Taieri Recreational Tramping Club

10. 16/08/2023. Hikers. Mosgiel Street Walk. Grade 1, $0, 9km, Leaders: Raewyn Keene, Helen Morris

It was a little frosty as 14 hikers set out from Peter Johnson Park for a street walk till lunchtime. Along Reid Street to Factory Road, Church Street to Gordon Road, the pace was steady. As we approached the railway crossing (and unknown to some of us), was the plaque about our own Lester and his beautification efforts.

Lester’s Pride (Photo & Caption Helen)

As we continued on to the old Mosgiel Railway Station for morning tea, it was great to see the daffodils & blossoms beginning to bloom, indicating Spring is not far away.

Spring has sprung early (Photo & Caption Helen

Morning tea (Photo & Caption Helen)

Refreshed and with the sun trying to shine, we headed off to Cemetery Road, ventured into the new Grange Lifestyle village as far as we could go, and back out to the underpass into Kinmont.

On Kinmont (Photo & Caption Helen)

Some hill climbing was considered necessary to get our hearts pumping, so up Leith, Clyde & Braeside Streets we went. Back down to Quarry Road and left at Nellies, we looped back to our cars via Argyle Street & Bush Road.

Ross C joined us today and was apparently looking forward to a ‘flat’ walk (as advised by his lovely wife) – oops! Hopefully the friendly chatter along the way helped.

All in all, a pleasant morning’s walk, good company and 9kms achieved.

Map (Photo Helen)

The Harwood hike will be rescheduled into the summer programme.

Helen & Raewyn

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7. 9/08/2023. Hikers. Mornington. Grade 2, $5, 18km, Leaders: Ady Whitson, Pam Clough.

Meeting at PJ Park we decided to go ahead with our hike. We decided to park further up Mornington Road which turned out not to be far enough up. Down Elgin Road we went, all 13 of us, and down the steps ending up at the steps at Caversham Valley Road. Morning tea we had on the steps that looked along Main South Road.

Morning tea (photo and caption Phil)

It was here two departed to return home as somebody had forgotten their pack and it was very cold.
We started off along Barnes Drive at a reasonable pace as I thought the weather might turn on us…

Pond by Southern Motorway (photo and caption Helen)

Walking the overbridge (photo and caption Phil)

A scotsman’s fence, near the ‘auld’ scotsmans terrace (photo and caption Phil)

…up Glen Road and turned up steps to end up in Carson Road. From there we travelled up Cooper St with a few stops here and there for a breather.

A bit of up (photo and caption Phil)

Turning right into Glenpark Avenue I put a fast clip on as the weather was probably going to turn at about 11am. Another set of steps up to Mornington…

And up 152 more steps (photo and caption Phil)

…and just at the top the weather did change completely. After a quick conflab, it was off to the Mornington Tavern for a warm up and a coffee.

(photo by Helen)

A+ menacing ‘front row’? (photo by Helen, caption by Phil)

We left about 12.15pm to head back to the cars and this was where I decided we had parked the cars far too far down Mornington Road as the weather really turned to custard. Home by 1.15pm.
We did have lots of laughs and Lynley was the only one from Trampers to show up (I don’t think she read the email in the morning and I didn’t let on I hadn’t either).
Like I’ve said before, don’t put me in charge as it is always wet when I’m at the front. Thank you Pam for all the help as I have no idea round some of those streets.
Cheers Ady. Continue Reading »

2. 2 August 2023. Combined. Waihola Hill and Lawlor Farm M Leaders: Anne, Lynne, Jenni and Barbara

The weather didn’t look too bad at seven in the morning so the decision was made for the tramp to go ahead.  Some of the Hikers and Trampers at Peter Johnson Park decided to give the tramp a swerve and go swimming at Te Puna instead of going out in the winter elements.

Sixteen very brave Hikers and Trampers arrived at Baker Road, Waihola to walk around Brendan Lawlor’s property. Brendan has developed a 28 section subdivision after he purchased the farm in 2005. Most of the sections apart from two now have been built on. Brendan has made a track around the lake for people to enjoy the views and birdlife.

After we arrived the weather was changing for the worse, so we decided to head to the implement shed to have morning tea.

