25. 29 September 2021. Hikers. Otago Museum and the Fashion FWD Exhibition and a Springtime Walk. M. $5.00. Leaders: Jenny Finnerty, Noi McCunn
On Wednesday 19 hikers set off on a walk, starting at Botanical Gardens and walking to the Museum park for morning tea.
Morning tea in the Museum Reserve – photo Noi
We then went to have a wander around the Fashion Gallery Trail in the Museum after which we walked through the varsity to the St David Street zig zag.
Walking through the varsity – photo Noi
Otago University Clocktower Building – photo Noi
St David Street steps – photo Noi
Things had changed since I was a kid because Arana Hall had expanded and so now there is a locked gate at the top but lucky for us a lady swiped us in and swiped us out on the other side. Had a bit of tiki tour through studentville to Dundas Street but took a wrong track but ended up at the Cemetery.
Bush track up the hill – photo Noi
Bracken View – photo Noi
Alex took us to the gravesite of the 1st white baby born in Dunedin.
Alex at the gravesite – photo Jenny
Had lunch at the Rhododendron Del and after looking around we all met up at the Croque-O-Dile for coffee.
Magnolia tree in the Botanic Gardens – photo Jenny
Another walk done and dusted thanks hikers.
P.S. Was good to see our Brighton chums and others from town. Jenny and Noi.
This week, for a little lockdown-lassitude relief, we’ve got something different for you, a game. We’ve chosen some photos at random from the Club’s activities over the last 10 months. We’ve invited Wally of Where’s Wally fame to join us. It’s hard to hide in a crowd in the outdoors, and Wally didn’t try. The idea isn’t to spot where Wally is in the photo. It is to figure out where Wally is in the world. Well not so much the world but more where he is in Coastal Otago – with one exception. Continue reading “Where’s Wally Walking #1”
We’ve chosen some photos at random from the Club’s activities over the last 10 months. We’ve invited Wally of Where’s Wally fame to join us. It’s hard to hide in a crowd in the outdoors, and Wally didn’t try. The idea isn’t to spot where Wally is in the photo. It is to figure out where Wally is in the world. Well not so much the world but more where he is in Coastal Otago – with one exception. Continue reading “Where’s Wally Walking #2”
We’ve chosen some photos at random from the Club’s activities over the last 10 months. We’ve invited Wally of Where’s Wally fame to join us. It’s hard to hide in a crowd in the outdoors, and Wally didn’t try. The idea isn’t to spot where Wally is in the photo. It is to figure out where Wally is in the world. Well not so much the world but more where he is in Coastal Otago – with one exception. Continue reading “Where’s Wally Walking #3”
We’ve chosen some photos at random from the Club’s activities over the last 10 months. We’ve invited Wally of Where’s Wally fame to join us. It’s hard to hide in a crowd in the outdoors, and Wally didn’t try. The idea isn’t to spot where Wally is in the photo. It is to figure out where Wally is in the world. Well not so much the world but more where he is in Coastal Otago – with one exception. Continue reading “Where’s Wally Walking #4”
We’ve chosen some photos at random from the Club’s activities over the last 10 months. We’ve invited Wally of Where’s Wally fame to join us. It’s hard to hide in a crowd in the outdoors, and Wally didn’t try. The idea isn’t to spot where Wally is in the photo. It is to figure out where Wally is in the world. Well not so much the world but more where he is in Coastal Otago – with one exception. Continue reading “Where’s Wally Walking #5”
We’ve chosen some photos at random from the Club’s activities over the last 10 months. We’ve invited Wally of Where’s Wally fame to join us. It’s hard to hide in a crowd in the outdoors, and Wally didn’t try. The idea isn’t to spot where Wally is in the photo. It is to figure out where Wally is in the world. Well not so much the world but more where he is in Coastal Otago – with one exception. Continue reading “Where’s Wally Walking? #6”
We’ve chosen some photos at random from the Club’s activities over the last 10 months. We’ve invited Wally of Where’s Wally fame to join us. It’s hard to hide in a crowd in the outdoors, and Wally didn’t try. The idea isn’t to spot where Wally is in the photo. It is to figure out where Wally is in the world. Well not so much the world but more where he is in Coastal Otago – with one exception. Continue reading “Where’s Wally Walking? #7”
We’ve chosen some photos at random from the Club’s activities over the last 10 months. We’ve invited Wally of Where’s Wally fame to join us. It’s hard to hide in a crowd in the outdoors, and Wally didn’t try. The idea isn’t to spot where Wally is in the photo. It is to figure out where Wally is in the world. Well not so much the world but more where he is in Coastal Otago – with one exception. Continue reading “Where’s Wally Walking? #8”
“An old article which may be of interest to some of you.” – Caption Alex“Phil off for his run. Must have the watch on.” – Photo and Caption Helen
“Enjoying the sunshine at second beach amongst the stacked stones.” – Photo and Caption Chris
“Miss you all.” – Photo and Caption Eleanor
“Clean car.” – Photo and Caption Eleanor“Great day for biking.” – Caption Helen
“Tackling a 30 year old flax with the aid of my trusty flax knife and recommended by Graham.” – Photo and Caption Yan.“Notice how much they have cut out of Blackhead in the distance.” – Photo and Caption Yan
“View form the ninth hole on Chisholm Links.” – Photo and Caption Yan
“My contribution – They had an amazing response. If anyone has 4 ply wool that they don’t want or need, would be happy to take it off your hands. Cheers Jenni.”“My assistant trots up and down each load, then sits in the shade while I shovel it up into raised beds.” – Photo and Caption Esther.
