Taieri Recreational Tramping Club

[No. 7 on old hardcopy list of 113 club tramps. “Creamery Rd. Ocean View. C Hughes. Farm. Lambing.”
Not during lambing September to October.
USE STILE AT END OF CREAMERY ROAD.
No. 84 on old hardcopy list of 113 club tramps. “Taieri View (Blairs) (East Taieri) Farm”
No. 104 on old hardcopy list of 113 club tramps. “Old Brighton Rd – Clevelands – Saddle Hill (See George Haggie) Farm”]

---

Continue Reading »

 

Pineapple Track—the curious name of this track originates from a tradition involving a local grocer in the 1920’s.  He guided parties up a track in this area and would provide tinned pineapple as a refreshment at the top.  The empty cans were left as litter.

24/6/2020 FLAGSTAFF   WALKWAY   ONTO   SWAMPY   RIDGE   TRACK   and   RETURN. Leader Eleanore
After a couple of head counts our group of 24 (including 3 new faces) arrived at the Bull Ring at 10am to a very foggy morning.  As well as us,  staff were parked up waiting to spread gravel on Pineapple and Firebreak tracks, that was to be dropped by helicopter.  We commented that it would be something new to look at as we were walking.

After a short sharp climb we arrived at the Plane Table marked by a drainpipe at a height of round 660 metres for smoko, still in fog and no views we headed off again down and around to the Pineapple junction, passing by damage caused by a fire last year.

This section of the Pineapple track was wet and slippery along with the odd patch of icy puddles, we had to make sure we kept our feet firmly on the ground!!

 

We arrived at the junction of Swampy and Firebreak tracks at 11am, then continued through more mud, noticing quite a lot of broom had been recently cut down—-thanks to those concerned.

 

After some climbing along the way, passing Moon, Powerline, and Telecom Microwave Station tracks, we arrived at the Aircraft Navigation Station at the Swine Spur junction at 12:15pm.  Up till now, the only sight to be seen was the person in front of you!!  Occasionally, one hoped for the fog to lift,  so the amazing views could be enjoyed—so far, not happening.

 

At 12:40pm, after a shortened lunch it was time to head for home, negotiating the slippery, slidey slopes along the way reaching the Firebreak junction in 1 hour, we took the shortcut back onto Flagstaff track, and enjoyed the mostly downhill walk to the cars, arriving at 2:30pm.

The boots covered a good 13kms.

This was the first tramp with the Club I have  been on that the fog never lifted the entire day.   We were ready for coffee,  cake and a yarn to celebrate our achievement at Blackstone Cafe.

As always, I hope you all enjoyed the day as much as I did.
Eleanore

Continue Reading »

3. 27/11/2019. Trampers. Maungatuas Meander via Kempshall Road. M Margreet and Neil

It was warm and balmy as 20 eager trampers set out on our ‘meander’ today. Several in the group were adamant that ‘meander’ slightly understated the nature of the outing – and thought a better description would be ‘a very long Baldwin street’!!
The steep gravel road access to the parking spot proved challenging for some cars and passengers/pushers, but we all made it!

In order to prepare for the ascent ahead we decided to have morning tea on the balcony at the landowner’s bach, which was just a short side trek from the main track.

Views from there were stunning and to be honest the group was a bit reluctant to move on.

The steep climb up Mt. Maungatua to the top boundary took around an hour of huffing and puffing and moaning and groaning!
There was no sign of the aggressive NZ falcon and group of fallow deer encountered on the reconnoitre.

But once conquered the vista over the fertile Taieri Plain, wetlands and lakes; was outstanding.

Heading south we traversed gullies of verdant native bush and ridges of lush long grass.

We stopped for lunch on a grassy knoll prior to descent.

Within minutes a light easterly brought in low cloud which reduced visibility to a few metres. The leader,using all his native tracking skills, led the beleaguered group safely downhill to the lower track. What a hero!!