Shall we go or shall we stay Caption and photo Phil

Once there was a break in the weather we reluctantly left the shelter and headed up the hill to walk the track. We all had our wet weather gear on and at times hard to tell who was actually walking beside you. Walking around the lake was so different from the last time.  When we had a blue sky day and the lake was like a millpond.

Very muddy lake. Caption and photo Helen

There has been a huge planting project around the front of the lake with lots of native trees and grasses all with protective covers to deter rabbits pigs and possums.

Lots of new planting. Caption and photo Phil

Good work Caption and photo Phil

The track in some places was very slippery and muddy due to pig rooting and also a very wet July/August.

Sun at Last Caption and photo Phil

We saw moments of blue sky but down to the south the sky was black and at times we had strong winds and driving rain.

More weather on the way. Caption and photo Helen

Halfway around the circuit we all gathered together and took shelter in the farm building then made a dash for the vehicles. A decision was made to have our lunch at the Baker Road farm buildings then head home with no walk on the new Clutha Gold Trail or a coffee at the Black Swan café

Well earned lunch Caption and photo Phil

Distance 6.48km

Committee Meeting Caption and photo Barbara

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And off they go – Photo & Caption Phil Keene

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

A strung out mob – Photo & Caption Phil Keene

Crossing Mary’s Creek – Photo & Caption Pam

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

Listening to John’s story about Mary – Photo Graham

John and Neil looking for Mary!!! – Photo & Caption Pam

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

Admiring the Striking landscape above Mary’s Creek – Photo & Caption Pam

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

Great lunch spot out of the wind – Photo & Caption Pam

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

Stunning views towards the coast – Photo Graham

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

A great way to finish – Photo & Caption Phil Keene

Afternoon coffee was enjoyed at Blueskin Nursery Cafe’.

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

John Gardiner.

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24. 26/07/2023. Big Easy. Hikers. Grade 2.5, $5, 19km, Leaders: Pam Clough, Jay Devlin.

23 enthusiastic Hikers parked opposite the old Ravie Pub in very cold windy conditions as we started our walk to the Otago Yacht Club, where we took shelter for morning tea.

Taking shelter – Photo Alex

We then made our way past the stadium then down Butts Road to the beginning of the Big Easy Track behind Logan Park High School.

At the start of the Big Easy Track – Photo Alex

Photo Alex

The track is a zigzag gentle climb for 3.6ks to the Plateau where we stopped for lunch in very cold windy conditions so needless to say we didn’t linger too long to enjoy the lovely views of Dunedin.

Dunedin City from Big Easy – Photo & Caption Michael Webb

Jay organising afternoon coffee – Photo & Caption Michael Webb

After lunch we followed the track and various steep streets back to Ravensbourne 11.3kms all up.

Photo Alex

Coffee was at Sunnyvale where we enjoyed a roaring fire.

Leaders were Pam and Jay.

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About to leave the cars (photo and caption John)

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

Fading sunrise on the beach (photo and caption Pam)

Through the Arches (photo and caption Pam)

Almost good enough for a swim before morning tea (photo and caption Phil K)

Morning tea at the Mapoutahi Pa Site (photo and caption John)

Are we going up that hill -yes! (photo and caption Phil K)

Regroup at Purakanui, below Osborne Township (photo and caption John)

No trouble slowing down, even without a horse (photo and caption Phil K)

Looking back over Purakaunui Inlet (photo and caption Pam)

Strolling through the pines (photo and caption Pam)

Old ruins at McKessar Farm (photo and caption Sarah)

Plenty of firewood, but no fire at McKessars Homestead (photo and caption Phil K)

New light through old windows (Chris Rea album title) (photo and caption John)

Stone wall on Mopanui Ridgeline Track (photo and caption Pam)

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5 July 2023. 35th Birthday/ Mid winter lunch (More photos below this report)

Photo Pam

Seventy members and partners enjoyed and made the most of being ‘35 ’, at the Taieri Bowling Club’s excellent club rooms. It was a Wednesday with a cold wind, so we were all more than happy to be inside mixing and mingling and enjoying each others company.

