Motueka Ramble - Organiser: Lindsay Twiname
We commenced from the Motueka markets where, in the morning’s fog, we had a little retail therapy. With the fog lifting, we headed towards the port, via Thorps Bush, Woodland’s Canal, the estuary edge track to York Park, and then out on to Trewavas Street. There, a most interesting garden – all sorts of little statues plus a mannequin torso sporting a G-string! Not your average garden gnome scene…. Morning tea at the marina: glorious sunshine, lovely views of the mountains – beautiful. Then around to the waterfront for a bit of beach walking. We took a look at the saltwater baths (lots of little fish) and stopped for a quiz on the old boat wreck. Christine won and was awarded a Mars bar. Youngster Hamish, liking the look of the prize, asked if there was to be another quiz….
Down the waterfront, past the golfcourse to Raumanuka Reserve for lunch and, as the sea fog had fully cleared, excellent views. Whilst Arthur found the perfect spot for us to sit, Hamish investigated an interesting sign on the fence and, after a loud crack and a flash, was able to painfully confirm the sign really did say “electric fence”. From here a walk back to town via Pioneer Park and the memorial rose garden on the main road (got to smell the roses).
Finally, refreshments at Muses Café. My thanks for a fun day to: Shirley Gabrielsen, Hamish Watkins, Yvonne Kyle, Arthur Jonas, Christine Hoy, John Olykan, Ross Price, Ian Pavitt, visitors Vivienne Lightfoot & Karen Wardell.
Dun Mountain via Dew Lakes - 18 April 2004. Organiser: Mark Graesser
An all blokes party of seven enjoyed a magnificent day on this convenient yet demanding circuit in Nelson's back yard. We set off from the Maitai Dam at 8:00, heading up to the Rush Pool and Dew Lakes. This clockwise route was the reverse of recent club trips, and quickly put us above the morning cloud lying down the valley. Steady climbing, with breaks to enjoy the broadening views, brought us to the Dew Lakes at 10:00. Continuing steeply up Little Twin, the fine open beech forest provided welcome shade on an increasingly warm day. Down onto the open tussock saddle and up to the top of Dun Mountain, we were treated to blue skies and an endless panorama. To the southeast, Mts. Fishtail and Richmond seemed almost close enough to touch. To the north and west, fog-covered Tasman Bay, the Arthur Range, and Mt. Snowdon stretched into the distance. Stopping for lunch at 12:00, at the top of Dun, a freshening southeasterly inspired us to bask in the sun on the lee side of a characteristically twisted rock formation. The 360 degree views to be had from this point on a clear day are among the finest in the region, and ample reward for the 1,200 meters of climbing required. The route down the western shoulder of Dun and Windtrap Gully to the south branch of the Maitai was rocky and rough, and fully exposed to the afternoon sun. This track has received no maintenance in years, and sections are badly eroded, causing us to question of the wisdom of descending rather than going up this way. Nonetheless, we returned to the carpark in good time, at 3:30, for a quick scrimmage with the sand flies as we transferred into our vehicles and headed home for refreshment and rest after a fully satisfactory day. The party included Grahame Harris, Dan McGuire, Brian McLean, Mark Graesser, and three non-members: Bob Thompson, Gary Russell, and Anthony Chaney