2015-05-06 < Weekly activities > 2015-05-20
Activity summary: Wednesday 2015 May 13 to Tuesday 2015 May 19
Wednesday:
Peter Nixon led a trip to Otari Wilton (R), 12 members. In the valley they missed the worst of the wind. They walked to Karori cemetery, where they had lunch and returned to Otari.
Diane Head led a trip to Catchpool, McKerrow (EM), 11 members 2 non members. A most enjoyable trip, along the Orongorongo Track (they spotted a young possum – probably sick – hiding under some ferns) then up the track towards McKerrow, stopping to check out the huge rata tree beside the track, then down the track (sometimes called the Half McKerrow track) that comes out on the old 5 mile track, and back through the wonderful beech forest to the car park.
Colin Cook led a trip to Akatarawa Plateau (MF) 6 members. This trip was unusual in that we drove 15-20 km into the Akatarawa Forest, from Totara Park to some distance north of McGies Bridge. Many thanks to Robin Chesterfield who did a lot of work to set this up with WRC - including paying a deposit! - and thanks to Robin and Warwick Wright who supplied the 4 wheel drives. As for the tramping part, the group underwent a rigorous testing of navigation skills with at least one 180 degree fiasco. Teamwork was an essential and enjoyable part of the process. Several severe topographic impediments to progress seemed to find little expression on the map. Nor was the vegetation always beguiling. Fortunately the party hit the Pram track mid afternoon just before the rain started and were grateful to follow forestry roads all the way back to the cars. The Akatarawa River West was easy to cross both morning and afternoon.
Carol Kelly led an East Harbour circuit (M) with 18 members.
Weekend:
Paul Maxim's Middle Crossing (F), 6 members, was cancelled due to gale winds and Otaki9 Forks road closed. Instead they did Jumbo-Holdsworth Sat/Sun & scattered the last of Michael Taylor's ashes on top of Holdsworth.
Saturday:
Chris Munn was to lead a M trip to Rocky Knob, Reeves - Due to a bad WX forecast the trip was postponed to Sunday and moved to Otaki Forks. Unfortunately the road to Otaki Forks was closed so a revised plan saw 2 members do a 20 km return walk up to the mouth of the Otaki River from Peka Peka in fine conditions.
Sunday:
Sun 17 Brooklyn turbine - Red Rocks E/M Vivienne Healey 5 club members on the Sunday trip Brooklyn Turbine to Red Rocks. We had an enjoyable day with lovely views and sunshine at lunch time and the trip concluded with afternoon tea at the Bach Cafe. Vivienne
Sun 17 Maymorn, Goat Rock Kaitoke lakes Cycle Robin Chesterfield 11 4hrs, mixed group all enjoyed; wx quite good.
Total 71 members and 2 non members