From there it was uphill and down dale back to the cars, pausing briefly to inspect the adventure course being used by the chatty children from Hampden school.
Recovery was commenced at Outram’s Wobbly Goat with coffee and cake.
P.S. A consensus asserted that this adventure be reclassified from M to H!

Margreet and Neil

2. 19/4/2017. Trampers. Meander the Maungatuas via Kempshall Road. M. Margreet and Neil.

As we drove through Outram heading for our ‘Maungatua Meander’; the rain bearing cold front forecast for lunch-time, arrived 3 hours early! Nevertheless 5 hardy gentlemen and 6 ‘complaining’ ladies set out on the steep 78 minute climb to the top boundary of this private property! We passed ‘Climbing Rock’ and inspected the outdoor adventure course where a tiered viewing platform made a handy stop for morning tea, sheltered from the wind and rain.

 

 

Plodding (and puffing) upwards past ‘Falcon Rock’, the top junction was soon reached, but the awesome scenic vistas promised by the leaders, were less than spectacular!

Heading South we followed the farm track passing through gullies of beautiful native Beech forest, and ridges of productive pasture. Destructive wild pigs had been busy in many places. The weather dictated an early descent for lunch beside a waterfall in the sheltering beech forest.

 

A side-trek to visit the landowner’s beautiful ‘Bunker’ completed the meander, during which we covered 8.5 KM and climbed to 1900 ft.

We enjoyed a debrief at the Wobbly Goat Café before heading home. -Margreet and Neil

1. 28/1/2009 Kempshall Road, Maungatua Leader: George
(Off Maungatua Road, beyond Grainger Road.) Permission.

3. 4/9/2019. All. Hightop, Semple Road, Green Hut track loop.

Trampers. M. Leaders: Arthur and Gordon. M.

A new tramp. Parking on Semple Road, 16 Trampers followed the old, original track in to the Silver Peaks to begin a circuit of Hightop. Quite muddy at first, the old track hadn’t been cleared for many moons, but was well defined.

We caught up with the Hikers at Sleepy Hollow for smoko together. It was a combined day, but they were heading for Green Hut.

Fifteen minutes took our group back to the Swampy Ridge Track, which we followed through the muddy patches, made worse by wild cattle in the area over winter. And then on a good track, climbing now.

The day had been sunny to start, but by 11 a.m. the north-east wind was bringing in cloud on upper Swampy.

In cloud, and with a cold wind, lunch was taken in the shelter of the Airways building at the north end of Swampy top.

 

Faint mutterings about mud and hills were heard, but dismissed as inconsequential bay the leader. A kind offer to describe the views from there was declined!

We started off into the cold wind on the return journey, but it was downhill and were soon into the shelter.

Going downhill all hopped and skipped merrily through the mud,

to arrive back at the junction to Sleepy Hollow for a group photo.

The last leg of the circuit about Hightop took us, on a lovely piece of track, back to our cars. The cloud had lowered. 12 km, or little more, for our day’s adventure was good.

Thanks to all, especially Phil and Gordon for doing the recce of Hightop with me.

A refreshment stop was made at Blueskin Nurseries on the way home.

Home to clean our boots! – Art.

Hikers. Semple Road to Green hut. Leaders: Clive and Alex.

After conducting a recce of the track to Hightop this Hiker deemed it too boggy for the hikers and lead a recreational hike from Semple Road to the old Green Hut site.

22 hikers set off in good hiking conditions of around 13 degrees and sheltered from any wind by high kanuka trees.

We met up with the trampers at sleepy hollow for a shared morning tea

and the more intrepid trampers then set off for swampy’s and we set off for green hut.   A couple of the climbs had several hikers blowing hard at the top (Leader included), but the underfoot was good with evidence of recent clearing and maintenance by the ‘Green Hut track group’  (see ‘Keeping up with the Green Hut Track Group’).  By midday we arrived at the site of the old green hut and enjoyed a sociable half an hour over lunch.

The more downhill return to Semple Road meant we were back in the cars by 2pm and at Blueskin Nursery Cafe shortly after.   The trampers were not that far behind. – Clive.

