SOUTH WAIRARAPA TRAMPING CLUB

Our last three trips have been a little like a set of traffic lights. The Red (stop) trip was cancelled due to bad weather, and the Orange trip to Winzenburg Hill didn’t quite actually get there , although it got close and the intention is to repeat that trip in the future now the party knows where they went wrong.
The Green trip was all GO, with perfect weather, great views over a satiny smooth Wellington Harbour, and evidence of an obviously successful trapping session on Possums in the last few days.

We drove to the top of the Wainuiomata Hill road and then followed the main ridge south above Lowry, York and Days Bays finally descending by the Kowhai Street track to Eastbourne. Most of the route passes through native bush, some big stands of beech, and ferny glades ,with a stretch along Butterfly Creek near the end, nikau palms on all sides.

As we followed along the Hawtrey Track we found our first dead possum lying on the ground, head inside a yellow trap. We labelled this one “Crouching Possum”. It was fat and healthy looking with a fine black tail. The second dead possum appeared to be climbing a tree, black tail trailing down and its head inside a long black trap making it look like a member of the Ned Kelly possum gang. This one we called ” Leaping Possum” ( are you starting to cotton on to our film reference?). The front view of this possum showed a face almost smiling but with front paws clasped together as if in prayer. The third and final one had been obviously dead for several days which moved us on hurriedly!

Forthcoming trips
June 6-7. This may be an overnight trip to the Tauherenikau Valley pulling heath with DOC blessings, or it may be a rerun of Winzenburg Hill. Ring John Rhodes for details ( 06-3049 095).

On June 13 Ed and Juliet Cooke are co-ordinating a trip from Plimmerton to Pukerua Bay and return to the start. This involves a coastal walk for around half of the trip (some dirt road then rocks and sand) then overland back to the start. It is not difficult but satisfying. Phone contact is (06) 3049 497 or email efjac@xtra.co.nz

20 June This is to be—no, not tramping but biking locally over a route to be decided upon by the co-ordinator Vicki Brooks. It is understood to be easy to moderate and may also involve lunch at a cafe so if you would like to participate then ring (06)379 8576 or email just4brooks@hotmail.com

Finally for 27 June, there will be a trip that day,it is not established what yet, so ring Ed and Juliet Cooke ( phone No etc above) for details closer to the time.

As always, we welcome new trampers!