Taieri Recreational Tramping Club – Page 39 – Mid-week recreational and social walking group based in Mosgiel NZ

Kaka Point

1. 27 October 2021. Trampers. Kaka Point Ramble. E. Leaders: Karen & Gary McInnes

12 trampers travelled the 100km to Kaka Pt to arrive at the perfect time for a cuppa on the beachfront.

20211027_103302 Helen 800 — *Morning tea at the park by the surf club (photo and caption Helen)*

The weather had gotten steadily better since we had left Mosgiel so apart from a wee sea breeze, the morning stop was beautiful. We left the cars parked at the beachfront and walked up to the end of Rata street to where the nature walk began. A very good gravel track lead us on a lovely walk through various native trees.

image_6487327 Marijke 1000 — *Kaka Point (photo and caption Marijke)*

We emerged at the tennis courts and walked down past the motor camp to a very new short bush track then back to the cars. Next stop was Nugget Point.

20211027_115308 Helen 1200 — *Looking at the lighthouse (photo and caption Helen)*

We walked out to the lighthouse and were rewarded with vistas of calm sea and the magnificent rocks that give the Nuggets their name.

20211027_120436 Helen 1200 — *New Zealand’s rocks (caption and photo Helen)*

20211027_115921 Helen 1900 — *Our group at the lighthouse (photo and caption Helen)*

There were lots of comments about how crystal clear and tropical the water looked.

image_6487327 (5) Marijke 1000 — *Startling blue sea colours off the track at the lighthouse (we could be in the Mediterranean (photo and caption Marijke)*

There is a small breeding colony of Royal spoonbills on one of the rocks on the walk out to the lighthouse. Lunch was a sunny spot with a fabulous view all the way up the coast. We drove back down the hill to Roaring Bay where it was a short walk down to the penguin hide.

IMG20211027133157 Karen 1000 — *Hidee hi trampers (caption and photo Karen)*

Unfortunately not the right time to see penguins but the bay was beautiful just the same. We decided that we would add on a visit to the train tunnel at Tunnel Hill on the southern scenic route. Certainly an amazing tunnel, being the southern most tunnel in the world.

image_6487327 (4) Marijke 1000 — *Tunnel Hill (caption and photo Marijke)*

IMG_3641 Jenni 1000 — *Tunnel Hill info (caption and photo Jenni)*

End of the trip refreshments were had at Cafe 55 in Balclutha. We had fantastic weather all day until south of Allanton where we ran into rain. Thanks to the drivers who got us there and back safely.

Karen

AGM Minutes October 2021

Minutes of the 33rd Annual General Meeting of Taieri Recreational Tramping Club held at the Taieri Bowling Club, Wickliffe Street, on 29 October 2021 at 1.30pm

PRESENT: J Dodd (Chair), J Abbot, D Bennett, K Burke, J Butcher, P Clough, P Cocks, C Crossman, W & R Davies, E Day, J Dennison, J Devlin, J Finnerty, B & J Finnie, J Gardiner, P Gillespie, G Grant, B Harvey, L Harvey, P Horrell, L Keene, R Keene, C Leach, S McCormack, K McInnes, N & C Morrison, J Reid, S&K Munro, D Roberts, N & M Simpson, M Smith, M Schofield, G Souter, T White, C Wither; A Whitson, B & J Wright, J Yardley (44 members)

APOLOGIES: P Keene, A Heenan, D Mellish, G Farquharson, D Paterson, E Ryan, B & G Shackell, P Davie, W Begley, A Ward, R Ward, N McCunn, S Carruthers, H Kirk, H & P Morris, L Partridge

MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING

Minutes of the 2020 AGM were taken as read, having previously been circulated.

