After massaging
my hamstring to a pulp on Friday, the physio said 'I think it's right,
so go tramping this weekend and test it out'. Thus on Sunday I arose
well before my normal time and headed on down to the clubrooms. Jacqui,
our trip leader, was there waiting with trip list in hand, and by
9.05 am we set off in three cars (plenty of room for 6 people) to
the metropolis of Milton. I am still amazed by how many people are
up and about at that ungodly hour on a Sunday morning.
The track starts
just past the Milton cemetery and we all arrived at the starting point
at roughly the sarne time, donned our boots and other accoutrements
and set off. It starts off with a slow climb (which seems to get steeper)
across farmland and is well marked. There were a couple of places
where you could take alternative routes, but being keen trampers we
naturally took the steeper option (actually Jacqui didn't tell us
about the easier routes).
As you start to
climb it pays to stop and look back as the view of Milton and the
surrounding plains is revealed. The Milburn quarry can be seen to
the right and Andrew (with his extensive Imowledge of geology) tells
me that this is one of the few places where they excavate natural
phosphate (ie:- not birdshit). Further up the track you enter the
bush for a short period of time. Before this Jacqui was keen to avoid
a couple of well matured sheep carcasses and didn't seem keen to grab
a chop or two for lunch. There was also
a little bit of swearing in the bush when she almost stood on a dead
possum!
After leaving the
bush there is quite a steep hill to climb before you reach the top
part of the track, but it is not far and you arrive before you know
it. The view at the top is very good and worth the effort of getting
there. Much to Alan's disgust we ate an early lunch. He had been trying
to pace himself all morning so we wouldn't arrive at the top too early.
There is a wooden seat at the top (well shaped for bottom according
to Robyn) and a brass plaque that points to various features and mountain
ranges that can be seen from this vantage point. It was here that
Eric mentioned he worked for Cadbury's, but despite my drooling and
panting he produced none of their free chocolate samples.
The route home was
mostly downhill and I walked with Alan and Robyn. The conversation
was mainly about sheep droppings, thistles and various bodily aches
and pains. It must have been an enthralling discussion as we seemed
to arrive back at the cars in no time at all. Brownie points to those
who then took part in the warm down stretches.
Overall a most enjoyable
day with great weather complimented by great company. I would recommend
it to anyone looking for a short walk within easy travelling distance
from Dunedin. Compliments to the Milton Rotary who built and continue
to maintain the track, it is a credit to the town of Milton.
Greg Powell for
Jacqui Comelissen, Alan and Robyn Thomson, Andrew MacKay and Eric
Powell
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