This article was first published in the Tararua Tramper Volume 95, no 7, August 2023
Escarpment walk E/M
Sunday 18 June 2023
Four keen trampers met on a fine but cool winter's afternoon at Beach Road, Paekākāriki. First and importantly, we fortified ourselves with cream donuts at a popular bakery.
We were ready to depart on our trek, but it was discovered that Peter's hat was missing. He realised he'd left it on the train. In the meantime the train had continued north to Waikanae, carrying with it his hat.
A hat retrieval plan was decided upon. It was unanimously agreed to wait for the train to return along the line on its way back to Wellington. After about half an hour it appeared. Peter apprehended the guard, who luckily had found the missing item.
Hats off to Peter for tracking down his lost chapeau. As a matter of interest, he was not charged a fare for the extra journey his hat had taken up and down the line.
We set off. The first part of the Escarpment Track from Paekākāriki is flat and runs parallel to the railway line in a southerly direction.
We soon embarked on an energetic climb up the hill, bringing us impressive views of Kapiti Island and the coast to the north.
Lunch soon followed at the high point lookout, where we were sheltered from the easterly breeze. After a lazy lunch, we skilfully descended numerous flights of steps down the steep hill. We made good time, and our intrepid quartet danced down the hill with carefully coordinated steps, a bit like Fred Astaire.
The weather became mild and almost warm, causing layers to be taken off. Two swing bridges were crossed without mishap. An uphill detour around a large semi-permanent slip was made easier with handy ropes to pull ourselves up. \ After over four hours of walking, we reached Pukerua Railway Station. The Escarpment Track never fails to provide wonderful views, and all agreed it had been an enjoyable day's trek.
- Party members
- Alan Benge (leader and scribe), Judy Alexander, Chris Paice, and Peter Shanahan.