27/5/2015. Momona Environs. E. Leaders: Peter and Wendy.
GPS of Momona route
23 of us started from Momona Hall
Start. (John pic)
at the intersection of Centre Road and Nichols/Bruce Roads. Some distance south (approx) along Centre Road we turned aside into what Peter told us was the original route of the road to emerge back a little further on. Towards the corner we cut through a lane to emerge on Millers Road (kms 1 & 2) which we followed down past some fattening turkeys
Turkeys for the table? (John pic)
to turn into Bremners Road (kms 3 & 4).
We stopped in a gateway for morning tea, partly sheltered by a belt of trees. The small cold wind forced us into wind-breakers at this point.
Morning tea panorama (John pic)
From Bremners, we turned down Lee Creek Road (km 5) and then along Granton Road. Next turn was into Beehive Road, (kms 8 & 9) our first road to take a more winding route, and this led us eventually to a turn into a paddock whose fence line led us across to the Janefield homestead, (km 10) where we lunched. This was just as well, for Lesley’s legs had started to go ‘rubbery’.
Lunch panorama. (John pic)
This was Ian Bathgate’s property. Peter had been telling us about his Bathgate relatives’ history on the Taieri Plain.
The feature of Janefield was the huge barn loft where dances had been held in times past. Now it was just used for storage.
A wing leading off from the large Barn loft (John pic)
As we turned the corner we were confronted by a large stock truck loading loin chops in their original form.
Loin chops to be? (John pic)
The road out from Janefield came out on Nichols Road (kms 11 & 12) which by various twists and turns led us diagonally across the plain eventually back to our cars.
Thanks, Peter and Wendy. A good winter’s (well, weather-wise anyway) road walk – an alternative to what would have been a soggy farm walk to Weka Falls. And an original choice too. A new ‘first’ for the club through a bit of Bathgate family history! – Ian.
Frost to begin with, but a sunny day followed for 11 Trampers to enjoy their exercise in.
We drove up Mountain Road from the north end and parked up.
The air was cold, but a brisk downhill walk in the sunshine took us to the bank of the Waikouaiti River where we had our smoko stop.
All important smoko. (Gordon pic and caption.)
Following the river bank upstream we soon encountered a pine plantation where the track was becoming overgrown with blackberry and gorse. You would have expected that a consciention leader would have done some track clearing!
This was the only bad patch for the day, as we were were out on grazed paddocks from then on.
Passing the junction of the two branches of the Waikouaiti River, we continued up the south branch and soon came out on a lovely river flat. On leaving the river we had a long climb, with a reasonable gradient,
Onwards and upwards. (Phil pic and caption.)
to eventually find our lunch spot on the ridge top.
Lunch among the tussocks. (Gordon pic and caption.)
Lunch with a view – a little snow was on top of Lamb Hill, Mount Misery, (Bendoran Huts had been visible a few metres back). We were looking at Mount Watkins
Reflecting on Mt Watkins (Phil pic and caption.)
as we ate, and Maori Peak, Karitane, etc, further round.
A very slight south-east, but very chilly breeze was present, and we faced into it for the return journey. Following the ridge down, and then on a slippery (newly graded) track requiring care.
Heading back to cars. (Gordon pic and caption.)
In time we came to Mountain Road, which is the old wagon road from the early days of Otago, and eventually arrived back at our cars.
We had covered a distance of about 10.5 km. Our club had last tramped here in 2012, but none of our group had been here before.
A new tramp is always welcomed, and we had a great day in the sunshine, enjoyed by all.
Blueskin Nurseries enjoyed our patronage on the way home. The Hikers arrived in too. – Art.
Three of us, & Fin the dog went on the tramp to Lawson’s Farm at the North end of the Silverpeaks, in the Waikouaiti River valley.
Morning Tea break. (Ken pic and caption)
It was a very warm day, so we took advantage of the shade where we could. As I was the only one who had been there before, I put the previous tramp from there onto my GPS, & we followed that route up to where we had previously had lunch, but as it was only 11:00am at this time, we just rested in the shade for 10 mins or so, …
Resting out of the hot sun. (Ken pic and caption)
View from our resting place. (Ken pic and caption)
… before climbing the steep face up to the top paddock. Our lunch stop was by the Limestone rock formation, but this time, we sat down by the fence below them to keep out of the sun.
Lunch in the shade of the trees. (Ken pic and caption)
The after lunch climb up the vehicle track to the Old Mountain Track was next, & then just a leisurely walk along this back to the vehicle. – Ken.
Ken’s GPS tracking of the tramp goes anti-clockwise from top right where we parked the cars, across left alongside two large water tanks and a new building, then a zig-zag down to the river where we stopped for morning tea. Here we were amazed by evidence of a large flood that had tangled debris in bare willow-branches (not evident in the pic) well above our heads.
Morning Tea. (Keith pic)
Following Ken’s GPS tracking up the true right side of the river, and you come to the extreme left of the map where a mixture of tracking signals indicates our lunch-stop. As you can determine -click to enlarge the pic – from whether the tracking signals are behind or in front of each other, you will see that the track took us up and down several slopes. Lunch was on a ledge well above the river. A great view. The steep ridge showing in the pic’s background is what we c-l-i-m-b-e-d after lunch.
Lunch on ledge above Waikouaiti River. (Keith pic)
View looking back down the willow-lined river. (Keith pic)
A gentle descent across a newly-grassed field took us to a track down to a gully between two ridges, then up the gully to the remarkable set of unusual rocks. Beyond these, we climbed the steep slope up to the left to emerge eventually on the Mountain Road track. It was then only the case of following this back down to the the cars. Thanks to Ria and Hazel for a well-led tramp, enjoyed on a grand winter’s sunny day following a good frost. – Ian
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,
Ria, HazelRia, Ian, Tash
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
5. 9/5/2007. Lawson Farm from McGrath/Gilchrist Roads near Old Cherry Farm. Figure of Eight. No river. Leaders: George, Evelyn C.
12. 9/5/2018. Trampers. McKendry Road to Maungatuas tramp. Leader: Jill.
On a glorious May morning 13 trampers parked in Horsehoof Station’s paddock at the top of McKendry Road – and immediately began our ascent of “the Hill”.
