Taieri Recreational Tramping Club

Location: 43 km from car park. Click Silver Peaks Forest for background information. No. 21 on old hardcopy list of 113 club tramps. “Green Hut & Pulpit Rock return or via Possum Hut. Year Round. Long.”

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22. 1/10/2023. Combined. Green Hut Site and Pulpit Rock. Tramp Grade 4, Hike Grade 2. 43km. Leaders: Neil Hodgkin/Chris Bezett, Dave Roberts/Jay Devlin.

Hike to Green Hut (which is now two seats as the hut was deconstructed in 1988 because of ongoing vandalism).
On a foggy morning 18 keen hikers regathered at the On the Spot garage at Waitati where we turned left up a dusty road to the beginning Continue Reading »

Click Grahams Bush history for background information.

Click Mount Cargill history for background information.

No. 19 on old hardcopy list of 113 club tramps. “Sawyers Bay – Grahams Bush. M Deuchrass. Summer.”

Sawyers Bay Road 28 km from car park; Mount Cargill Road car park: 25 km.

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17. 18/10/2023. Grahams Bush/Mt Cutten. Leaders Pam Cocks and John Gardiner
Introduction:
Nineteen Trampers in 4 cars (x1 from Dunedin) arrived at the bottom of the Grahams Bush track, end of Hall Rd, Sawyers Bay. The weather forecast for the day being promising with little wind and a high of 19deg. Continue Reading »

No. 87 on old hardcopy list of 113 club tramps. “Michelle’s Farm Outram Farm”.
11 km from car park.
Park under Outram Bridge. Contacts: Seek 3 permissions.
Proceed east side of Taieri River along gravel road to gravel pit.  Bear right uphill to power lines. Follow generally along grass farm tracks to top of hill.
Landmarks: Trig marker on right; also obvious paper road between two fence lines; Long barn on right (good for lunch stop); large wool shed on top of hill straight ahead (this is still on Hyslop’s property).
Straight on access is to Taioma Road but we don’t usually go that far!
Plenty of mushrooms in April – take a bag!

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15. 20/09/2023. Trampers. Nichols Farm. Grade 4. Leaders: Jill Reid and Julie McKenzie

15 intrepid trampers parked under the Outram bridge. As we walked along the Taieri river wind in the willows gave us warning of a breath-taking day!

After ascending a narrow track through scrub we made our way along a ridge on Craig Nichol’s property. Any conversation was ‘gone with the wind’. To quote Evel Knievel “ I love the feeling of fresh air on my face and wind blowing through my hair” – certainly true today!

We decided not to go to the trig – the howling wind spoke to us and we found our way down to a pocket of native bush. The relative calm here was a welcome respite from the punishing wind on the hill top.

Walking roughly parallel to SHW 87 we headed back towards Outram. Thank you farmer Neil for herding a mob of cattle out of our path.

Throwing caution to the wind we walked through a Douglas fir plantation, then a large stand of eucalyptus – fortunately there were few recently dropped branches! The only reportable incident was Diane being blown backwards whilst pivoting on a gate – luckily she was caught by the two behind her ( I rue a missed photo opportunity!)

A nice hill climb took us to wide track Craig recently had dug out back down to the Taieri river, and we were at the cars by 3.00 pm.

A great day out and many thanks to Julie McKenzie and Pam Cox for your assistance.
Distance walked – 13.5 km
Jill Reid

Click Mount Cargill history for background information

4. 13/09/2023. Trampers. Pine Hill, Mt Cargill. Grade 3.5, $5, 20km, Leaders: John Gardiner, Dave Roberts

Having already somewhat created a “rod for my own back”, in starting the Wizard of Oz theme in my tramp preamble last week, after some prompting, I’ll try to intertwine the “Wizard” theme into this report. Inevitably particularly pertinent to trampers, some yellow brick road references.

On an overcast morning with a chilly wind, 21 trampers, who arrived in 6 cars, set out at 10.00am, on the start of our tramp in Cowan Road. Like Dorothy at the beginning of her yellow brick road journey, most trampers had no idea where they would venture during the day.

– One interpretation of the “Wizard Fable” is that on life’s journey, tenacity, and perseverance in striving for a goal is a core value.

Following the previously described, muddy, gorse lined portal to what lay beneath, morning tea was enjoyed at 10.40am on the lower, wider, gravel road, at a sheltered spot.

