Marsden Valley Bush Tracks. Organiser: Robyn Walsh
Eleven people were set to do the walk on the scheduled 23 January, but with my usual obligatory low cloud and drizzle, the walk was called off. 30 January was really nice but due to the date change, regretfully five were unable to come.
First we met up in Songer St at 10am then in two cars headed up Marsden Valley Road parking at the War Memorial. From here we walked up the road climbing quite steeply in short bursts as the valley closed in. At the road-end and around a corner is a small weir, with water cascading down the spillway. We crossed the stream then a brief steep climb on to the ridge. Turned right here (not ascending the Scout Track this trip) following the narrow track through strong kanuka trees down to stream level. There were some fine looking native fuchsia trees in here too. The bark on these trees makes them really stand out. Further along, the track flattened although we were well above the valley floor. Evidence here of track, weed and vine clearance done very recently. Then briefly into some pines before descending treeless Barnicoat Walkway and back on to the road. We got gack to the cars at 11.50am where we had a sit in the shade and a chat.
Prior to lunch, we entered the bush behind us to follow the loop track for 20 minutes until we reached a small clearing where we had our lunch with a view over to Devil's Thumb. Whilst we were here Lesley showed us some photos of her recent wedding. We headed off back to the cars arriving back at 1.35pm. A little white rabbit was hopping about a few yards away - somebody's pet escaped?
Everyone thoroughly enjoyed this little Sunday interlude even though it was short. On the walk were: Brenda and Shelley Sinclair, Lesley Holmwood (nee Spedding), John Olykan, Ken Holmes and Bridie, and Robyn Walsh.