dodds, twenty-four hikers left Livingstonia Park, about 9.30 am, heading to the left (east) to the sand dune track that led out to the road by the bridge and then headed up Sawmill Road to have morning tea beside the implement shed on Alan Gorton’s farm.
5 July 2023. 35th Birthday/ Mid winter lunch (More photos below this report)
Seventy members and partners enjoyed and made the most of being ‘35 ’, at the Taieri Bowling Club’s excellent club rooms. It was a Wednesday with a cold wind, so we were all more than happy to be inside mixing and mingling and enjoying each others company.
Clive Crossman had prepared a photographic presentation that played continuously throughout the day which brought to mind lots of memories, and questions such as where’s that?, who’s that? and we must go there again……thanks Clive for the presentation (we will make it available asap) and again thanks to Jenni Wright, Jill Dodd and Eleanore for their planning work, which as they say ‘was right up there’; the missing flowers from gardens around Outram were found in the posies on the tables; also to John Gardiner for being our ‘official photographer’ on the day.
Phil K alluded to the historical information that could be viewed as well as mentioning that in the first handful of years the club had undertaken over 20 camping trips with a consistent number of around 25-30 folk attending, then a high percentage of members. Following Ian Fleming’s grace, especially poignant with the recent passing of Shirley, we enjoyed a lovely finger food meal and took a moment’s silence to remember past members and special memories and noted apologies from those who could not be present.
Jenni Wright gave an update from Judy Knox over in that west island, and then read out Judy’s poem that she had written especially for the day – so many thanks Judy from everyone present. We laughed a lot!
“TRTC 35 years – Congratulations
I wish that I could be with you
To share some memories, one or two.
Thirty-five is quite a lot
Of years for being on the trot.
I recall a lot of fun,
On all the trips that we have done.
Sadly I can’t be with you –
Which leaves me feeling rather blue.
But not for long, I’m pleased to say –
I’ll live to tramp another day.
My hip replacement happens soon
Then I’ll be jumping up and doon.
To have it done I’ve waited long,
And I just hope it won’t go wrong.
Then home I’ll come, to see you all,
And all those trips we will recall.
We all are older, some have passed,
It comes to everyone at last.
So get stuck in and celebrate,
It really is a special date.
From here I’ll raise a glass to you
And have an extra wine or two.
In memory of those special years,
To all of you, three hearty cheers!”
Following this Andrew Simms Chair of the Mosgiel Taieri Community Board gave an insightful talk on key matters affecting the community which Clive summed up in his vote of thanks as ‘get involved’. Andrew’s outline of options to use the Taieri Gorge line for walking and (e) biking was a vision worth exploring and supporting for us ‘recreationists’! Imagine the scores of lycra clad golden oldies at the Wobbly Goat or Wal’s if two major bike trails met on the Taieri, not to mention cycling on to Dunedin through more tunnels!
Phil recited one of his favourite poems, Place, by Brian Turner. After alighting the plane at Momona from his 7 months lockdown in Perth he noticed it in large print upon the wall upstairs near the restaurants. Bit of a twinge there!
Place
Once in a while
you may come across a place
where everything
seems as close to perfection
as you will ever need.
And striving to be faultless
the air on its knees
holds the trees apart,
yet nothing is categorically
thus, or that, and before the dusk
mellows and fails
the light is like honey
on the stems of tussock grass,
and the shadows are mauve birthmarks
on the hills.
– Brian Turner, All That Blue Can Be (Dunedin: John McIndoe, 1989).
Bev Harvey then did us the honour of ‘the cutting of the cake’ which following the group photo was devoured.
It was great to be 35 again and I’m almost looking forward to being 40 again…….but before that we have the AGM on the 24 August 2023 at the Mosgiel Presbyterian Church at 1.30pm. In addition to the usual we will have a presentation from the Operations Manager of the Halo Project, so I look forward to seeing you all there.
Phil K
Moeraki – Information and Trips Library
5. 2 February 2022. Combined trampers and hikers. Moeraki. Leaders Valerie Bell & Barbara Shackell, Jay Devlin & Bob Mitchell.
Twenty-eight intrepid beachcombers met together at an overcast Hampden Beach having carpooled up that morning – or camped overnight – and immediately had morning tea.
Low tide was 10.54am which permitted walking along the shore including around the rocky headlands for those who preferred, or joining the Millennium Track before the headlands and enjoying the bush area through into Moeraki Village.
A third option was for those who might have wanted a shorter walk to just go as far as they felt comfortable with, and to meet back at the carpark in time to join everyone for afternoon tea at Vanessa’s on SHI in Hampden village.
Some interesting rock formations were seen along the way and not all of them boulder formation.
It was a beautiful day for the walk, not being too sunny and therefore hot, and not being so cool as to be unpleasant to sit in the playground area for lunch.
At least one leader had assumed that the leading bunch of four women – who took to the headlands as though they were born to it – would continue past the two open eating establishments, past the now closed Fleurs, and up the Millennium Track to the lookout on the Hill above the bay. That leader was mistaken, as she discovered, with the miscreants arriving back at the playground having eaten their Tavern bought Fish & Chips without taking the trek to the lookout!
After lunch, we straggled out along the beach to return to the cars and enjoy an efficiently produced afternoon tea at Vanessa’s. Thanks to Dave R for the suggestion.