– Some believe the gold colour of the yellow brick road and the green “Emerald City” represent the currency arguments the US experienced in the 1900’s.

Soon we were on the track leading down through the forest, with a pine needle carpet underfoot, and after following a fence line, we were soon on the gravel road to Sullivans Dam, arriving at 11.20am.

-During the making of the “Wizard” movie, the snow scene contained fake asbestos based snow that left many on set chronically ill!

Lunch was enjoyed at the beautiful Sullivans Dam, beginning a little early, at 11.50am, in a sheltered spot. We had reached our destination.

-In the Wizard story the Emerald City is a place to which Dorothy, the tin man, the lion, and the scarecrow journey in order to achieve their various dreams.

By 12.15pm we were on our way again, walking around the side of Sullivans Dam to the start of the “Cloud Forests of the Leith” track. This track, with it’s many boardwalk sections and beautiful bush (even a ‘bush telegraph’ and Gnome Grotto) adding yet more variety to our tramp.

-In the Wizard story the yellow brick road was at times very rough. The scarecrow often stumbled over the yellow bricks, which were very uneven, sometimes even broken, or missing altogether, leaving holes that dog Toto (a West Highland Terrier) and Dorothy jumped across or walked around.

Arriving at the top of the Cloud Forests track by 1.20pm, we regrouped with a magnificent view north to Blueskin Bay and beyond, before following the gravel road to the base of the “portal” gorse lined track.

On this section a navigational error by your’s truly resulted in everyone walking a bit further than necessary to a dead end part of the road. The greatest consequence of this being my embarrassment!

– In the Wizard story, Dorothy follows the yellow brick road, intending to find the Wizard, who would bestow on her the knowledge to achieve her goal, only to find that she had the answer within her all along.

Heading up the gorse lined final section of our tramp took us back to the cars by 2.30pm, having covered approx 8 km. A Grade 3 tramp.

-So where was the yellow brick road? Some believe it is a brick road in Peekshill, New York, where author L.Frank Baum attended Peekshill Military Academy. Others believe it was inspired by a road paved in yellow bricks near Holland, Michigan where Baum spent many summers.

Afternoon tea was enjoyed at the Crocodile Cafe, Dunedin Botanic Garden, on what had developed into a mild , sunny day. As a footnote – I did apply and receive a permit to walk on the City Forests section of this tramp, only to receive a later email, stating that it wasn’t necessary if we stayed on the Escarpment or 3 Peaks tracks.
Special thanks to Dave Roberts for acting as tail end Charlie and Graeme Souter for his help with the rece.

– Goodbye yellow brick road.

John Gardiner.

PJP to Cnr Narrowdale and Golf Links Rd 41 km.
Golf Course Corner, Gorge Hill, Wilkinson Rd, Windy Ridge, Narrowdale Rd: Round walk. Tedious Narrowdale road walk-out.

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4. 6/09/2023. Combined. Akatore Forest – Narrowdale Rd.
Grade 3, 41km, Leaders: Bruce Spittle, Alex Griffin, Sarah McCormack, Phil Morris.

On a goodly spring morning, we headed from Peter Johnstone Park with a good number of trampers and hikers. At Milburn we turned left into Narrowdale Road (of note turning right at same point was Lime works and Whale Fossil Lookout). With Wenita permit conditions, group was split with trampers lead by Phil M and Sarah tramping up old golf course road while hikers lead by Bruce and Alec tramped up Narrowdale Road.

The trampers headed past 2 small farms up into pine trees which obscured views but with warm conditions. We continued the climb with a stop for morning tea.

Then along Stoop Road onto Homestead Road. Track conditions were perfect and chatter was aplenty. Time to junction Narrowdale and Homestead was 1.20min, 270 elevation.
Hikers travelling along Narrowdale Road past some belted Galloway cattle then up to the Rifle Range to the left. It was a good spot for morning tea.

Then on to junction listed above (Narrowdale and Homestead). Time 1 hr, 185 elevation.

The group continued left along Dale Road, down onto Siberia Road at the junction. We met at Lower Narrowdale Road where hikers and a few trampers travelled on a grassy track for 2km before they stopped for lunch at 12.45pm.

The trampers continued up Siberia Road…

…with full elevation of 405m, where we turned left along newly-named Scooter Road, with a stop for lunch in the sun at 12.30pm.