Ramblers. Semple/Mountain Roads. E.  Leaders: Mutual.

Seven of us contented ourselves with a road trip, going on a good bit further beyond the locked gate to lunch in sunshine – turned cloudy and windy – turned cold, before returning back to await the Hikers’ return. Did something like 4 km. All good company and chatter. (Interesting point to note: sign posts have extended Semple Road quite a bit beyond the Green Hut parking spot to where it eventually turns into Mountain Road.) – Ian.

2. 13/11/2013. Mountain Road Entrance. Sleepy Hollow, Hightop track, ret. Leaders: Judy, Ian, Bev.

Where to start? Well, a map would be good.

Then, a recce, before we go any further. Ian wasn’t a likely starter because of problems at home, so Judy recruited Bev, but in the event Ian was able to come, but the recce had to be fitted in at the last moment.

We entered in at the Mountain Road entrance and made our way up to the first junction with the top track on the map that runs roughly parallel to Semple/Mountain Road. Only a short way in and solid gorse blocked the track. But a short loop down to the left and back up again recovered the track, much more open. Up and over the top to the fence line and here our troubles started. Snow fellings of the scrubby manuka from that heavy winter snow-fall plus the gorse made for much ‘bush-bashing’. Still hopeful of getting to the next junction we pushed on. But no. Time was passing, so back out again and on to the Sleepy Hollow junction.

This was well-cleared, but we had lost quite some time by now. We lunched on the way and nursed our gorse-pricked legs.

We pushed on to the Swampy Track junction, also well-cleared, where a majority decision was taken to turn back, with the Swampy route to be the one taken. So we didn’t explore the less inviting Hightop one to the left. Time was running out.

Now to the tramp. All went well till we came to the Swampy Track junction. Ian had still wished to have at least a wee look at the Hightop track to the left, so general consent was given and he and several others set off on it, only to find it was nicely cleared and seductively inviting over a clear rise. So much so, that he phoned back to Judy an invitation for the remainder to follow. But several didn’t wish to come, asserting the Swampy track was the one that had been planned. On the other hand, Ian and the others with him were so reluctant to give in that a grudging assent from the nay-sayers was won and the two groups were reunited. The cleared track led us out onto Semple Road but we could find no sign of the emergence of the bush-bashed track anywhere.

Anyway, we lunched back up at the DoC sign indicating Silver Peaks Conservation Area that we had passed earlier before retracing our steps back to the cars. But Ian still doubtless remains unforgiven for his ‘splitting the group’ and adopting a cavalier ‘Trampers’ attitude. His phone call did put fellow-leaders Judy and Bev, who had both remained behind, in an invidious position.

So, we had made it 3/4 of the way around Hightop but the last side still awaits a good track-clearing day. 21 Hikers out on the day. A good overcast tramping morning, getting quite hot in the afternoon. – Ian.

1. 16/9/1992. Hightop, Swampy. Start Double Hill Road. Average. Leaders: George, Doug M, Penny & Peter

Once upon a time 12 happy trampers set out to climb the big mountain of Maungatua. They wanted to get to the top, and were very determined.

But the nasty rain came just as they set out, and the cold wind joined in to make things unpleasant for the 12 happy trampers.

The cloud came down too, to hide the top of the mountain, but that was no deterrent either. Jackets and gloves kept them warm.

Uphill they went, on the good 4WD track, into the cloud and with the wind and rain attacking them.

In time they were high up on the mountain, and stopped to have their morning tea in the slight shelter of a little hut, beside some aerials.

After a brief stop to enjoy their hot cups, discretion was decided upon, and the 12 happy (still) trampers returned back down the mountain to their cars.

But the 12 happy trampers had had a good morning’s exercise, covering more than 6 km and the rain and wind had given a good test to the weatherproofness of their clothing.

Feeling a bit wet and cold, the 12 happy trampers drove back to Mosgiel, returning safely to their homes.

20. 10/5/2017. Trampers. Maungatua trig via Horsehoof. M. Leader: Arthur.

