Wednesday April 23, 2014
Kaweka J, Boulder Stream Circuit, Kaweka FP.
Map: BK37
We arrived at the Makahu car park with lifting morning fog, but a great day ahead for us and the many hunters enjoying their remaining week of deer hunting.
John M was dropped off near Little’s Clearing to enjoy the forest surroundings, later progressing over to the Ngahere track and back to Makahu car park. Ken R and Vic B meandered up Trials Spur at their leisurely pace, observing the remaining flowers and birdlife of the Kawekas in Autumn.
The remaining five also ascended to Kaweka J, via Trials Spur and Dominie Bivvy. The surrounding views were very clear with low fog blanketing the distant valleys. Recent rains made the clay base very slippery, and most shrubs and flowers had finished for the summer.
Reaching the summit, we detoured to Kaweka J. The skies remained blue, the temperatures cool, with great vistas of all the surrounding hills and mountains. Also, a fresh wreath of poppies was on the Heretaunga memorial cairn.
The group walked towards the North Kaweka, dropping down near the tarns for lunch. In the distance, Ken and Vic could be seen ascending Trials Spur near the summit.
After lunch, we began our main descent down Boulder’s Spur, crossing Boulder stream and the flats to connect with the main track. The beech trees shaded our return to Makahu car park.
All groups reached the van within minutes of our five-hour walk. It had been a day to remember some wonderful scenes and hiking in the Kawekas.
Trampers: Kelvin Shaw, John Marshall, Vic Bullock, Sue Martin, Peter Slagter, Ken Ross, Phil Enticott and reporter Keith Moretta
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