Clive Crossman had prepared a photographic presentation that played continuously throughout the day which brought to mind lots of memories, and questions such as where’s that?, who’s that? and we must go there again……thanks Clive for the presentation (we will make it available asap) and again thanks to Jenni Wright, Jill Dodd and Eleanore for their planning work, which as they say ‘was right up there’; the missing flowers from gardens around Outram were found in the posies on the tables; also to John Gardiner for being our ‘official photographer’ on the day.

Phil K alluded to the historical information that could be viewed as well as mentioning that in the first handful of years the club had undertaken over 20 camping trips with a consistent number of around 25-30 folk attending, then a high percentage of members. Following Ian Fleming’s grace, especially poignant with the recent passing of Shirley, we enjoyed a lovely finger food meal and took a moment’s silence to remember past members and special memories and noted apologies from those who could not be present.

Jenni Wright gave an update from Judy Knox over in that west island, and then read out Judy’s poem that she had written especially for the day – so many thanks Judy from everyone present. We laughed a lot!

“TRTC 35 years – Congratulations

I wish that I could be with you
To share some memories, one or two.
Thirty-five is quite a lot
Of years for being on the trot.

I recall a lot of fun,
On all the trips that we have done.
Sadly I can’t be with you –
Which leaves me feeling rather blue.

But not for long, I’m pleased to say –
I’ll live to tramp another day.
My hip replacement happens soon
Then I’ll be jumping up and doon.

To have it done I’ve waited long,
And I just hope it won’t go wrong.
Then home I’ll come, to see you all,
And all those trips we will recall.

We all are older, some have passed,
It comes to everyone at last.
So get stuck in and celebrate,
It really is a special date.

From here I’ll raise a glass to you
And have an extra wine or two.
In memory of those special years,
To all of you, three hearty cheers!”

Following this Andrew Simms Chair of the Mosgiel Taieri Community Board gave an insightful talk on key matters affecting the community which Clive summed up in his vote of thanks as ‘get involved’. Andrew’s outline of options to use the Taieri Gorge line for walking and (e) biking was a vision worth exploring and supporting for us ‘recreationists’! Imagine the scores of lycra clad golden oldies at the Wobbly Goat or Wal’s if two major bike trails met on the Taieri, not to mention cycling on to Dunedin through more tunnels!

Phil recited one of his favourite poems, Place, by Brian Turner. After alighting the plane at Momona from his 7 months lockdown in Perth he noticed it in large print upon the wall upstairs near the restaurants. Bit of a twinge there!

Place
Once in a while
you may come across a place
where everything
seems as close to perfection
as you will ever need.
And striving to be faultless
the air on its knees
holds the trees apart,
yet nothing is categorically
thus, or that, and before the dusk
mellows and fails
the light is like honey
on the stems of tussock grass,
and the shadows are mauve birthmarks
on the hills.
– Brian Turner, All That Blue Can Be (Dunedin: John McIndoe, 1989).

Bev Harvey then did us the honour of ‘the cutting of the cake’ which following the group photo was devoured.

It was great to be 35 again and I’m almost looking forward to being 40 again…….but before that we have the AGM on the 24 August 2023 at the Mosgiel Presbyterian Church at 1.30pm. In addition to the usual we will have a presentation from the Operations Manager of the Halo Project, so I look forward to seeing you all there.

Phil K

Clive starting his slide-show of the club’s history. Photo & caption John

Initial get together. Photo & caption John

The bar was popular. Photo & caption John

Photo Pam

Lots of history at this table. Photo & caption John

Jenni reading Judy Knox’s poem. Photo & caption John

Photo Pam

Enjoying lunch and a catch up. Photo & caption John

The guest speaker Andrew Simms. Photo Helen

Life member Bev Harvey about to cut the cake. Photo & caption John

The group photo. Photo & caption John

23. 28/06/2023. Hikers. Silverstream to Wals. Leaders: Bill Cubitt and Jill Dodd

After cancelling the Mt Cargill walk for the second time due to weather conditions, 15 happy hikers walked down the Silverstream track to Wal’s for morning coffee. We had 2 members join us there (Jenny F and Jan Y) which was lovely.

