Wednesday 23 February 2022

Leader: Bryan Wild

We decided to take the train into Wellington and then up on the Johnsonville line to get to the start of the track. As we left Kapiti the weather was calm, though a bit cooler than of late due to a southerly that had sneaked up on us overnight.

As time was getting on a bit we started the walk near to the Khandallah pool and followed the track directly up to Mount Kau Kau. However before we even set foot on the track, by collective agreement, we stopped at the start (so to speak) for a coffee. The aroma smelled just too good to pass by - besides it would be rude not to!

As we climbed the hill, the wind became correspondingly lively and when we arrived at the summit beside the mast, it was clear we needed our parkas and hats.

It blew all right... for about the next 3 hours or so as we tramped directly south into a wind that would rival any hurricane that the Tararua Range might have. Occasionally we managed to find a sheltered spot and just enjoy the views, but only momentarily. We did have some respite for a lunch stop where we got into the leeward side of the ridge and in the sunshine it was back to summer again.

We came off the ridge earlier than Karori and headed down into the Wilton Bush, which was delightful, and then made our way back towards Ngaio and eventually caught the train back to the Kapiti Coast.

Welcome to Erica who was out on her first tramp with the club.

Photos courtesy of Brandon.

Those on the trip were:

Brandon Holman, Bryan Wild, Chris Keating, Glenda Robb, Erica Treacher

Currently there is no photo album for this trip.