Clear skies, a light breeze, and lots of sunshine gave perfect conditions for our tramp up onto Maungatua. The cars were left high up beside the farm road on Horsehoof, a group of 13 happy trampers setting out from here on the uphill dozed farm track.

About halfway up morning tea was taken, with stunning views to enjoy at the same time, in the clear air.

Onward and upward, we reached the top boundary of Horsehoof Station, and climbing through the fence were in the DOC reserve which encompasses all of the top of Maungatua. It was then single file through the tussock and turpentine shrubs on the faint track.

We stopped to admire the Big Rock,

photos being taken of the group.

Just as we were preparing to move on a pair of N.Z. falcons flew in and landed on top of Big Rock just above us. They weren’t at all worried by us humans, and it was marvellous to see them there.

In single file we moved on, and eventually came to the summit post at 12 noon – perfect timing for lunch.

From here, on the highest point (895 metres) we could see in all directions – 360 degrees. A huge fog bank right down the coast totally hid the sea and the Otago Peninsula, but the land was in clear view as far as the eye could see. What terrific scenery.

Lunch over we began the return journey, which meant retracing our steps. With an occasional brief rest/regroup stop, we were back past Big Rock, through the fence onto Horsehoof again, and down hill with a brief uphill bit to reach the cars.

A group of 13 happy trampers had had a great day, walking a total of 12 km. The perfect weather certainly added to the enjoyment of the day.

But, the tramp finished too soon (obviously too short), as it was necessary to stop in Outram for a while on the way home so that discussion that hadn’t had time to be had during the tramp could be concluded.

The leader was particularly pleased to have such a good turn out of trampers today – thank you to all. – Arthur.

19. 11/1/2017. Hikers. Maungatua Big Rock and Trig via Horsehoof. M. Leaders: George and Ian.

It wasn’t the best tramp to ease into after the relaxing holidays. However the easier programmed Kuri Bush beach walk had not taken the tide times into account. What to do? Something inland. George scouted Saddle Hill (summit not tackled by the Hikers since 2010) and Horsehoof (last done by the Hikers 2011). Relevant property owners for Saddle Hill could not be reached, so Horsehoof and Big Rock then.

Seventeen turned out on the day. A respectable number, given that some members were still on holiday. Admittedly the road entrance to Horsehoof is easily missed, as happened to some on the day, but eventually all the cars arrived and drove on up to park in the high paddock where the FWD track to the top corner of the station starts. At about 690m here, we had already made good inroads on Maungatua’s Big Rock elevation of 880m.

It was still a bit early so we trudged through that first unavoidable gully to merelyregain the cars’ height a kilometre or two further on, finding a bank to sit on for morning tea.

No more gullies now but it was up, steadily up, with frequent regrouping stops to eventually reach the Horsehoof Station’s top corner. At 865m effectively all climbing was behind us. We had gained 225m since leaving the cars. One of us elected to stop here and await the return of the others, and Mollie, who hadn’t wanted to miss the chance of revisiting Horsehoof, was happy to keep her company.

Now it was 15 who scrambled through the fence onto the Maungatua reserve to push on through the tussock and dracophillum (turpentine bush) till we reached a point opposite to the Big Rock.

Here, along with George, ten were happy to make this their destination stop,

while a remaining group of five carried on with an assurance it was only another half hour to the trig. W-e-l-l not exactly. More likely three quarters, as one found the going harder than others. But we got there! Or rather two did.

Too bad,the other three had stopped off short of the last rise and lunched. However with the encouragement of the trig returnees (or is it returners?) they were encouraged to push on so that they could say they had made it too. And they did!

On the return we discovered the hypotenuse short-cut that avoids a right angle in the fence and which we had missed on the way in due to overgrowth disguising it at its other end. A shame. It needs a fence indicator.

When we arrived at Big Rock, we discovered the ten others had long since given up waiting for us, and were back waiting for us when we straggled up the last weary slope up to the cars – at least weary for this writer.