Group at Wals for morning coffee (photo and caption Jill D)

The weather remained very overcast with just a hint of moisture in the air. The temperature was pleasant. The Silverstream was fast flowing, dirty and quite high after the heavy rain. We have just had nothing to what the other island has experienced.
Our wander home was along back streets to the new Mosgiel pool Te Puna o Whakaehu, where some members went for a swim, some a look around, and others home for lunch.

The new Mosgiel pool (photo and caption Jill D)

In total a leisurely walk of about 6 kms with plenty of time to socialise with one another .
Cheers Bill n Jill

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No. 83 on old hardcopy list of 113 club tramps. “McNally Track, Milton. Year Round”
44 km from car-park.
Access: Milton M 91km ret. Opposite Presbyterian Church, turn left at Ossian Street and follow on down Moore and Tokoiti Streets to Cemetery near which is the entrance to the McNally Walkway. Park cars by the side of the road.
Potential for Combined trip.

20. 28/06/2023. Trampers. McNally’s Walkway. Grade 2.5. Leaders: Graeme Souter, Yan Campbell

Hopefully, Constable Tom McNally would have appreciated that 17 hardy trampers weren’t deterred from following the walkway named for him. A night of heavy rain and inconclusive forecasts for the day had caused Graeme a restless night, trying to decide whether to cancel or change the tramp. Much of the trail is quite exposed passing through paddocks and would have been pretty miserable in a downpour. It wasn’t actually raining at Peter Johnstone Park at 9:15 and the sky seemed to be lightening to the south. We split into four cars and headed for the cemetery at Milton and the beginning of McNally’s Walkway.

Getting ready to leave the cars (photo and caption John)

We set off in a very light rain along a fence line of the first paddock. The ground and grass were certainly wet and it was a steady climb to our stop for morning tea in a sheltered spot with a bench. There was a great view of the Taieri Plain but the hilltops were still shrouded in cloud and would remain so.

Morning tea on McNally Track (photo and caption Barbara)

Morning tea (photo Helen)

By the time we set off again the rain had stopped and the only drips were from the overhanging trees.
We took a slightly different route from other years, turning onto the Kowhai trail for the rest of the climb. It passed through a mix of native and introduced trees before opening up into paddocks of newly planted pines. By this time, we could see the summit and the haybarn where we’d have lunch. There was just one more climb before we made ourselves comfortable and ate.

Lunch among the bay bales (photo and caption Pam)

McNally’s Track Summit (photo and caption Pam)

After lunch we headed downhill through quite long grass which soon became a clear path at least for those of us at the back. At this point the sun broke through and this clearer light made a remarkable pattern, contrasting the long fading grass with the small green pines.

All the new planting of the pine trees (photo and caption Helen)

Once we were through this, there was only one more steep pitch up through some trees. From then on the walk was steadily downhill coming out onto Cemetery Road and just a short distance from the cars.

On the last stretch of the tramp (photo and caption Helen)

After changing out of our muddy boots and gaiters we made our way to The Black Swan in Waihola. By this time the weather was fine enough to sit outside.

Camaraderie at Black Swan Cafe (photo and caption Pam)

The day had really turned out well. Thanks Graeme.
Yan
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1. Halo Project Planting Combined Leader: Jill

Wednesday proved to be warm balmy day, when 35 eager TRTC members met at Long Beach  to give a few hours volunteering  on DOC reclaimed land behind the sand dunes .
We were met by the project manager, Jeanne, who was very well organized with equipment ready for us to start after morning tea.

Getting ready to get started Caption and photo John

This is how it’s done Caption and photo Phil

The work involved was digging holes, planting natives and flaxes and making protective heavy cardboard collar’s to go around the newly planted specimens.

Great teamwork Caption and photo Raewyn

They thought they were just the best Caption and photo Ady

Photo Margreet

When the project is completed there will be about 38000 plantings (we did approx 800).  Since starting last year, the success rate is 85-90ish%.
There were a couple of other small groups volunteering like a team building exercise.

Photo Barbara

We deserve a walk to the beach Caption and photo Phil

Lunch was on the beach but, unbeknown to us, a young sealion appeared from the dunes behind ready to share time with some of the group.  This really did give them one big fright, so our lunchtime was shortened.