Moved K McInnes, seconded D Roberts that they be confirmed as a true and accurate record. Carried

Matters arising: Nil

CORRESPONDENCE

Inward – Resignations from B & L McLean, F Deans, M & B Spittle, J Ronald

Outward – Nil

PRESIDENT’S REPORT

Jill Dodd presented the annual report on behalf of Arthur Heenan which had been prepared prior to the latest covid lockdown. It had been a successful year, with bus trips to Gabriels Gully, Rail Trail Daisybank and Sutton Salt Lake/Smooth Cone. Two well supported camps had been held, the first for the trampers at Blue Mountains, and the second for all, at Borland Lodge. Sadly we had lost two longstanding members, Doug Moir and Lesley Gowans both of whom had only recently stopped tramping. Neil Buckley and Eric Callaghan also passed away during the year. He also thanked those members retiring from the committee, C Crosman, K Munro, D Mellish, J Yardley.

Moved J Dodd, seconded P Clough that the presidents report be accepted. Carried

FINANCIAL REPORT

Financial statement for the year ended 30/6/21 was presented by the treasurer. There was a surplus for the year of $141.91. Bank balance $811.24, petty cash $4.60.

Annual Subscription – The Committee at the 30 July meeting voted to increase the annual subscription to $10. Joining fees to remain at $10. Treasurer was questioned as to whether this increase was necessary as there had been a surplus and some discussion ensued. G Grant suggested that if there was a large surplus at the end of the next financial year, a donation could be made to a project which would be of benefit to the club. A show of hands approved the decision.

Moved C Wither, seconded M Simpson that this increase be approved. Carried

Auditor – Moved J Yardley, seconded J Butcher that K Mackenzie be reappointed as auditor/reviewer. Carried

ELECTION OF OFFICERS

President Phil Keene Moved J Dodd, seconded J Wright

Vice President No nomination

Secretary/Treasurer Jenni Wright Moved J Yardley, seconded P Clough Past President Arthur Heenan

Webmaster Ross Davies

Committee: J Butcher, J Devlin, C Crossman

Moved J Yardley, seconded J Finnerty that the above existing committee members be reappointed. Carried

Moved D Roberts, seconded S Munro that J Gardiner be appointed to the committee. Carried Moved J Wright, seconded W Davies that K McInnes be appointed to the committee. Carried Moved S McCormack, seconded T White that P Cocks be appointed to the committee. Carried

Raewyn Keene read out an email which had been received from Phil Keene, the incoming president. He is detained in Western Australia due to the covid lockdown. He thanked Jill Dodd for stepping in as acting vice president, and paid tribute to outgoing president, Arthur Heenan’s long contribution to the club. He was looking forward to taking over as president once he was able to return to NZ.

GENERAL BUSINESS

Constitution – moved C Crossman, seconded S McCormack that the revised constitution be approved. Carried

Beacon contacts – Keith Munro has been appointed as a contact.

Honorariums – moved N Morrison, seconded K McInnes that $50 honorariums be paid to secretary/treasurer, auditor and webmaster. Retiring secretary/treasurer and webmaster were thanked for their contribution over the last few years. Carried

Track Clearing – Neil Morrison spoke of the track clearing being undertaken, mainly by himself and Arthur Heenan, mainly on a Monday. Fuel is supplied. Any members prepared to help to contact Neil.

Invermay Track – a walking track is being developed around the Invermay/Silverstream area. Help from any members interested in helping creating this track would be appreciated.

Identification – Lester Harvey mentioned he would like to see some sort of identification such as name tags, as it was hard to keep up with names of the increasing number of new members. Pack tags considered to cover this, and these available from secretary.

Website: Ross Davies spoke of the immense contribution Ian Fleming had made to the club with his foresight in setting up the website so many years ago. It is a very valuable resource to the club. He thanked Dave Mellish for taking over this responsibility when Ian Fleming retired. The website team now consisted of himself, Chris Wither and new administrators, Diane Paterson, Val Bell and Gail Williams

Email Address: the club’s new email address, [email protected] is to be used for all tramp notices, reports and photos.

Covid-19 – thought to be given to member’s vaccination status in regard to car pooling. The meeting closed at 2.20 pm.