Start. (Gordon pic.)
Gaining height quickly we were afforded great views over the Taieri.
Smoko break next. (Gordon pic.)
Morning tea was a welcome break from the climb – and time to take in the vista to Saddle Hill and the sea beyond.
Our climb continued before we turned left on to a track that took us down through a lovely beech filled gully and over a pretty stream.
Native bush. (Gordon pic.)
(Don’t think we need to include the photo of Margreet & the gorse bush!)
Then it was onward and upward and upward through native tussock country.
Long slog to lunch stop. (Gordon pic.)
We had lunch at the top corner of Horsehoof – on the boundary with the Maungatua conservation area.
Finally, LUNCH Break. (Gordon pic.)
We headed back down along farm tracks,
All downhill from Woolshed Road back to the cars. (Clive pic.)
We parked the cars under some Gum trees, & walked the short distance to the start of the climb up the “Old Coach Rd” to the top of the Maungatuas.
Climbing ‘The Old Coach Rd’. (Ken pic and caption)
This track was very hard going due to the damage done to it by cattle.
Muddy condition of ‘Old Coach Road’. (Ken pic and caption)
We stopped for morning tea part way up, then continued on for some distance, until deciding to go back down, as it was getting quite windy, & cold, with frequent light showers. We went back down to the Roseburn house, found a spot to have lunch,
Lunch. (Ken pic and caption)
View from lunch spot. (Ken pic and caption)
View from lunch spot (2). (Ken pic and caption)
View from lunch spot by house. (Ken pic and caption)
& then went exploring, to find a better way to the top. After exploring a number of tracks, & even although the farmer had told Doug & Sabina that there was no way up now because of overgrown tracks, we found a way up through an old logging site which would take us right to the top.
Close-up of correct track. (Ken pic and caption)
Correct track to top. (Ken pic and caption)
From there, it was back to the cars, & home again. – Ken.
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.
Alpacas on RoseburnAlpacas up close
Climbing out, we stopped for morning tea with a grand view from the shelter of pines
Cuppa time. Wendy, Ria, Hazel.
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.
Lunch. George, Lex, Pat, Wendy.Lunch snooze. Bill.
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
8. 28/6/2006. Trampers. Horsehoof to Maungatuas from McKendry Road. Medium+.
7. 18/6/2003. Trampers. McKendry Road to Maungatuas, returning by farm. Medium. Leaders Shirley McN, Bill and Pat.
6. 27/6/2001. Horsehoof Station from McKendry Road. Medium+. Leaders: Claude, Bill and Pat.
No. 60 on old hardcopy list of 113 club tramps. “Lawlor Farm”
Gate, Old Lawlors Farm, 2019.
Closed for lambing Sept-Nov.
50 km from car park.
14. 18/4/2018. Trampers. Welshs Road, Old Farm, Deep Stream, Weir. M. Leader: Keith and Arthur.
Route map, courtesy Keith.
It was a beautiful autumn day as 14 trampers travelled for about 40 minutes, out past Clarks Junction to Welshs Road.
The cars were parked by the woolshed near Deep Stream on Steve Nichol’s farm. We all had to sign the visitors book on arrival, for “elf and safety” reasons.
The sun was lovely, but the breeze was decidedly cool, as we made our start.
To be different, the leaders had planned on a clockwise circuit, and also climbing uphill through the paddocks to extend the distance.
The steeper beginning warmed all the participants nicely, before having morning tea in the head of a gully – somewhat sheltered from the breeze.
Morning tea towards Deep Stream. (Phil pic and caption.)
Continuing up through the paddocks the scenery was magnificent wherever we looked. At the highest point of our day we came back to Welshs Road. The wind was keen here, but there was a good view over to the Lammermoors – the “ship at anchor” was visible.
Now it was downhill all the way to Deep Stream, road at first and then following the farm’s boundary fence.
The “Te Papanui Conservation Park” was just over the fence which we had to climb through at the last. The views looking down in to Deep Stream were great as we descended to the weir.
Time for some photographs …
The weir! (Phil pic and caption.)
… before walking the 4W.D. road above the stream.
Follow the leader. (Phil pic and caption.)
Near the mouth of Deep Creek we stopped for an early lunch on a long table thoughtfully provided. A nice spot in the sunshine, and ideal for the occasion.
….and if one should accidentally fall there would be…….sitting on the wall! (Phil pic and caption.)
The 4W.D. road was up and down a bit, but took us back to the cars, after having walked 9.8 km.
All agreed that the walk down through the Deep Stream gorge, below the weir, was the highlight of the day. It had been another very successful and happy day’s tramp for our group.
And so back to Outram, to stop at a the ‘Goat’ for water, food, tea, coffee, hot chocolate, cold beverage, etc (tick the boxes applicable please). – Art.
13. 17/2/2016. Hikers. Welshs Rd, Old Farm, Deep Stream, Weir. M. Leaders: Bob and Peter.
GPS of route alongside Deep Stream.
The leaders considerately stopped the cars about 3k short of the old farm house to give some level walking to those who didn’t wish to tackle, beyond there, the climbs over the three steep ridges on the way into the weir. (As matters turned out, they did tackle a further climb or two after all.) We all stopped first, a kilometer or so along the road, for a cuppa.
Hikers. Cuppa. A km or two from the cars.
Eight of us went on to reach reached the barb-wired locked gate, (some getting further)!
En route, a nostalgic shot (yet once again, couldn’t resist it) of the ‘confluential’ point where the Deep Creek tributary enters Deep Stream.
En route, (whoops, too many ‘en routes’), we passed a couple of bee hive sets of frames, with Betty getting stung several times from one of them. Happily Lester was there to help remove the bees and their stings.
On our return, we stopped in the a patch of shade for lunch.
The leaders (& Doug) lunching in the shade.
The day grew warmer but fortunately not nearly as exceptionally hot as it was a fortnight ago. We enjoyed a brief cooling passing shower when getting close to the cars on our return.
The ridges are getting higher and steeper than ever to climb over and the tramp extension by the extra three or so kilometres gap between cars and house wearied this reporter a bit but for the others it was a breeze. A good day out. A good reminder of a tramp the club has enjoyed many times before. – Ian.
