Hikers – Page 7 – Taieri Recreational Tramping Club

Flagstaff forest walks.

No. 37 on old hardcopy list of 113 club tramps. “DCC Forest. Three Mile Hill. W Bathgate. Permit DCC. Year Round”

Location: 10 km.

Click Flagstaff Creek Walking Track for background information.

Park at Three Mile Hill lookout, or Bullring or Pottery, Whare Flat.
Permit from City Forest, Dunedin 455 5512.

Flagstaff Forest road map — Map of all Roads

click to enlarge

Flagstaff Forest Tracks — Map of lower tracks/roads

Jack Roy's Map of Flagstaff Forest roads/tracks — Jack Roy’s Map of Flagstaff Forest roads/tracks

21. 8/11/2017. Hikers. Flagstaff Forest. Stuart and High Streets. M. Leader: Adrienne.

A dozen Hikers set out from the Taieri Lookout Car Park, crossed the Three Mile Hill Road and turned down the Flagstaff Creek walking track, crossed south road and descended the occasionally steep recently well-stepped track to the weir and the old, well-rusted flow wheel,

now almost completely obscured by undergrowth where we had morning tea. The closed wooden bridge across Flagstaff Creek being now blocked off with its access track fully obscured by undergrowth, we had to climb back up to South Road the way we had come down, and follow the road around, past Durham and High Streets to climb the unsigned (where’s it got to?) Stuart Street to where it joined up with High Street. Sheltered hitherto for most of the tramp from a strong cold wind, we found ourselves now well exposed to it. We went up High Street a little way and turned up a track labelled Tank Surge Road <?> to the partial shelter of its narrow tank for lunch. Then, it was back down High Street and along South road to where it crosses Flagstaff creek by the piped concrete bridge, and up the Douglas Fir Grove track leading across to the car park again.

Although the cold wind back at the Bush Road car park had been a bit discouraging, we all agreed at the end it had been a most enjoyable energetic day out, pleasantly completed with companionable coffee at the Aurora. With co-leader Bev laid aside through illness, (and the locator beacon still in her car boot!) Adrienne did a text-book perfect leadership job, faultlessly grouping us at each fork in the route. Thanks, Adrienne. – Ian.

20. 14/10/2015. Hikers. Flagstaff Forest. Stuart and High Streets. Leaders: Lesley and Bev.

Nineteen hikers parked at the Lookout. Lesley led us in at the upper entrance and down the track to South Rd. Then along South Rd …

A study in verticality — A study in ‘verticality’

What appears to be a chipper - for transforming forestry rubbish into pellet fire product, perhaps. — What appears to be a chipper – (saw-duster?) for transforming forestry rubbish into pellet fire product, perhaps.

… to the foot of Stuart St whose road sign at its foot is now unhelpfully missing. Up Stuart St which gets only steeper each time we tackle it, but now cleared of all trees on either side. Where Stuart St ends at High St, the leaders took eight of the party down High St, entrusting the balance of eleven to the leadership of Keith to take them up High St to lunch at its end at Longridge. The two parties met again on South Road where it crosses Flagstaff Stream and returned to the cars via the large steep steps taking them up along the Douglas Fir Grove track. – Ian.

19. 17/7/2013. Hikers. Flagstaff Forest. Leaders: Les and Margaret.

Wed. saw us park up at the lookout at three mile hill road.
We walked into the forest and around a few of the roads like High St, Stuart St, etc.
It turned out a great day with lots of sun between the trees.
the douglas firs are so TALL in the forest I wonder if they will mill them.
It was very sunny at the lunch stop. Fred supplied the usual chocs so all was well for us all.
We made our way back up some huge steps {made by a Big Man?}
There are a lot of felled trees in there and I wonder what they are going to do with it all.
With so many families crying out for wood and the price it is… and here is all this wood just rotting away. – Elaine.

18. 12/9/2012. Trampers. Flagstaff Forest Tramp. Leader: Ria.

GPS of route, courtesy Ken. Unaccountable lapse in record. Deduce omitted route yourself!

A pic from earlier in the tramp before we got to the top.

Fast melting snow on route back down from top.

17. 28/4/2010. Hikers. Flagstaff Forest walk. Leaders: Bruce and Marjorie.

Thirteen hikers parked at the Taieri lookout and set off on the bush track opposite which was a very pleasant walk. Although it had rained, pine needles made a soft dry carpet. The variety of trees and bird calls, including rosellas, provided interest and we admired the tall straight trunks of the giant trees.
We had morning tea and lunch at the same spot by the Flagstaff stream but between we did a circular walk around forestry roads. These provided us with good walking underfoot and although it was quite a grind up Stuart Street we all managed it with ease by taking our time and stopping to admire the view of the Taieri Plains and Saddle Hill. After lunch we completed the bush walk back to the cars.
It was quite a short walk, although no-one took up the offer to go round again. Another time a further circle could be added on at the top of Stuart Street. The weather was ideal with not a breath of wind and mild temperatures. – Marjorie

16. 1/7/2009 Both Hikers and Trampers. Flagstaff Forest. South Rd, High St, Laings, High St, Stuart St, South Rd. Leaders: Neil, Ria

It was a good day for 20 members of the club from both groups. We entered the forest from opposite the Taieri Lookout car-park and made our way down to where the track comes out at South Road. We followed this around to turn up High Street, but before doing this we stopped for
our morning tea break in a rare sunny spot.
click to enlarge

Morning Tea on South Road. Lex, Bob, Who? Wendy, Who? Neil, Ria, Peter, Mollie, Pat, Bill, Bev, Evelyn, Angela.

We made our slow way up, up, up High Street, stopping for frequent rests to eventually reach Long Ridge Road only to immediately turn back off it to travel along Laing Road until Ria judged it time to stop for lunch.

Lunch. Evelyn, Bob, Chris, Glenice, Who? Ria, Neil, Wendy, Peter.

Returning back we enjoyed great views of the Taieri Plain,

turned back down High Street and then off to the right and down Stuart Street. When it reached South Road, we turned left, passing the foot of High Street to reach the bridge/culvert over Flagstaff Creek. Here we turned down the Flagstaff Creek Walking Track to at last cross the Creek on a fine wooden bridge to reach a water race

Weir and Overflow — Weir, water-race entrance and Overflow

containing an old water meter wheel stiffened up with age and rust.