“One for Gordon – new spuds dug in August.” – Photo and Caption Phil (in Perth).
“The photo of statue of wild geese, a symbol of Irish freedom, at Rockingham foreshore, as I walked the dog. See the Catalpa Memorial at monument.australia.org.au for the inspiring true story.” – Photo and Caption Phil“Spring is here.” – Photo and Caption Margreet“1st day of level 3, 1st day spring. A beautiful day for a walk in the hills.” – Photo and Caption Sarah and Craig
The photos for this post were taken in the week to noon Thursday 26th August.
Club members have been out and about walking and on their bikes in lots of beautiful places in their local areas. We have been so lucky to have good weather. Many have also achieved great things working and relaxing in their gardens and around home.
Our sympathies go to Ady for her flood.
Thank you Jenni for offering a mask to anyone in need.
Enjoy the following photos. Chris Wither
Pictured here is me going with the flow just like the Silverstream and the Taieri river. This current picture shows the confluence. I biked along the bank – and banked on my bike to get me home which it did. kkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkk ie 21kms Photo and caption Neil Hodgkin
All beautifully cleaned just waiting for an outing Photo and caption Bruce
If anyone wants a mask let me know and can leave in letterbox for you. JenniFirst spud planting Photo and caption Gordon Alternative exercise Photo and caption Gordon
Above On the Harbour Cone recce and on a morning’s bike ride. Morning tea time underneath a lovely flowering wattle and cruising past the now famous wall! Below My water feature finally completed during the lovely lock-down spring weather, another long-term project! Photos and captions Marijke
As usual a beautiful frost free day in Port. and Morning ramble around Back Beach. Photos and captions Michael
An early morning visitor at Brighton Beach Photo and caption DianneOur beautiful Ocean View coastline Photo and caption DianneDifferent type of track work Photo and caption Neil Morrison Went for a bike ride and came across a track we just had to walk Photo and caption Sarah Art work by the wonderful track clearer. Photo and caption Sarah Helen biking on Gladstone Road Photo and caption Phil
Phil relaxing and Helen in her happy place. Photo and caption Phil
Loving my new push bike . Was going down the Karatai track but was warned about an irate farmer so went back up again.
Hope everyone is enjoying this fabulous weather. Photos and captions Yan
Not exactly an enjoyable way of spending the afternoon as had sharp thorns to contend with, but had to be done as arborist can’t get here. Another job ticked off the list!! Caption and photo Jan
Biking in suburban Mosgiel. Looking wistfully at the hills and wishing we were out tramping!!! Margreet and Neil Photo and caption
Alex Griffin enjoying Ocean View beach on a typical sunny day. Photo and caption Alex Lockdown part 2 – burn up of pruning from big property tidy up during 2020 lockdown . Caption and photo Janice
Biking and walking in my neighbourhood Photos and captions Pam Cocks
Anon You asked for it! Here it is! 🤭🤣🥰
Hi Team, Photos from Friends Hill Road on Sunday Photos and message Shona
Time to reflect in lock down. A bit sombre perhaps, but today would have been Denim’s 17th birthday. A Golden Labrador, he was my son’s guide dog for 8 years, and my pet for 5 years in his retirement. Put a Camellia flower, from the garden, on the plaque where his ashes are buried, and looked through Denim’s photo file on my computer today. R.I.P. Denim. John Gardiner photos and message
The water tower on the top of the ‘Mosgiel’ Hill is useful for getting exercise walking up hill. Photo is of me walking up the steps in McFadden Drive to the water tower. Photo and caption Clive Water Water Water This has been my work since Saturday. Burst hose washing machine Friday night. 1 inch in garage. Caption and photo Ady
With tramping off-limits because it was the first day of the COVID-19 lockdown for August 2021, we decided a pictorial record of some members activities might be interesting. These photos were taken by members between noon on Wednesday 18th August and noon on Thursday 19th August. Some were taken during the limited exercise opportinities available. Some are recording what people do at home when unable to go out. So what follows is a random selection of Club members activites over a 24-hour period in these strange times. [You can click/tap on any of the photos to see a larger image.]
