The highest peak beckons for Cherie, Denise and Sue

Kaweka J, Kaweka FP, Wednesday 29 January 2020. Map: BJ37
Banner Pix: Kaweka J, now just a waratah standard, with additional prayer flags.

Fifteen of us set off from Park Island at 7.30am, most with the Kaweka J summit in their sights. It is the highest peak in the Kaweka Range (1724m). The weather was fine and warm; however, possible rain and thunderstorms were forecast for later in the afternoon.

After a group discussion at Makahu Saddle car park, we split into three groups. The faster ones, the slower ones and the ones staying low and heading towards Kaweka Flats Biv and Iron Whare.

Water bottles and raincoats on board, we set off at 9.10 up Trials Spur, with Alison setting an excellent steady uphill pace. Ted took a couple of short cuts, one proving beneficial and the other proving a bit more challenging!

Not long after starting, we met a hunter coming down with his two young children, who told us with disappointment in their voices: “We didn’t even see a deer”. Onwards and upwards to the two-bunk Dominie Bivvy, where we enjoyed a much needed thirst quenching break, with a hazy view of Hawke’s Bay. Not THE Hawkes Bay is it, Keith!)

Our group arrived at Kaweka J summit two hours after we’d set off. Once a group photo had been taken amongst the prayer flags, a hazy Ruapehu viewed in the distance and a few moments spent at the cairn dedicated to the 11 Heretaunga Tramping Club members who died in WW2, we headed across the tops to North Kaweka, meeting the second group on their way to Kaweka J.
Information was shared about the numerous huts and routes that can be taken across the sprawling mountaintops and deep valleys we were looking at. Edelweiss plants were spotted by Alison.

After lunch, we returned to Makahu Spur to find Simon had been patiently waiting for us. The downward journey proved to be challenging in parts due to the dryness underfoot; comment was made that one mistake could have disastrous consequences!

Keith’s right ankle decided to remind him of an old injury, but an extra pole, some strapping and pain relief courtesy of Phil (and thunder booming in the distance) helped Keith to complete the tramp.

Congratulations to Cherie, Denise and Sue T who summited Kaweka J for the first time.

We were back at Park Island by 4.30pm.

Thank you to Alison for a well-organised and well-led day out.

Trampers: Murray White, John Bennett, Phil Winters, Dorothy Sole, Ted Angove, Vic Bullock, Denise Bavidge, Keith James, Cherie LeLievre, Simon Hill, Kelvin Shaw, Sue Marshall, Sue G, Alison Greer and reporter Sue Trotter