So there it is. A good traditional tramp perforce resurrected for the hikers by an unfortunate tidal assesssment. And an enjoyable stop and chat at the Wobbly Goat to finish it off. And roll on the better weather. – Ian.

18. 10/2/2016. Maungatua Summit. Leader: Arthur H.

Nine trampers set out in ideal conditions to conquer Maungatua. The day was sunny with some high cloud. The breeze was light all day – westerly, then changing to southerly for a while, and then died away altogether.

We drove in through Horsehoof Station, up the road towards the microwave. A car shuttle was set up by taking one car back 2-3 km, leaving it at the top of the hill above the woolshed.

We took the dozed farm track that winds its way up to the top of Maungatua, stopping for morning tea at a suitable spot.

We reached the top of the track, where the small shed and various aerials are situated, at 10.50 a.m. Climbing over the fence we were then in the DOC Reserve, which covers a large part of Maungatua.

From here there is a faint track heading to the summit, which is some 2.5 km away. This is undulating country.

We soon came to the large tor, and stopped for several minutes to inspect and photograph it.

Continuing on along the track, which follows the fence line, we gained the summit a few minutes before 12.00 noon. A black and white painted post now marks the spot, …

… and is visible from a short distance. Sitting down in the tussock, we had a relaxed lunch on the spot. The slight breeze was just a tad cool, we noted.

From the summit there is a great 360 degree view, but unfortunately haze in all directions spoiled this somewhat.

Half of the group had a look over the brow, down in the direction of the 3 Kings -which isn’t visible. All of us then picked our way through the rough vegetation, in an easterly direction, to get a better view down on the Taieri Plain and Airport.

Making our way back up to the track, we returned along it to the shed and aerials, and over the fence. A brief stop here, where it was noted the altitude was 865m, compared to the 895m at the summit.

We now walked down a 4WD track through the tussock, following the western spur.

A restful stop was made at the bottom, in the shade of the beech trees at the north branch of Lee Creek. A short uphill grunt gave a “tang” to the end of our tramp, and we were soon back at the “shuttle” car.

All agreed that it had been a good tramp and an enjoyable day. This had been a first time for most.

Seven held a debrief at Outram on the way back home.

The tramp distance was 13.2 km. – Arthur H.

17. 4/5/2011. Both. Horsehoof upper paddock to Big Rock. Medium. Leader: George.

Many were discouraged by the wet morning start, but 8 of us enjoyed a farm walk on what turned out to be an cold overcast day (which we were well wrapped up against) interspersed by sun at morning tea and lunch. From the regular parking spot, for a change we turned down steeply
click to enlarge

to cross the Woodside Creek upper tributary nearby

and to then climb steeply

to enjoy a cuppa at the set of rocks a little way up.

Then to carry on up to the top corner of the station. This was a route the club hasn’t taken for five years and more. We forewent going on to the big rock and tarn through the rather heavy wet dracophyllum we would have had to struggle through, so lunched at the top under the shelter of a bank

and returned by the more regular farm track.

We all enjoyed a good tramping day but regretted there were not more to share the walk with. Bruce stood in for Marjorie who was indisposed on the day. Our thanks to Wendy and Bruce for their leadership. – Ian.

14. 12/11/2008 Trampers. Horsehoof Station, Maungatua Trig. Leaders: George, Ria.

This turned out to be a tramp from Horsehoof Station rather than from the advertised Allendale Farm. So it was simply up by the regular farm road to the Maungatua Trig and back.
click to enlarge

What was different was the wind measuring masts

and various markers presumably installed by Trustpower. A breeze pleasantly tempered the heat of the sun and 8 of us enjoyed a tramp in the tussocks and Maungatua top with the George making it easier and shorter by having the two cars parked further up the hill than on previous tramps. – Ian

13. 27/8/2008 Trampers. Horsehoof Station Upland road-walk Leaders: Ian, Ken
Winter conditions decreed a firmer road walk in place of the anticipated soggy ground we would have encountered at the Flagstaff big rock. So it was Horsehoof Station for a look at the fast disappearing snow conditions.
click to enlarge

Seven of us set off from our cars parked down at the shearing shed and walked steeply up in the general Maungatua direction. It was a good walk in the fresh air with general sunny conditions turning to threatening clouds later. The breeze was fresh but sheltering in the lee of a gully made for a comfortable morning tea.

