Tramp Reflections 766 - Pinnacles

24 September 2007

Trampers on the day: Janey Nolan, Sheila Toppin, Malcolm Frazer, Brett Robinson, David Hiscock, Lynne Ironside, Colleen Brimblecombe, PJ McKay, Julia Goldsberry, Viv, Sonia Mursin, Mark Denman.

Twelve daylight savers left for the Kauaeranga Valley with plans of tramping to the Pinnacles Peak on a typical early spring day of mist, drizzle, wind and overcast weather.

After crossing the Kauaeranga River, it is steady up-hill through nice bush on the old, rocky, pack track used by gum diggers and loggers many years ago. The feature being the stairway hewn from solid rock to help the pack ponies carry their loads of supplies up to the Hydro Camp and also the junction to the Billy Goat track.

On a clear day there are amazing views of bush covered, steep faced gorge and spectacular peak formations, mist created mystic sights. The Pinnacles Hut, about an hour away, is an easy jaunt. This area, once a haven for the mighty Kauri is slowly regenerating after the onslaught of loggers and a wicked fire deliberately lit by a sacked worker. The sights of tall burnt out Kauri are still evident.

At the Pinnacles Hut we had a brief stop for refreshments before stretching out for the Peak. This track is no longer rugged and slippery as D.O.C. has board-walked and laddered it. At the top there were spectacular views, despite the mist, with the Firth of Thames, coastal off shore islands at Pauanui, deep gorges and many bush covered peaks. Photos were taken and then it was back to the Hut for quick lunch before descending the same track. We ignored the challenge of doing a loop down the Billy Goat, to the Van.

Most of us changed our clothes and boots for the trip back to Hamilton. Thanks Malcolm for driving us there and back and being leader of the pack.

David