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Reports......Limestone
Downs
Date: 10/5/09
Leader: Marlene Lynam
The weather forecast for Sunday, which was broadcast during the
week, would have been a significant deterrent for anyone considering
going on the Mother’s Day tramp. However, eight hardy souls, five of
them mothers, decided to brave the elements to check out Limestone
Downs. This is a 3129 ha sheep and beef farm, which is used for
agricultural research by Massey University. The Manukau Tramping
Club has obtained permission to go for tramps on the farm for a
number of years, and a visit is certainly worthwhile.
After an 80 minute drive from Roseland’s, we all headed off on the
tramp at 9.30 am, along a farm track, heading towards the coast.
About one hour into the trip we stopped at a lookout with great
views of the coast. A shower was hovering out at sea, so we decided
to stop and have a quick morning tea before it hit us. Almost
immediately wind started to blow hard and light rain fell. So we all
retreated to shelter in the old kumara pits on top of the ridge to
finish off our snack. We then set off down the track towards the
sea. After scrambling down a steep bank and paddling through a
shallow, black sandy bottomed stream, we arrived at the beach.
Unfortunately the tide was too high for us to walk around the cliff
on the beach, so we had to climb up and walk along the cliff tops.
Although steep in parts we enjoyed the view from there. Access to
the beach was not possible for most of this walk, until we finally
managed to find a place that allowed us to walk the last km along
the beach. The sea was very rough and the big waves created large
mounds of foam all along the beach.
Another shower was forming out at sea, and our self-appointed
weather forecaster, Adrienne, assured us that it would pass us by
and we wouldn’t get wet. For the second time that day, she was
right, and we only experienced the odd spit of rain, but
nevertheless sought shelter, particularly from the bitter wind,
behind a hill to eat our lunch.
After lunch it was time to climb up a steep hill to reach the ridge
at the top that would take us back to the woolshed. This was a bit
of a climb but the stunning views at the top were really worthwhile.
To the North we could see the full circuit of our walk and the beach
below, and to the South we could clearly see more beach, interesting
rock outcrops and Mt Karioi by Raglan. It looked very similar to the
White Cliffs Walkway.
The last hour was an undulating walk along ridges and across the
flat tops of the hills. When we reached the airstrip we could see
yet another heavy shower forming out at sea. Adrienne once again
predicted that it would pass us by. Nevertheless, many of us chose
to shelter briefly in the fertiliser hangar to put our coats back
on, just in case. We then set off for the final 10 minute walk back
to the woolshed where the cars were parked. Five minutes before the
end of our journey, the heavens opened up with driving rain, hail,
and a strong, cold wind blew. We were very grateful that we had a
row of trees to shelter behind until the shower stopped a few
minutes later. In the end, we missed most of the inclement weather,
were treated to spectacular views, and we had a very enjoyable day.
Janet Gibson
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