03/09/2025. Fairfield via Abbotts Creek Track to Wingatui and Mosgiel. Grade 2.5. Combined. Leaders: Barbara Shackell, Jenni Wright, Sandy Webb and Esther Willis.
Barbara Shackell has certainly set the bar high for both effort and organisation for this combined tramp.
Choices for Hikers: Stay home and knit or brave the elements of mist and drizzle with potential rain but leave the Waihola Wanderings for another time. 11 chose to go for a local walk.
The course was plotted as we left the Peter Johnson carpark, going along the riverside, turning at the helicopter pad and wending our way over to Wingatui Rd and Gladstone Rd North.
It was decided to have morning tea under cover. Wingatui Station (built in 1875) was a likely possibility. However, the leader veered off track and we arrived at Neil’s model railway instead.
Morning tea in luxury at Morrisons. Caption and photo HelenView from their house of fog Caption and photo Helen
This of course provided shelter as he coped with the unexpected invasion and happily displayed rail/train manoeuvres.
Neil Morrisons trains – amazing Caption and photos Helen
Dry and refreshed, we passed the evidence of autumn in the yellow, gold and red tree colours, and wended our way back to the carpark after a pleasant 10 kms of Mosgiel Meanderings.
Hikers passing by Caption and photo Carole
Eleanore and Carole
The Trampers choice
As a weather alert was given, safety required that we could not go to Rosella Ridge, so it was decided we would meet at Woodhaugh Gardens. After discussion, we headed towards Bethunes Gully. The rain had eased so we walked beside the Leith with some nice street art on the walls of the Leith.
Street art surviving the students !. Caption and photo Pam
We continued past the gardens, into North East Valley, past Dunedin North Intermediate school, then Baldwin Street(no takers), Dunedin Hospice and Ross Home. We detoured into Chingford Park, a nice stone home, which catered for weddings.
Chingford Park- Discussing the weather!!! Caption and photo Pam
We stopped at Leith Harrier and Soccer grounds for morning tea.
Morning tea under shelter at Chingford Pavilion. Caption and photo Pam
Moving on we passed some garden plaques on a fence. Into Norwood Street we continued to Forrester Park (bmx bike park) then into Bethunes Gully. The good 35 minutes of uphill, required some reduction of gear before an uphill climb. On the way a large tree had fallen and was being removed. We passed a couple of waterfalls,5 bridges over Lyndsay Creek and got to the top at 12.05 – lunchtime.
Soggy sandwiches eaten on Bethunes track. Caption and photo Pam
The return to the bottom took 30 mins, past the Normanby Tavern (now closed), Ross Home, then via a track behind the Hospice, thanks John G. We continued back onto the main road to NEV shops back to Woodhaugh and the cars. As some had cooled off due to drizzle, it was decided no coffees but a couple of pieces of chocolate fudge sufficed.
Distance 16.18km Elevation 445m actual tramping time 3hrs 6min.
Thanks Graeme S for being TEC. A fun day out. Phil.
Feburary 2018
Thirteen turned out for coffee. (Judy pic and caption.)
Road distancesfrom Mosgiel carpark.
Rain Days trips are the ones that are diverted because of bad weather; either before the day or at the carpark gathering on the day.
6. 1/7/2020 Midwinter Luncheon. RSA. Leaders : Eleanore and Jill.
Due to the abysmal weather yesterday afternoon, we cancelled the planned walk along the Silver stream, thank goodness we did because the rain kept going last night and today.
Instead, It was lovely to be greeted at the Mosgiel R.S.A. restaurant by 60 Happy faces, particularly our Senior Members, who always enjoy our shared occasions. We were all ready for a good catch up after the Coronavirus lockdown.
Past President Jill welcomed everyone along. Also, on behalf of the Club Jill passed condolences onto Margaret Smith, due to the recent Passing of her beloved Husband Les.
Photo and Caption Helen – ” Vice President Jill welcoming everyone.”
At our 30th Anniversary, Jill as President, had the honour to present both Les and Margaret with Life Membership. Margaret joined in 1988 and Les in 1990. Both dedicating many years of service to the club.
President Arthur thanked both myself and Jill for organising the venue and meal. Also, he mentioned about the trampers’ track clearing trip set down for 8 July.
Grace was delivered by Ian Fleming, another Life Member of the Club.
Photo and Caption Helen – ” Enjoying the lovely food.”
It was now time to enjoy tasty, well presented Dinners. Choices being—Hot Ham, Fish, Braised Steak or Wiener Schnitzel. Followed by beautifully presented Fruit Crumble or Ice Cream Sundae. Tea, Coffee and Chocolate to finish off with.
Photo and Caption Helen – “Enjoying seeing everyone.”
Full credit must go to the chef, manager and staff for their effort they put into the meal, and service given.
I hope you all enjoyed the outing as much as Jill and I did.
Eleanore Ryan and Jill Dodd