After lunch we continued along Scooter Road in search of a view (but none could be found) of prison compounds, Calder Stewart Ltd or Milton township. A decision to return back to meet hikers was made. With the good track conditions, the birds in forest were unable to get a word in, for the continual chatter of the trampers about many scenarios.

The trampers for the 2nd time were a few minutes late so most of the hikers took the Homestead track option, while the trampers headed down Narrowdale Road and back to cars by 15.05pm. The Hikers arrived back about 15.35-15.45. Pollen during the tramp could be seen blowing in the open, hence most had a lime greenish tinge on clothes, shoes. and on cars.

It was an interesting part of the Akatore Block, thanks Bruce S for sourcing.

Phil M.
Stats: Hikers 13.5km (phone) 16km (Garmin), elevation gain 324m, travel 4hrs, grade 3
Trampers 15.2km, elevation 405m actual travel 3hs 30min, grade 3.5

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8/10/2009. Trampers. Golf Course Corner, Gorge Hill, Wilkinson Rd, Windy Ridge, Narrowdale Rd. Medium. Leader: George.

Partly because Leone wasn’t available as a leader (swapped with Sabina earlier), George had not done a recce. Although he had a different route in mind, Ian persuaded him to take the gate just down from the Golf Course corner and up the (very) steep track to eventually arrive at the trig.

(David Nicol was an early settler and dairy farmer. He reputedly bought land here in the hope that the railway line would be routed north through Leith Valley.)

Neighbours at War Click here for background and photos to the Finnerty Family and their house site on the Moon Track by Nicols Creek.

No. 17 on old hardcopy list of 113 club tramps. “Nicols Creek. D McCabe. Year Round”

Booth Road 16.1 km from car park.

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27. 30/08/2023. Trampers. Pineapple Track-Nicols Creek Grade 3.5-4 Leaders: Sarah and John

An Interview with Pineapple Track/Nicols Creek Tramp Leader Sarah by Tail End Charlie, John

Hi Sarah. You were a late incumbent to the leadership of this tramp?

– Yes, Ross was originally down to lead it, but back problems meant he asked me to lead it instead. (Best wishes for a speedy recovery Ross.)

Did you do a recce the Saturday prior?

– That’s right, Craig went mountain biking, and I went exploring on foot, in the area, to finalize the tramp format.

Were the group lucky with the weather on the day?

-The weather was brilliant. Sunshine, little or no wind and temperatures towards the mid-teens. The tracks were reasonably dry.

And did we have a good attendance?

– There were 18 of us – arriving at Tanner Rd/Fulton Rd corner in 7 cars.

What was the tramp route?

-We started on the Pineapple Track, walking up to the Pump House for morning tea.

Then we carried on up the Pineapple Track, turning off at McGouns Track onto the Old Pineapple Track. This led us to the “new” Pineapple Track by Pineapple Point.

From here we followed the lower track, traversing Nicols Creek before arriving at the Mountain Bike picnic table at 11.55am for lunch.

After lunch it was onto the upper track, traversing Nicols Creek.

Then onto the “new” Pineapple Track, and back to the cars via McGouns Track.

Wahl!! I think you lost me somewhere there! Did the tramp take long Sarah?

– The recce only took me 3 hours. On the day the tramp took us much longer at 5 hours. Some technical terrain reduced the tramp down to a crawl pace in parts.

Did you manage to squeeze in coffee afterwards?

–        Only just. We were back at the cars by 3.00pm, then headed straight to the Fire Station Cafe’ in Roslyn.

How would you describe the shape of the tramp?

– Roughly a double figure 8.

Sounds lucky, I think? Thanks for the interview, Sarah.

23 km from carpark. Cars meet at Bethunes Gully.
Click Mount Cargill history for background information. No. 11 on old hardcopy list of 113 club tramps. “Bethunes Gully to T.V. Mast Organ Pipes. Wiggins. Year Round.” No. 100 on old hardcopy list of 113 club tramps. “Bethunes Gully – Brown House – Signal Hill – Chingford Park Year Round”.  A broad gravelled track from picnic ground. NB. Opposite Brown House corner is an RSA Memorial to First World War servicemen and the old Junction School.

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Location: 41 km.

Click Silver Peaks Forest for background information on the area.

15. 23/08/2023. Trampers. Possum Hut Circuit. Grade 3.5. Leaders Neil Hodgkin and Gwenda Farqharson.

18 trampers completed this tramp in an anti-clockwise direction on a calm mild spring day.