Upside Water Meter — ‘Up-race’ of Water Meter

Downside Water Meter — ‘Down-race’ of Water Meter

Back up the track a bit we turned up to the right to climb a many-stepped track up to cross South Road and back up the initial track to the car park again. Thanks, Ria and Neil for a most enjoyable, if wrapped-up, winter’s day out. – Ian

15. 25/2/2009 Trampers. Three Mile Hill Lookout. Flagstaff forest walk, Three Mile Hill. Round trip. Lookout, South Rd, High St, Longridge Rd, Whare Flat Rd, Laings Rd, High St, South Rd. Leaders: Ria, Hazel.

The misty overcast day left ground wet and muddy underfoot and ruled out the planned tramp on Swampy. So Ria had sought permission for the six of us to walk the Flagstaff Forestry roads. It was a good work-out, extended by a climb from the Bullring to near Flagstaff summit to fill in time before lunching in the welcome shelter of Ria’s daughter Ingrid’s property’s haybarn down Whare Flat Road.

Lunch in Ingrid's Haybarn. Ian — Lunch in Ingrid’s haybarn. Ian

Lunch in daughter Ingrid's haybarn. Ria — Lunch in daughter Ingrid’s haybarn. Ria

Lunch in Ingrid's haybarn. Hazel, Glenice — Lunch in Ingrid’s haybarn. Hazel, Glenice

Lunch in Ingrid's haybarn. Bill, Pat — Lunch in Ingrid’s haybarn. Bill, Pat

Then it was back up Whare Flat Road to Laings Road and so back to the Lookout where we had parked the cars. Thanks to Ria and Hazel for a good alternative tramp.

14. 20/9/2006. Hikers. Three Mile Hill area. Easy. Leaders: Jean, Anne R, Eleanor B.

13. 30/3/2005.DCC Forestry Walk.

12. 11/9/2002. Alt. Three Mile Hill. Leaders: Les W, Mary M, Peg C

11. 27/6/2001 Three Mile Hill. Leaders: Daphne, Eleanor, Mavis

10. 25/4/2001. Three Mile Hill. Leaders: Daphne, Peg C, Mary M.

9. 19/7/2000. D.C.C. Forestry Circuit. Leaders: Shirley R, Arthur and Barbara.

8. 18/8/1999. DCC Forestry Walk. 3 Mile Hill. Leaders: Margaret D, Winifred, Joan H.

7. 11/11/1998. DCC Forest – 3 Mile Hill. Leaders: Betty, Joan H, Winifred.

6. 28/5/1997. Flagstaff Forest Walk. Leaders: Peg A, Peg M, Margaret D

5. 22/1/1997. Flagstaff – Creek Forest. Leaders: Peggy M, Margaraet D, Peg A.

4. 26/6/1996. D.C.C. 3 Mile Hill Forestry Round Trip from Coburns. Medium. Shorter alternative in some areas. Leaders: J Roy, Ian, Catherine.

3. 30/3/1994. D.C.C. Forestry, Whare Flat, Look-out, Three Mile Hill Road. WET FEET! Medium. Leaders: Ria L, Wendy B, Evelyn M, Doreen

2. 9/12/1992 DCC Forest. Round trip. Cars meet Three Mile Hill Lookout. Average. Leaders: Marie F, Nel K, Doreen, Lesley S

1. 22/6/1988 Three Mill Hill from Taieri Lookout. Pleasant pine walks. Leaders:

Portsmouth Drive to Marina

17 km from car park.
City to Surf – Information and Trips Library

3. 20/9/2017. Hikers. Portsmouth Drive to Marina. E. Leaders: Judy and Dorothy.

Twelve harbour strollers, went to Andy Bay.
We parked beside the inlet – it was a windy day.
Along the Portsmouth Drive we went, trudging in a row.
We passed the harbour molars, and onward we did go.

A sunny sheltered spot was found, and morning tea was had,
Relaxing in the sunshine, it wasn’t half too bad.
Then on we went, around the wharves, and round the harbour basin –
We found that walking in the wind, was really somewhat bracin’.

We viewed the plaque in memory of “Neptune”, sunk in war.
She hit a minefield in the Med, and then she was no more.

We passed the Neptune memorial at the wharf and some members were able to point to the names of loved ones who were involved in this tragedy. (Clive pic and caption.)

On we went and onwards, across the Leith we strode,
Then Clive led us along the groyne, to where the water flowed.

We took a walk out on the groyne at the boat harbour and nearly got blown away in the 20 knot winds. (Clive pic and caption.)

Back around the boat harbour, some picnic tables found,
For lunch and chatter in the sun, then homeward we were bound.

Lunch outside the Yachting Club. (Raewyn pic and caption.)

A cracking pace was soon set up, the wind was at our backs.
Perhaps the increase in our pace, was due to lighter packs?
We viewed a lot of logging trucks, a queue a mile long –
Sending all those logs away, we feel it is quite wrong.

A photo stop was taken, beside the harbour molars –
And so we coined the title, “The Mosgiel Harbour Strollers.”

The Molar strollers. (Clive pic and caption.)

The cars in view, we stepped it out and headed fast for home.
A coffee stop at Blackstone – and then I wrote this “pome”….
(Well, try to find a better rhyme!) – Judy.

Stats for the day: 11.7 kms; 3 hours and 4 minutes walking time; 480 calories. – Clive.

2. 14/1/2015. Hikers. Portsmouth Drive to Marina. E. Leaders: Peter and Wendy.

We parked in the carpark by the Bayfield High School. And 21 of us set out.

Some of us waited while others investigate the doings of a suspect prowler. — The bulk of us waiting for others investigate the doings of a suspect prowler back a the carpark and to call the police to investigate. Helen found a passing cyclist friend to chat to.

We walked along Portsmouth Drive past the molars, turned down Kitchener St, huggiing the harbour edge and stopped off for morning tea.

Sheltering from a cold wind for morning tea.

Carrying on, we turned round into Birch St, across the top of the harbour basin then down along Fryatt St almost to its end. Then it was up Wickliffe St, across the railway overbridge, briefly on Anzac Avenue, down Parry …

Skirting the Statium. — Skirting the Stadium.

…and Minerva Streets to cross the Leith on SH88 bridge, and on the north side to turn under the bridge and out along Magnet St to get to our lunch stop at the Marina.