Lunch was on the sheltered side of the repeater station,

reached by cutting across a couple of wet gullies swollen with fresh snow runoff.

The return. Bill, Pat, Emma
A shorter day but the sun was out most of the time and the views and company were good. – Ian

 

Another account. A leading light of the OTMC. Missing for 2 years. All over South Island. Silver Peaks for only the latter six months. Police brought him in when he started killing sheep. Account agrees it was indeed Jubilee Hut, not Green Hut as is commonly supposed, where he was seen.

A further comment by another: A little man – had a swelling on the side of his face which embarrassed him.  Quite withdrawn but had a great sense of humour when you got to know him.  An excellent bushman and a good teacher and leader in the hills. In the late sixties he worked for Valley Industries as a sheet metal worker and lived in a flat in (I think) Heriot Row – lived alone.  Lots of stories about his history.

 

3. 10/10/2018. Trampers. Greengage Circuit. Leaders: Arthur and Gordon.

Daylight arrived with a warm norwest breeze and a bright sky – but the forecast was not good.

Nine energetic trampers ceparted the car park at 8.30 a.m. for an early start. Passing through the locked gate on Rollinsons Road, we parked at the ‘elbow’ and began our tramp from there.

Going down the Rainguage Track for half an hour took us to the start of the Greengage Track, which we followed. Getting ever steeper took us to the stream …

… at the bottom, which we crossed – this being part of the Silverstream.

Now for the best part of the day. We had a 30 metre rope

to assist our climb out of the stream bed. The reward at the top was the smoko stop.

From here it was the long climb up onto, …

… and to the top of Green Ridge. It was rather tough going at first but the grade eased as we progress upward.

Around 11.30 a.m. low cloud descended, with dampness in the air. Near the top of Green Ridge, a lunch halt was called in a cosy sheltered place.

After the welcome food and rest, it was only a few more minutes to the main Sliver Peaks Track. After the track we had been on, it was like a highway!

Turning right, (we turned right at every junction we came to today, except the first and the last ones), we followed it to “Sleepy Hollow“. After a brief rest stop, we were now on the Swampy Ridge Track, which had about 1 km of very muddy track to contend with.

By the time we reached Rollinsons Track, the rain was falling.

A little over half an hour would have us back at the cars, bu we were exposed, and out in the open now. It got colder too, and flurries of snowflakes were observed.

All arrived back at the cars in good condition and in a happy frame of mind. Warm but damp to some degree thoughts turned to home and hot showers, etc.

We had tramped about 15 km, in mostly good conditions, and with a very worthwhile tramp to our credit. Thanks to all. – Art.

2. 20/1/2016. Trampers. Greengage Track, anti-clockwise.
Ten hardy souls set off from sunny Mosgiel for a hard tramp. Travelled up past the scout camp and up to Rollinsons road where we parked our cars.
Within the first 10 mins on the Rollinsons track, some of us had wet feet. One can see why they call this area swampy. Lovely views as we went along our way.

Alas the fog came in and we could not see much. It was nice and warm though. Walked over swampy summit tramp.

Morning tea stop was about 5 mins from the Green hut.

Went onto the Green Hut track then Greengage track.  This track not used a lot.

Lunch on this track. Carried along then onto Raingage track and back up to the cars. Lots of quite hard walking up and down slippery hills. A few of us did some bum sliding in patches. Abseiling down about 20 meters and crossing a creek were part of our day. A few stiff bodies as we finished the walk.  Lovely to have our search and rescue team Dermot and Fin the dog with us.

A hard tramp but was very enjoyable. – Helen

1. 27/8/2014. Greengage Track.

