Young Australia Reserve. – Sunday 6th July
2014.
Nine of us set off from
Queenstown at approx 9.00. Maybe 9.30am as there were a few delays with folk
returning home to get their coffee. At Bannockburn we met up with two more keen
trampers. We set off at 10.40am a nice
time at start a day walk, travelling up a 4WD road. The sun was shine and we chatted our way up
to Caledonia. There were tunnels and ruined homes to see. Then on the
Carricktown to more gold mining ruins. About 200 people ones lived there. Then onto the Young Australia Reserve
(1100mtrs above sea) and the Water Wheel which is 7.9 mtrs in diameter built in
1874 and restored by DOC. We ate lunch
sheltering behind a ruined home, (as there was a cold breeze) which was one
side a bolder and three sides stone walls.
Five of us went a bit further across the valley to the Stamping
Battery. Along the valley there were
again old ruined huts and a clay smoking pipe discovered by Peter.
We returned back via different
routes, some sticking to the 4WD track, others following Peter along the old
pack tracks, which included some snow/ice trekking.
We returned to the carpark by
about 4pm. Some people told their thyme as they went.
In all a beautiful day with
lovely scenery overlooking the Dunstan and Pisa ranges, and Lake Dunstan.
Trampers on the trip: - Louise, Roger, Lorraine, Paul, Kjell, Kay Pip,
Margaret, and me Judy from Queenstown and Rex and Peter met us at
Bannockburn. Thanks to Peter for being
such a good informative guide. Happy
puffing Pete.
Report and photos: Judy
Lake Rere 20th July
An inversion layer of cloud over Lake Wakatipu didn't
stop 11 trampers setting off to do a winter trip around the Lake Rere Loop.
Roger and Lorraine, Peter and Margaret, Pip, Helen, Louise, Steven, Lindsay and
Barbara led by Judy. It was a brisk start walking beside the lake but we soon
warmed up and the cloud cleared to reveal a beautiful day. We spotted a Tom Tit
and a Kereru up in the trees, and all the shady parts of the walk revealed
spectacular hoar frosts, making the trip unique and sparkling with crystals.
Lake Rere was almost totally frozen and a sunny spot across the lake was perfect
for our lunch stop. The meander back to the start of the track was punctuated
by beautiful mountains, forests and lots of icicles dripping from the steep
sides of the mossy banks. A great winter walk was enjoyed by all.
Report: Lindsay
Photos: Lindsay