The Simpsons were hoping to be up on Harbour Cone today. We had to do a local bike ride instead. Take care everyone! Cheers Margreet and Neil
Tramping round my garden at Willowfield – photo and caption EleanorJust been on a great bike ride – caption and subject ChrisWhat’s the next best thing to leading hikers today? Taking my midnight visitor for a walk – caption and subject RaewynneWalk along the Silverstream Bank – photo and caption HelenWhat a mission to get Ken to take this – photo and caption AdyHaha you’re stuck with me ….. photo & caption JenniDay 1 of lockdown and Bruce is trying to escape – photo and caption JenniNeighbour’s flowering cherry tree on our way around the block – photo and caption Ross
I have not been feeling the greatest, so no activities outside for me. But been busy with my leadlighting in stead. I am making panels for inside doors. The first has been completed with the dog’s approval and working on the second one, a real labour of love! Everybody keep well and safe. Marijke
Out with daughter Jenni and friends on first day of NZ lockdown. We are on the Wattle walk, Jarradale, Perth Hills. Great scones for reward! Take care back there. Cheers Phil
Woodturning – subject GordonOutram Glen Track – subject Gordon
Dave’s picture
Whilst out on my walk this (Friday) morning found this bear sheltering under a tree , with very few clothes on ,along with snow along the tops of the Maungatuas ! Jill
And lastly, a little test of local Taieri knowledge to keep you guessing.
Do you know what this wall was erected for. It is located in Stedman Road just along from Helicopters Otago. Cheers, Jenni.
See the responses in the Comments section below.
***Breaking News***
Jenni says “Thanks Jan and Nikki and Bill, we had no idea of its purpose. On the other side it has these partitions. Funny we pass structures like these all the time but pay little attention to them!”
9. 11/08/2021. Trampers. Roulston Farms and Weka Falls. M-H Leaders: Jill and Karen
On a clear morning with the promise of a sunny day 25 keen trampers made their way 4km up the George King Memorial Drive to assemble on Glencairn, the Roulston farm. After a brief background regarding the farm, we made our way down the paddocks to a barrier of electric fence tape from where we could look across to Mt Hyde on the other side of the Lee stream. The Taieri River was to our right.
Lee Stream below (Photo and caption Pam)
From here we could also look down on some of the track we were to follow for our first loop. We proceeded down a steep track then levelled out to make our way around the face with a mixture of up and down till we got to a good sunny spot for morning tea.
Morning tea (Photo and caption John)
After our break we headed off following a farm track which took us through some boggy patches and a bit of manuka. A decision was made to keep going on this course instead of making our way up through the paddock. A good addition to get the heart rate going and the legs pumping. We then made our way across the road to the Sime’s farm (leased by Roulstons) where there are spectacular views all the way down to Lake Waihola.
Saddle Hill is in sight (Photo and caption John)
It was a flat walk on the paddocks to our lunch spot at the implement shed. After lunch we walked over a couple more flattish paddocks and well chewed swede paddock then proceeded down the paddocks where Nick joined us to help us find the elusive Weka falls. It was a steady descent to the entry point of the track to the falls. We followed stock trails in the gully through bush consisting of manuka and totara but were unable to find the falls despite being able to hear them. Nick led us further upstream through the bush and scrub and the track was eventually found. Following the track down we came to Smugglers Stream and the Weka Falls.
Quest complete – first view of the Weka Falls (Photo and caption John)Meeting up at the waterfall (Photo and caption John)
The falls were definitely worth the effort to locate them as they are very picturesque. Nick was able to go in behind the falls and not get too wet.
Weka Falls on the Sime property (Photo and caption Pam) Nick Roulston is behind the falls
After making our way back up the track and regrouping, a piece of orange tape was left to mark the correct entrance to the track. We made our way back up the lower paddock then headed down into a wee manuka gulley then up just below a pine block across the paddock to the lane where we had walked before lunch. From here it was a flat walk back to the road then along to the area where our cars were. The tramp was approximately 15km long and had a good variety of grades and scenery.
