Kaweka J, here we come again

Kaweka J, Kaweka FP, Wednesday 28 April 2021
Banner Photo: The murky tops of the Kaweka Range

At least we weren’t thwarted by the winds this time; wish we could say the same about the lingering cloud.

It was a small group aiming to climb to the J this time. Seven of us, travelling in two vehicles, arrived at the Makahu car park ready to start. Ted, Owen and John were going to spend the day ‘botanising’ while Barry, Keith, Lynette and John had planned on going to the Kaweka J trig, weather and views permitting, and possibly head north to the Kaweka North high point.

The temperature was low but at least there was no wind. Low cloud covered the top of the J and looked like it was moving down but we were still hopeful that the cloud would dissipate and we would have good views and be able to explore further north, as Barry had never ventured over that way and we knew we would have the time.

After a quick study of the DoC map, we set off up the Trails Spur Track, calling in to have a quick look at the Makahu Hut.

Visibility reduced as the cloud closed in around us within half an hour of our start.

It didn’t take us long to reach Dominie bivvy so we stopped for a morning tea break, a chat about the impending weather, put on extra layers of clothing and carried on. There was light snow on the south-west-facing slopes and plenty of large icicles on the ground covering the vegetation. The temperature we guesstimated to be around 2 degrees max. It was cold and so were we. Visibility was marginal because of the misty cloud so we had to follow the waratah markers to get to the Heretaunga Tramping Club memorial cairn.

It was still only 11.15am so we had plenty of time to fill in. Photos were taken and then after a short discussion it was decided to give Kaweka North a miss as the cloud cover was thick; so we made our way back down to Dominie for a very leisurely lunch.

At 12.45, we headed down to the car park; at 1300m the temperature rose, the cloud cleared, the sun shone and we were finally able to enjoy views as far as Central Hawke’s Bay. Reaching the car park at 1.45 (where the three ‘botanists’ were waiting) we had a quick change of clothing, a hot coffee and a snack, then boarded the vehicles and headed home.

Even though it was cold and visibility was poor on the tops, it was an excellent day out with great company.

Botanists: Ted Angove, John Holschier and Owen Giles

Trampers: Barry Doak, Keith James, Lynette Morgan and reporter John Bennett