12. 23/4/2014. Hikers. Welshs Rd, Old Farm, Deep Stream, Weir. M. Leaders: Peter and Wendy.
GPS of route. The tail with “2” in it was a false uphill recce with none of the necessary downhill bits one or two of us had remembered.
A good memory is an attribute we came to wish we collectively had more of. Driving down Welshs Road, we made two false stops before plucking up enough courage to take our cars yet further on to the actual Holiday Camp yards. (However, from recollection (what’s that again??) the “Both” 8/2009 group [indicated below] walked virtually the length of Welshs Rd just to reach the HP, well-notified on its gate).
Neat Caption editing, John! (John pic)
Well, we eventually made it there by car and walked on and up a bit to stop for our morning cuppa.
After that stop, taken briefly because of a strong cold wind at the time, memory let us down again. A few recalled the road had several ups and downs in it, but the road that we then took led us only up and up and up. After some confused conferring, with nervous hope of finding the right way, we retraced our steps back down the way we had come, to a gate just adjacent to our morning tea stop. Soon the reassuring ups and downs emerged, and a morning tea spot taken on an earlier tramp confirmed we we on track. (See Trampers 11/2009 for the morning tea break pics)
However the earlier uphill foray had served to discourage four of our 22-strong group from further uphill struggles and they returned to the cars. That was too bad. But eighteen still persisted.
The stream views were most rewarding. The view of the Deep Creek (exit/entrance?? – well, confluence, then) into Deep Stream looked better from an angle different from that of a pic below taken on an earlier trip.
A more picturesque view of Deep Creek debouching into Deep Stream. (See “Deep Creek Tributary” below for the other one)
A locked gate (part of which can be seen at the right in the pic below) just prior to the weir proved a further deterrent, and only five persisted beyond it. On rejoining the other twelve they found them already getting into their lunch. It was the right time too.
Lunch by the locked gate. (John pic)
We straggled back to the cars in a long drawn out string of ones and twos, but all eventually made it, to unsurprisingly find the earlier four long gone.
Then it was only for a dwindling ten (did Elaine deliberately hide herself behind Pat?) of us to reunite at the No 8 w Herbs cafe for a drink of …
After tramp coffee at Outram.
… – you’ve guessed it – coffee, not to mention a tasty treat of chips and dips, courtesy Elaine. – Ian
11. 26/2/2014. Trampers. Welshs Rd, Old Farm, Deep Stream, Weir.
GPS of route, courtesy Ken. We only walked 7.6 km; 1 hr 57 mins moving time, 3.9 km/hr; climbed 318 mtrs; max elevation 544 mtrs.
This was a tramp that most of the 9 that turned up had never done before.
We walked up the gorge all the while looking down to Deep Stream to see if we could find a more interesting walk than on the road with it’s quite steep climbs. Once again most of the ones who are going on the Motatapu trip next week were carrying their big packs with some weight in them.
We found some nice rocks to sit on for morning tea …
Morning tea break. (Heb pic and caption)
… at the top of one of the hills we had to climb, so we got a good view of the countryside. Then it was further into the gorge, until we arrived at the weir.
The weir. (Heb pic and caption)
After a look around there, & a drink to freshen up …
Topping up the fluids at the weir. (Heb pic and caption)
… it was decided that we would go up the steep road opposite to where we were sitting, & walk back through the paddocks. George & Rea both remembered doing this in earlier times, so we set off, & headed away from the gorge up into the paddocks where we split up a bit & had lunch in two groups. Then it was down a gravel road that George assured us we would find, & back a short distance to the cars. The stream looked inviting, as it was a reasonably hot day, without a cloud in the sky, but nobody was game to get wet !!
After examining some peoples’ packs, & the way they were wearing them, we had an adjustment session to see if we could improve the fit for one member of the group, & I’ll also be looking at mine before next week, as it seems to be sitting too low on my hips.
We are becoming the Coffee Club No. 2 as we once again called into Outram for a chat over a cuppa on the way home, although Rea, & Hazel walked all the way around to the Berry Farm shop for a Yoghurt Ice Cream !!
Everyone agreed that it was a good walk with interesting scenery along the way. – Ken.
10. 25/11/2009. Trampers, with a lot of Hikers! Deep Stream Holidays. Pipeline Road. Deep Stream Weir. Easy+. Leaders: Bill and Pat.
It was 10.00 a.m. before our cars reached the Deep Stream Holidays Park. So we walked on along the pipeline road before stopping for a delayed morning tea in a sheltered corner of the road.
We stopped for a late cuppa.
Other group at tea break. (Bill pic)
The road wound on up and down as the pipeline followed up beside the stream.
The road stretched on.
A point of interest was to see the Deep Creek confluence point with Deep Stream.
Deep Creek tributary.
Eventually we arrived at the weir.
Weir. (Ken pic).
We climbed the steps from the weir to the road above. Some of us found a way up to the rock looming behind.
Steps up from the weir. (Ken pic).
From the rock buttress, we had a grand view of weir and dam.
View of dam from the rock buttress. (Ken pic)
On the way back, Bill pointed out a rock wall built by Chinese goldminers to divert the stream.
Old diverting wall from Chinese goldmining days.
9. 5/8/2009 Both. Welshs Road, Deep Stream, Lawlors Old Farm now Deep Stream Holidays. Easy+. Leaders: George, Bev.
click to enlarge
Romdales. Where there’s a wool…. (Bruce pic and caption)….there’s away (Bruce pic and caption!)Climbing Welsh Road by Deep Stream. (Bill pic). MollyAnother view of Deep Stream. (Bill pic)Deep Stream above the weir. (Bruce pic and caption)In holiday mood. (Bruce pic and caption). Evelyn, Pat, Bev, Molly, Fred, Bill, GeorgeIf we just keep straight ahead we should hit a pot of gold (Bruce pic and caption)
8. 14/4/2004 Hikers. Deep Stream. Lawlors Old Farm. Easy+. Leaders: Joyce , Jim & Thelma
7. 15/5/2002 Alt. Deep Stream, Lawlors Old Farm. Easy. Leader: Mary L, Margaret and Les.
6. 23/9/1998. Lawlor Farm, Deep Stream. Leaders: Mary L, Sabina.