On our return, we walked the length of Anzac avenue. Then onto the railway station platform, where Dorothy performed a most believable but all too brief strut down the catwalk. Out at the other side, on past Toitu Settlers Museum and along the grassy verge ahead where we stopped, briefly thwarted by the railway bridge overpass pathless on-ramp ahead. So it was across all four laned SH1 Cumberland St, with the assistance of the lights further back. This safely accomplished, it was Les and Peter led us up Water St, along Vogel St, back down Jetty St and onto the pedestrial spiral ramp to get us onto the bridge. Then via Birch St, Buller St and French St we rejoined Kitchener St which took us back out onto Portsmouth Dr and back to the cars. From talking to one or two others, I must say coming to the end of eleven kilometres on hard pavement had taken its toll of leg muscles, on this the first tramp after the holidays. A good walk, not too hot or windy. Thanks to Peter and Wendy for a good start to the year. – Ian.

1. 20/11/2013. Hikers. Midland St, Portsmouth Drive to Marina. Leaders: Bev and Chris.

The walk was most inventive and interesting, leading us along back streets few of us had ventured on before. We parked at the bottom of Midland Street where we could cross onto Portsmouth Drive with the safety assistance of traffic lights. The laying of cable along the walkway forced us onto a less inviting traffic-coned path along the road till we returned to the walkway at the molars.

Molars. The 20 of us are almost all in the pic.

A little further on we turned down to the length of Kitchener St turning left up at its end into Birch St to join Wharf St esplanade and have morning tea on the seats, to admire the inner harbour view as well as a gentleman, lent back on a camp seat, fishing, hat over face, asleep.

A happy surprise was Lex sharing round chocolate marshmellows in anticipation of his 85th birthday the following day.

Then it was up and on again, down virtually the entire length of Fryatt St to turn left up Wickliffe Street and over the elderly railway overhead bridge, down the other side to the right, and to stop and admire (?) the special road-coned entrance/egress of Hall’s work-yard and the still-hooded traffic lights. We gingerly made it across Anzac Ave, across Frederick St, back again across Anzac Ave to join Parry St, make way across the SH88 Leith Bridge very wide pedestrian walkway, down, back, under the bridge and along Magnet St. (4 km)

and the Harbour Walkway (5 and 6 kms) to lunch at the northern end of the map in what shelter we could find from the nor-easterly wind.

We retraced our steps to the SH88 Bridge underpass, this time following the Leith bank up to Anzac Ave (7 and 8 kms)

which we followed right to the St Andrew St lights where we turned down along it to the roundabout, followed Mason St, then into Tewsley St and into Fryatt St to retrace our route alongside Wharf St (9 km), Birch St, Kitchener St and Portsmouth Drive back to the cars. 11 km in all. The harbour wind-blast along Portsmouth Drive almost blew us off our feet. Many thanks to Bev and Chris for a varied and interesting streets exploration around a corner of the harbour. – Ian.

Gardens to Surf

City to Surf – Information and Trips Library

2. 23/8/2017. Hikers. Gardens to Surf. E. Leaders: Pam and Dawn.

We Parked our cars in Duke Street, near the Woodhaugh gardens. 22 members started off. We walked through the Varsity and had morning tea at the Polytech outdoor area. Walked along Portsmouth Drive to Queens Drive down to St Kilda beach. Walked along playing fields and some track to picnic area above beach, where we had our lunch. We then continued on to St Clair, via street and caught the bus back to the Botanical gardens where we enjoyed a hot drink. Back to our cars and home to Mosgiel by 3.45pm. A very enjoyable day was had by all. – Dawn.

1. 19/8/2015. Hikers. Gardens to Surf.
We had a good day walking from the Botanic Gardens…

Lunch panorama (John pic) — Morning tea behind the railway station. Panorama. (John pic)

…to St Kilda beach…

…and along the beach to St Clair. I had not been on the beach since the June storms and was blown away by the damage to the beach.

The piles…

…are nearly all bent over by St Clair. Thank goodness I have done 3 paintings of the piles. Judy Knox was on TV Wed. night and did a very good interview on the local TV channel.
We all went back on the bus to the Gardens and all (I think) 27 of us didn’t pay. I think the bus driver got a bit of a surprise. – Elaine. [An unintended report, purloined from an email. – Ed]

Street walk, Green Island, farm walk

4. 31/5/2017. Hikers. Green Island street walk. E. Leaders: Elaine and Chris.

The above route map gives some indication of the intricacies of Elaine’s planned route, designed to cross and recross, by way of tunnels and bridges galore, the barriers of railway line, stream and motorway dividing Green Island from Abbotsford. It was a street-walk, most suitable on the day for an off-and-on light morning drizzle. We were treated to a whole gamut of lower Abbotsford house designs, most instructive of fashions favoured in different decades, complete with one or two older ones looking very old and very neglected. At the latter part of the hike, we also got to peek into some of the large industrial goings-on at the north end of the town, not least Harraways. All most impressive.

At one point where a railway line once crossed the old main road (remember it?), Elaine stopped us to point out how it once served a coal-mine of her grandfather. She has a photo of a small steam engine about to head north across the road.

Drizzly morning tea at the gardens. Most of the 22 who came out. (Ian pic and caption.)

Newly decorated railway underpass (newly decorated since Elaine’s recce), essential for linking homes and school. It was deemed safer for children than a bridge. (Ian pic and caption.)

a dry-seated lunch at the Green Island Rugby Football Club pavilion in Miller Park. (Ian pic and caption.)

18 of us at Coffee at Agnes’, where we got to enjoy a separate room all to ourselve, complete with en suite. (Ian pic and caption.)

Many were the remarks appreciative of the cleverness of the route. A big thank you to Elaine and Chris for a great day out. – Ian, (for Elaine [without her knowledge – yet!] whose recent rapidly failing eyesight prevented her from tackling a report.)

3. 25/2/2009 Hikers. Green Island. Farm Walk. Leaders: George, Dot B

2. 10/5/2006. Hikers. Green Island street and farm walk. Leaders: Chris, Dot B.

1. 8/2/2006. Hikers. Street Walk: Green Island Street and Farm Walk. Leaders: Dot B, Chris.

Murrays Farm, Hoopers Inlet

No. 93 on old hardcopy list of 113 club tramps. “Murrays Farm – Sandymount (Chris Hughes) Farm”

Distance for carpark: 31.5 km.