The smell of salmon sandwiches brings a young sea lion from out of hiding Caption and photo John

We did continue down the beach a little further before heading back to the cars.

Continuing after lunch along lovely Long Beach Caption and photo Marjke

Some of us went to a quirky little cafe Santosha in Port Chalmers.
I think we all enjoyed the experience and especially being able to help with a community project. Perhaps another time.
Thanks to John for his help and support.

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

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

Entering Tavora Reserve. Photo & caption Pam

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

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

View S over Pleasant River estuary. Photo & caption Phil

Admiring the view back towards the south coast. Photo & caption Pam

Yes, there still are more sheep than people in New Zealand. Photo & caption John

Looking over Tavora Reserve. Photo & caption Pam

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

The Homestead (photo taken from a real-estate listing in the NZ Herald)

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

Lunchtime at the cottage. Photo & caption Pam

Chef Pam takes lunch orders. Photo & caption Phil

Up, up and more up. Hut in the background. Photo & caption Helen

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

Been there done that (Mt Watkin). Photo & caption Phil

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

Native bush in the reserve. Photo & caption Pam

Number 7 Style, lucky for some! Photo & caption John

That Fur Seal sleeping on his back will be the one snoring! Photo & caption John

Rugged Coastline. Photo & caption John

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

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1. 24 May 2023. Bayfield carpark to Glenfalloch. Grade 1. Hikers. Leaders: Linda Partridge and Helen Ingram.

A convoy of cars from Mosgiel parked in the Bayfield carpark at 9.45 joining Brighton and Dunedin people. Twenty-five hikers in total readied themselves for a walk along the cycle track along Portobello Road to Glenfalloch. It was a still bright morning, the harbour sparkling in the sunlight. We walked along the side of the inlet and stopped at Vauxhall Yacht Club for morning tea.

Morning tea stop. Photo & caption Ady

Then on to Glenfalloch which we reached just before noon.

An amazing lunch spot, thanks to Glenfalloch for allowing us to use their steps. Caption & photo Marijke

Enjoying the last of the stunning autumn colours on this beautiful sunny day. Caption & photo Marijke

The gardens look beautiful every season, and that day in autumn the maples were flaming red, and a long bank of fuchsias in purple and shocking pink terraced one of the hillsides. We had a leisurely lunch and Linda had prepared a questionnaire for us to take round the gardens to help us explore the grounds.

Some googling (cheating) required to get the right answer. Photo Linda

Time for some chat before we hear the results of the survey. Photo Linda

Helen announced the outcome of our “Treasure Hunt”. We saw things that we never noticed before, and we all got a chocolate prize! Thanks to Linda and Helen, it was a lot of fun. Caption & photo Marijke

How many spoons in the sculpture near the restaurant? Where will you find the sundial? It really brought out the competitive nature in us! But everyone’s a winner, and a bag of Cadbury Favourites was handed round.

The Portobello bus was due at 2.15pm, and most of the hikers decided to walk on to Macandrew Bay to catch the bus there.

The keen ones continue onto Macandrew Bay. Caption & photo Marijke

Brandishing BeeLine Cards we filled the bus and were dropped off close to the cars.

Getting our Bee cards out to get on the bus back to the ‘Start’. For many a new experience! Caption & photo Marijke

We finished the day with a hot drink at Nicols Garden Centre. Thanks to Linda and Helen for a very enjoyable day.

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

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

He wanted to join the team Caption and photo Pam

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

Many fungi were growing everywhere in the bush Caption and photo Marijke

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

Navigating through the creek Caption and photo Pam

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

Another tricky little creek crossing in the beautiful bush Caption and photo John

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

Late lunch never tasted sooo good ! Caption and photo Pam

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

Out in the sun, it was an unseasonably warm day. Caption and photo Marijke

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

Our view as the ascent started Caption and photo John

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

Group photo that Heather and Diane thought they got out of Caption and photo John

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

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

The Hiker’s morning tea just down the track from the trampers. Caption and photo John

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

The lost pig dog that followed us up the track. Caption and photo John

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

Lunch Caption and photo Michael

Photo Grant

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

I often point out fungi when I am on a hike and others are starting to notice them Caption and photo Grant

Photo Grant

Photo Grant

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

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