This article was first published in the Tararua Tramper Volume 94, no 10, November 2022
Kaitoke Ridge Track EM
19 October 2022
We are so lucky to be able to get out on Wednesdays. There is none of the hustle and bustle of weekend tramping. The quiet of the bush is often all ours.
Such was the Kaitoke Ridge Track on Wednesday, 19 October. The intended route was Smith Creek, but late intelligence on the state of the Tauherenikau Valley after Huey had been through led to a quick change of destination.
Nine members and one non-member headed off from the Kaitoke Ranger’s Station car park at 9.20. We followed the riverside path into ancient forest, a truly humbling experience, there being so little left. (Thanks to Michele for botanical identifications). Up, up and up the Ridge Track, morning tea taken in mossy comfort, up some more and a brief sitdown with a panoramic view across the Kaitoke Waterworks catchment enjoyed.
We next headed off the main route along a DoC trail that appears to be little-used judging by the debris and overgrowth. The foot pad flits around insanely at times but the markers were very helpful. Lunch in our secret spot was enjoyed in sunshine, then some crazy photos courtesy of (surprise, surprise) Jeanette.
We were back at the cars within the expected five-hour window. The bush had been ours alone for the whole trip, a reminder to me, at least, how lucky we are to be able to retire and have time to enjoy leisure while so much of the world bangs its head in fury.
- Party members
- Lainey Cowan, Michele Dickson, Helen Gray, Jane Kitchman, Andy Leslie, Jeanette Martin, Marg Pearce (leader and scribe), Janice Tijsen, Angela Vanderpoel, Rosemary Wilson.