Leader: Robyn Walsh

There wasn’t much interest for the Saturday walk – only one plus an invitation to another person made this happen.

Our trio met on Robinson Rd, off Brook Street. A cheery volley of braying from a large male donkey greeted us as we began walking up the Translator Road. The morning was a little chilly but we soon warmed up. At least it was fine, but a layer of cloud prevented the sun’s warmth from coming through.

After joining the track from Collingwood St on a flat, open plateau, we branched left along the shady Kanuka Track. There was some rather nice bush there. We stopped for refreshments at the clearing that follows the pylons up from the Brook Valley. We had a good view of The Doubles.

We continued on the shady east side through open manuka, passing the occasional ring-barked dead pine. At a junction with two roads we chose the summit one. More good views over to Jenkins Hill and the upper Brook Valley.

Further on, a 15-minute grunt up a firebreak took us to the top where we had a good look around the broadcasting building and tower structures.

Lunchtime was looming, so we headed down the  road to the lookout platform, enjoying views across Tasman Bay.

Heading off again, we took the steep road adjacent to Mahoe / Fuchsia Track, a left turn into Kahikatea Track which returned us to the eastern side. A steep gravel trail led us to the saddle between Sugar Loaf and The Grampians. We descended the road down the gully, despite it being closed. We got back on the lower section of the Translator Road. A slow descent to the cars completed the loop.

Participants were: Christine Burn (Waimea TC), Robyn Walsh (scribe) & Ted Brooks.