11. 29/3/2017. Hikers. Murrays Farm. M. Leaders: Keith and Shona.

It was a foggy, misty morning when 19 Hikers met at the gateway bel0w Murrays Farm before ambling up the road to having morning tea in the implement shed.

We then followed the fenceline up and across the paddocks before descending to explore around a container being used as a crib.

George investigates shower workings on new crib. (Ian pic and caption.)

We exited onto the coast …

We discover a new route from paddock to beach. (Eleanor W. pic.)

… where we had lunch …

Papanui Inlet mouth beach for lunch. (Ian pic and caption.)

… out of the northerly wind.

We followed the water’s edge around past the old boat shed, climbing up the hill and visiting an old dwelling also being used as a crib and back along the farm tracks to the hole in the hedge and down the hill to the cars.

Coffee was at Macandrew Bay cafe. – Shona and Keith.

10. 20/2/2013. Hikers. Murrays Farm. Medium. Leaders: Peter and Wendy.

tree — Waiting for others in shelter from the hot sun

9. 7/12/2011. Both. Murrays Farm. Medium.

GPS courtesy Ken. Track from distant spot anti-clockwise.

Comfort plus for morning tea. (Ken pic and caption)

Five trampers scaled the almost vertical ascent to the Sandymount road before descending further by the bush.

Hoopers Inlet video

We sampled the beach at the mouth but a keen wind persuaded us up around the point to a boathouse in a more sheltered position.

Just along a little bit from the boathouse, we came upon this nest.

Black gull’s abandoned nest. Our bird expert explained they lay 2-3 eggs-in-nests before inclubating a further pair.

Then it was just a case of following our noses back across paddocks to the cars. – Ian

8. 10/2/2010. Hikers. Murrays Farm. Medium. Leaders: Margaret and Les, Fred.

7. 14/5/2008. Hikers. Murrays Farm. Easy. Leaders:Chris, Gwen.

An eye- and nose-watering wind greeted us when we stepped out of our cars at Hoopers Inlet. It was not a time for hanging around so our group of 13 set off at a brisk trot and soon reached the shelter of a shed which provided a good spot for morning tea.
Fuelled by hot drinks we ventured on and found that the hills and gullies gave good protection and we could enjoy this stroll through beautiful, peaceful countryside with the only other signs of life nearby the large number of paradise ducks. Perhaps they had discovered this place to be a refuge from duck shooters. In the distance sheep grazed and black cattle eyed us with interest.

We found our way down to the beach and a sheltered corner at the far end provided a comfortable lunch spot.

Margaret’s sortie into the sand dunes also brought to our notice a young seal hidden away under the lupins. We retraced our steps admiring the expansive views of the inlet and the winter colours on the hills.

It had been a short walk but a very pleasant country ramble.

Chris, who knows the area well, ably led us and, before returning home, some of us were lucky enough to stop off with her at a relative’s house on the hill and walk around the interesting garden, admiring both the plants and the panoramic views. – Marjorie.

6. 27/6/2007 Leaders:

Group. Ian, Leonie, George, Tash, Pat, Hazel, Ria.

5. 1/2/2006. All. Murrays Farm, Hoopers Inlet. Leader: Chris.

4. 5/3/2003. All. Murray Farm. Leaders: Chris, Les and Margaret, Bev McI.

3. 3/7/2002. Combined. Murrays Farm. Medium. Leaders: Colleen, Chris, Claude.

2. 6/2/2002. Combined. Murray Farm, Hoopers Inlet. Medium. Leaders: Chris, Jean, Colleen.

1. 2/5/2001. Murray Farm – Hoopers Inlet Road. Easy. Leaders; Chris, Jean, Colleen.

Flood Bank Otokia to Allanton

1. 22/3/2017. Flood bank walk from Otokia to Allanton. E. Leaders: Lester and Ian.

This flood bank walk from Otokia to Allanton was a first for the Club. It was Lester’s idea, with his knowledge of the Taieri River plain, to vary from the programmed regular one from Allanton to Outram.We had to car-shuttle. We parked our cars on a property at the end of Otokia East Road, by kind permission of a grandson of Dr Alex Luke. The weather was mild. We climbed onto the flood bank. 25 of us were away.

The Taieri River at Otokia. (Clive pic and caption.)

Lester had arranged for us to have morning tea in Mrs Mason’s attractive woodland property, which although alongside Centre Road was still a paddock or two distant from the flood bank on the day. How to get there? The leaders hadn’t worked that out. Barb wire fences in way as we moved on, looking for a way through. None. But who’s this? Mrs Mason hurrying across the paddocks to us, wondering why we hadn’t turned up. Lester went back to talk to her while we waited, but this writer is ignorant of what transpired. Oh dear!

Too late now. So a stop on the flood bank instead.

Morning tea on the stop bank at Otokia. (Clive pic and caption.)

Many gates on the way made for frequent stopping, opening and closing. Along with the level terrain. these rest opportunities enabled everyone to complete the distance.

The lunch stop at Lenny Miller’s worked out more happily. On a lawn! A close-knit hedge sheltered us from a cool wind that had come up from behind us.

Lunch on lawn, courtesy Lenny Miller. (Ian pic and caption.)

Then it was on to Allanton. The leaders had warned about long grass to wade through, but as it turned out a top-dresser truck had just preceded us on that morning, and flattened an easy route for us instead.

Looking North along the stop bank towards Saddle Hill. (Clive pic and caption.)

So we reached the Allanton Bridge. Distance being 7.75 km by Nike app or 8.9 km by a steps app. But here, a second reece neglect. The leaders had not checked whether there was a gate available across the road to enable continuing along the flood to the sale yards. Discussion. Eventually it was decided to walk down, under the bridge back up on the other side. Apparently there was some electric fencing to encounter. This writer, being a driver, was driven back to collect his car and meet up with his passengers at the sale yards. From there, we went on to ‘coffee’ at the Topiary Cafe. – Ian.

Tramps Associated with the Whare Flat Schoolhouse

11 kms to Silverstream car park.

Whare Flat – Information and Trips Library
Tunnels, McRaes, Racemans, Top Weir, Silverstream – Information and Trips Library

30. 22/2/2017. Hikers. Whare Flat. Leaders: Peter D, Janice.