5. 25/9/1996. Deep Stream from Rocklands Station to Dam. Leaders: Jack M, Diana and Ray
4. 10/5/1995 Lawlor Farm. Medium. Leaders: Peg C, Mary L, Sabina, Diana W
3. 2/12/1992 Welsh Road, Deep Stream, Lawlors Farm. Average. Leaders: Daphne, Peg A, Peg C, Peg M
2. 25/4/1990 Welsh Road, Deep Stream. Great tramping area. Easy+. Only one small hill. Leaders: Mary Y, Diana B, Hugh D, Betty B
1. 1/2/1989 Deep Stream. Rocklands Station. A long but not difficult walk. Follow pipeline to dam. Leaders: Daphne, Denise, Mary
28/3/2018. Hikers. Balclutha River Walk. E. Leaders: Bev and Lesley.
Route map, courtesy Ian.
Luckily the day was bright and sunny as we were going a bit further afield for our hike today, to Balclutha. There were 17 met at Naish Park in Balcluthaand as it was 10am we sat in the sun and enjoyed a leisurely morning tea before setting out on the walk.
Morning tea at the park. (Clive pic and caption.)
Naish Park is a lovely area with beautiful trees, garden, aviary and childrens play ground.
Naish Park. (clive pic and caption.)
It was originally a market garden and orchard, donated to the people of Balclutha by the Naish Family.
The walk is called the Blair Atholl walkway and goes along the stop banks besidethe Clutha river.
Along the flood bank beside the Clutha River. (Clve pic and caption.)
We went to the end of it…
The terminus tree that the leaders made us all circumnavigate before returning. (Kevin pic.)
… and up a side track by a rhododendron dell that must be a great site in the right season. We had a our lunch here. Once again taking out time and enjoying the sun. Then back the way we had come till the track divided and we went along a loop that was closer to the river. Unfortunately where you had to cross an inlet the water was higher than expected. However, some elected to wade across…
Back to the park (some through the ‘ford’). (Clive pic and caption.)
…while the rest of us retraced our steps and followed the path we had started on. We then adjourned to the Heart & Soul café for the after walk social get together. – Bev.
Group PhotoRay and Diana (formerly Blair) WigginsLes & Margaret Smith, Bev McIntosh, Bill Hunt, and Ted Chirnside.Elizabeth (formerly Gamperle) & George HaggieAudrey & Bob HeenanJudy Knox & Doug MoirNancy Strang, Joyce Shaw and Ted ChirnsideClive Crossman, Jay Devlin, Marjorie & Bruce Spittle, Ian Fleming, Mary Lawlor, Jan Butcher, Who?Pat Randall, Bev Harvey, Lesley Gowans, Shirley Fleming.Elaine Day and Peter Davie.Alex & Liz GriffinJim & Betty FinnieLance & Lois WoodfieldDenise Pearce, Chris Hughes and Dot BennettKeith & Shona Munro.Ann and Kevin BurkeDawn Pool & Pam CloughMargreet & Neil Simpson with President Jill Dodd at rearJudy Dennison & Helen Morris
The day dawned sunny but cool, so for a leg-stretch, 18 walkers left from the bowling club for a street walk. We walked a couple of ks to, and through, the new Heathfield subdivision off Gladstone Road into the Woodlands settlement at the bottom of the Mosgiel sign. From here we climbed a steep pinch up to near the Mosgiel sign
(Clive pic.)
which was erected in June 1987 by the local Rotary club under the guidance of one of our tramping club members, Neil Buckley. It is a landmark at the entrance to Mosgiel – our little Hollywood replica!!
After a leisurely coffee stop at the reservoir and the panoramic vista over Mosgiel, – the Silver Peaks to the north – across to the Maungatuas in the West
(Ian pic.)
– and down the Taieri Plains. – A casual walk back into Mosgiel where some had another coffee stop before heading over to the the bowling club for the celebratory lunch.
30 Anniversary of our Club’s Inauguration.
We had 82 members, partners and past members in attendance for a delicious buffet lunch interspersed with a speech from George Haggie representing the early members and one from Dave Mellish, one of our newer members.
Also the Skylarks quartet presented an entertaining song composed by Bruce Spittle to the tune from Gilbert and Sullivans HMS Pinafore, titled “Some Years ago in 1988”. Thanks Bruce Ian Judy D and Margreet.
A real highlight for the whole event was the presentation to Margaret and Les Smith of Life Membership.
(Shirley pic.)
A real honour and well deserved. Right from the start of the club’s inauguration till present day, of years of service: committee, trip organizing and hosting club activities.
Another memorable event was the launching of Judy Knox’s book:
Taieri Recreational Tramping Club – 30 th Anniversary Publication.
An amazing record of our history. Thanks to Judy for her research and Ian Fleming’s meticulous care in maintaining the website for access to members, where Judy collected a lot of her information.
Cake cutting was by Molly Vaughan (90+) and George Haggie (almost 90), …
(Official pic.)
… original members and untill very recently, still tramping. An inspiration to us all.
The cake fairies Pam and Dawn distributed the cake. This cake was beautifully decorated using a similar topping as on the 20th year cake, along with little boots, pack and sticks.
(Official pic.)
“Well Done” to the decorator.
Several member also spoke towards the end of the lunch describing various aspects of a very happy fun-loving group of outdoor folks who enjoy a coffee fix at the end of the day regarding encountering the day’s outing.
“Well done” everyone!
30 years is a fine achievement, and onwards and upwards for another 30 years.
I would just like to thank the committee and fellow-trampers for making this club so special.
2. 7 Mar 2918. Both. Clarksbrae, Clarks Junction. Leaders: Jay and Jan.
Route Map, courtesy Ian. Station House to Deep Stream.
On Wednesday 7th March 40 trampers and hikers completed a walk on “Clarksbrae” farm, Clarks Junction. After a 30 minute car ride we arrived on a lovely summer’s day at “Clarksbrae” Farm and parked close to the woolshed. I must say the tidiest and cleanest woolshed I have ever seen.
From there we had to take 6 cars to the end of the walk to shuttle people on completion of the walk.
