Kay’s second excursion to this beautiful tramp provided excellent weather for our Sunday WOPpers.  Eleven of us meet at Camp Sladdin in the Clevedon Scenic Reserve. Kay welcomed newcomer Pat, who had completed training just the weekend before and forewarned us that there were multiple steps and some mud.  We had a brief look at the old quarry site and waterfall; commenting on the photographs of the old trucks used in the early days of Thorpes Quarry. 

Back on track we began the step climb to the top of the ridge.  The track was quite popular with families and dogs alike taking the challenge to get to the top – where we stopped for morning tea and enjoyed the 360 degree panorama.  We then ventured off the main Puriri Track into the scrub and gorse, following the orange triangles signalling the Te Araroa Walkway.  We made our way past the sheep and up to the trig station, finding a shadey spot with a view to rest for lunch.  We enjoyed the view of the Wairoa River and the Clevedon lowlands. 

Our trip home was a little easier, retracing our steps out to the main trail, then down through the spectacular canopy of Nikau and Pungas on a very new boardwalk.  A shorter walk, but certainly many steps to challenge the fitness.  Thank you Kay for introducing us to another track with stunning views. 

Lynda S

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