Whare Flat/McRaes Weir (not quite) Wednesday 22nd Feb

26 happy hikers on a lovely sunny morning – what could go wrong?

Seven opted to drive up to the locked gate on Rollinson Rd and walk on to the start of the Steve Amies Track, where they enjoyed a pleasant amble to the picnic area and a leisurely lunch in the sun, before returning to the cars and off to Topiary for the usual coffee stop.

Little did they know of the drama that was developing below….

The other 19 left the cars at the park near the pump house, and set off up the track on the steep grunt that takes longer but avoids the water crossing and the possibility of wet feet.

However, Ian opted to do the shorter, easier version, risking wet boots, and meeting us in the clearing just past the swing bridge.

Ian reached the clearing safely and with plenty of time. In his own words –

’Ho hum. Oh! Time to get out the puffer and see how it might get me up the next climb and manage to avoid that first 5 min. heavy breathing before the blood vessels adjust and let me get away. Bummer.

(I had not used it for ever so long as usually I remember when it’s too late to use. It’s worked well on earlier occasions, but not in this case, standing, waiting, for such a long time before climbing.)

Started to feel faint. Got worse. Lay down, ended looking like a wee gnome in the grass, as one of you said. The rest you know better than I do!!!’

So, here was Ian, looking worse by the minute. While he was attended to by those with medical experience, we debated the options.

Cell phone call for help. No signal.
Use the locator beacon. Was there enough room for a chopper to land? Debatable.
Go back to the cars and phone for an ambulance.

It seemed at this point that Ian was recovering – his colour was better and he was lucid. Two people set off for the cars. Over the swing bridge and just past the gate to the road they realised the house on the right was occupied. But no landline and still no cell phone coverage. The wonderful lady (who had a key to the gate!) drove them out to the cars. One went on to get coverage and call for help. The other returned, to find that Ian’s condition had worsened, necessitating CPR. Gulp. Back down the road – kind lady again drove. The police car was met at the (un)locked gate and immediately radioed URGENT to the ambulance.

Things happened fast. In just over an hour from Ian’s collapse the ambulance was at the swing bridge and Ian was stabilised and stretchered across the bridge, and off to A & E.

It was now 11.30 and we were all rather shell-shocked. Five decided to call it a day. Two went to break the news to Shirley, and the other three heading home.
The remaining 13 headed up the track to the next clearing where a very sober lunch was had. Then up the track we climbed to McRaes Weir Track. It was decided that the weir could wait for another day, and we headed back along the race track to the road and down to the cars, with rain starting to fall and the track becoming muddy and slippery.

Coffee at Topiary was welcome!
Thanks to everyone for the able assistance that was provided in so many ways. Ian is fine – he had a reaction to the ‘puffer’ and after tests and checks, was allowed home that evening.

LESSONS LEARNED:

IF for any reason the group SPLITS, there must be at least TWO PEOPLE and preferably FOUR so that in the event of an emergency, one can stay with the ‘victim’, and two go for help. The same should apply to anyone deciding to turn back and in future this needs to be enforced by the leader.
In a later debrief with Police, we were praised for the efficient handling of the situation. However, they said that we should never hesitate to use the beacon because a few precious minutes could be saved. On the beacon signal, our precise position is shown and authorities can then make the decision as to which services to use. So in future, no hesitation! Better a false alarm than a death.

29. 1/5/2013 Both. Steve Amies. Leaders: Ian and George.

This time we left from the schoolhouse, making it more of a road walk. We had morning tea on the lower Rollinson Rd and lunch in the track clearers’ picnic area, after inspecting the helicopter landing pad a little beyond.

As we returned down the road, we were surprised to see the helicopter, and shortly after the tank truck making their way towards where we had been. Apparently this was the day to carry out the weed spraying we had been notified about – and we were now making a timely exit. A tramp for 25 of us and of 10.5 km according to Peter’s pedometer and 25. – Ian.

26. 15/6/2011. Trampers. Schoolhouse, Tunnels, McRaes, Racemans, ret. Medium.

Plan 1: Swampy to Green Hill via Sleepy Hollow. Cold winds too fierce on tops.

Plan 2. Schoolhouse, Little Coal Creek, Steve Amies. But wet weather meant steep tracks would be too slippery and dangerous.

Plan 3. The actual tramp (see above). – Racemans level and safer, (except for the gradual Tunnels ascent/descents). However wet tree roots still had to be carefully negotiated.

Although rain for a start, but it soon went off and only drippy bush had to be endured. Track still muddy in places, but in many places a grand avenue and well cleared. Seven of us ventured out and enjoyed what looked at first to have been an unpromising day. – Ian.

GPS of route. Courtesy, Ken. (Route double-tracked for some inexplicable reason.)

12.33 p.m. Ready to return from lunch spot on Racemans.

2.23 p.m. Top of Tunnels track. Rest stop on pine-needles on return.

6. 23/10/1996. Trig Q. Average. Leaders: Margaret and Les, Doug J.

5. 7/6/1995 Trig Q from Whare Flat School. Medium+. Shorter trip available. Leaders: Bob H, George, Jack R, Nancy

No. 57 on old hardcopy list of 113 club tramps.

Patmos Avenue, Leith Saddle, Moores Bush

Moores Bush – Information and Trips Library

5. 18/1/2017. Hikers. Moores Bush – Sullivan’s Dam. E. Leaders: Bev and Lesley.

Route map, Courtesy Ian. (Ignore straight line.) Moore’s Bush on Thomson Rd, Loop Track, Leith Valley Rd, Sullivans Dam circuit, lunch, return by Leith Valley Rd.

Morning tea at entrance to Moore’s Bush. (Ian pic and caption.)

4. 19/9/2012. Hikers. Moores Bush, Sullivans Dam. Leaders: Bruce and Marjorie

3. 17/2/2010 Hikers. Thompson Rd, Moores Bush, Leith Valley Rd, Sullivan’s Dam, Leith Valley Rd. Leaders: Bev, Leslie.

Good day to start with but got rather cold by lunch time. However, 12 keen hikers enjoyed a very pleasant, but shortish, day out. What a wonderful little forest Moore’s Bush is. Where is Moore’s Bush, you ask? Ascend the Leith Valley road out of Dunedin and take a left turn into Thompsons Road, and not far along is the entrance, signposted but fenced, to this Forest and Bird Society property.