It was 10.30 when we started
Some cars were hidden in a valley about 10k from Clarksbrae and we set out to find them. We set out across well tended farmland … (Clive pic and caption.)
and the walk was on a designated stock laneway. It was a steady but gentle climb through beautiful farmland
… and live stock. (Clive pic and caption.)
and wonderful views of the Maungatua, The Lammermoor Range, the Rock and Pillar Range through to Middlemarch. At the end of the laneway we turned left and walked up to the trig station where we had our lunch at 12.30.
With a late start we missed morning tea but made the most of lunch at the trig point. (Clive pic and caption.)
After lunch we followed a track that in places was marked out with painted arrows and warratahs with plastic bags on put in place by the farmer so as we knew which direction to take to get back to the cars. This part of the walk was generally down hill.
Downhill to search for the cars. (Clive pic and caption.)Hurray, we found them. (Clive pic and caption.)
Many of our walkers filled plastic bags with beautiful fresh mushrooms.
The distance travelled was 11.5ks. Coffee was at the ” Wobbly Goat” in Outram. – Jay and Jan B
30 August, 2017. Hikers. Clarksbrae, Clarks Junction. Leaders: Jay and Jan.
Tramp Report from the hikers group. Our walk today comprising of 21 enthusiastic folk started at “Clarksbrae” Farm, Clarks Junction. Farm owner, Richard Nichol gave permission to us to walk along the stock lane way which was very comfortable under foot. The walk was a gentle climb with three steep short gullies to get the heart rate up a bit. Very doable for all concerned. The scenery encompassed The Maungatua, the Lammermoors, the Rock and Pillar Range and the Kakanui Range. We had lunch at the trig station which gave us 360 degrees views. The walk back was all down hill. All up we walked 10.3ks. – Jay and Jan.
The main tramping group was away this week in camp at Aspiring Hut, but 6 of those left at home felt the need for their usual Wednesday tramp, so decided to go and do something about it.
An early shower at 8.30 am, and low cloud in Mosgiel didn’t look very promising but as we drove up the gravel road to the Bull Ring our cars were raising dust.
The day was overcast and very pleasant, with a very slight breeeze increasing only a little in the afternoon. No cloud to bother us.
The summit of Flagstaff was our first objective and from where we viewed a helicopter operating from beside the Firebreak Track. It was transiting close to us, and spraying somewhere low down in the Nichols Creek area apparently – out of our view.
Morning tea was taken at the junction of the first cross track to the Firebreak. During our stop, 2 hidden birds, only metres away, were calling – a single “click” sound. After a time one flew a few metres and was briefly visible before going back into cover. My guess was that it was maybe a Fern Bird? Are there any ornithologists out there who can confirm if there are any Fern Birds up on Flagstaff?
We continued along the Pineapple Track to the next junction, and turning left crossed to the Swamp Ridge Track, to follow it to Swampy Summit.
We travelled at an easy pace, stopping for a rest at times at the top of the steeper bits. Eventually we came to the top of the Swine Spur Track, and followed it down about 50 metres to admire the recently erected track sign – well done Ian H.
It was 12 noon now and it was decided democratically by one person (not me) that we would stop here and have our lunch in the shelter of the Airways building.
Afterwards we retraced our steps back along Swampy Ridge and then the Firebreak Track …
Margreet pic.
… to finish at the Bull Ring. Again our pace was easy and pleasurable allowing plenty of time for taking (by some anyway).
On returning to Mosgiel we all adjourned to the Blackstone Cafe for after tramp relaxation.
In summary it had been a very enjoyable day out for the six of us, and we had some good exercise in travelling the 13.5 km. – Art.
As it was such a nice looking day after all the wet weather we have had, it was decided to stay in the sun for the day. So we went to the bull ring with the intention of going to Hightop. We took the long way around by going up the Skyline track, & along the tops to the junction with the track up to Swampy summit, & down to Booth Rd. The track up to Swampy summit was in quite good condition, but it doesn’t get any less steep as time goes on !!! On the way up the Skyline track we stopped at the NEW seat overlooking the city [which was covered in fog on this occasion] for morning tea. Lunch was held at the last Airways building …
Lunch time. (Heb pic, Ken caption)
… just at the start of the Swampy Ridge track leading over to the Green Hut track. A few of us walked down to the University research building during our lunch break, just to be able to say “I’ve been there”. After lunch it was decided that we would return to the cars by the same route, so we set off to the accompanying display from a helicopter …
Chopper topping up with spray for gorse. (Heb pic, Ken caption)
… that was spraying gorse & broom at quite low levels. it was a brilliant day out, …
What a great looking day !!
… with no wind, & glorious sunshine all day, which had us discarding clothing to keep cool.
Looking forward to many more days like this.
Walked 16.6km; moving time 4hrs; ave speed 4.1km/hr; climbed 658mtrs; Max height 749mtrs. – Ken
6. 9/4/2014. Hikers. Bullring, Flagstaff Forest, Firebreak, Flagstaff walkway. E. Leaders: Bruce and Marjorie.
GPS of route. Decipherment!: ’10’ denotes start/finish. Disregard the red overlay and read ’11’ as ‘1’ Otherwise fairly readable.
Cars met at the Bullring.
Of special interest was the presence with us of the Reverend Maggie Wanjiku Muhia, co-minister with her husband of a church in Nairobi, Kenya comprising 3,000 members and 50 staff, visiting for a fortnight with St Lukes congregation.
As a variation, the leaders took us back down the Whare Flat road we had driven up, to enter Flagstaff Forest at Laings Road. We followed its various up and down meanderings till a sunny spot, relatively free of the heavily-dewed Yorkshire Fog grass alongside the road could be found. A leisurely cuppa and then onwards to soon join with Longridge Road whose steeper incline returned us to the Bullring. Circuit one done.
Then we followed the variously named Firebreak/Bullock Track route which we found surprisingly wet, prompting us to step carefully as it grew steadily steeper. Near its crest, we stopped for lunch. As can be seen, the day was sunny, warm and quite still.
Lunch near top of Firebreak.
Pressing on, we passed the Ben Rudd turnoff, with many performing the ceremony of adding stones to the cairn there. Across and onto the Flagstaff walkway and the climb to the trig. En route, George was keen to show us the new side track leading to a seat with a commanding view under a large rock outcrop.