Guest speaker, Dermot Mayock, gave a very interesting and informative presentation on the role and work involved with LANDSAR. He was ably assisted in this by his wife, and search and rescue dog. He was thanked by Clive Crossman, and presented with a voucher.

The meeting concluded with afternoon tea.

…………………………………………. / /

Botanic Garden, Logan Park, Northern Cemetery, Chingford, Big Easy

Big Easy, Signal Hill, Ravensbourne, Opoho, Northern Cemetery – Information and Trips Library

Botanic Garden, Chingford Park, University Walkways, Woodhaugh Gardens – Information and Trips Library Post

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.

Noi 29 September Dunedin building resized — *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.

Noi 29 September Dunedin playground resized — *Walking through the varsity – photo Noi*

Noi 29 September Otago University resized — *Otago University Clocktower Building – photo Noi*

Noi 29 September Dunedin steps resized — *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.

Noi 29 September bush track resized — *Bush track up the hill – photo Noi*

Noi 29 September carpark resized — *Bracken View – photo Noi*

Alex took us to the gravesite of the 1st white baby born in Dunedin.

20210929_114819_800 — *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.

20210929_132646_800 — *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.

Continue reading “Botanic Garden, Logan Park, Northern Cemetery, Chingford, Big Easy”

Where’s Wally Walking #1

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”

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 #2”

Where’s Wally Walking #3

Where’s Wally Walking #4

Where’s Wally Walking #5

Where’s Wally Walking? #6

Where’s Wally Walking? #7

Where’s Wally Walking? #8

Covid 19 Post Photos to Week of 4th September 2021

9CC96688-25B1-47B5-B8FA-34529E278999res — *“Pleasant beach walk.” – Photo and Caption Alex*

EECE7C1E-4859-474A-A388-8F6F893D4382res — *“An old article which may be of interest to some of you.” – Caption Alex*

20210902_131224res — *“Phil off for his run. Must have the watch on.” – Photo and Caption Helen*

Second Beachres — *“Enjoying the sunshine at second beach amongst the stacked stones.” – Photo and Caption Chris*

IMG_4566res — *“Miss you all.” – Photo and Caption Eleanor*

IMG_4568res — *“Clean car.” – Photo and Caption Eleanor*

20210904_104446res — *“Great day for biking.” – Caption Helen*

IMG-5157res — *“Tackling a 30 year old flax with the aid of my trusty flax knife and recommended by Graham.” – Photo and Caption Yan.*

IMG-5168res — *“Notice how much they have cut out of Blackhead in the distance.” – Photo and Caption Yan*

IMG-5163res — *“View form the ninth hole on Chisholm Links.” – Photo and Caption Yan*

IMG_3299res — *“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.”*

IMG_4512res — *“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.*

IMG20210806131200res — *“One for Gordon – new spuds dug in August.” – Photo and Caption Phil (in Perth).*

IMG20210825113724res — “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

IMG_20210902_123030res — *“Spring is here.” – Photo and Caption Margreet*

IMG_20210901_183912res — *“1st day of level 3, 1st day spring. A beautiful day for a walk in the hills.” – Photo and Caption Sarah and Craig*

COVID-19 Lockdown Week 2 August 2021

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

Bruce car clean — *All beautifully cleaned just waiting for an outing Photo and caption Bruce*

Jenni masks — *If anyone wants a mask let me know and can leave in letterbox for you. Jenni*

Gordon gardening — *First spud planting Photo and caption Gordon*

Gordon biking — *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

Dianne seal Brighton — *An early morning visitor at Brighton Beach Photo and caption Dianne*

Dianne beach view — *Our beautiful Ocean View coastline Photo and caption Dianne*

Neil Different type of track work — *Different type of track work Photo and caption Neil Morrison*

Sarah bike and walk — *Went for a bike ride and came across a track we just had to walk Photo and caption Sarah*

