13 September 2009

Leader: Maureen Ralph

Only 3 of us left Papakura to meet 4 more in Papatoetoe. We drove in to Onehunga and left our cars at Foodtown to catch a bus into town - the bus being a new experience (since childhood) for some.

Our walk started at 10am at Showgirls….. up to Britomart to meet Maureen’s brother who had ferried over from Devonport. From there we headed up Emily Street to Albert Park passing a local getting dressed outside ready for the day. Following the signs – an approximately 10cm diameter yellow circle with “coast to coast walkway” written in it - we crossed the road, past the University Library up to Stanley Street Courts and up a lovely little bush track beside a creek to the Domain pond where we stopped for morning tea. The day was clearing and a couple of the girls did a quick strip (possibly inspired by the earlier local), without drawing any attention. Personally I was watching the multitude of pigeons in the tree above us after one had just pooed on me – lucky!

Next stop was Outhwaite Park on Park Road. Great to visit these parks we normally drive past. We crossed to Mountain Road and cut up Clive Road to Maungawhau, passing a great advertisement for the club magazine outside the tennis club (see Editors photo). We agreed this summit seemed a lot closer to town than Maungakiekie, even though Maungakiekie didn’t look so far away from here. Down the other side through the Teachers Training College to Melville Park.

We stopped at Epsom Bowling Club for lunch. Seemed odd in this perfect weather that there were no bowlers around. After confirming the grass/cotula was real, we moved on through Cornwall Park which was packed with people going to the Home Show at Alexandra Park. This is where our mate basically head butted a low hanging Pohutukawa branch just next to the path. We all felt the pain and hope your egg has disappeared by now Jenny. After a few gulps we headed on again, up Maungakiekie just as the rain started to drizzle. This didn’t stop the picnickers who were out in force enjoying the spring blossom, new leaves and flowers, and a bride and groom who still managed smiles for the photos.

The last stretch was down Manukau Road for ice creams, and through Jellicoe Park back to our cars at 2.45pm.

We all agreed the signage was minimal, and first timers would have trouble following the route. However we enjoyed the weather, the walk, the company, the spring flora and fauna (Maungakiekie lambs – not the pigeons), and a great guide with all sorts of interesting historical information. Thanks Maureen.