The seat and the view (Maggie pic)Posing at the seat, looking at the view. (Maggie pic)
We reached the trig and then it was all downhill back to the cars. Forgetting the leaders, we strung ourselves out down the track in our own groups and at our own pace. – Ian.
14/2/2018. Report on Mt Aspiring Hut Trip 12-15th February
Eight keen trampers signed up for this trip. Wendy and I tramped in to Aspiring Hut early on Monday 12th February to secure bedding in one room for all of us. Jill, Clare, Janine, Keith, Helen and Phil arrived late in the afternoon after battling a head on Northwest wind and driving rain. This walk was 9km and approx. 2.5 hours. Aspiring Hut is owned by the NZ alpine club and operated by DOC. It was built in 1949 and its exterior is covered in river schist stones. It is about to undergo a refurbishment which includes earthquake strengthening and interior lining. There are 39 bunks altogether in two bunk rooms. Gas cookers are supplied during the summer season. We all soon settled and prepared our meals.
The next morning it was partly cloudy. The scenery from the hut was superb without going anywhere!
Group. (Helen pic and caption.)
We decided to go up the valley to Pearl flat (2 hours). The valley walk is very pleasant through beech forest and open grassland surrounded by high mountains with clinging glaciers.
We then decided to go up to the Liverpool hut (10 bunks). (1134m – Helen). This track was steeper than expected but the team coped extremely well. We walked up through beech forest on a steep track with rocks and tree roots.
Half way up to Liverpool Biv. (Phil pic and caption.)
This took 2.5 hours. The views from above the hut were superb – either looking down onto the valley below …
View from the Hut hill.(Helen pic and caption.)
… or glaciers on Mt Barff and Mt Liverpool. We were also looking across to French ridge hut which is used by climbers to climb Mt Aspiring.
We got back to Aspiring Hut after a 9 hour walk knowing we had done it!!
That night of the 13th the hut and camping area had its record number of guests at 84. We felt like very rare Kiwis!!!
The next morning was perfectly fine – however our legs knew they had worked the day before. Unfortunately Wendy had to leave as she had work early the next day. This time we decided to go up the Cascade saddle track …
Liverpool done, off to the Cascade.(Phil pic and caption.)
… – a pleasant walk through red and beech forest.
Morning tea on way to Cascade Saddle. (Helen pic and caption.)
This finally led up to a lookout after 2.5 hours. (1184m. – Helen). The views of the 2 valleys and mountains all around were amazing, especially looking at Mt Aspiring.
Above the bush line on Cascade Saddle. (Phil pic and caption.)
There were quite a few people heading up to the saddle.
On returning to the hut the ladies enticed the men to go down to the river for a dip. [No pics supplied! – Ed.] This was very, very refreshing especially for those who got under the water!!
Another interesting meal was cooked by all. There were a lot fewer in the hut – the men played poker with hilarity. Someone was heard talking in their sleep!
After breakfast and packing up we headed off down to the car park. The weather deteriorated with the following North west wind very strong – even blowing 2 of us over on the grass. The dust was rising in the river bed. The rain followed and it was quite wet by the time we got to the carpark. Rob Roy glacier was left for another day! We were then off home having coffee and ice creams on the way.
Thanks to all of the team for making it a fun trip.
Also thanks to Eleanor for suggesting the trip but unfortunately was unable to make it.
3. 24/1/2018. Hikers. Bull Ring, Where Flat Road, Jim Freeeman,Ben Rudd, Flag Staff, Bull Ring. M. Leaders: Judy, Dawn.
Route map, courtesy Ian.
27 hikers gathered at the car park, but this number soon diminished to 26 as one member collapsed before we even started. (He is okay). Two others waited to provide assistance, leaving 24 of us to head for the Bull Ring.
Here five opted to do a shorter trip to the summit and back, while the remaining 19 set off down the road to the Possum Busters turn-off. This was an easy, half-hour, down-hill stroll, mostly in the shade of the trees.
Morning tea was had just inside the track, …
Morning tea break at start of Possum Busters. (Kevin pic.)
… and then we headed for the Jim Freeman turn-off and the long, slow, hot climb up to the Ben Rudd shelter. With frequent stops for water and breath, this took just over an hour. Not bad under the conditions experienced! We were all glad to be in the shelter of the bush and even gladder to emerge and collapse at the shelter for a long leisurely lunch break.
Lunch at Ben Rudd. (Kevin pic.)
The two good Samaritans met us here, having come up the fire-break track and down to the shelter. They informed us that the patient was okay and that the other five were on their way to the summit and would head straight back down.
After lunch it was up to the fire-break, …
Coming out onto fire-break. (Kevin pic.)Junction of Fire Break and Ben Rudd tracks. (Kevin pic.)
… and another split, with nine heading straight down to the cars, and the rest taking the track towards Swampy and then around and up (again!) to the Flagstaff summit. It was slightly misty with a welcome cooling breeze, but the views were great, and we enjoyed the leisurely descent to the cars. A good number then enjoyed a social hour at Topiary.
The decision to do this trip in reverse made sense, as it avoided the long hot climb up the road at the end, and also meant that most of the climbing was in the bush. – Judy
2. 19/4/2017. Hikers. Bull Ring, Ben Rudd, Jim Freeman, Whare Flat Road return. M. Jennifer and Adrienne.
Seven ‘not-so-young-and-not-feeling-fit’ members decided on a shorter(?) version of the day’s trip. While the others went up the fire-break track, we opted for the track to Flagstaff summit,with great views across the Taieri and then the city before the cloud came down. Morning tea was had sheltering in the rocks just past the summit,
(Judy pic.)
before following the track down over rocks and through mud to the junction with the fire-break. It was cold pushing into the wind and we were glad to reach the Ben Rudd turn-off and head down into the bush where it was more sheltered. (We could hear the main party somewhere down the Jim Freeman track below). The picnic shelter was much appreciated for a longish lunch as it was a bit wet outside.
(Judy pic)Glimpse of end of six seater above Ben Rudd Shelter. (Ian pic and caption.)View from the six-seater. Ben Rudd shelter roof top. (Ian pic and caption.)