Depending on the fitbit or app relied on, we walked between 12-14 km.
Leaders: Jay, Bob, Valerie & Barbara
4. 2018-08-01. All. Bus trip. Moeraki. Leaders: Adrienne and Bev.
Report Combined Bus Trip – Moeraki 1/8/18
45 outdoor seekers got on the bus at Mosgiel to head to Moeraki for the club’s annual combined bus trip.
We started at the lookout at Moeraki …
… and wandered down the Millennium track with great views of the sea and Moeraki Bay. The first seal sighting included a baby seal which was eagerly photographed. A Crested shag was also seen. It was a short wander down to the surrounds of the famous Fleur’s Restaurant. Here morning tea was partaken …
… with lovely views of the fishing boats (known for catching blue cod) in the bay. It was a cool start but gradually the cloud cleared and the sun warmed us up.
The track followed the shoreline through trees and shrubs. On one part of the track the big slump in Moeraki was very evident which has affected some roads and properties.
We then walked down onto the beach, the tide being low, and some walkers seeing what seemed like a leopard seal. It was a pleasant walk 2km up the beach to the Moeraki Boulders. According to Maori legend the boulders represent eel baskets and food that was spilled from the loss of Arai-te-uru, one of the large canoes that came from distant Hawaiki. The Boulders are concretions consisting of mud , fine silt and clay , cemented by calcite.
After a number of photographs …
… some of the group headed up to Hampden beach. Erosion by the sea was very evident along the low cliffs.
Lunch was had along the beach some near the boulders …
…and others at the picnic tables at Hampden Beach.
The lure of big double icecreams at the store was too much for some.
They were sampled with smiles as we walked back.
We all met up at the Boulders’ carpark around 2pm and then headed down to Shag point. The drive in was past icon kiwi cribs, some originally belonging to coal miners of the past, to the boat ramp. We had a wander around the area seeing more lazing seals. There was an old coal mine that used to operate in the cliffs. This was where, years ago, Mollie went to the local school at the age of 5. At that time when the mine was operating the school had a roll of 80. 10 years later when she left the school, it only had 18 students. The mine closed in the early 70’s and had shafts running underground beneath the sea as well as inland.
It was then back on the bus, with a group of great people for the trip home. Some feeling very relaxed after some good sea air!!
Thanks to President Jill for her superb organisation.
Dave M
3. 15/12/1997. Tenth Anniversary Dinner, Moeraki. People pics.
(Click to enlarge)
2. Friday 22/9/1992 – Sunday 23/9/1992. Moeraki Motor Camp. 23 attended. Leaders: Bob & Audrey
1. 22-23/9/1989. Moeraki Motor Camp. Leaders: Bob & Audrey. 24 attended this weekend camp. Everyone had a great time and Audrey and Bob were thanked for a job well done.
The day dawned sunny but cool, so for a leg-stretch, 18 walkers left from the bowling club for a street walk. We walked a couple of ks to, and through, the new Heathfield subdivision off Gladstone Road into the Woodlands settlement at the bottom of the Mosgiel sign. From here we climbed a steep pinch up to near the Mosgiel sign
which was erected in June 1987 by the local Rotary club under the guidance of one of our tramping club members, Neil Buckley. It is a landmark at the entrance to Mosgiel – our little Hollywood replica!!
After a leisurely coffee stop at the reservoir and the panoramic vista over Mosgiel, – the Silver Peaks to the north – across to the Maungatuas in the West
– and down the Taieri Plains. – A casual walk back into Mosgiel where some had another coffee stop before heading over to the the bowling club for the celebratory lunch.
30 Anniversary of our Club’s Inauguration.
We had 82 members, partners and past members in attendance for a delicious buffet lunch interspersed with a speech from George Haggie representing the early members and one from Dave Mellish, one of our newer members.
Also the Skylarks quartet presented an entertaining song composed by Bruce Spittle to the tune from Gilbert and Sullivans HMS Pinafore, titled “Some Years ago in 1988”. Thanks Bruce Ian Judy D and Margreet.
*****Click here For a video of “Some Years Ago in 1988″*****
A real highlight for the whole event was the presentation to Margaret and Les Smith of Life Membership.
A real honour and well deserved. Right from the start of the club’s inauguration till present day, of years of service: committee, trip organizing and hosting club activities.
Another memorable event was the launching of Judy Knox’s book:
Taieri Recreational Tramping Club – 30 th Anniversary Publication.
*****Click here for people pics taken at the Dinner*****
An amazing record of our history. Thanks to Judy for her research and Ian Fleming’s meticulous care in maintaining the website for access to members, where Judy collected a lot of her information.
Cake cutting was by Molly Vaughan (90+) and George Haggie (almost 90), …
… original members and untill very recently, still tramping. An inspiration to us all.
The cake fairies Pam and Dawn distributed the cake. This cake was beautifully decorated using a similar topping as on the 20th year cake, along with little boots, pack and sticks.
“Well Done” to the decorator.
Several member also spoke towards the end of the lunch describing various aspects of a very happy fun-loving group of outdoor folks who enjoy a coffee fix at the end of the day regarding encountering the day’s outing.
“Well done” everyone!
30 years is a fine achievement, and onwards and upwards for another 30 years.
I would just like to thank the committee and fellow-trampers for making this club so special.
Happy tramping! – Jill Dodd, President 2017 -2018
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
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