Have included the website for anyone interested in looking it up. http://www.ecoimages.co.nz/ForestandBird/mooresbush.html The photos are ones from that site.

Just a short walk to the entrance of Moores Bush for our morning tea and then off we went through the bush. Track rather overgrown and we had to wade through Leith Stream to get to the exit but everyone was interested to see Moores bush and check out what work had been done by the Forest and Bird Soc., over the years. We didn’t see much “bird”, but we loved the “forest”, with some grand Rimu trees, lots of mature Fuchsia, a Big Red Beech, many mature Lancewoods, heavy undergrowth, and more recent plantings of Totara, Rimu

and smaller trees and shrubs. Little streams wound through it and also the Leith, which we crossed, most getting wet feet etc, except for Bob who found a fallen branch bridge, and stayed dry, much to the disgust of the others.

Leith Stream running through Moore’s Bush.

Leslie, who led, with Bev, had an old information leaflet about the reserve which spoke of the area as being perhaps the best piece of bush in the greater Dunedin area. It is certainly not large, but it is a gem. There is even a long-drop-lodge near the start if you need it!!

We exited again onto the Leith Valley Road. From there it was up the road to Sullivans Dam with a very pleasant walk round the dam to find a sheltered spot on the motorway side for our lunch as it had turned quite cold. We admired the birdlife on the ‘lake’ and the unusual North Island Cabbage Tree planting. Then it was back down the Leith Valley Rd to the cars. While it was not a long walk, it was varied and satisfying for the 12 people most of whom were discovering new territory. – Bev and Bob. (Amalgamation of two reports. Thank you, Bev and Bob. – Editor)

2. 5/6/2002. Combined. Patmos Avenue, Pigeon Flat, Moore’s Bush. Medium. Leaders: Nancy, Barbara and Arthur, Barbara McC

1. 3/5/2000. Patmos Avenue, Leith Saddle, Moore’s Bush. This incorporates and longer and shorter walk. Starting together. Leaders: Nancy, Pat and Bill.

Street Walk: Belleknowes

7/12/2016. Belleknowes. E. Leaders: Lester and Peter B.

Route Map, Belleknowes, courtesy Ian. 15 Hikers. York Pl, Town Belt, Alison Cr, Michie St, Bellevue St, Hart St, Highgate, Cuppa, Delta St, Beta St, Epsilon St, Gamma St, Beta St, Accessway, Belgrave Cr,Highgate, Falcon St. lunch in playground park, Highgate, Kilgour St, Leven St, Braid St,York St. Coffee at Green Island.

The walk was short but far from lacking in interest. First surprise was at the bend at the extreme top corner of York Place where it turns sharply down into Russell Street. Behold, a path through the Town Belt, leading across Queens Drive into Alison Crescent. Here on our right was a gully of seriously shaded houses each reachable only by a wooden bridge across the ditch.

Further on. Houses in the Greek-letter-named streets of Delta, Beta, Epsilon and Gamma (where was Alpha?) were notable for well-maintained three and four groupings of identical designs, (one group even with finials), and strikingly, as the street curved around, so did the house alignments, parlours strictly front-facing, regardless of where the sun struck them. Of course nothing new, but made obvious by the similar wooden buildings.

An interesting Accessway between Delta Street and Belleview Crescent was new to us. Knowledgeable ones among us said this was part of an old cable car route.

Red ticketed power pole. (Ian pic and caption.) — Red ticketed power pole. (One of two supporting large transformer.) Corner of the Accessway. (Ian pic and caption.)

We lunched early (11.20 a.m!) in a light drizzle in a hidden playground reserve off Falcon Street. It had the longest stainless steel slide down a steep slope the writer has seen. How on earth was present day Health and Safety permission for it obtained, one wonders. Sadly it was far too wet on this occasion for any of us to give it a go.

We were struck by some grand house and gardens along Highgate. Lester pointed out where the original owners had built houses for their servants down a side street. In one case, (Kilgour St?), built as they were on a steep falling away slope, they required small bridges from street path to front door. Goodness only knows what Health and Safety requirements (as too in the Alison Street bridges) they would be obliged to meet today. One couldn’t help reflecting today on the contrast between our own land-owning gentry class, of which we are part, and that of the thousands of New Zealanders unable to access even basic decent accommodation, with winter on the horizon.

House. (Ian pic and caption.) — Renfrew House, Highgate. (Ian pic and caption.)

House and garden. (Ian pic and caption.) — Lovely house and garden. Leven St. (Ian pic and caption.)

Anyway, enough of that. An interesting return trip down Braid Street through an extensive bit of the Town Belt soon got us back to the cars.

As noted at the beginning of the report, the ‘tramp’ was short but full of previously unexplored interesting gems. Our thanks to Lester and Peter for searching it out. – Ian.

John Bull Gully Track and Millennium – from Henley and Taieri Mouth

No. 38 on old hardcopy list of 113 club tramps. “John Bull Track to River. J Shaw. Year Round”

Location: 31.8 km.

Click Taieri River Geology for background information.

Millennium Track from Taieri Mouth – Information and Trips Library

Millennium Track from Taieri Ferry Rd, Finlayson Rd, Galloway Rd, Bells Farm, Kennedys Farm, Wenita (Morrisons Block) – Information and Trips Library

17. 5/10/2016. Hikers. Millennium-John Bull; Taieri Ferry to Taieri Mouth. Bus at both ends. M. Leaders: Bob and Doug.

Map of route Taieri Ferry to Taieri Mouth. 3.3km Ferry Bridge to Wardells Cottage; about 5km to seat; about 3km to track end; about half km to bus at T.M. Bridge. — Map of route. 3.3km ferry bridge to Wardell cottage; about 5km to seat; about 3km to track end; about half km to bus at T.M. bridge.

Millennium Track – combined trip Wednesday 5th October 2016-10-05

A dampish morning did not deter 40 intrepid club members who boarded the bus at the Bush Rd car park promptly at 9am. Packs were stowed in the luggage compartment and our driver Richard transported the happy crew out to Highway 1 and along to Henley and the start of the track – well, almost the start. 24 hikers disembarked in persistent light rain and trudged along the road for 45 minutes to a morning tea stop on the veranda of the white house just over the style, at the true beginning of the track.

The remaining 16 bods (and the bus) departed for Taieri Mouth.