The climb back to the firebreak was quickly dealt with and the descent to the Bull Ring was uneventful – almost. (Chris explored a ditch quite closely at one point). It seems we walked as far if not further than the main group – not sure how! – Judy.
10. 10/1/2018 Hikers. Taieri River view lookout. E. Leaders: Doug and Ian.
Twenty-one Hikers turned out for the first tramp of the new year, parking the cars at the lay-by on Taioma Road beside the entrance to the Taieri View Road. This tramp was to differ markedly from the last one we had done back in 1915.
First, a couple of the private forests along the forest road on the left had been ‘harvested’, as they say, the first one now replaced with paddocks.
Second, the former FWD track was now a road, much more heavily metalled and heavily dented by the double wheels of forest trucks carrying heavy loads.
And third, road’s end was now in the middle of the branch-and-trunk-strewn cleared second forestry. No longer a gentle grass-covered FWD track ending in a rough honeysuckle and gorse encroached track. A shock. A big shock.
Yes, the shocking new way of getting to the lookout was to have to pick our way through a debris of tangled branches down along a left-leaning bench-sort-of-slope that was marginalised by a messed-up fence line on the right and a steep fall-off on the left.
The goal ahead of us was to be a line of small Manuka and gorse bush, a middle part of it dead. Just where the dead changed on its right to the dark green, the leaders knew to be the sturdy post at the end of a fence, alongside which was the track down through to the lookout. This they had found only after well over half an hour’s reconnoitring the previous week.
Seventeen of us reached the lookout unscathed by the sharp-ended broken branches we had to negotiate, with four electing, a short distance in, to prudently head back and wait for us near the safety of the road.
At the lookout, despite some reluctance to leave the wonder of the view,
Taieri Lookout. (Clive pic and caption.)
but it being still only eleven o’clock, we eventually turned back to retackle the cleared (??) forestry slope.
The hills denuded of pines made for heavy going in places (Clive pic and caption.)
This time, with leadership guidance no longer needed to find a way, a wonderful variety of routes back up to the road were found.
Back right up near road’s entrance, we stopped for lunch under power lines with the cleared area affording us a pleasant view.
Along the short distance of Taieri View Road, and out onto Taioma Road, and leaving our parked cars on our left, we headed down the road to a gate onto Salisbury property. We headed down through a couple of paddocks,
A walk down the hill with the Taieri Gorge railway in the background. (Clive pic and caption.)
the route getting steadily steeper until its very steepest part got us down to the relief of the flat. Many elderly knees didn’t enjoy that last part one bit.
A nice flat lane led us to the wonderful restored stone cottage where we stopped to again admire the beautiful work done to it both inside …
Glen Lyon Cottage established 1862. (Clive pic and caption)
Then out to Wairongoa Road where two shuttle cars ferried drivers back to their cars in the lay-by to allow everyone to return home, some by a coffee break en route.
The day was cloudy and not too hot. Just right.
The normal route would have both started and ended on Wairongoa Road, the tramp beginning with the steep climb through Salisbury paddocks to Taioma Road, morning tea half way up, and lunch at the lookout. All agreed however that through a car shuttle saving the Salisbury paddocks for just a return downhill journey and for a shorter first tramp of the year was the way to do it. – Doug and Ian.
Walked all but 17km and averaged 4.8km an hour.
We drove and parked at the Showgrounds. Ten of us were eager to get out for a walk without rain. We headed up Taioma road and had smoko at the bottom of the hill. Then a steady uphill climb took us to the Taieri View sign, a few stops along the way were had to look at the flooding of the lower Taieri (which occurred after heavy rain on Friday and Saturday). Also, picking out landmarks and where some of us live on the Taieri.
Nice view over mosgiel. (Helen pic and caption.)
We turned left at the Taieri View sign, then veered left again onto a Forestry road that took us to where trees had recently been milled. Looking across farmland, down to the Taieri river, cleared forest and 4 goats grazing in the distance we enjoyed the vista while eating lunch.
Lunch. (Helen pic and caption.)
After lunch we walked back to the junction and decided to carry on down the road that we veered off, where we were looking further down the Taieri towards Henley at the floods.
Water on the plains. (Helen pic and caption.)
Once we headed for home, it was down hill all the way to the cars. We parked back at the car park and strolled round to Blackstone where we enjoyed coffee and cake.
The weather was calm and mild, which made our outing most enjoyable. – Eleanore.
8. 2015 Aug 26. Hikers. North Taieri Church, Salisbury and Taieri Lookout. Leaders: Pam, Dawn.
GPS of route
Where to start with all the happenings in this report? Well, first, when the cars arrived at North Taieri Church some of the Brighton people failed to turn up. It transpired, as was later report, their car load turned back to just walk around Mosgiel on seeing the “Road Closed” Taioma Road notice. Twenty of us set of along and up…
The paddocks were as steep as ever.
…the Salisbury farm paddocks to emerge onto Taioma Road just above the zig-zag and stop for morning tea on the road edge,
Morning tea cuppa on Taioma Road in the ditch, sheltered from the wind.
nicely sheltered from the cold southerly.
Incident two. After we had trudged up the road to the Taieri View side road, we looked back to see a small group stopped back down the road. The leaders went back down to find that Peter B. was experiencing one of his very occasional breathless spells (his last one, this report recalls, was on Traquair, but that time he recovered to continue afresh again.) Cell phone arrangements were made for a one of the leaders’ spouse to drive up and take Wendy and Peter back down. This was satisfactorily achieved.
Incident three. John had driven up to meet us at the side road turn-off. But under the unwise earlier advice of this reporter, had parked just beyond the turn-off at the edge of a logginh-truck lay-by area, but had been reprehended by a logging driver for possibly impeding their movements, so got his car neatly parked in the side road.
Incident four. Keith espied a cast sheep in the paddock over the road. Mastered the barbwire fence and righted the sheep which staggered, trotted, ran off. Bravo.
On up the road, into the forestry road
The track is wide and open for much of its way. (John pic)
and down,
The 2013 snow dump’s legacy of fallen trees on the track forced us to to divert through the forestry occasionally. (John pic)
steadily down
From the road end, taking the track down to the lookout rock. (John pic)
to the river look-out rock. The bold (reckless?) stepped out onto the large rock to admire the view, the timid (prudent?) stopped well back from the intimidating drop.
