Dew Lakes – Leader: Uta Purcell
When our two carloads of eager trampers got into their gear at the Maitai Dam a third car turned up, its occupant was Gary Davies, relieving caretaker at the Dam. He had dropped by to say hello. With his seal of approval and a blue sky, after gales and rain the previous day, we knew we were heading for a good day out on this track of history and good views. It was the leader’s introduction to a round trip in this area, led on by the knowlegeable members. We were all rewarded with splendid views on the section to the Maungatapu Saddle, on one side to the Arthur Range, on the other to the Seaward Kaikouras. Another good feature of this track is, of course, the change in landscape and frequent change in bush and open spaces. Because it was a round trip, the normal time of 6 hours up and down the same way turned into 7 ½ hours. Thank you to the participants who did not mind that the easy trip became a medium level trip: Ray Crowe, Julian Shields, Yvonne Kyle, Trish Bennett, Dan McGuire, Lesley Friend, Marianne Hermsen, Jim Maxwell, Val Latimer, Uta Purcell (leader).