Leader & Scribe: Lawrie Halkett

Even though the weather was a bit inclement two club members  (Annette Le Cren and Lawrie Halkett) and two visitors  (Marine and Julian – both  French, living and working in Nelson), set out on the walk. From Hill Street in Richmond it was up Jimmy Lee Creek, visiting the bird hide en route.

The Kiwis gave the French a lesson in identification of our native flora, and also pointed out our more common birds.

At the fire lookout we ran into Chris Louth who had propelled himself to the top of the range on a two-wheeled beast. The friendly fire watch ranger came out and introduced himself. Robbie had replaced Mike who, after 23 years on the job, returned home to a more comfortable lifestyle.

With rain threatening and a distinct downward drop in temperature, we headed downhill via Reservoir Creek.

The Richmond predator control group have done a great job at the reservoir (this site was the water supply for Richmond for over 50 years, starting in the very late 1800’s), erecting information boards, listing native shrub and tree species and native birds.

As we hit the streets it started pelting down, so it was a fast gallop home to Lawrie’s for a cup of tea and a cheese  cracker.