Manawatu Gorge Track, Wednesday 4 November 2020
There were 14 of us, ten in the van and four in a car, heading off to walk the Manawatu Gorge Track. And it was a gorgeous day: sunny and very warm, with little wind.
We arrived at the Ballance Road DoC car park at 9.45 and the plan was for the majority to walk one way only and be picked up at the other end by the van. Two trampers of the Greyhound Variety felt they could make a return trip if time allowed or at least turn round when time ran out. The car was left for their return.
The van with three on board then went to the western end via the Saddle road and Ashhurst. The intention was to walk in to meet the main group and then turn around. That end of the road and car park area is having major works carried out, with entry gates similar to Te Mata Peak, giving daylight access only to the track. A high-level new car park is being constructed.
The impressive Whatonga
There was lots of birdlife to listen to and see, a pleasant change from some of the areas we tramp. The track is in excellent condition. For a mid-week day, there was also quite a number of other users.
Someone estimated the time to traverse the track, one way, was two and a half hours. In reality, it was more like four. With a full vanload, we headed back over the Saddle Road to rendezvous with the Greyhounds who had almost completed a full return trip.
From there it was non-stop to Dannevirke and the Black Stump Café for a coffee (and, for some, a late lunch). Thanks to Sue G for providing the extra transport.
Trampers: Ted Angove, Rosemary Jeffrey, Sue G, Gaye Gasser, Amber Cooper, John Burrell, Murray White, Vic Bullock, Tony Pluymers, John Bennett, Viv Bramley, Colleen Perreau, Gordon Tapp and scribe Kelvin Shaw
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