The track was in good condition and everyone seemed to enjoy it. We had Smoke-O after descending the track through the Douglas firs, a photo shoot at the derelict Possum Hut, and had lunch at the site of the old Green Hut.

The total distance was about 8kms and we were away from the vehicles for 4 hours.

We culminated the day with coffee at the Gallery Cafe at Waititi.

 

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At about 10.10am four cars from Mosgiel, met three cars from Dunedin, at the “On the Spot Dairy”, Waitati, and proceeded to Steep Hill Road, a short distance passed the ‘big dip’at the top of the Kilmog. A few Kilometers or so, on the gravel road, saw us arrive at Moana Farm (Lawson’s Farm.) By 10.25am Twenty four trampers left the cars, with Theresa leading the first part of the tramp, myself being Tail End Charlie.

The previous night had been a cold, stormy one, and the cold South Westerly wind, certainly made it’s presence felt as we walked further along Steep Hill Road, through a farm gate, and along the fence line parallel to the road, until coming to the next downhill fence, which we followed until turning left at the gate, bottom of the paddock.

(Please bear with me on the previous bit, that seems like information overload, but is critical knowledge for anyone planning the tramp in future.) From here the tramp goes in a roughly circular, clockwise direction, up hill and down dale , following farm tracks.
The lowest point of the tramp was soon reached, where most kept reasonably dry feet, crossing Mary’s Creek.

This creek has an intriguing little story (tall tale or true?) as to how it got it’s popular nickname, which I explained soon after the crossing. It seems Mary was a gold miner’s wife who regularly bathed in the creek.

After this bit of local cultural enlightenment, we seemed to do more uphill than downhill, until

Theresa stopped us for morning tea in a sheltered spot, out of the wind, amongst the tussocks, at 10.50am. By 11.05am we were on our way again, following the farm track, and admiring views of the valley below; farmland with native plantings in the gullies, and farm tacks, mostly following fence lines, seemingly going in all directions, zig-zagging around the property. At 12.30pm we stopped for lunch at the same spot Theresa, Sarah, Phil and I stopped on our Recce. Here sheltered from the wind, most found a ‘comfortable perch’ on rocks, logs, or the bank. to enjoy lunch.

A visit by the farmer, with his beautiful Huntaway perched on the back of his quad-bike followed, just before we started off again at 1.00pm.

I then led the second part of the tramp, back to the cars. Shortly afterwards the forecast wind change took place. The South Westerly wind, changing around to a “Nor Wester.” Just as cold, just as strong, and just as much in our faces! Some respite was found in the sheltered areas of the track as it wound it’s way around hillsides, up and down gullies, and ridges. By 1.45pm we were back at the cars after negotiating the cattle yards. (Thick squelchy mud!)

Afternoon coffee was enjoyed at Blueskin Nursery Cafe’.

In all we had covered 8.56km, altitude 240metres, a Grade 3 Tramp.
Thank-yous are due to :-
Farmer Willie Lawson, for so generously allowing us access to enjoy his property
Theresa White, for keeping me on my toes, and acting as Leader and Tail End Charlie.
Phil Keene and Sarah McCormack for help with our Recce.
Neil Simpson who has lead the tramp before, and was a mine of information on my initial contact with him.

John Gardiner.

No. 70 on old hardcopy list of 113 club tramps. “Orokonui. Big Tree. January – Late April”.
Distance from PJP 36km.

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5. 19/07/2023. Trampers. Orokonui Circuit. Grade 3. Leaders: Karen McInnes, Esther Willis.

Mosgiel trampers met the town trampers at Waitati then travelled to the Doctors Point car park.

25 trampers began the trek along the beach in mild weather looking toward the horizon with calm sea and a very photogenic sky.

We walked through the rock arches …

… and carried on to the headland, which was the site of the Mapoutahi Pa, for our morning tea in warming temperatures.

We then headed through the trees on a 4wd track skirting the puddles as we went. We walked the road around the Purakaunui Inlet …

… then turned off at the Purakaunui Station road to cross the rail tracks and begin the McKessar track. The beginning of the track was a bit muddy and slippery but improved as we ascended through the bush.

There was a lot of debris littering the track from the strong winds we had about four weeks ago.

We stopped at the ruins of original McKessar stone cottage and as the area had been cleared and logged, we were able to investigate the remains of the stone outbuildings.