Sheltering from the rain for morning tea in the old Wardell's crib verandah. — Sheltering from the rain for morning tea in the old Wardell’s crib verandah.

The upward plod soon began and we were glad it wasn’t too hot. The light rain continued but there was no wind and it was pleasant for tramping. It was lovely in the bush with plenty of bird song and glimpses of the river below as we climbed.

A couple of solid hours saw us at the junction down to John Bull Creek, where it was unanimously decided not to descend, but to press on to the top for lunch. Which we did, collapsing gratefully for welcome food and drink. The rain had stopped and a pleasant break was had, with chocs to celebrate Alec’s recent birthday.

Lunch at the seat. Rain stopped at last.

Then down, and down, with a few inadvertent sit-downs, and the loss of a couple of impatient members who tried to take the direct route….it was quite slippery. No harm done, and we were soon back by the river for the last plod out to the road. The bus parked by the bridge was a welcome sight.

Nine cheerful souls on the bus had had a pleasant few hours meandering round Taieri Mouth and catching up on gossip, and there was no sign of the hardy seven trampers.

Thanks to hiking leaders Bob and Doug and tramping leader Arthur. It was a great day out, well-supported and enjoyed by all, and rounded off with a riotous session for coffee for 23 at Topiary. – Judy.

Coffee at Topiary. 22 in the sun. — Coffee at Topiary. 23 in the sun.

16. 13/7/2016. Trampers. Millennium and John Bull from Henley. M. Leader: Arthur.

Two cars transported 9 trampers to begin the day’s adventure. The mild temperature was welcome, the sky overcast with northerly breezes.

We left the car-park at 10.00 a.m. and waked for about 10 minutes, to have morning tea at the picnic spot on the riverbank.

Continuing on it was up and down, as the track flows, and then up to the high up seat where we stopped for a little while. This spot overlooks the river to advantage

Another river view. (Margreet pic and caption.)

and also views away to the north too.

View from the top. (Margreet pic and caption.)

For example, Mount Cargill stood out in all its glory, with its mast on top.

The track was now downhill, the trampers intelligently noting that it would be the opposite on the returning journey. We came to a small wind-blown tree across the track, but Neil M. wrestled mightily with it and it was a problem no more.

An hour after leaving the high up seat we reached the track’s end. We were invited to have our lunch outside at Jay’s nearby house (she didn’t have the key with her), which we found a most pleasant and suitable place. – Thanks, Jay.

Lunch on the verandah of Jay's Bach at Taieri Mouth. (Margreet pic and caption.) — Lunch on the verandah of Jay’s Bach at Taieri Mouth. (Margreet pic and caption.)

A half-hour’s lunch and rest stop, and the party was on the track again. Grim determination was noted now, and with little talking, a fast pace was set, and we were back at the high up seat in an hour uphill – the same time as it had taken going down.

It had just come on to rain, so a brief regroup was taken under the trees, coats on, etc. The view being ignored now, downhill, and we were back at John Bull gully – just as the rain stopped and the sun came out.

Up the zigzag, and along, and down, etc., saw us back a the car park at 3.35 p.m.

The DoC sign at the car park stated that it was 9.3 km to Taieri Mouth but Margreet’s electronic gizmo said that we had done 16.2 kms.

Whatever distance we walked, we can say very definitely that “we went there and back”. A satisfying day’s tramp.

Blustery wind and rain welcomed us back to Mosgiel. No time for coffee today! – Arthur (substitute leader for Helen – off sick.)

15. 9/9/2015. Trampers. John Bull and Millennium from Taieri Mouth.
This tramp was done in place of the one scheduled, as I could not get permission from the farmer to do the tramp that was on the program.
Ten of us arrived at the Taieri Mouth car park, & set off along the riverside track. We had quite a late morning tea stop at the wooden seat at the top,…

…before going down to John Bull Gully, where we had a short break. Then it was on along the Millennium track towards the Henley end. We arrived at the picnic spot down by the river, & had lunch there…

…before setting off to do the remainder of the track, though to Wardells Cottage, & the car park beyond. [just to do the full track distance]
After a short break here, it was back the way we had come. We stopped at the seat at the highest point again for a rest & refreshments, after climbing the quite steep track up from John Bull Gully. We then made our way back to the cars at Taieri Mouth.
The weather was fine all day, but the track was quite muddy in places, & care is needed on the downhill muddy slopes.
It was good to hear the comments from some, that they had enjoyed the walk.
Although many in the group had walked both tracks in the past, it was the first time that quite a few of us had walked the full distance, there & back.

Walked 16.4km; ave 3.8km/h; moving time 4h 15mins; climbed 760m. – Ken.

14. 21/12/2011. Trampers. John Bull and Millennium from Taieri Mouth.

GPS. Taieri Mouth John Bull Gully Millennium Track. Courtesy Ken.

13. 8/12/2010. Trampers. Taieri Mouth to Wardells’ Cottage, return. H.

The day was a bit cold and windy with some promised rain. A vote taken at the Taieri River mouth bridge was two to one (the writer was the ‘one’) with two abstentions to do the more sheltered John Bull Gully track instead of the scheduled Akatore beach walk. Aerobically it was certainly more beneficial with its plentiful provision of ups and downs. Continuing on to the Millennium Track to Wardells Cottage as well provided us with an all-up 18 km work-out which we all enjoyed. There was some spring grass overgrowth in places and the odd fallen tree. Some scrub cutting had been started There was some school group or other on inflatables out on the Taieri.

12. 15/4/2009 Hikers. John Bull Track. Leaders: Lesley S, Bill H, Fred.

The hikers’ walk from Taieri Mouth on the John Bull track took a turn for the worse when 2hrs into the walk Elaine had to stop because of chest pains etc.
Leaving Elaine in the professional care of Bev, Lesley G and Neil, the remaining 10 carried on to higher ground to try and get cell phone coverage. This proved more difficult than anticipated and it took Lesley S to search for higher open area off the main track before finally making contact with the emergency service.
After the helicopter landed a paramedic ran down the track to where Elaine was lying. After her condition was checked and she was stabilized, she was attached to the paramedic and winched through a small gap in the bush canopy into the helicopter. – Fred

Morning Tea. Neil, Evelyn, Bob, Lesley, Chris, Fred, Margaret. (Elaine pic)

Calm Taieri. Lesley, Margaret, Evelyn, Les. (Elaine pic)

Update from Elaine.