On what turned out to be a very nice day for tramping, 4 of us set out to do a tramp on a newly opened track, namely Greengage track. This runs from Rain Gauge Spur track, over to Green Ridge track.
Having cajoled a key from the DCC for the locked gate on Rollinsons Rd. we parked up at the elbow, & made our way over to Raingauge Spur track. Then it was quite a lengthy walk down here, for about 3/4 hr [ including a morning tea stop] from the car before we got to the turn off onto Greengage track. As nobody had done this tramp before, we were all looking forward to it, but didn’t realise just how hard it would be. The track is quite steep, & drops all the way down into the valley, where you cross a stream [ part of the Silverstream headwaters] & clamber out the other side with the help of a rope, which has been thoughtfully put there. From here it is a steep climb nearly all the way up to Green Ridge track, where we arrived about 12:30, & then we walked along the short distance to the Green Hut site, where we had lunch, & a well deserved break.

The return journey was supposed to retrace our steps, but I couldn’t face the prospect of climbing all the way back down into the valley, & then climbing all the way back up to the car, I put it to the others that we could take an easier way out via Green Ridge track, & then onto the Swampy Ridge track, then along Rollinsons Track back to the car, this was accepted without protest.
So after lunch we set off again, & turning onto the Swampy Ridge track, we soon discovered why it is called “Swampy” , as there were lots & lots of very wet muddy stretches, which were ankle deep in places. We eventually found the entrance to Rollinsons Track, & made our way cautiously along the first part of this, as markers were conspicuous by their absence. The last half was well marked, & the climb out to the car, up the very wet track [running water] was useful for cleaning our boots !!
This tramp is not recommended for unfit persons !! I was suitably shattered when we arrived back at the car. – Ken.

3. 30/4/2003. Steve Amies, Trig Q, Swineburn Photos

 

2. 23/10/2002. Tunnels – Steve Amies – Little Coal Creek – Racemans. Medium+. Leaders: Lex, Bob H, Wendy B.

1. 2/2/2000. Trig Q from Silverstream via Steve Amies track. Steve Amies Track Circuit Leaders: Peter B, Lex

 

A small but select group met at the turning to Buckland’s crossing on an overcast but warm day under the leadership of Ria and Hazel. The location of the tramp was down as Orbells crossing but there was some debate as to where this actually was. We parked in the middle of nowhere but Ria and Hazel soon had us over a couple of fences and striking across the countryside to a nice morning tea stop on the banks of the South branch of the Waikouaiti River where it was mentioned that a fishing rod would have been useful. The tramp continued along a very pleasant country track wending our way along hillsides and gullies until we stopped for lunch, looking back over to where we had walked earlier. To those with no sense of direction this was quite confusing as we seemed to do a very big figure of eight. After lunch the mystery trip continued, with Ria venturing into some uncharted territory along a gully. When the gully ran out it was a steep climb up to the top where we could easily see where we were again. One of the highlights of the day was seeing the unusual rocks just above the track,

weathered into all sorts of interesting shapes, colour and textures. All information about these rocks would be gratefully received. A very enjoyable day’s tramping. Many thanks to our adventurous leaders. – Tash

A hot day with some early steep climbing, but not before George and Glenis led 10 of us down through Roseburn farm homestead to see a dozen or so alpacas. Great.

Climbing out, we stopped for morning tea with a grand view from the shelter of pines

before emerging into paddocks exposed to a hot sun. It was then just continual climbing until we emerged at last onto Woolshed Road, a 4WD track along the top joining McKendry Road along the back with Horsehoof Station. It was still a bit early for lunch, so George led us down a 4WD track turn-off that headed towards Maungatua, to lunch under silver beech trees hugging a Woodside-bound stream. The trees provided a leisurely lunch- time shelter and rest.

Climbing back out, we followed the Woolshed- McKendry road down, down, down, enjoying great views of Outram and the Taieri Plain on the way, to reach the cars again near Roseburn Farm. An enjoyable first real sunny day in a long time. – Ian