Lunch was enjoyed at this spot as it was sunny and the clearance afforded a sea view. The next part of the track feels steeper with a full tummy but it’s not long until it meets with the Mopanui Ridgeline track by the Orokonui Ecosantuary.

We regrouped at the top and took in the amazing vistas looking towards the coast, the hills and down to the beautiful Blueskin Bay. We made our way down the track having to skirt a couple of large fallen pine trees, over the crumbling rock wall and onto David’s track. This is a lovey track through the bush before coming out at the top of Whites Road. We then walked back along the road to the carpark. Refreshments were enjoyed at Blueskin Bay Nursery.
Length of tramp is approximately 14km, elevation gain of 472m.
Karen McInnes

69 km from car-park

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4. 24/5/2023 Mt Royal/Bobby’s Head Trampers. Grade 3.5 Leaders Graham Thurlow and Carol Thurlow.

On a calm and sunny winter’s day we arrived at the Tavora Reserve car park.

Some of us came via various routes! As we walked along the road towards Steven Foote’s farm and then up the paddocks toward Mount Royal, Graham explained that the Goodwood Rd had been the original wagon road to Palmerston and up to the goldfields through the Pig Route.

We walked up through the paddocks turning to admire views out to the coast, and the Pleasant River estuary to the southeast.

Then also looking further up the coast Graham explained that the large homestead on a knob facing west, was built by the Preston family in 1904. Some of their descendants still own Longlands Station inland at the end of the Pig Route as you enter the Maniototo. This house (shown below) was once their winter residence.

Then from a point higher up as we entered the valley we looked down on Ireland Road. Graham explained this valley had been occupied by many Irish families. The Kelly’s were the last to leave. We arrived at the Foote family Hut in the valley and had lunch.

After that we headed straight up to the Skyline and through the gate into Simon Engelbrecht’s farm. (Formally Graham’s farm). At the top we stood beside the survey Trig marker. We viewed Palmerston below us and up to the north the Kakanui mountain range. To the west were clear views of the volcanic peaks inland from Waikouaiti including Mount Watkin.

As we walked back down to the coast we observed the remnant native forest still on the farm largely ngaio, broadleaf, houhere or lacebark, totara, matai, kanuka and red matipo. Down Bobby’s Head Rd to the Tavora Reserve around the cliffs we observed seals lazing about in the sun.

Back at the cars everyone expressed their enjoyment to be out tramping again on a good day. Our thanks to Steven Foote and Simon Engelbrect for granting us access across their farms.

32 km from carpark.

No. 22 on old hardcopy list of 113 club tramps. “Government Track Waipori Rd. Year Round.”

Link:  DCC: Mountain biking on Government Track
Link: DCC: Government Track map.

[DCC brochure extract: Government Track. 4 hr 30 min, 17 km (return).
The track entrance isWednesday 29 September 2021 Government Track / Kowhai Spur 5 km down Waipori Falls Rd on the right; parking is 100 m further on the left. Traversing the slopes of the beech-and mānuka-forested Waipori Valley south of Dunedin, the Government Track was built in the 1860s to provide access to the central goldfields. For mountain bikers there is an option of riding up and returning the same way. Alternatively, once at the top follow the pylon track left and steeply down into Waipori township, then follow the road back to the start.]

34. 3 May 2023. Combined Government Track Grade 3 Hikers Grade 4 Trampers Leaders: Jay, Kay, Sarah and Pam

Trampers: After a winter start time meet n greet, 10 cars converged on the Waipori Gorge starting point for our combined hikers’ and trampers’ foray up the Government Track. For the trampers the route was to take us further up the hill than the hikers, doing a kind of loop at the top of the hill, then descending back to the Government Track for the homeward leg. Originally Phil and Helen Morris were to be leader and tail end charlie, but Phil catching Covid put paid to plan A. Our initial replacement leader also suffered some health gremlins, so Sarah, rather had things sprung on her the night before, but agreed to lead.

Fourteen trampers started out ahead of the hikers (at 10.am), up a surprisingly damp and cool lower section of the track (mild 23-degree temperatures forecast for the day). As we climbed away from the shaded valley floor, and chilling Waipori River, we warmed up quickly.  Accompanying the hikers behind us was a lost, and bewildered looking pig hunting dog (wearing a GPS dog tracking collar), who had been resting under his owner’s ute when we arrived at the car park. Morning tea was enjoyed at 10.30am, not quite at the clearing where it was planned, but on a small bank beside the track. By sheer chance, we soon discovered that the hikers had later stopped around the corner just below us!  That pig dog was still with them but did apparently head back down the hill soon afterwards.