Hello Ian

I have been overwhelmed with kindness from the tramp club since the event on the John Bull track.

Would you be able to convey my thanks to the members of the club who helped as a great team in my dramatic exit from the track which I don’t really remember.

The quick action of Bev, Lesley and so. I have found out the support of Neil in keeping me warm. And Lesley S who found cell phone coverage.

Chris who rang her husband in Brighton who linked it all together and the tramper who had the white shirts on that lay in the open area for the chopper.

ED at the hospital told me later that I was very lucky that I had had such great care.

They did a battery of tests – CT Scans but the last test I had was the Head Scan. (That was purely because I was a member of the TRTC – “Just joking” they said.) I had previously told them about the mad wet day that we did to Dr Point in the rain.

It has turned out great in the end. They said I can carry on tramping as usual next week If you will have me back?

Kind regards to every one – Elaine.

11. 16/5/2007. Hikers. John Bull from Taieri Mouth. Medium. Leaders: Dot B, Lesley G.

10. 15/10/2003. Medium. John Bull Gully from Taieri Mouth. Medium. Leaders: Jack and Rosemary.

9. 5/9/2001. Combined. John Bull Track. Leaders: Frank and Lesley, Pam.

8. 1/11/2000. John Bull Track. Leaders: Doug M, Hazel, Jean.

7. 16/6/1999. John Bull Track. Leaders: Lance and Lois, Judy C.

6. 18/11/1998. John Bull Track to river. Leaders: Dot B, Doug and Ngaire.

5. 8/7/1998. John Bull Gully and return. Leaders: Bev H, Bev McI.

4. 4/6/1997. John Bully Gully. Leaders: Joyce, Nancy, Eleanor.

3. 14/2/1996. John Bull Gully. Leaders: Dot and Eric.

2. 6/4/1994. John Bull Track, then over paddock to Waihola Road, back on John Bull Track. Medium. Les S, Bill H, Doug and Ngaire

1. 17/2/1993. Taieri Mouth Bridge to John Bull Flat. Average. Leaders: Eric and Dorothy, Joan H, Chris.

Sawyers Bay, Roseneath

Distance from carpark: 26 km?

2. 17/8/2016. Sawyers Bay, Roseneath. Hikers. E. Leaders: Wendy and Peter.

Route map Sawyers Bay – Roseneath. Stevensons Ave; Reservoir Rd; Reservoir; Morning Tea; Return; Brick Hill Rd; Blanket Bay Rd; District Rd; Prospect Rd; Luuch; Shandon St; Sir John Thorn Dr; Station Rd; Stevensons Dr.

Morning tea spot. (Helen pic and caption.)

Patch of ice on reservoir. (Helen pic and caption.)

View from lunch spot at Roseneath. (Liz pic and caption.)

1. 28/11/2012. Sawyers Bay, Roseneath. Hikers. Leaders: Lance and Lois.

Street Walk – between Arthur & Dowling Streets

27/7/2016. Street Walk. area roughly between Arthur St. and Dowling St. E. Leaders: Lester, Peter.

Street walk route map. Begin. Littlebourne Rd, cross Stuart St, Upper London St, Part Arthur St, Upper Cargill St, part Stuart St, upper Smith St, lower Tennyson St, Pt upper View St, upper Dowling St, Canongate, Brown St, Elm Row, upper York Pl. End.

28 left the car park on time at 9.30 after Judy wished two members a very happy birthday. Unfortunately things turned sour in the Moana Pool car park.

Lester had been give permission to us the parks, but it was noticed these are only 2-hour parks.

No option but to find other parks. Passengers out and drivers away to find parks, then all meet again in from of the O.B.H.S. memorial gate.

Walk finally started about 10.30. Lucky the morning tea spot was close and our host, Mrs Scorgie, and her lovely dog were out front waiting to greet us.

We divided into small groups and all had a good look round the three floors of “Stranraer”,

complete with it nursery area. Mrs Scorgie kindly gave us a detailed history of this grand old 1910 stately home. (No, it was not a 15 minute stop – more like a 1 hr – 15 min. stop.)

The remaining walk went well. Lunch a bit late at Canongate. Walk finished in York Place where Bruce was able to tell us is was Olveston that had influence the architect when he designed “Haeta”. Many visited Rockbourn Gallery at 298 York Place.

Then on to Roslyn for coffee in the old Fire Station.

Quite a short walk – about 4 kms – but with a lot of stops for history. – Lester.

Kaikorai Stream

29/6/2016. Kaikorai Stream Walk. E. Leaders: Jan and Lesley.

Nike Route Map — Maori Hill Circuit route map. Bishopscourt Grnd; Kaikorai Strm; Marae; Kaikorai Common Rsve; School Rd (1km); Tyne St; Wright St; Highgate; Selkirk St; Tweed-(2km)-Littlebourne-Avon St; Melrose St; Wallace St; Newington Av; (3km) Queens Dr; Corrie St; View Pk La (4km); Falkand St; Henry St; Stonelaw Tce; Prospect Pk & lunch; Cannington Rd; (5km)Pilkington St; Balmacewen Rd; (6km) Chapman St; Lynn St; Bishopscourt Grnd. (7km).

Sofa so good - Ian relaxes at morning tea. (Judy pic and caption.) — Sofa so good – Ian relaxes at morning tea. (Judy K pic and caption.)

Sitting pretty. Te Paihere Marae. (Adrienne pic.)

Kaikorai Common Reserve. — Kaikorai Common Reserve that we walked along.

Social wind up at Roslyn Fire Station Coffee Culture. — Social wind up at Roslyn Fire Station Coffee Culture Cafe.

Ocean View suburbs

27/4/2016. Hikers. Ocean View Suburbs. E. Leaders: Alex and Liz.

Nike app route map. Parked Ocean View freedom camping site. Dunes walk. Bush track Brighton Rd to John St. Morning tea at school, (1km). Along John St, up Creamery Rd to Museum.Track from Brighton Rd to Kayforce Rd to Bennett Rd (3km). Lane at end down to Brighton Rd. Lunch at Brighton Bowling Green (5km), Beach back to Surf Club, and again from north of BIg Rock (7km) to the cars.

23 took part in a walk around Ocean View Brighton in a perfect weather setup. There where some interesting places bought to our attention by the leaders of the group including the old Ocean View school