Sarah track artwork — *Art work by the wonderful track clearer. Photo and caption Sarah*

Helen bike Gladstone Road — *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

Jan garden — *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*

Simpsons biking suburban mosgiel — *Biking in suburban Mosgiel. Looking wistfully at the hills and wishing we were out tramping!!! Margreet and Neil Photo and caption*

Ocean view — *Alex Griffin enjoying Ocean View beach on a typical sunny day. Photo and caption Alex*

Janice fire — *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

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*

Ady water water water — *Water Water Water This has been my work since Saturday. Burst hose washing machine Friday night. 1 inch in garage. Caption and photo Ady*

Coping With COVID-19 Lockdown – August 2021

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.]

IMG_20210818_134550 Margreet 800

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

IMG_4444 Eleanore 800 — *Tramping round my garden at Willowfield – photo and caption Eleanor*

20210819_105951 Chris 800 — *Just been on a great bike ride – caption and subject Chris*

B8CAE9D8-CE34-4EA3-A818-F776CB7A9B49 Raewynne 480 — *What’s the next best thing to leading hikers today? Taking my midnight visitor for a walk – caption and subject Raewynne*

20210819_111558 Helen 800 — *Walk along the Silverstream Bank – photo and caption Helen*

20210819_093158 Ady800 — What a mission to get Ken to take this – photo and caption Ady

Covid 1 800 — *Haha you’re stuck with me ….. photo & caption Jenni*

Covid 2 800 — *Day 1 of lockdown and Bruce is trying to escape – photo and caption Jenni*

IMG_20210818_154338316_HDR Ross Wyn 800 — Neighbour’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

P1030515 Gordon 800 — *Woodturning – subject Gordon*

P1030524 Gordon 800 — Outram Glen Track – subject Gordon

Screenshot_2021-08-19-11-34-25-52res Dave 800 — *Dave’s picture*

IMG_1310 Jill 480

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!”

Weka Falls / Ralston Farm

Abt 15 km from carpark.

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.

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 in sight — *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 - the elusive waterfall — *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 Nick Roulston is behind the falls — *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

8. 11/11/2015. Hikers. Weka Falls on Smugglers Stream. Leaders: Peter and Wendy.

Route. Weka Falls on Smugglers Stream. (NB: Began tracking half a paddock too late!)

About 25 of us parked at the wool-shed. After Jim Sime had welcomed us, he invited us to share a moment’s silence as it was Armistice Day and a suitable occasion was unlikely to occur later at 11.00 a.m. Due to some hip trouble Jim led us off in his Kobotu four wheeler. We took the customary route first through the tree-lined paddock, through the gate, turning off to the left along the ridge of the next paddock and down it to the gate at the bottom. Here we took the sharp turn to the right down the steep slope (acute turn right below 4 km indicator on map of route) into the dip,

then up again to the left at its farther end and up up up a long slope to the eventually ease-off at its top. Then slightly diagonally to the left, now sloping down to stop at a part-wired fence for the morning cuppa.

Beyond the fence, it was a long gradual descent to a bush-lined gully in the distance. Jim had opened the track down through the bush, adding many well-dug-out steps on the steeper parts. Half an hour went by before we reached Smugglers Stream at last.

Down at the stream, everything was covered in slippery moss and great care was necessary to avoid slipping over. Alex nobly stood by slippery rock face on the track and was not one to shirk the the task of having to rescue three fair maidens in his arms as their feet slid away beneath them..

Alex ready to catch people sliding on slippery rock face. (John pic)

We crowded where we could find a safe footing and gazed in wonder at the Weka Falls of Smugglers Stream. Jim had said as it was likely to be his last visit to the Falls that he intended repeating earlier ventures under the falls for the last time. Judy, our President, freshly return from an extended North Island break, elected to go with him lest any mishap to befall the venturer.

The rocks were heavy with moss and the two had to take great care in negotiating the route.