Soon on our way again, by 11.40am we had reached the clearing originally planned for our morning tea stop. An enjoyable wander up the track, admiring the array of toadstools and fungi along the way followed.

Purple toadstools were spotted, and a great variety of toadstools sprouted from rotting logs and tree stumps. It soon dawned on us however, that our slow ramble, could make for a very long day, and late finish. Averaging only 2.5kph for 2 hours meant we were well behind schedule. Why so slow?

Creek crossings, recently fallen trees and large branches, and some technical bits slowed our progress, so we started to speed up on the smoother sections.

Being an old horse and dray track, much of the tramp was on lovely dry, smooth surfaces with a gentle uphill gradient. Sarah, ever vigilant, referring to her topo map, subsequently had us stop for lunch later than originally planned at 1.25pm, where we dined and rested in a section of beech forest, having covered 9.74km at this stage.

By 1.50pm lunchtime was over, and we were on our way at a better clip, reaching the usual tramp lunch stop spot (a clearing by power lines) at 2.00pm. Five minutes later we were at the road, turning right, then soon after turning right again into Dunstan Road.

Our speed along this lightly gravelled road increased substantially, which had us arrive at the “White Doc. Gate” at 2.35pm.

Following the road down from here we arrived at the at the “old hut” at 3.19pm.

Leaving here Sarah’s topo map suggested we cross a large open field curving around the hillside diagonally, Phil’s instructions more conservatively showed a fence-line following along the top then down. Although perhaps with a little initial trepidation, our faith in Sarah’s topo map was vindicated, leading us straight to the power-line clearing strip, in the lower bush, and the stile onto the Government Track, (Never doubted you, Sarah!) at 3.40pm. By 4.25pm we were back at the cars, having covered 18.8km with 4.5 hours moving time (average speed 4.18kph).  A special shout out and thank you to original leader Phil Morris, who despite having Covid, greatly assisted with a set of instructions and map of the tramp Thanks to Sarah as leader and Pam as tail end charlie. A long day, but one with many fond memories.  John

Hikers:  18 keen hikers left PJ Park at 9.30am and travelled down to Berwick where we turned right into Waipori Falls Road and travelled along until we reached the carpark on the left. We took off on our walk accompanied by a dog wearing a GPS collar. Thoughts were that it may have been a pig hunting dog. The walk was a gentle climb through the bush on a reasonably dry track apart from the usual muddy parts which never seem to dry out.

Still the dog followed. About halfway up 2 hikers returned to the carpark followed by the dog.

We carried on up through the bush until we reached open farmland where a bit further on we stopped for lunch overlooking native bushland and forestry.

After lunch we returned the same way back to the cars having walked 7kms.

Coffee was at Wobbly Goat. We all hoped the dog was found by its owner. Today’s leaders were Jay and new member Kay as tail end Charlotte.

4. 26/4/2023 Mt Watkin. Trampers. Grade 4.5. Leaders Graeme Thurlow and Phil Keene.

On a cool day 7 trampers came and we headed straight up Mt Watkin first.

With wind in exposed places especially at the top we all enjoyed a rest and a sit down for a well-earned morning tea. Great views of the snow on the Rocky Pillars but slightly misty in the distance.

Descending all agreed it was a grade 5.

A welcome rest was needed amidst the rocks before continuing to the boundary fence with Smith’s farm. Graham T’s jovial comments “We haven’t got far to go’ received responses like “Yeah, right??”

After the descent to Smiths boundary when we looked at distance and time, we were shocked at how little distance we had gone for the time it took.

Now easy going to the rewards of the blackberries near the boundary and onto lunch at the DCC hut which was wired and set up for entertainment with LED lights!

Further on down the western track we exited into long grass circled by forest and then entering the forest we bush bashed.

Zig zagging and encountering vines we continued down until finally reaching the creek for our climb up and out finally to a track out through a gate into Noone’s property.

A longish walk back to the car and comments were ‘It’s good we knocked the b…. (Mt Watkin) at the start of the day’ and not had to tackle it at the end of the day.

Good comradeship, jovial comments and laughter eased the challenges of the day.

Thanks to David Smith and Zac Noone for giving permission to tramp on their property.

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