Lunch,
A candid lunch pic a little bit up from the rock.
snugly tucked in among grass and gorse against the wind. The leaders shortened the lunch-stop for fear of approaching rain but it failed to eventuate. In fact, sunshine and the climb back out proved a even a bit over-warming.
Incident five. Back at Taioma Road, Mollie and George graciously accepted the invitation of a ride back in John’s car.
Incident six.. Trudging back down the Salisbury paddocks, someone remarked that Dot (of the returning car, alas) had intended sharing her big-birthday chocs with us. Sigh.
Next a stop at Mr McElwee’s beautifully restored cottage, an eye-opener for some of our newer members. Then out to the cars where we were found a cheerful Peter waiting to greet us, none the worse for his setback earlier. Relief all round! Then off to Topiary for some for their accustomed coffee fix.
A great day out, with Salisbury’s steep paddocks testing breathing on the way up and knees on the way down. A day full of interesting incidents. A tramp very well led by Pam and Dawn. A good day. – Ian.
7. 2013 Apr 3. Both. North Taieri Church, Salisbury and Taieri Lookout. Leaders: Fred, Ian.
We started out from beside the North Taieri Church, numbering 20. We admired some black sheep along the way. Mollie pointed out that the hill ahead was Vaughan Hill, once owned by her late husband’s parents. We admired the restored stone cottage, of course. Mr McElwee had determined on everything being authentic to its old age, including …… donated from the Vaughan farm. We then set about climbing the hill ahead, this time via a gentler track (only slightly) from around its back. At a water trough, well up the hill, we stopped for morning tea and to admire the view, and to increase our number by Lex arriving down from his car parked in Taioma Road. Light rain came on, and so did our parkas. By the time we arrived at the “No Exit” entrance to Taieri View Road we found our numbers had dropped to sixteen, five opting to seek car and home rather than carry on in the rain. On taking the forestry road turn-off, some found water off the wet grass soon got into wet boots making for a gentle sloshing sound as they moved. But we carried on to successfully reach the Taieri River lookout, and return up that steep part o the track at its end to lunch under the shelter?? of some forestry pines. It was at this point that we had reached the dispiriting point for many. We found we had only exchanged the fine rain outside for large forestry drops that soon soaked any part of us that was not already wet. And here any respect for the leadership vanished. It wasn’t too long before the leaders discovered numbers had now dropped to four, the rest having returned up the track to shorten what had turned into a miserable experience as quickly as possible. The leaders caught up briefly at Taioma Road, only to see the majority head off down to make a road-walk, regardless of traffic, back to the cars. This left the leaders now with a group of only six, who returned back down through the Salisbury farm the way we had ascended, for a grand meet-up with those under their care back at the cars. So all’s well that ends well, perhaps. – Ian.
6. 2012 Jun 13. Trampers. North Taieri Church, Salisbury and Taieri Lookout.
GPS of route, courtesy Ken. We did the loop anti-clockwise. We did 16 km in all. A good day’s walk. Total altitude climbed: 500m.
Relying on Ria’s memory to guide us, 7 of us did the more extensive Salisbury walk,
which took us climbing, climbing to join the Taioma road at the very top.
Morning tea stop, halfway up the loop, on the right.
Then we had to make our way back around Taioma road to get back down to Taieri View Road. We tried to avoid the road, busy with fast, heavy rumbling logging trucks, but paddocks proved eventually too boggy.
Shortly into Taieri View Road, we stopped for a late lunch. At this point George didn’t want to go any further, so he and his car-load took the short way back to his car. The remaining trampers made their way on down the forestry track turn-off from Taieri View Road to the Lookout. The track was much more overgrown and forestry-shaded than when the writer remembered it. However this gave us good shelter from the blustery cold wind that made itself felt when we emerged out onto the Lookout.
Lester views the Taieri from the Lookout.
Smile please
An imaginative use of old tractor tyres on Salisbury near the end of our return
We were lucky with the weather, which held off till we reached the car. A good tramp for a cold-weather day. The tramp also had a sentimental side, as it was the last day Linzi was to be with us, before departing back home to Cornwall three days later, after tramping with us for a whole year. Farewell, Linzi. – Ian.
5. 2009 Apr 8. Hikers. Taieri View, Mount Allan Road. Medium. Leaders: Chris, Dot B.
Taieri View Rock
4. 2008 Feb 27. Leaders: Bev.
A bit cloudy but still 15 hikers parked their cars in Taieri View Rd. and set off on a very pleasant hike along forestry roads and through the forest to another Taieri Lookout. We had our morning tea sitting on a grassy bank before we headed into the forest itself. Very enjoyable walking and only some fairly easy down and up grades to keep us from having it too easy. Got to the lookout area which was a big rock jutting out over the Taieri river. Great view of river and surrounding areas. By now the sun had come out so made it more pleasant for our lunch break which we enjoyed relaxing and taking in the view. Then the sun disappeared and it turned a bit cool and looked very much like it would rain in the very near future. So we set off back to the cars. We found a few interesting things
George by wrecked car
to look at and photograph for fun on the way. A goats skull and horns which made an appropriate photo for an ‘old nanny goat’! A rusty old car body which had to be sat in, also for the obligatory photo. A really lovely big bush of ripe blackberries, much enjoyed by those who took the time to pick and feast on them. A lonely little pansy, (not a petunia!), in the middle of some blackberries and long grass. George managed to knock over the post of the electric fence after holding it down for us to step across. Luckily he didn’t short circuit himself or anyone else! Back to the cars before the rain came after another happy and enjoyable day out. Bev.
3. 2007 Feb 28. Trampers. North Taieri Church, Salisbury, Lookout. Medium. Leaders: Ria, Glenice.
The View from the Taieri Lookout.
Abe at Taieri Lookout.
2. 2005 Nov 2. All. Farm Walk from North Taieri Church. Easy. Leaders: Ria, Jacqui, Graham, Eleanor W.
1. 1992 Aug 12. Taioma Road. Turn off just before Salisbury L.H. side. A hill walk, good views. Average.