Going under Weka Falls. 1. The scene. (Liz pic) — Going under Falls. 1. The scene. (Liz pic)

It obviously wasn’t easy.

Going under Falls. 2. The scramble begins. (Liz pic)

Careful does it.

Going under Falls. 3. Entering Falls. (Liz pic — Going under Falls. 3. Entering Falls. 3. (Liz pic)

Made it!

Immodest show-offs! (John pic) — A pair of immodest show-offs! (John pic)

The way out was a surprise. Jim suddenly disappeared down behind the next mossy rock ahead of him with Judy waiting to make the plunge down too.

Exiting Falls. (John pic) — Exiting Falls. On and out! – or down! (John pic)

Beyond here was impossible to photo. The route was out of sight. It lead up and into the bush and via a contoured route reached reach the track we had come down at a point about half-way up it. Bravo!

We climbed our way back out again. Jim offered the chance to harvest young lancewoods or totara and a few accepted his offer. He also provided a few freshly cut manuka sticks as trekking poles for any who wanted them.

We lunched at the bush side.

Lunch at the top of the bush. (John pic)

Sheltered from the wind, we dozed in the sunshine until at last it was time to begin the trudge back up the slope above us. It’s never easy to have to climb immediately after a lazy lunch break, but climb we all did – with one exception. John took advantage of the opportunity of accompanying Jim in the Kobotu.

The Weka Falls day is not a long one, but makes up for it with many many energy-sapping ups and downs. We arrived back at the cars it was not the end. Jim expressed his pleasure being able to share his property with us. And to finish the day off, he was prevailed upon to sing us his famous song about the egg (well, the slightly-off egg), consisting of a medley of some six or more tunes cleverly matching the words. This was met with much applause.

Twenty-one or so of the Hikers resorted to the Topiary Cafe for a convivial coffee stop. Thanks to Peter and Wendy for an enjoyable day. Weka Falls had been a surprise of a delight to all the ‘newies’ in the club. – Ian.

7. 18/4/2012. Hikers. Weka Falls. Leaders: Peter, Fred.

6. 2/12/2009. Both. Weka Falls. Easy. Leaders: Ian, Fred.

We parked our five cars at the wool-shed where we were met by Jim, our guide. He first led us along a tree-line to a double set of gates.

Through the left gate and down left along the paddock ridge. At its foot, we turned right and carefully descended a very steep slope down into a gully. From there it was steeply up to the left onto a top. They it was continue diagonally left with a shed in the distance as a guide point, we took the ridge to left of a gully featuring two broadleaf trees.

Following the ridge, we eventually reached large gorsebush clump adjacent to the bush. Here we stopped for our morning tea break.

Immediately behind the bush was the entrance to a steep but well-cleared track which took us down to the amazing hidden gem of the Weka Falls.

Down-stream pool. Lesley, Arthur, Wendy, Barbara, Fred, Susan, Sabina.

We accomplished the steep climb back up the track in a shorter time than we thought it would take. Then it was back out to the paddock ridge, but this time diagonally across to our left, and back around through another paddock or two to lunch in the shelter of an implement and hay barn.

After lunch in the barn. Jim, Arthur, Fred, Who?, Molly, Lesley, Evelyn, Who?, Peter, Margaret, Bev, Wendy, Barbara.

An easy downhill walk completed the circuit back to the cars. An enjoyable if drizzly and cold (at times) day. – Ian

5. 26/7/2006 Trampers. Weka Falls. Hindon Road. Easy. Leaders: Ria L, Doug J

4. 8/2/2006. Trampers. Weka Falls. Ria, Doug J.

3. 28/7/1999. Craiglea, Weka Falls. Leaders: Ria L, Catherine, Molly.

2. 11/8/1993. Weka Falls – Hindon Road. Medium. Leaders: Ria L, Peggy M, Mairie

1. 10/4/1991 Weka Falls, Lee Stream. Average. Leaders: R Lippers, Batchelor, Koot, L Smith