A big thank you to Nick Roulston for being so generous with his time both with the recce and helping us find the falls on the day. Thanks also to Jill for the baking she gave to the Roulston family. Karen McInnes
Fire broke out at Seacliff Mental Hospital on 9 December, 1942. Ward 5, which housed 39 women patients, was quickly reduced to ashes. The fire killed all but 2 of the 39 women and was the worst fire in New Zealand until Ballantyne’s fire, five years later.
In 1884 the Seacliff Lunatic Asylum was opened at Seacliff, 28 kilometres up the coast from Dunedin. It provided housing for 500 patients and 50 staff, and at the time was the largest public building in New Zealand. At about 9:45pm on 8 December, 1942, fire broke out in Ward 5. This ward was a two-storeyed wooden building which had been added on to the original stone building when the hospital was expanded at the end of the nineteenth century. In Ward 5 were 39 women patients who had mental health problems. They were all locked into either single rooms or in the 20-bed dormitory. Most windows were locked, and could only be opened by a key from inside. It was during the Second World War, and there was a shortage of nursing staff. There was no nurse on duty in the ward at night, although checks were made by staff from other wards every hour. The fire was first noticed by a male attendant who raised the alarm and ran to bring the fire hoses and reels from the small hospital fire station to a fire hydrant near Ward 5. He was able to save one patient by pulling off the grating over her window and dragging her out. Another patient was rescued from the first floor. Both survivors were in rooms which did not have locked shutters on the windows. They were the only patients out of the 39 in Ward 5 to survive the fire. The hospital’s fire fighters tried to put out the fire, but it was too fierce, and within an hour only ashes remained of Ward 5. However they were able to stop the flames from spreading to other wooden buildings. 37 people died. A commission of inquiry found that the wooden building of Ward 5 was dangerous, and that, once the fire had started, it spread through the building very quickly. There were no automatic fire alarms in Ward 5, unlike in other newer parts of the hospital. Any alarm in the building had to be raised by unlocking a cabinet and pushing a button to start the fire alarm. The commission of inquiry criticised the design of the building and the way in which the windows were shuttered and locked from the inside at night. It recommended the installation of sprinkler systems in all psychiatric institutions. The commission also felt that there was not enough staff on duty to supervise the patients at night. The hospital fire brigade were praised for their action on the night, which prevented the loss of other lives. The cause of the fire was not discovered. A new mental hospital was opened at nearby Cherry Farm in 1954.The Seacliff Mental Hospital fire was the worst in New Zealand until Ballantyne’s fire, five years later.
With regard to the lives lost in the Seacliff fire, there was in fact a Memorial Plaque set up in the Andersons Bay Cemetery in December 2017, 75 years after the fire, with all the names of the victims on it. And a small plaque also at Seacliff. You can Google the articles and pictures of this from the ODT. (Additional note from comment on ‘Warrington – Seacliff’ post for hike 16/10/2024.)
No. 97 on old hardcopy list of 113 club tramps. “Purekanui & Canoe Beach Year Round”
39 km
At LOW TIDE it is possible to walk along the shore to Doctor’s Point.
Also pleasant stroll 1 km down southeastern end to mouth of inlet with scattered cribs.
16. 14 July 2021. Hikers. Purakaunui/Canoe Beach. Medium. Leaders: Betty & Jim
After regrouping at Waitati 4 Vehicles travelled with 16 hikers to park at the end of the Doctors Point Road. The tide afforded us plenty of clear beach for the Canoe Beach walk to Mapoutahi for our tea stop. Of significance were two new barriers recently erected by DOC, warning of the dangerous cliffs.
Looking across Canoe Beach (photo & caption Ady)Looking towards headland of Purakaunui Beach (photo & caption Ady)
From our morning tea stop the southern portal to the rail tunnel could be seen, high on the cliff showing the extreme difficulty that this section that must have been experienced in the construction of this main trunk line.
Weather conditions were pleasant for the Purakaunui Beach walk on firm sand to the Purakaunui inlet.
Purakaunui Inlet (photo Alex)
Entering the inlet, we were faced with soft sand conditions for a short distance to the pine plantation, then it was less than 400 meters through pines to the cemetery. We retraced our steps in comfortable time for the tide past Canoe Beach to the cars.
The coffee stop was at Blueskin before our return to Mosgiel.
